The People’s Leadership Movement (PLM) has issued an urgent warning to voters after a fabricated social media post began circulating online, falsely presenting a “Jason Thompson” as a PLM candidate for Territorial At-Large Representative. Photo: Facebook

The unauthorised post, which prominently features the PLM’s name, official colours, and party logo, has prompted the party to clarify that it neither created, approved, nor authorised the material and that no candidate by that name has been announced. Photo: Facebook

The unauthorised post, which prominently features the PLM’s name, official colours, and party logo, has prompted the party to clarify that it neither created, approved, nor authorised the material and that no candidate by that name has been announced.

2 candidates officially announced as PLM Candidates 

In its statement, the PLM confirmed that, to date, only two individuals have been officially announced as candidates under its banner, which are Clifton Forbes, contesting the Third Electoral District, and Juan R. Hatchett, running as a Territorial At-Large candidate.

Party leader Mark H. Vanterpool announced Forbes’ candidacy on September 10, describing the retired educator and construction professional as a “strong addition” to the PLM team.

Hatchett’s entry into the race was confirmed more recently, with the party affirming his commitment to representing “every Virgin Islander, especially our young people.” The PLM stressed that any future candidate announcements will be made exclusively through its official communication channels.

Supporters urged to report fake posts

The party is urging members of the public to refrain from sharing, liking, or commenting on the fake post; to report the post to the social media platform where it was encountered; and to contact the PLM directly with any information about the source of the misinformation at admin@plmbvi.com or +1 (284) 440-7556.

“The PLM remains committed to a fair and transparent campaign and to ensuring voters receive accurate information,” the party said in its advisory.

The warning comes amid heightened election activity across the Virgin Islands, with general elections constitutionally due by mid-July 2027.

Social media has played an increasingly significant role in campaign messaging and, at times, in the spread of unverified claims. Former Speaker of the House Hon Myron V. Walwyn (R6), and other civic leaders have previously cautioned against the circulation of “disinformation” on public platforms, noting that false narratives can mislead residents during critical periods in the territory’s political life.

The PLM’s advisory underscores the importance of verifying political content through official party sources before sharing or acting on it.