Businessman and former legislator Mark H. Vanterpool has disclosed he will be contesting for electoral office in the Fourth District under the People’s Leadership Movement (PLM) at the 2027 general elections of the Virgin Islands. Photo: VINO

Businessman Mark H. Vanterpool said the people will decide who are the other candidates of the People’s Labour Movement (PLM) and that it will become a party eventually. Photo: VINO

The incumbent Fourth District Representative is Honourable Luce D. Hodge-Smith, who is also the Jr Minister for Culture and Tourism with the Virgin Islands Party (VIP) Government. Photo: Facebook

Speaking to reporters after addressing more than 50 residents of the Fourth District at Pussers Pub on May 13, 2026, Mr Vanterpool said he was “very confident” of re-entering the House of Assembly (HoA).

“I have served my people for 25 years, and they are ready for me again. Easily. Ready for me again.”

The incumbent Fourth District Representative is Honourable Luce D. Hodge-Smith, who is also the Jr Minister for Culture and Tourism with the Virgin Islands Party (VIP) Government.

Hon Vanterpool said he had nothing to say about Hon Hodge-Smith but that he was “going to represent my people of the Fourth District, and I will tell them why I am better to represent them.”

‘I am a good preacher’

Asked if he would serve out his term if he was elected in the Fourth District but ended up on the Opposition, Hon Vanterpool promised he would. “I will be preaching from the Opposition bench. I am a good preacher, so prepare for it. If I get in the House there, you will hear about me every day.

Regarding the PLM, Vanterpool said the people will decide who are the other candidates and that it will become a party eventually. “We are building a movement from the grassroots up that more than likely will eventually become what we call a party in the country.”

‘Absolutely not’ with NDP

According to Mr Vanterpool, the people need to unite behind a leader who has the vision, courage, willingness and strength to unite the people of the Virgin Islands, instead of dividing them.

He also ruled out any possibility of a future with the National Democratic Party (NDP) under its Chairman Honourable Marlon A. Penn (R8).

“Absolutely not,” Vanterpool exclaimed.

Our News Centre first and accurately reported that Mr Vanterpool was coming with his own party after losing a bid for chairman of the NDP.

See related article below:

The Mark H. Vanterpoool-led PLM to have first event today!

NDP snubbed? Mark H. Vanterpool to bring his own party for 2027 elections!