Third District race takes shape as Willock pursues VIP candidacy, Fraser stays silent

Former House of Assembly Speaker Julian Willock has declared his intention to run in the Third Electoral District, potentially creating a four-way contest that depends on two critical unknowns: whether the Virgin Islands Party will back him, and whether Deputy Premier Julian Fraser will seek re-election.

Willock, a longtime VIP member, says he will pursue the party's nomination through its Congress process. Yet his candidacy is far from assured. The party has made no public announcement about including him on its slate, and Willock's bid to join the VIP's At-Large candidates in 2019 ended unsuccessfully.

Fraser has held the Third District seat since 1999 and currently serves as Minister for Environment and Sustainable Development. When asked in June 2026 about retirement talk, he said "it ain't over until the fat lady sings, and she hasn't sung yet," leaving open the possibility of another campaign.

The race could also include Aaron Parillon, the National Democratic Party candidate who has run in the district before, and Clifton Forbes, a retired public officer with education and construction experience who is running for the People's Leadership Movement.

Guavaberry Media has held informal conversations with Third District residents to assess their views on the emerging candidates. These discussions, which the outlet acknowledged do not constitute scientific polling, suggested the contest might centre mainly on the NDP and PLM contenders. Among those consulted, Willock drew the least positive feedback, though the outlet cautioned that informal surveys can be shaped by who participates and where conversations occur.

Willock's public declaration before securing party endorsement echoes a reported 1995 incident involving the late Prince Stoutt and Alvin Christopher. According to accounts, Stoutt announced himself as the VIP's candidate on ZBVI radio before the party's formal selection process was complete. The parallel raises a familiar question: whether a candidate can effectively commit himself to a seat before the party's internal machinery has finished its work.

Willock has stated he will not abandon the VIP if Congress declines to nominate him. However, whether the party's selection process will choose him remains to be seen.

Third District residents have raised concerns about infrastructure, water supply, employment, housing, opportunities for young people and community development. A general election is constitutionally required by 2027.