ROAD TOWN, Tortola — The People’s Leadership Movement (PLM), led by businessman and former Government Minister Mark H. Vanterpool, has announced Juan Richard (Hatchett) as its first Territorial At-Large candidate for the upcoming General Election in the Virgin Islands.

Richard is the second candidate to be officially introduced by the PLM since the political organisation was established in May. Vanterpool has said the PLM intends to field a full slate of District and At-Large candidates for the election, which is constitutionally due by mid-2027.

Introducing Richard, Vanterpool said the PLM is focused on building a team that combines experience with new voices.

“The People’s Leadership Movement is proud to welcome Juan Richard (Hatchett) as our first Territorial At-Large candidate. Juan is a young professional with real-world skills, a deep love for these islands and a clear focus on the next generation. Preparing tomorrow’s leaders is central to the PLM, and we are building a team where new voices and experience work side by side.”

A seat at the table for the next generation

For Richard, his decision to enter politics is rooted in his connection to the community and his desire to create greater opportunities for young people.

“For me, this is about the community that helped raise me,” Richard said. “With Mr. Vanterpool and the PLM, I see a seat at the table that young people who look like me, sound like me and share my background rarely get to sit in. I intend to use that seat for every Virgin Islander, especially our young people.”

Richard outlined three areas that he says will form the foundation of his vision:

• Infrastructure built for the next generation: Modern facilities, recreational spaces, sports academies and improved digital connectivity.
• Opportunity creation: Specialised training and entrepreneurial support to help young people build careers in the Virgin Islands.
• A seat at the table: Creating avenues for young people to participate in decisions affecting their lives and communities.

Richard also highlighted the role of sports, the arts and vocational training in youth development.

“People often underestimate how investing in youth through sport, the arts and vocational training can help prevent crime, improve health and strengthen community development.”

He said not every young person is academically inclined or has access to established networks, and argued that the Territory needs to create opportunities that allow young people with different talents and interests to succeed at home.

Roots in Road Town and Jost Van Dyke

Richard is a descendant of the Hatchett family of Jost Van Dyke, where his great-grandfather was born. According to the PLM, his great-grandfather later travelled to the Dominican Republic for work, as he sought to support his family in the post-emancipation era.

Richard grew up in Road Town and attended Simmonds Pre-School, Enid Scatliffe Pre-Primary School, Althea Scatliffe Primary School and the BVI High School, now Elmore Stoutt High School.

He later attended Virginia Union University in the United States, where he developed his professional and athletic interests and assisted fellow students with English and Spanish.

A former collegiate and semi-professional basketball player, Richard has longstanding connections to basketball, baseball and softball throughout the Territory. After returning home, he spent 11 years working as an IT Technician at the BVI Social Security Board.

Drawing on his background in technology and sports, Richard said he sees a connection between analysing risks and continuously working toward improvement.

“In technology, you analyse the data and identify the risks. In sports, you keep working to improve. I believe the Virgin Islands is best served by leadership that plans ahead and anticipates challenges. I joined the PLM because I found a team ready to do exactly that.”

The introduction of Richard as the PLM’s Territorial At-Large candidate follows the party’s September announcement of Clifton “Tito” Forbes as its candidate for the Third District.

The PLM said the two candidates form part of its effort to introduce what it describes as a new generation of leadership, with candidates seeking to address issues affecting residents across the Virgin Islands.