Local talk show host Claude Skelton Cline believes that the next General Election will change the course of politics in the BVI, and open the gates for greater female leadership in the territory by bringing forth the first female premier.
Cline made the remarks during the August 23rd edition of the “Honestly Speaking” radio show.
He told listeners, and viewers on social media, that he had already identified who this woman is likely to be, but stopped shy of revealing her by name – promising that would be revealed at a later date.
“To mention the name and the caliber, the virtues and the quality, the spirit, of the person I believe is going to be the next premier of the country… It’s a woman! And it’s not the usual suspects… by that I mean it’s not the normal names that one might envisage but I will know the lord gives me release when I get peace about it,” he said.
Cline said that despite his strong beliefs on the matter, he has not been in contact with this person but is instead observing with the hope that she will realise her potential.
He said, “I haven’t spoken to this person. But I am praying that she will have her burning bush experience… some people will say “Well Claude Skelton Cline, how could you be saying these things?” … Given the nature of our culture and the closeness of all of us, all of the people who are elected one way or another no matter what side of the aisle they sit on, these are our family and our friends. We have relationships, some are closer than others.”
In addition to his belief of a female successor to Premier Dr the Honourable Natalio Wheatley, Cline also believes that there will be a significant shift in the composition of the House of Assembly, with very few existing representatives being re-elected.
His own estimation is that only three or four will make the cut.
The next General Election in the territory is slated for early 2023.