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'I attempted suicide three times'– Jacqueline E. Vanterpool

- shares details of battling mental health challenges from being in wrong career path
Facing a life of being forced into a career she did not want based on the wishes of her mother, now Deputy Commissioner of Police at the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) Ms Jacqueline E. Vanterpool says fell into state of depression and attempted suicide multiple times. Photo: Facebook/File
Ms Vanterpool was at the time speaking on the Sunday, May 19, 2024, edition of Real Talk with Karia J. Christopher when she added that she always knew she wanted to be a police officer and noting said by anyone could have prevented her from going down that path. Photo: Facebook/File
Ms Vanterpool was at the time speaking on the Sunday, May 19, 2024, edition of Real Talk with Karia J. Christopher when she added that she always knew she wanted to be a police officer and noting said by anyone could have prevented her from going down that path. Photo: Facebook/File
PALESTINA ESTATE, Tortola, VI – She is one of the most pleasant police officers in the Virgin Islands, and she remains that way despite moving up the ranks and now being a Deputy Commissioner of Police. However, little does one know that Ms Jacqueline E. Vanterpool faced a life of being forced into a career she did not want based on the wishes of her mother and she soon fell into depression and even attempted suicide multiple times.

Ms Vanterpool was at the time speaking on the Sunday, May 19, 2024, edition of Real Talk with Karia J. Christopher when she added that she always knew she wanted to be a police officer and noting said by anyone could have prevented her from going down that path.

Blocked from joining RVIPF by mother 

“I applied at the tender of 18, did the exam successfully and was about to finally enter into a dream I desired… but my mom, a very strict Drill Sargeant… stopped it,” she added. 

Ms Vanterpool shared that her mother had also spoken to a former Commissioner of Police about not letting her join the force, and the commissioner said he had to honour the request. 

“If I sit and I say to you that I know what it is to be depressed, I'm not lying… If there's ever a last state of depression, yours truly went through it. But I went to work every day to the post office and kept everything on the inside.”

As an alternative, Ms Vanterpool said she worked in nursing and teaching and as a Post Officer in separate careers but it was never her desire.

Second attempt to join failed 

After applying again to join the police force, Ms Vanterpool said her mother once more intervened in the process. “My boss then said to me, Jackie, whatever it is, you need to go and get help. But I knew what it was, I wanted to be a police officer it was not only mom, I had a brother who was in there, he was also blockage as well.” 

Ms Vanterpool shared that as a result of the impacts of mental health on her performance at work, she was forced into counselling at the request of her employers or face losing her job at the post office. 

“I went to one session and never went back…. I was 28 years old and I had to go right back from the time I was five years old and come back to 28 and it brought all sort of memories I didn't want to remember, that I've been through in life.”

She added, “I went through sexual abuse and the physical abuse. I saw my mom being abused by my dad. So a number of memories came back, and it didn't help me.”

Suicide attempts 

She shared that throughout the ordeal of not being able to work in the career she dreamed of, she attempted suicide. 

“I know what it is to actually attempt suicide, and I attempted it three times. The third time was one that was very, very close…. I'm only standing here, sitting here, because of the goodness of God.” 

Ms Vanterpool said it was a close friend who helped her at the third suicide try, but then she started to think about the people who cared for her and depended on her.

"I now can say it’s a strong angel that lift me up from where I was,” she added.

Ms Vanterpool shared that it was Christian leaders who helped her through new set of counselling, which allowed her to be where she is today.

