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The People’s Leadership Movement (PLM) has announced Juan Richard (Hatchett) as its first Territorial At-Large candidate for the next general election, joining Clifton “Tito” Forbes, who was introduced in September as its Third District candidate.
The October 5 announcement makes Richard the second candidate officially unveiled by the party, which was established in May 2026 under businessman and former government minister Mark H. Vanterpool.
According to PLM, Richard is campaigning on greater youth representation, improved infrastructure and opportunities for young Virgin Islanders to build careers at home. His priorities include recreational facilities, sports academies, digital connectivity, vocational training and entrepreneurial support.
“For me, this is about the community that helped raise me,” Richard said. “I intend to use that seat for every Virgin Islander, especially our young people.”
He said investment in sport, the arts and vocational training could help prevent crime, improve health and strengthen community development, while creating opportunities for young people with different abilities and backgrounds.
Vanterpool welcomed Richard as a young professional with practical skills and a commitment to the territory.
“Preparing tomorrow’s leaders is central to the PLM, and we are building a team where new voices and experience work side by side,” he said.
Richard grew up in Road Town and graduated cum laude from Virginia Union University in 2012 with a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics and Technology, according to the release. A former collegiate and semi-professional basketball player, he spent 11 years as an IT technician at the BVI Social Security Board.
Third District candidate , Forbes brings more than three decades of experience in vocational education and construction to the PLM slate.
Vanterpool has also confirmed plans to contest the Fourth District.
Meanwhile, Kevon Lettsome heads the party’s District Seven Committee and has been reported as a prospective candidate, with an official announcement still pending.
The PLM says it intends to field a full slate of district and At-Large candidates.
The October 5 announcement makes Richard the second candidate officially unveiled by the party, which was established in May 2026 under businessman and former government minister Mark H. Vanterpool.
According to PLM, Richard is campaigning on greater youth representation, improved infrastructure and opportunities for young Virgin Islanders to build careers at home. His priorities include recreational facilities, sports academies, digital connectivity, vocational training and entrepreneurial support.
“For me, this is about the community that helped raise me,” Richard said. “I intend to use that seat for every Virgin Islander, especially our young people.”
He said investment in sport, the arts and vocational training could help prevent crime, improve health and strengthen community development, while creating opportunities for young people with different abilities and backgrounds.
Vanterpool welcomed Richard as a young professional with practical skills and a commitment to the territory.
“Preparing tomorrow’s leaders is central to the PLM, and we are building a team where new voices and experience work side by side,” he said.
Richard grew up in Road Town and graduated cum laude from Virginia Union University in 2012 with a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics and Technology, according to the release. A former collegiate and semi-professional basketball player, he spent 11 years as an IT technician at the BVI Social Security Board.
Third District candidate , Forbes brings more than three decades of experience in vocational education and construction to the PLM slate.
Vanterpool has also confirmed plans to contest the Fourth District.
Meanwhile, Kevon Lettsome heads the party’s District Seven Committee and has been reported as a prospective candidate, with an official announcement still pending.
The PLM says it intends to field a full slate of district and At-Large candidates.
© 2026 BVI Platinum News. This article is original BVI Platinum content. Reproduction or republication without written permission is prohibited.
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