VANTERPOOL BREAKS FROM NDP: 'Not what country needs right now'

Mark Vanterpool, who leads the People's Leadership Movement, has expressed reservations about the National Democratic Party's current direction, saying he respects its leadership but questions whether it meets the British Virgin Islands' needs.

In an appearance on the Talking Points show, Vanterpool recounted his efforts to unite the NDP ahead of its April leadership vote. Though he accepted that election's outcome, he chose to chart a separate course. "Respect the leadership, but I don't think it's what the country needs at this point," he said, advocating instead for "more experience and what I call visionary, courageous, decisive delivery type of leadership".

Vanterpool's political path shifted after losing the NDP chairmanship to Eighth District Representative Marlon Penn at the party's April convention. He subsequently departed and established the PLM.

While acknowledging the NDP's substantial contributions since its 1998 founding, Vanterpool pointed to the party's difficulty recovering from a 2019 internal split. He credited former Premier Dr D Orlando Smith with guiding the party through much of that turbulent period.

Vanterpool explained that contacts approached him last year about returning to electoral politics. After months of consideration, he agreed. He characterised his former NDP associates as friends and allies, emphasising philosophical alignment. "We are basically BVIslanders who want to see the country go forward," he said, noting no fundamental disagreement on direction.

When pressed on his commitment to a full House of Assembly term if elected, Vanterpool pledged to serve whether his party occupied government benches, opposition seats or backbench positions. He expressed interest in representing the Fourth District again.

Vanterpool also revisited his 2019 resignation following his election, describing it as his greatest political regret. "I would pledge definitely that would never happen again to my people who have always supported me," he said.

The PLM is fielding nine or ten candidates and plans to contest all 13 seats in the next election. Additional candidates are expected to be announced during October and November.