People’s Leadership Movement founder Mark Vanterpool is calling for the proposal to add two At-Large representatives to the House of Assembly to be abandoned in favour of dedicated representatives for Anegada and Jost Van Dyke (JVD).
His appeal comes one day before the Virgin Islands begins constitutional reform negotiations with the United Kingdom.
“If we are going to expand the House of Assembly, let us do so in a way that strengthens representation where it is needed most,” the former Fourth District Representative said in a statement.
“Let us abandon the proposal for two more At-Large representatives in the House of Assembly. Let us give Anegada its own representative. Let us give Jost Van Dyke its own representative.”
Vanterpool said both islands face distinct challenges involving transportation, healthcare, education, water, utilities, tourism, disaster preparedness and economic development.
He argued that each community needs a legislator whose primary responsibility is addressing its concerns in the House.
“Every community deserves to know that when decisions are being made, someone is standing in the House of Assembly with their community as their first priority,” he stated.
Vanterpool dismissed suggestions that the change must await a future review by a Boundaries Commission, noting that both islands already have clearly defined geographical boundaries.
He urged residents of Anegada and Jost Van Dyke to seek a meeting with the visiting UK representatives and submit a petition supporting direct representation during the constitutional discussions scheduled for July 16 and 17.
His appeal comes one day before the Virgin Islands begins constitutional reform negotiations with the United Kingdom.
“If we are going to expand the House of Assembly, let us do so in a way that strengthens representation where it is needed most,” the former Fourth District Representative said in a statement.
“Let us abandon the proposal for two more At-Large representatives in the House of Assembly. Let us give Anegada its own representative. Let us give Jost Van Dyke its own representative.”
Vanterpool said both islands face distinct challenges involving transportation, healthcare, education, water, utilities, tourism, disaster preparedness and economic development.
He argued that each community needs a legislator whose primary responsibility is addressing its concerns in the House.
“Every community deserves to know that when decisions are being made, someone is standing in the House of Assembly with their community as their first priority,” he stated.
Vanterpool dismissed suggestions that the change must await a future review by a Boundaries Commission, noting that both islands already have clearly defined geographical boundaries.
He urged residents of Anegada and Jost Van Dyke to seek a meeting with the visiting UK representatives and submit a petition supporting direct representation during the constitutional discussions scheduled for July 16 and 17.
© 2026 BVI Platinum News. This article is original BVI Platinum content. Reproduction or republication without written permission is prohibited.
Community
Comments
What are your thoughts on this story? Share a respectful comment with the community.
Join the conversation
Your comment will appear after review. Email is only needed if you want reply or conversation notifications.