Commentator and local author Sandra Phillip-Hodge is the latest person to declare their intention to contest the General Elections of the Virgin Islands slated for 2027. Photo: Facebook

Sandra Phillip-Hodge made the announcement on her Facebook page today, August 19, 2026, under a post captioned: Declaration of Service. Photo: Facebook

Persons who have so far publicly expressed their intentions to run for political office as Independent candidates include, from left: Lesmore Smith, Rosemary L. Rosan, aka 'Cindy', Levor A.H. Lettsome, and Dwight Hill. Photo: Facebook/File

Phillip-Hodge made the announcement on her Facebook page today, August 19, 2026, under a post captioned: Declaration of Service.

The 'prayer warrior' stated that if given the opportunity and privilege to serve her fellow Virgin Islanders, as an elected member of Parliament, she would do so based on the principles of her faith and respect for public policy.

'I do not make any wild promises'

Noting that she was not making any wild promises to impress or deceive anyone, Phillip-Hodge listed 5 areas that she would not do, including subscribing to the "Spoils System".

"I believe in equal opportunity for each and every Virgin Islander, according to their capacity and aspiration to follow the normal course of action within constitutional rights and privileges to achieve the success in life that they so desire. Therefore, I support a level playing field for all."

Phillip-Hodge added that she will not be a party to discriminatory practices or support any clique or club that practices biases against other Virgin Islanders. According to her, tribalism and favouritism have proven to be the cause of civic tension and stagnation anywhere it is practised.

Not supporting a system that 'exploits foreign workers'

"I will not support a system that exploits foreign workers. I recognise the need for employment of foreign nationals in practically every area of business, trade and commerce in the Territory. However, we have a Labour Code that should be reviewed, implemented and executed. While the Territory must in the foreseeable future continue to seek foreign workers, efforts must be made through education and training, particularly in the vocations and trades (TVET), to reduce current levels of unemployment," Phillip-Hodge stated.

The political aspirant promised to neither ignore Immigration and Labour concerns nor "sit quietly and ignore the national Youth Policy".

Phillip-Hodge promised to present her platform in further detail "at a future time".

Persons who have so far publicly expressed their intentions to run for political office as Independent candidates include Lesmore Smith, Rosemary L. Rosan, aka 'Cindy', Levor A.H. Lettsome, and Dwight Hill.