Mr Christopher, a former partner in Japhix TV, is a local businessman and political activist.

Speaking to our newsroom today, March 9, 2023, Mr Christopher confirmed he is a candidate for the Second District but discussions with his Committee and his supporters need to be had on whether he will contest as an Independent candidate or join a political party.

Mr Christopher said many persons seem to be in favour of him running as an Independent candidate; however, political parties have also expressed an interest in him running on their slate.

The D2 candidate was last registered with the National Democratic Party (NDP) as a member.

Independent or not, Mr Christopher will be coming up against incumbent Minister for Natural Resources and Labour Hon Melvin M. Turnbull (R2). Hon Turnbull of the Progressive Virgin Islands Movement (PVIM) is seeking a third term, having been first elected in 2015.

Is running as an Independent wise?

The last time an Independent candidate won an election in the Virgin Islands was Mr Troy E. Christopher’s uncle J. Alvin Christopher, who won in 1995 as an Independent but then joined the Virgin Islands Party. Since then no other person has won an election as an Independent candidate.

Chad C. George in District 1, Perline R. Scatliffe-Leonard in District 7 and Lesmore Smith (At-Large) are the declared Independent candidates so far.

Mr Troy E. Christopher, right, is the son of the late legislator Deloris Christopher, left.