ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI — The People’s Leadership Movement (PLM), led by former legislator and businessman Mark H. Vanterpool, has unveiled veteran educator and construction professional Clifton Forbes as its candidate for the Third Electoral District, adding another name to the slate ahead of the upcoming general election.
Forbes enters the political arena after more than three decades working in technical and vocational education, school administration and the construction industry.
His selection is part of Vanterpool’s continuing effort to build out the PLM’s candidate slate with individuals whose professional backgrounds, the movement says, are rooted in practical experience rather than traditional party politics.
“Clifton Forbes brings a wealth of experience in education and construction to his candidacy — exactly the kind of practical, proven expertise we need in someone representing the people of the Third District,” Vanterpool said.
FROM THE CLASSROOM TO THE JOB SITE
Forbes is a certified Automotive Technician who began his professional career as a TVET educator at BVI High School, now Elmore Stoutt High School.
During his teaching career, he instructed students in Automotive Technology as well as Craft, Design and Technology, including metalwork, woodwork, technical drawing and basic electricity.
He subsequently moved into school leadership, serving as an Assistant Principal at the Virgin Islands School of Technical Studies before retiring from the public service.
Rather than ending his working life with retirement, Forbes transitioned into the construction sector, where he has worked as a site supervisor.
His technical background has been applied to blueprint reading, construction supervision and the day-to-day demands of managing work on a job site.
It is that combination of education and hands-on technical experience that PLM is now placing at the centre of Forbes’ political profile.
Forbes has also been a longstanding advocate for strengthening Technical, Vocational Education and Training in the territory.
Among his proposals is the creation of a dedicated vocational campus that would provide young people across the Virgin Islands with greater access to training in the trades.
‘ROLLING UP OUR SLEEVES’
Forbes said his decision to enter politics represents an extension of the work he has spent his career doing.
“I have spent my life preparing young people for the world of work and a brighter future. Now I want to bring that same commitment as I seek to represent the people of the Third District and to contribute directly to the development of the wider Virgin Islands,” he said.
“This is about rolling up our sleeves and getting things done, the same way I’ve approached every classroom and every job site.”
Forbes also made clear that his decision to join PLM is closely tied to his assessment of its leader.
“I am proud to stand with the People’s Leadership Movement and with Mark Vanterpool,” he said.
“I have watched his performance for years, as a businessman who has built and delivered in the private sector, and as a government minister who got real projects done for this country.”
“That is the kind of proven, hands-on leadership I want to be part of, and I believe together we can deliver real results for the people of the Third District and the entire Virgin Islands.”
VANTERPOOL’S RETURN TO THE POLITICAL ARENA
For Vanterpool, the announcement represents another step in his return to frontline politics.
The former legislator and minister has previously served in the Virgin Islands Government and has maintained a public profile through his business and community activities.
His political comeback is now taking shape through PLM, a movement seeking to distinguish itself from the territory’s established political groupings.
The recruitment of Forbes — a career educator, technician and construction professional — fits the image Vanterpool is attempting to establish: a team built around professional experience and an emphasis on practical delivery.
But as the election approaches, the PLM will have to move beyond candidate announcements and demonstrate how those credentials translate into specific policies and solutions for the districts and the territory.
Vanterpool said more announcements are expected.
“Forbes is a strong addition to this team. Our candidate drive continues, and the people of the Virgin Islands can expect further announcements,” he said.
Under Section 86 of the Virgin Islands Constitution, a general election must be held within two months, but not earlier than 21 days, following the dissolution of the House of Assembly, with the date appointed by the Governor through proclamation.
With the election clock now running, the battle for the districts is increasingly becoming a contest not only between political parties and movements, but between competing claims over who has the experience, credibility and ability to deliver for the Virgin Islands.