ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI — Political commentator and host of Honestly Speaking Claude Skelton-Cline has corrected a claim made on his programme that Sixth District Representative Myron Walwyn had met with Second District Representative Melvin “Mitch” Turnbull in an effort to persuade him to join the People’s Leadership Movement (PLM).
In a statement issued Thursday, October 8, Skelton-Cline said the information he shared during the previous episode was based on a conversation with a source but that, after further review, he determined there had been a “grave misunderstanding” regarding the details of that conversation.
He subsequently clarified that Walwyn did not meet with Turnbull on the PLM matter.
“I want to clarify and correct my previous statement to ensure that our listeners receive accurate information,” Skelton-Cline said.
Skelton-Cline said he accepts responsibility for the content broadcast on Honestly Speaking, adding that he believes it is important to correct the public record when information presented on the programme proves to be inaccurate.
“I am responsible and take ownership for the content of Honestly Speaking and when and if something is said that proves to be inaccurate, I will correct the record because the integrity of the program and that of its listeners are equally important to me,” he stated.
Walwyn had categorically denied the claim
The correction follows a strong denial from Walwyn on Wednesday after Skelton-Cline alleged on the October 6 broadcast that the Sixth District representative had met with the Second District representative and attempted to persuade him to move to PLM.
Skelton-Cline had further alleged that Turnbull was being offered a deputy leadership position and had rejected the proposal. The claim was reported publicly before Skelton-Cline issued his correction.
Walwyn categorically denied having had such a conversation with Turnbull and challenged Skelton-Cline and his associates to provide proof of the allegation.
“I categorically deny that I ever had any such conversation with the Honourable Mitch Turnbull ever!” Walwyn stated on October 7.
Turnbull also denied the alleged meeting
Turnbull subsequently addressed the matter himself, saying he and Walwyn had no such conversation about joining PLM.
Speaking on the NDP’s radio programme on October 7, Turnbull said he remains a member of the National Democratic Party and its Deputy Chairman and indicated that he intends to work with the NDP team.
The Second District representative also expressed concern about his name being used in the political controversy and said he should have an opportunity to respond directly when statements are made concerning him.
Correction comes before Skelton-Cline’s return
In his statement, Skelton-Cline said he wanted to address the matter “in my own voice” before his return to the programme on Tuesday, God willing.
He thanked listeners for the opportunity to correct the record and reiterated that the integrity of Honestly Speaking and its audience was important to him.
The episode highlights the challenges facing political commentators and media platforms as the Territory moves closer to the next general election, with claims about party movements, alliances and potential candidates increasingly becoming part of public discourse.
In this instance, the original claim has now been withdrawn, with Skelton-Cline acknowledging that the information he received from his source was misunderstood and confirming that there was no meeting between Walwyn and Turnbull concerning PLM.