Dr Arlene L. Smith Thompson, 2nd from right, says she is 'seriously thinking' about throwing her hat in the ring for the upcoming general election in the Virgin Islands, though she has not yet disclosed whether she will contest the poll as an independent at-large candidate or as a member of a political party. Photo: Facebook

Former Speaker of the House of Assembly (HoA), Julian Willock,  Aaron F. Parillon, and Mr Rajah A. Smith have all declare their interest in contesting the Third District Seat at the next general elections. Photo: VINO/File

Speaking on Talking Points on ZBVI 780AM on Monday, July 27, 2026, Smith-Thompson said she has “pretty much” made her decision, but wants to be the one to make the official announcement.

“I’m seriously thinking about throwing my hat in the ring for this upcoming election,” she said. “I think for the most part, I’ve made the decision, but it’s just that I want to be the one to control the announcement.”

Smith-Thompson, an educator, administrator, and TVET advocate, said her interest in contesting the election is driven by concerns about the economy, young people, and the need for broader participation in national development.

TVET is part of Platform

“Part of the platform is obviously the reason why I am here,” she said. “I have a deep and abiding interest in the economy and young people in particular, and how they should be participating.”

She added that she believes she has a role to play in helping to advance change in the territory. 

“I hear a lot. I see a lot. I’m not one to sit on the sidelines and just complain like everybody else. If I want change, then I need to be a part of it,” she said. “At this stage of my life, I just want to do my part too.”

Believe she can lead the VI 

Smith-Thompson said her focus would include the Virgin Islands’ infrastructural and social needs, which she described as interconnected.

“Lead our Virgin Islands on a better footing than it is now,” she said, referring to the territory’s development. “Our needs, our infrastructural needs, our social needs, everything is obviously interlinked, and I think that I can lend a voice in some of these areas and push for changes that we want to see for the better and greater good.”

She also said she is taking into account the low voter turnout and the views of electors who say they may not vote. 

“I’m taking all of that into consideration,” she said.

Smith-Thompson previously contested the 2019 general elections in the Virgin Islands as a District Three candidate under the Virgin Islands Party (VIP).