Vanterpool calls for district reps for Anegada and JVD

Former legislator Mark Vanterpool has called for Anegada and Jost Van Dyke to each receive their own district representative in the House of Assembly.

Vanterpool argued that constitutional reform should prioritise stronger representation for the Virgin Islands’ smaller island communities instead of increasing the number of territorial At-Large members. He made that proposal in a statement issued ahead of this week’s constitutional negotiations between the Virgin Islands and the United Kingdom.

“If we are going to expand the House of Assembly, let us do so in a way that strengthens representation where it is needed most,” Vanterpool stated. He added: “Instead of adding two more At-Large Representatives, I believe we should seriously consider creating one district representative for Jost Van Dyke and one district representative for Anegada.”

Vanterpool stressed that the proposal was not politically motivated. “This is not about politics. It is not about political parties. It is not about who wins or who loses in the next general elections,” he stated. “It is about strengthening our democracy by ensuring that every significant island community has a strong and dedicated voice in the House of Assembly.”

He argued that residents of the two islands face distinct challenges involving transportation, healthcare, education, water shortages, utilities, tourism, disaster preparedness, land matters and fishing infrastructure, saying these are “everyday realities” that require focused advocacy in the legislature.

The issue of separate representation for Anegada has featured prominently during the constitutional consultations. Government officials have instead promoted district councils for Anegada and Jost Van Dyke, arguing they would provide greater local executive authority, while residents and several public figures have continued to advocate for dedicated House seats. Deputy Premier Julian Fraser has also said Anegada is expected to become its own electoral district in the future.

Vanterpool rejected suggestions that the proposal should await a future boundaries review, arguing that the islands already have clearly defined geographical boundaries. “The lines already exist. Nature created those boundaries long ago,” he stated.

He also invoked the legacy of Theodore Faulkner, whose leadership helped restore representative government in the Virgin Islands, and urged residents of Anegada and Jost Van Dyke to petition UK representatives visiting the territory for constitutional negotiations.