The People's Leadership Movement's Territorial At-Large candidate, Juan Richard-Hatchett, will be launched this Sunday, November 8, 2026. Photo: PLm/Facebook

The People's Leadership Movement (PLM) was formed in May of this year after Mr Mark H. Vanterpool lost an internal election with the main Opposition National Democratic Party (NDP). Photo: PLM/File

There continues to be strong speculation that the Sixth District Representative, Hon Myron V. Wawlyn, may join the People's Leadership Movement (PLM), but no announcement has been made. Photo: Facebook/File

According to a PLM press release, the event will take place at the Long Bush Band Stand and Basketball Court, with activities to tip off at 4:00 PM.

Held under the theme ‘The Tip-Off,’ the launch party will also give residents a chance to meet Mr Richard-Hatchett, a newcomer to politics.

With money in their political war chest, the launch event will also have basketball games, youth activities and live entertainment from DJ Grimm and DJ Fogui, and the band Ova Drive, the press release stated.

I am here for the 'overlooked'- Richard-Hatchett

“I stepped forward because I saw a seat at the table that people who look like me, sound like me and share similar backgrounds rarely get a chance to sit in, and I intend to use it for everyone who has been overlooked," Mr Richard-Hatchett is quoted as saying.

PLM Boss Mr Mark H. Vanterpool said: “On behalf of the PLM, I want to thank the people of the Virgin Islands for the overwhelming support you have shown our Party since we launched in May. You have welcomed us into your homes and communities, and that support continues to grow every week.

Mr Richard-Hatchett was introduced in October as the PLM’s first Territorial At-Large candidate, and is best known for playing basketball in many local leagues. Before leaving his day job to run with the PLM, he was an IT Technician at the BVI Social Security Board.

The PLM was formed in May of this year after Mr Vanterpool lost an internal election with the main Opposition National Democratic Party (NDP). The PLM is referred to by some people on social media as NDP 4. As the new party struggles to find candidates to fill its slate for the 2027 general elections, a member of the executive confirmed that the PLM is in talks with the ‘ALL 13 Must Go’ movement.

So far, the PLM has announced Clifton Forbes for District 3 and Richard-Hatchett for At Large. Mr Kevon S. Lettsome will run with the PLM in District 7, and Mrs Zoe J. Walcott-Maduro is expected to be on their At Large slate. There continues to be strong speculation that the Sixth District Representative, Hon Myron V. Wawlyn, may join the PLM, but no announcement has been made.

Recently, senior NDP members have claimed publicly that Mr Wawlyn, who has ambitions to be the Premier, is still a member of the NDP and will run with them.