PLM adds Hatchett, warns of fake campaign post

The People’s Leadership Movement (PLM) has named Juan “Hatchett” Richard as its first Territorial At-Large candidate for the next general election while warning the public that a separate social media post purporting to announce another candidate is fake.

The party issued two statements on Monday, October 5, confirming Richard’s candidacy and distancing itself from a circulating graphic that presents a “Jason Thompson” as a PLM At-Large candidate. The PLM said the unauthorised post uses its name, logo and colours.

“It was not created, approved or authorised by the party, and the PLM has not announced any candidate by that name,” the party stated.

Richard becomes the second candidate formally introduced by the PLM since the party was established in May, following the September announcement of Clifton “Tito” Forbes as its Third District candidate. Forbes, a retired public officer with experience in education and construction, was announced on September 10.

PLM leader Mark Vanterpool has said the party intends to field a full slate of District and At-Large candidates for elections constitutionally due by mid-2027.

“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,” Vanterpool stated.

Richard, who grew up in Road Town and attended BVI High School before studying at Virginia Union University, identified infrastructure, opportunity creation and greater youth involvement in decision-making as three pillars of his campaign.

“For me, this is about the community that helped raise me,” Richard stated. “I intend to use that seat for every Virgin Islander, especially our young people.”

The party said Richard returned to the territory and spent 11 years as an IT technician at the BVI Social Security Board. It also highlighted his involvement in basketball, baseball and softball.

Meanwhile, the PLM urged residents not to share or engage with the fake candidate post and asked them to report it to the social media platform where it appears. It also invited anyone with information about the source to contact the party.

The PLM said Forbes and Richard are its only officially announced candidates to date (besides party Leader Mark Vanterpool) and that future candidate announcements will come through its official channels.