Lettsome And Forbes Join PLM Slate
The political landscape is expanding as Kevon S. Lettsome and Clifton Forbes step forward to represent the PLM in Districts Seven and Three respectively. Their candidacies set up competitive multi-candidate races against established contenders across the Territory. Party leadership is expected to issue a formal statement addressing the new additions.
Political alignments across the British Virgin Islands continue to shift as candidates prepare for the upcoming electoral race, with reports confirming that Kevon S. Lettsome and Clifton Forbes have joined the PLM slate to contest District Seven and District Three. In District Seven, Mr Lettsome, a professional banker who has resided in the United States in recent years, confirmed his intention to run during a direct communication with party leadership.
Mr Lettsome had previously announced a bid for the same constituency ahead of the 2023 elections before stepping aside to endorse the incumbent, Premier Dr the Honourable Natalio D. Over the years, Lettsome has been active across different facets of local politics, including involvement with the Virgin Islands Party youth congress and attending candidate selection meetings with the National Democratic Party.
His official entry into District Seven establishes a highly contested field, putting him directly up against Premier Wheatley of the VIP, Perline R. Scatliffe-Leonard representing the NDP, and Brenda M. Lettsome-Tye running under the All 13 banner. Meanwhile, the District Three contest is gathering momentum with the confirmation of Clifton Forbes as the PLM candidate.
Mr Forbes is a familiar face in the Virgin Islands, having spent years as an educator and vocational teacher at Elmore Stoutt High School before rising to become Assistant Principal at the Virgin Islands School of Technical Studies. Following his retirement from the public education system, he transitioned into the private sector as a contractor.
Beyond his professional career, Mr Forbes is widely recognized throughout the community as an avid cyclist and cultural enthusiast, well known for participating in traditional donkey riding showcases and community heritage activities. His bid in District Three places him in competition with Aaron F.
Parillon of the NDP and former Speaker of the House Julian Willock, who is anticipated to contest the seat for the VIP. Vanterpool did not immediately release an official confirmation but noted that the party plans to address the developments and candidate confirmations as campaign preparations progress.
Primary source: VINO