Dr Craig K. Stoutt, an anesthesiologist and member of the 'ALL 13' political group, attended a general meeting of the People's Leadership Movement (PLM) on October 29 in Road Town, according to multiple sources present at the gathering.
The PLM leader, former legislator Mark H. Vanterpool, introduced Dr Stoutt at the meeting. It remains unclear whether Dr Stoutt intends to formally join the PLM or will remain with 'ALL 13', where he has been a member for over a year. Dr Stoutt did not respond to requests for comment up to the time of reporting.
If Dr Stoutt does join the PLM, he is believed likely to contest as an At Large candidate. The PLM is struggling to fill all thirteen electoral slots ahead of the 2027 general election, a challenge that could intensify if the Virgin Islands adopts a new constitution that would expand the House of Assembly from 13 to 15 seats, with two additional At Large positions.
The party has so far announced Clifton Forbes for District 3 and Juan Richard-Hatchett for At Large. Kevon S. Lettsome is expected to run in District 7, and Zoe J. Walcott-Maduro is expected to be on the At Large slate. There is also speculation that Sixth District Representative Myron V. Walwyn may join the PLM, though no announcement has been made.
At the October 29 meeting, the PLM signalled it would not indefinitely wait for candidates it has been in talks with. Another potential candidate for District 8 was present at the meeting but has not made a decision, as he remains employed with a local bank.
The PLM is a breakaway group from the main opposition National Democratic Party (NDP). The NDP's spokesperson, Bishop John I. Cline, has accused the PLM of attempting to buy the elections.
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