38 Responses to “'I attempted suicide three times'– Jacqueline E. Vanterpool”

  • jack@$$ (21/05/2024, 13:35) Like (85) Dislike (0) Reply
    Respect to you for your courage in sharing your story. I always see you and hail you and never had a clue of your inner struggles. Many will learn from your story. May GOD bless you and keep you.
  • El Demonio Negro (21/05/2024, 13:40) Like (26) Dislike (0) Reply
    One thing about Natures Little Secret...the men back in days not men but creeps and paedophiles LOVE SEXUAL CRIMES SMH.
  • Very brave (21/05/2024, 13:45) Like (72) Dislike (1) Reply
    To go public with such a personal story, it offers hope to others when such things have been overcome.Thank you.
  • Safari (21/05/2024, 14:02) Like (38) Dislike (2) Reply
    Thank you for being mature enough to share this reality and truth. God bless you. What is for you will always be for you.
  • Kamani (21/05/2024, 14:17) Like (40) Dislike (3) Reply
    Ms. Vanterpool, I commend your bravery, and thank you for sharing!
  • Great Courage (21/05/2024, 14:20) Like (33) Dislike (1) Reply
    Thank you Ms. Vanterpool for this powerful testimony. To God be ALL the Glory! Now, go out there and encourage others in similar situations.
  • smh (21/05/2024, 14:22) Like (24) Dislike (1) Reply
    God bless you, my dear and thank you for being refreshingly real, in a place where so many of us where masks, while reveling in others misery! Hopefully someone was touched and helped today by you telling your story.
  • Lord have mercy. (21/05/2024, 14:32) Like (9) Dislike (36) Reply
    Why truth so hard to tell. You forget the gentleman the Xpolice when you were working at the post office next to the chateau was begging you consistently to join the Force telling you that you have the hight and you will make a good police. I was with him..You took so long to make up your mind he is now X but he was plain clothes police at the time, he was my brethren, he went as far as to bring the police application form for you help you fill it out. Trying his best to convince you. I was there.. I know you aint forget. Don't pretend like you forget..I at the time was convince that you will make a good police and he turned out to be right. U ended up being a good and successful police officer..
    • @ Lord have mercy (22/05/2024, 11:49) Like (17) Dislike (0) Reply
      I hear you but that may be your experience atcthe post office however you were not in her home to know what she was faced with and that maybe why she was reluctant to fill the form. There are times when we dont know the full story until the person speaks.
    • Yow (22/05/2024, 20:03) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
      Stop lying on the lady, why would she give out such personal information, you are sick
  • Angel Lift (21/05/2024, 14:42) Like (22) Dislike (0) Reply
    When your experiencing great trouble, there is usually a Great Calling on your life and something does not want you to reach your full potential. What a great story to share.
  • heat (21/05/2024, 14:52) Like (14) Dislike (1) Reply
    Ah girl only the grace of God got us here. People don't understand the pain of mental challenges and most ofcthe time its how People treat one another. Mental health is such a thin line that bosses, family, friends infact the human nature would not fully understand. Even doctors and nerses don't fully understand. Experience is the greatest teacher. So don't you handle People like they are trash. Value People see the good in People and dwell on their positives instead of magnifing their weaknesses. Choose the right timing to help those persons where you may identify their weaknesses. We will all see the difference in People. Let them be ablecto walk into their passion we would be surprised to see a different individual or individuales.
    Stop being so mean and help People to reach there full potential.

    Thanks Ms.Vanterpool im sure this atticle would help a lot of people to know its ok if they experience challenges in this area. If you experienced it and they to experienced this by the grace of God they can survive and be of help to someone else.

    Those of you who know of people going through difficulties please take a time out and check on family, friends and neighbors their survival can very well depend on you.

    Do what you can to help even if it cost you. Time, money or whatever you may just be the one to save a life even if its your enemy. Save a life! Peace
  • Rick (21/05/2024, 15:32) Like (15) Dislike (1) Reply
    Shout-out to you madam, you've been there done that and now in a position to serve.
    So happy you're here and in a position of service to us all.
    Be blessed, be strong and blessings heaped upon you.
  • Hmm (21/05/2024, 15:34) Like (10) Dislike (51) Reply
    To my understanding, she was denied entry into the force because her feet had a disability and a former commissioner bent the rules so she could enter. And her mom was so glad when the former commissioner allowed her into the force. So I don't know what she is on here talking about.
  • Hmmmm (21/05/2024, 17:55) Like (8) Dislike (29) Reply
    This story just don't add up. Let sleeping dog ???? lies. Why bring up that story now??, let's be sorry for her and she will become COP
  • Real Talk (21/05/2024, 18:24) Like (7) Dislike (21) Reply
    SHOW SIGNS OF WEEKNESSS SUCIDE IS NOT THE WAY OUT IT IS ANOTHER DOOR TO HELL FIRE AND IAM SURE DR WOODS TOLD YOU SO THREE TIMES THREE STRIKE AND YOUR OUT
    • smh (22/05/2024, 00:33) Like (14) Dislike (1) Reply
      people like you is why a lot of these people don’t speak up . stop being insensitive
    • @ real talk (22/05/2024, 05:18) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
      You always blogging horse droppings....what courage was showed by Jackie who MUCH BE OUR NEXT COMMISSIONER OF POLICE
  • Smith (21/05/2024, 18:35) Like (2) Dislike (1) Reply
    The race is on. Testimonies can't done.
  • Malcom X (21/05/2024, 18:40) Like (2) Dislike (13) Reply
    That job u take only for bully and that's a suicide job u just have to show up at the wrong time it will be your death. Let the chip Hal were it lay
  • resident (21/05/2024, 18:54) Like (46) Dislike (3) Reply
    If is one thing with Caribbean people they know your business more than you! The woman say one thing alyo saying not so it go!! SMH. Ms Vanterpool you are head and shoulders above the rest. I admire you and wish you all the best.
  • You are so ignorant. (21/05/2024, 19:19) Like (12) Dislike (2) Reply
    Hmm (21/05/2024, 15:34) Like (4) Dislike (13) Reply
    To my understanding, she was denied entry into the force because her feet had a disability and a former commissioner bent the rules so she could enter. And her mom was so glad when the former commissioner allowed her into the force. So I don't know what she is on here talking about.

