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Dr Arlene L. Smith-Thompson 'seriously thinking' about election bid

- Smith-Thompson contested the 2019 elections
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
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
BAUGHERS BAY, Tortola, VI— Dr Arlene Smith-Thompson 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 as an independent at-large candidate or as a member of a political party.

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.

“Leave 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).

14 Responses to “Dr Arlene L. Smith-Thompson 'seriously thinking' about election bid”

  • Anonymous (28/07/2026, 09:42) Like (7) Dislike (15) Reply

    She need to go sit down

    • Blind Man (28/07/2026, 11:00) Like (7) Dislike (4) Reply
      @Anonymous the other 12 needs to sit on the bench as well cause they will need 26 in order to win VIP.
  • WeakestLink (28/07/2026, 09:53) Like (14) Dislike (11) Reply
    Where she going with her weak self? Schupes
  • Festival (28/07/2026, 09:53) Like (11) Dislike (12) Reply
    She stay's on Facebook all day long for a grown woman. A Facebook warrior she be.
  • Channel 11 (28/07/2026, 09:55) Like (15) Dislike (4) Reply
    Some people just like licks.
  • HMMM (28/07/2026, 09:58) Like (14) Dislike (5) Reply

    Its either Arlen'se way or no way....

  • Faithful (28/07/2026, 10:06) Like (9) Dislike (7) Reply
    When I saw the first name, I though YES, because I thought it was Dr. Arlene Penn, who, imo, would make a very good representatve of the VI people. Then I saw the last name and I was like NOPE. Dead in the water
  • Anonymous 2 (28/07/2026, 10:36) Like (13) Dislike (6) Reply

    Please dont waste your all vote on her.

  • As a Woman (28/07/2026, 11:29) Like (14) Dislike (3) Reply
    My dear, it is better to try than allow people to sway your mind. Don’t listen to these ignorant badminded people trying to throw you off your game. You know how these people here are. If that is what you want to do by all means you do so.
  • Tolapole (28/07/2026, 12:39) Like (5) Dislike (2) Reply
    Well that bachanal at the pier park coming back for her. Them is the real bloggers.
  • one eye rooster (28/07/2026, 12:51) Like (6) Dislike (9) Reply
    Girl for god sake leave politics alone and go and help your husband cook food .
  • VI women. Hmm (28/07/2026, 16:19) Like (3) Dislike (3) Reply
    Are some of the brightest, smartest and most beautiful like this lady is...But they are filled with emotions, vengeance, anger.. As a result do not handle power in a responsible way...
  • Sad Commentary (29/07/2026, 07:41) Like (2) Dislike (1) Reply
    Sadly in our society, when a woman stands on principle and speaks truth to power she is seen as emotional and angry. She must be seen and not heard. It is an age old problem with no easy solutions as it is inherently cultural; but we must start somewhere. It begs the question, are we truly emancipated as a people?
  • two cents (29/07/2026, 10:27) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    I personally feel that all countries/territories should invest heavily in education ( this includes skills) and Healthcare, because you can not build for the future with incapable sick people.


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