PLM Names Clifton Forbes For District 3
The People's Leadership Movement has officially announced veteran educator and construction professional Clifton Forbes as its candidate for the Third Electoral District. Forbes enters the race against incumbent Representative and Deputy Premier Julian Fraser, as party leader Mark Vanterpool prepares to contest District Four.
The People's Leadership Movement (PLM), led by former legislator and businessman Mark H. Vanterpool, has officially unveiled veteran educator and construction professional Clifton Forbes as its candidate to contest the Third Electoral District in the upcoming general election. Announcing the candidacy, Vanterpool described Forbes as an experienced educator and construction professional who embodies the practical, hands-on expertise the movement seeks to bring to frontline politics.
Vanterpool emphasized that Forbes brings the precise combination of classroom and job-site experience required to serve the district effectively, calling him a strong addition to the slate. Forbes enters a high-profile political contest in District Three, where he will challenge incumbent Representative and Deputy Premier Julian Fraser, who has held the seat continuously since 1999 and retained it in the April 2023 general election.
The race will also feature Aaron Parillon, who was recently ratified by the National Democratic Party. Under Section 86 of the Virgin Islands Constitution, general elections must be held within two months, but not earlier than 21 days, following the dissolution of the House of Assembly, with a date appointed by proclamation from the Governor, constitutionally due by mid-July 2027.
Forbes brings more than 30 years of experience spanning Technical, Vocational Education and Training (TVET), school administration, and the construction industry. A certified Automotive Technician, he began his career as an educator at BVI High School, now Elmore Stoutt High School, teaching Automotive Technology alongside Craft, Design and Technology subjects including woodwork, metalwork, technical drawing, and basic electricity.
He later advanced into educational leadership as an Assistant Principal at the Virgin Islands School of Technical Studies before retiring from the public service. Following his retirement from education, Forbes transitioned into construction management as a site supervisor, utilizing his background in blueprint reading and on-site project supervision.
Throughout his career, he has consistently advocated for expanding vocational opportunities in the territory, notably proposing the creation of a dedicated vocational campus to provide youth across the Virgin Islands with direct access to trade training. Forbes explained that stepping into politics is a direct extension of his life's work preparing young people for the workforce, pledging a practical approach focused on tangible results.
He stated that his campaign is about rolling up his sleeves and getting things done, mirroring his approach to every classroom and job site. He also underscored his confidence in Vanterpool's leadership, citing his track record of delivering major public infrastructure projects and private sector ventures.
The announcement follows Vanterpool's confirmation that he will personally contest the Fourth District under the PLM banner. For Vanterpool, Forbes' candidacy marks another key step in building a candidate slate focused on practical experience rather than traditional party politics.
The movement confirmed that its candidate selection drive remains active, with additional candidate announcements scheduled in the coming weeks.
Primary source: BVI Platinum