VIRGIN GORDA, British Virgin Islands – The newly established People’s Leadership Movement (PLM), led by businessman and former government minister Mark H. Vanterpool, has donated $5,000 to the Virgin Gorda Basketball Club, demonstrating its stated commitment to supporting youth development and sports in the Territory.
Vanterpool presented the cheque on Saturday during the opening of the 2026 VG Summer Jam Basketball League at the Jeffery Caines Basketball Arena, where he attended at the invitation of the club.
Speaking before the second game of the evening, Vanterpool said the donation was intended to demonstrate the party’s willingness to invest in young people, basketball and sports across the British Virgin Islands.
“We are willing to support the youth, willing to support the basketball players, willing to support sports in the BVI,” he said.
According to Vanterpool, club officials had indicated that approximately $4,000 was needed to purchase a new public address system, similar to the one being used at the event. The PLM opted to contribute $5,000 toward the club’s needs.
During his remarks, Vanterpool reflected on his longstanding involvement in basketball, describing the occasion as “a very nostalgic moment.”
“I consider myself, in a way, the father of basketball in the BVI,” he told the gathering.
He also paid tribute to his late friend, Jeffery Caines, for whom the basketball arena is named, expressing pleasure at seeing the sport continue in the Territory nearly 50 years after his own involvement began.
President of the Virgin Gorda Basketball Club, Trevor Stevens, acknowledged the significant financial commitments involved in organising the annual competition.
“As we prepare for this year’s league, the club continues to incur significant expenses to ensure a safe, enjoyable, and professionally organized event,” Stevens said.
He added that contributions from supporters would help offset those expenses and ensure the continued success of the 2026 Summer Jam Basketball League for athletes and the wider Virgin Gorda community.
Vanterpool thanked the organisers and wished the participating teams a safe and successful tournament, reaffirming his stated intention to continue supporting basketball throughout the Virgin Islands.
PLM Promises Further Engagement in Virgin Gorda
Beyond the sporting event, Vanterpool has indicated that he intends to return to Virgin Gorda shortly in his capacity as PLM leader to engage residents in further discussions about the island’s future and the direction of the Territory as the upcoming General Elections approach.
Vanterpool already has business interests in Virgin Gorda, and the planned visit is expected to provide an opportunity for further dialogue with residents on their concerns, priorities and expectations for the future.
The People’s Leadership Movement is expected to field a full slate of candidates in the upcoming General Elections, with further announcements anticipated in the coming weeks.
The donation to the Virgin Gorda Basketball Club comes as the newly established movement continues to introduce itself to communities across the Territory, with youth development, sports and community engagement among the areas it says it is prepared to support.