Jacqueline E. Vanterpool ‘served far longer than anticipated’- Governor Daniel Pruce
In a statement on Friday, November 14, 2025, the governor sought to clarify his decision not to reinstate Ms Vanterpool as Acting CoP and revert her to her substantive post as Deputy Commissioner of Police, effective November 18, 2025.
This decision has sparked widespread disapproval from Virgin Islanders who believe Ms Vanterpool is more than capable of leading the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF).
I fully understand the public’s interest
“I fully understand the public interest in this matter, and I fully respect the right of people to demonstrate. I've been attentive to the views expressed, including the comments of colleagues in government,” he said.
Governor Pruce reiterated that his decision was solely related to ensuring the effectiveness and the resilience of the RVIPF.
“The security of the British Virgin Islands remains my number one priority. Indeed, I have a duty under the Constitution and the Police Act to protect and preserve that security. The RVIPF itself is operating in a challenging environment.”
The RVIPF, he said, is operating in a challenging environment, which includes an increasingly complex criminal landscape, the need for internal reform identified in the Law Enforcement Review earlier this year, and the vetting process of all police officers.
Never a permanent placement
“Acting Commissioner Vanterpool was appointed to the role last autumn. She has served far longer than anticipated when she was appointed.”
He reiterated that an extended period of acting leadership raises challenges for any organisation.
“In addition, as I said, the nature of the challenges faced by the RVIPF and, therefore, the holder of this role has also changed… I felt I had a duty to take steps to ensure the efficient administration of the RVIPF. My view was that the best route to this was to move Acting Commissioner Vanterpool back to her substantive role of Deputy Commissioner.”
He went on to recognise the achievement of Vanterpool, describing her as a “devoted servant” of the Virgin Islands (VI) for decades.
“I thank her for her service as Acting Commissioner this past year…We have collaborated intensively on the force's performance, the use of resources, the operational challenges.”
Governor Pruce admitted that he and Acting CoP Vanterpool did not always agree on everything and said he felt it was his duty to “raise concerns about her performance”, which he did not elaborate on.
No racism or sexism influenced decision
The governor said his decisions are always driven by the priority to improve public safety and security in the VI.
“Claims that my decision is rooted in racism or sexism are completely false.”
The governor’s decision led to a week of protest action, which included a protest outside the Governor’s Office, a panel discussion, the launch of a petition, and a march from the Road Town Police Station to the Governor’s Office.
1.png)
.png)
.png)
Follow Us On
21 Responses to “Jacqueline E. Vanterpool ‘served far longer than anticipated’- Governor Daniel Pruce”
You don’t own the Island. He will leave when it is time for him to leave. So until then, keep your yap shut and keep it moving. I am so sick and tired of hearing the word racist. Everything on this Island is racist this and racist that when you guys can’t have your own damn way. If I had a dollar for each time I hear the word racist, I would be a rich b!(Hh or damn near being rich.
Moreover, is the Virgin Islands suffering from a severe case of the ‘The Frog Boil’ fable/ metaphor, ie, it is slow to adjust to and become accustomed to gradual changes until undesirable consequences may be difficult or impossible or impractical to correct? For example, the 2007 Virgin Islands Constitution granted the UK-appointed Governor unilateral power (Reserve, Assent, Special power). Was the belief that he/she would not use it? Have the chickens come home to roost? Is this shortsighted action going to be repeated with the next constitutional review with the UK? How can the Virgin Islands be self-governing and on the other hand, the UK- appointed Governor is authorized unilateral power? The Virgin Islands have had ministerial governance since 1967; is it time for it to shed the training wheels?
[Let’s lead like eagles, not careen off the cliff blindly like sheep, buffaloes]
@E. Leonard, “ is it time for it to shed the training wheels?” Mehson you think the BVI ready to shed the training wheels? I say take a serious look at the small, anemic protest on Friday. It will speak volume. The Cattle Riot of 1853, The Great of November 24, 1949, Noel Lloyd and PAM protest on Wickhams Cay and Anegada give away -1968, put the November 14, 2025 protest to shame. There are no collectiveness, cooperation, etc., among local BVI people; they only get engage when things affect them personally. Many who always have a spoon in every pot, with much to bray about didn’t show up or show up as spectators. What a bunch of selfish hypocrites. Many want change but don’t want to sacrifice to attain change..Here is a news flash for locals. Belongers and work permit holders may be the majority of the population, but many are not going to partake in the protest, for they believe it is not their fight; it is local fight. That is a tory for another time. Let’s get off our lazy a%%@$ and do what needs to get done. If not STFU with our entitled,,.etc, a%%@$. Nothing in life comes free. People are amazed at the low numbers but butts didn’t show. These are the same m*da $k**k$ who don’t vote but cry about nothing getting done. By the way, I’m not too bright, attending only Manda School, but the hell is the ‘ Frog Boil’ fable?
Why do BVI people cant like other people of them own color
Why BVI people cant like themselves
Why BVI people dont like work
Why so few BVI people dont work in the Hospital