Tone-Deaf Leaders Fuel ‘All 13 Must Go’ Momentum

Growing frustration over the handling of key national issues is helping to fuel support for the "All 13 Must Go" movement, with concerns over the territory's shipping challenges becoming the latest flashpoint.

Speaking on his radio programme on Monday evening, political commentator Claude Skelton Cline said disruptions within the shipping sector have highlighted what many residents see as a lack of urgency from both the government and opposition.

“The local shippers and local shipping is our lifeline. We are a 100 percent import destination and it has been under attack and now our local shipping and shippers are in a state of crisis,” Skelton Cline said.

He claimed the problems are already affecting businesses across the territory, with some unable to fully stock shelves or maintain normal operations because of delays in receiving goods.

“There's some stores who are actually closing and closing earlier and or are not being able to serve their full menu or certain items because they cannot get their products out of Puerto Rico or elsewhere where transshipment takes place,” he said.

According to Skelton Cline, some merchants have been forced to hire private charter shipping companies.

“I speak to grocers, merchants, who had to go and hire a private charter shipping company to get their products in here after being delayed for two weeks to get products on their shelves,” he stated.

He warned that shortages are beginning to appear in stores and that businesses are increasingly feeling the effects.

“Some things are missing, some shelves are becoming empty. Businesses are being frustrated because they don't have their goods. Food and beverage service providers. We are in a state of crisis,” he said.

Skelton Cline said business owners and shipping operators have repeatedly complained about the lack of decisive action.

“Business owners and the shippers are complaining about what's happening at the BVI Ports Authority, getting clear direction, getting decisive direction,” he said.

Disconnect

He then turned his criticism toward both sides of the political divide.

“They're complaining that it looks like government is tone deaf. Not to speak of the opposition, there's not even any options or voice coming out of the opposition to lend to what's taking place,” Skelton Cline stated.

The commentator argued that this perceived disconnect between elected officials and the concerns of residents is one reason the "All 13 Must Go" movement continues to gain support.

“We are 100 percent importers in this country. And you wonder why All 13 Must Go is becoming more of a slogan?” he asked.

The 13 Must Go Movement is calling on voters to remove all 13 members of the House of Assembly at the next general election and replace them with new leadership, arguing that the current political class has failed to address the issues affecting residents.

Meanwhile, Skelton Cline also suggested that leaders appear uncertain about how to resolve the issue.

“It looks like we don't know what to do, and if we don't know what to do, we should ask people who might know what to do,” he said.

Calling for immediate intervention, he urged the government to engage directly with authorities in Puerto Rico and make quick decisions to ease supply chain disruptions.

“Businesses are suffering. Folks ordering their goods, folks can't get their goods,” he said. “If you don't know what to do, get with the people who know what to do. Make some quick decision that can ease the pain, the burden and the pressure off this country.”

He added: “Government to Puerto Rico, government to some local municipality in Puerto Rico, do something. You can't hear from the government on this. At least, I haven't. You sure ain't going to hear from the opposition.”