PLM Donates Sound System to VG Club
The People's Leadership Movement (PLM), led by Mark H. Vanterpool, has presented a $5,000 donation to the Virgin Gorda Basketball Club during the opening of the 2026 VG Summer Jam Basketball League at the Jeffery Caines Basketball Arena. The contribution will assist the club in acquiring a new public address system and managing tournament expenses as the newly formed political movement steps up its community engagement across the territory.
The newly established People's Leadership Movement (PLM) has pledged its ongoing commitment to youth and athletic development across the territory with a $5,000 donation to the Virgin Gorda Basketball Club. Vanterpool presented the cheque on Saturday during the opening ceremony of the 2026 VG Summer Jam Basketball League at the Jeffery Caines Basketball Arena.
The businessman and former government minister attended the event at the club's invitation, delivering remarks before making the presentation ahead of the evening's second scheduled matchup. Vanterpool explained that the financial contribution was designed to demonstrate the party's active support for young athletes and sporting programmes throughout the British Virgin Islands. "We are willing to support the youth, willing to support the basketball players, willing to support sports in the BVI," Vanterpool said.
Club officials had previously indicated that approximately $4,000 was required to purchase a new public address system for the tournament. In response, the PLM opted to donate $5,000 to cover those costs and support the league's broader operational needs. During his address, Vanterpool reflected on his personal connection to local basketball, describing the occasion as a nostalgic moment.
Noting his involvement in the sport spanning nearly five decades, he told attendees that he considers himself, in a way, the father of basketball in the BVI. He also paid tribute to his late friend Jeffery Caines, after whom the Virgin Gorda arena is named, expressing his pride in seeing the tradition continue strongly among the next generation of Virgin Gorda athletes.
Virgin Gorda Basketball Club President Trevor Stevens welcomed the financial assistance, emphasizing the considerable expenses involved in staging the annual league. Stevens noted that organizing the competition requires significant resources to guarantee a safe, professional, and enjoyable environment for players and fans.
He added that contributions from supporters are essential to offsetting costs and maintaining the tournament's success for the wider Virgin Gorda community. Vanterpool concluded by wishing players and organizers a safe and successful tournament. The PLM leader, who maintains established commercial ties to Virgin Gorda, noted that he plans to return to the sister island soon in his political capacity to engage residents on community concerns and the future direction of the territory ahead of the upcoming General Elections.
The party is expected to announce a full slate of candidates in the coming weeks.
Primary source: 284 Media