Mather Confident in VIP as 2027 Election Looms

At-Large Representative Stacy Mather has voiced support for the Virgin Islands Party and expressed satisfaction with his position in government as the territory prepares for the 2027 general election.

"I think ultimately, I am very happy where I sit right now, and I see a future for the Virgin Islands with the Virgin Islands Party," Mather told listeners on the 5th District Dialogues radio programme alongside Fifth District Representative Kye Rymer.

Mather reflected on his decision to cross the floor, noting that he anticipated public scrutiny of his move away from the Opposition benches. Premier and Minister of Finance Dr. Natalio Wheatley and his cabinet colleagues received him positively, Mather said, and his time working within the administration had deepened his understanding of its operations.

He conveyed trust that his ministerial peers were committed to advancing the territory's interests. Mather also emphasised that he had maintained fairness in assessing government performance, acknowledging achievements while resisting the temptation to let partisan differences poison personal relationships.

Mather won his seat in 2023 as a Progressive Virgin Islands Movement candidate. He departed the PVIM in early 2025, subsequently joining The Alliance, an Opposition coalition that included Myron Walwyn and Melvin 'Mitch' Turnbull. On 22 December 2025, he moved to the VIP Government.

Upon joining the administration, Mather identified youth and community development as areas where his background could help. He cited unemployment, affordability pressures and crime as priorities he hoped to help address. With an election year ahead, he indicated his readiness to engage voters on the government's vision for the territory.