    U are a liar and a loser. My sister never had a disability because of her feet. So keep off her with your lies. You are such a loser whoever you are. You are just a hater and a loser. Go get a life and stop hiding behind your lies.
    • @you are so ignorant (22/05/2024, 07:58) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      Is she not flatfooted on here calling people Liar.
      • Flatfooted (22/05/2024, 19:40) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
        Flatfooted cant stop a person from entering the force. Tell us more because your comment just not adding up. Please if you can't say or type good dont stir up people's minds with negativity.
        Negativity is pain full we can do better stop being so bitter at people. You would cause people to be so closed that they can't trust people which is not healthy. Please please please be concerned about helping people to be an over comer.
  • Ask a Question (21/05/2024, 19:22) Like (7) Dislike (0) Reply
    I talked to Jackie for myself and she said it is two UK Commissioners that gave her mom her wish. She never had a disability with her feet. So where that come from now. You all need to stop blogging lies and speak the truth.
  • MY RESPECT (21/05/2024, 20:24) Like (6) Dislike (0) Reply
    IN OUR JOURNEY THROUGH LIFE , WE WILL EXPERIENCE MANY THINGS GOOD AND BAD , ITS WHAT WE CALL LIFE , IF THEY CRUCIFIED JESUS , WHO ARE WE ? ( A TYPICAL EXAMPLE , EVEN SOME OF THE BLOGGERS HERE , HAS FOUND SOME NEGATIVE REMARKS TO YOU FOR REVEALING YOUR LIFE STORY TO THE WORLD , ( AND AM SURE YOU ARE AWARE VOF YHESE TYPES OF HYPOCRITES , WHO DON'T EVEN KNOW THEMSELVES ,BUT THEY WANT TO TELL YOU WHO YOU ARE , SO IT IS TO BE EXPECTED , AND AM SURE YOU HAVE ROSE ABOVE THE LIKES OF THOSE WHO WHO'S MINDS
  • @ MY RESPECT (21/05/2024, 20:34) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
    CONTINUED -FROM ( MINDS - ARE IN THE GUTTER , AND HOPEFULLY YOUR EXPERIENCES IN YOUR JOURNEY IN THIS LIFE WILL HELP OTHERS TO UNDERSTAND TTHAT THEY ARE NOT ALONE SO MY RESPECT TO YOU , AND ENJOY THE REST OF YOUR JOURNEY IN PEACE AND LOVE ~ STAND FIRM ????
  • Well Sah (21/05/2024, 21:25) Like (1) Dislike (6) Reply
    Weird timing but to each his own
  • pat (21/05/2024, 21:53) Like (6) Dislike (0) Reply
    We with you Jackie you must be the next commissioner
  • WOW (22/05/2024, 01:35) Like (8) Dislike (1) Reply
    Ms Vanterpool, Trust None
    And Suspect all..
    Remember they didn’t only Crucified Jesus , (nop) they also Killed him,, Snake on the grass (ANACONDAS) , They will Eat and Drink with you and as you turn your back , they will stab you, as a matter of fact, some of them will stab you even before you turn your back and pretend they were playing …
  • next (22/05/2024, 05:48) Like (15) Dislike (0) Reply
    respectful humble a good person I love this woman God continues to bless you abundantly
  • LX (22/05/2024, 07:19) Like (14) Dislike (2) Reply
    This article should have focused on her career.
  • Dickens (22/05/2024, 07:27) Like (1) Dislike (4) Reply
    This person I don't know personally, is certai l.y a skilled writer of fiction.
  • wellsaw (22/05/2024, 07:53) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
    It's obvious there is someone on here blogging and cursing any comment contrary to her story.
  • change (22/05/2024, 20:03) Like (4) Dislike (1) Reply
    She need now to tell those big fat police women to get up and go out to patrol. They fat from they join the force and remain fat AFTER the training. She need to make all this police on the beat to understand that policing begins on the beat, get up and go do just that. Go out and learn the community. Stop forming all kind of unnecessary departments. Let those lazy people get up and go out to do what they're paid to do. They want to have on the most makeup and longest braids. The men belly get big before the 1st month of passing out finishes. The force has no structure. None. Gone to the damn dogs
  • NICK (23/05/2024, 01:14) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    It had to take a white an commissioner to consider and make chages.because of our own are to busy bringing us down and putting persons that cannot get the job done due to friendship. Thats why the force the way it is now. Lone political post i there. This entire irgonization starti g at the top needs to be seriously reviewed.
  • disappointed (23/05/2024, 15:01) Like (1) Dislike (1) Reply
    Jackie, your story is beautiful and anyone who has compassion and empathy in their heart would only have nothing but positive commentary. IDK if I should be disappointed or be accepting of the backlash seen on this blog today. This is how I know Jesus coming soon buddy. Y’all need to stop letting the spirit of the devil lead y’all to speak negatively on other people lives. It costs $0 to wish someone well and keep it pushing smh


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