VANTERPOOL: PUBLIC OFFICE COST ME MORE THAN IT GAVE

Mark Vanterpool, who leads the People's Leadership Movement, has stated that his time in elected office left him worse off personally than if he had stayed out of politics.

Vanterpool made the remarks during the first episode of his party's podcast, The People's Mic, hosted by Angela Burns. When asked to explain the difference between politicians driven by power and those motivated by genuine service, he rejected the notion that office should enrich those who hold it.

"I believe I lost more than gained personally from being in office for so long. But I am very pleased that I did it because it was a sacrifice for the country, for the people of the Virgin Islands, as simple as that," Vanterpool said.

He described the toll that public service takes on family life and personal time. Politicians, he suggested, give up opportunities to be with loved ones in order to meet the demands of their positions. Instead of seeking power or wealth, he argued, elected representatives should focus on whether they leave behind a positive legacy. "It's not about power. But what it is about is that when you have left from serving the people, can you leave and look back and see that you left a legacy?" he said.

Vanterpool first won election in 1999 to represent the Fourth District. He attributed his entry into politics to his work in community and sports activities, combined with a wish to help develop the territory. He acknowledged that former Premier Dr D Orlando Smith influenced his thinking about what public service and sacrifice mean.

When asked about his current political ambitions, Vanterpool rejected any suggestion that he was motivated by a hunger for influence or money. He noted that his business interests already give him sufficient authority, and that he does not rely on government for financial security. His goal, he said, is to help steer the Virgin Islands toward a stronger future for younger residents. "I want to be able to leave a legacy back to show that we can move this country in the right direction for the future of the young people of these Virgin Islands," he stated.

Vanterpool held the portfolio of Communications and Works Minister from 2011 to 2019. He sat out the 2023 general election. After failing to win the National Democratic Party's leadership race against Marlon Penn in April, he launched the PLM and has since resumed an active role in politics.