VOTE NOT FOR SALE: Bishop Cline warns against political vote-buying in BVI

Bishop John I. Cline has called on British Virgin Islands voters to resist what he describes as a pattern of political vote-buying, warning them not to become complicit in what he terms transactional politics.

Speaking on his podcast 'BVI Politics' on October 19, Cline said some politicians are offering material goods and financial assistance to secure votes. He did not name any specific politicians or parties involved in the practice.

"If you need the help, take the help, but do not let political pimps turn you into a political prostitute," Cline said. "Your vote is not for sale. Your voice is not for sale."

Cline, who serves as a mouthpiece for the National Democratic Party, characterised the practice as reflective of what he called a "strong Trumpism mentality". He acknowledged that assistance with rent, appliances and cash may be genuinely needed by some voters, but argued that accepting such help should not obligate recipients to vote for the giver.

He pointed to examples of politicians who provide assistance without expecting votes in return, naming Hon Marlon A. Penn and Hon Ronnie W. Skelton as examples of those who help constituents without making support conditional on electoral backing.

"There was a saying some time ago that you got to drink them out, eat them out, and vote them out," Cline said. "You are not a political prostitute, so don't let them pimp you out."