Third District candidate for the People’s Leadership Movement (PLM), Mr Clifton Forbes has described the district’s inconsistent water supply as an emergency and pledged to restore horse racing to Sea Cows Bay if elected. Photo: Facebook

Mr Clifton Forbes has pledged to restore horse racing to Sea Cows Bay if elected. Photo: VINO/File

Mr Clifton Forbes, right, is hugged by Mark H. Vanterpool at the People's Leadership Movement's first public rally and meet-and-greet at The Bird’s Nest #2 on October 17, 2026. Photo: Facebook

Mr Forbes made the commitments on Saturday, October 17, 2026, during the PLM’s first public rally, a meet-and-greet held at The Bird’s Nest #2. He was formally presented to constituents by PLM Leader Mr Mark H. Vanterpool. Mr Forbes said reliable water must become a central priority for the Third District.

“How many of you had to buy water this year?” He asked the crowd repeatedly. “Water supply must be provided to the people of the Third District,” Mr Forbes said. “I will work with my team to ensure that water flows consistently to the people of my district.” He called the situation “an emergency” and said it must be resolved urgently.

The Cabinet of the Virgin Islands under the Leadership of Premier Dr the Honourable Natalio D. Wheatley (R7) has already designated water a national priority.

Mr Vanterpool has previously said a PLM administration would work toward 24-hour water supply in residences and communities. However, critics blame Mr Vanterpool for the water crisis, as during his tenure as Minister for Communications and Works  (2011-2019) he refused to honour the Bi-Water contract to fix the infrastructure. Now the current Government is left doing that work.

We must not give up' on Ellis Thomas Downs

Reviving horse racing Mr Forbes also addressed the long-standing absence of horse racing in Sea Cows Bay, which has not been held in recent years amid a land dispute between landowners and the Government. “Hope for the revival of the race track is not lost,” he declared. “I, along with my team, have begun exploring this possibility one way or another. Horse racing belongs to Sea Cows Bay.” He argued that the sport represents more than entertainment, saying it can generate meaningful economic activity for the Third District and the wider Virgin Islands.

Mr Forbes has now joined Mr Willock in his consistent call for the restoration of Ellis Thomas Downs. “We must not give up on it. The PLM will not give up on it,” Mr Forbes said.

In a press release not sent to our newsroom, Mr Forbes also identified affordable and accessible health care, quality education, and employment opportunities as key areas of focus.

Mr Forbes served as an assistant principal at the Virgin Islands School of Technical Studies before retiring from the public service in 2019 and entering the construction sector. He claimed that “I am not a Johnny-come-lately.”