The Mark H. Vanterpool-led People’s Leadership Movement (PLM) has launched a free lunch programme at Francis Lettsome Primary School and Willard Wheatley Primary School on the eastern end of Tortola. Photo: Facebook/File

Leader of the People's Leadership Movement (PLM) Mark H. Vanterpool has praised the free lunch programme initiative. Photo: Facebook/File

Mr Julian Willock, centre, and his Third District Committee, makes a $1000 donation to St George's Secondary School as part of his 'No Student in District 3 Should Go to School Hungry' initiative. Photo: Team of Reporters

Via a press release issued yesterday, September 22, 2026, the breakaway political party, now referred to on social media as NDP 4, said the new free initiative will support eligible children at Francis Lettsome and Willard Wheatley primary schools.

The party noted that no child should sit in a classroom wondering where their next meal is coming from. That is the belief behind the School Lunch Programme, a new community initiative the party launched.

Lettsome D7 PLM Candidate

The PLM candidate for District 7, Mr Kevon S. Lettsome, claimed that he saw the need first-hand in the District, where too many families are stretching every dollar to make sure their children are fed. Mr Lettsome, who in the 2023 general elections was planning a run with the National Democratic Party (NDP) but had abandoned his bid to endorse incumbent Premier Dr Natalio D. Wheatley, said in the press statement that “a hungry child struggles to concentrate, to participate, and to enjoy the school day” and said this School Lunch Programme is designed to change that.

PLM Boss Mark H. Vanterpool praised Lettsome for this initiative, according to the press release. “I am proud to stand behind Kevon and the District 7 committee with this lunch programme initiative.”

How to find out more

Parents and guardians of children at Francis Lettsome Primary School and Willard Wheatley Primary School are encouraged to reach out to learn more about the programme and how to benefit. Conditions apply; however, these restrictions were not made known in the press release. Call / WhatsApp +1 (284) 440-7556

Email admin@plmbvi.com

Copycat?

It was two weeks ago that former Speaker of the House of Assembly and businessman Julian Willock and his Third District Committee launched the first of its kind ‘feed the children school initiative’, where he and his committee donated $3000.00 total ($1000.00 each school) to three schools, Ebenezer Thomas Primary School, The BVI Seventh-day Adventist School and The St George’s Secondary School, for any children coming to school in this semester, September to December 2026, without a meal.

There are no restrictions on this programme, as once the child is in need of something to eat, they can get funds for a meal, breakfast or lunch. Mr Willock announced his plans to do the same for the new semester next year, January to June 2027.