Governor Pruce Overrules Police Service Commission on
Governor Daniel Pruce has bypassed the Police Service Commission's recommendation to appoint Jacqueline E. Vanterpool as substantive Police Commissioner, instead reverting her to Deputy Commissioner. The move to install an interim leader and initiate an internal leak probe has intensified public outcry over local governance and executive authority.
Fresh controversy continues to surround the leadership of the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force following confirmation that Governor Daniel Pruce has overridden the Police Service Commission to alter the force's executive command. In a formal move, Governor Pruce directed that Jacqueline E.
Vanterpool revert from her role as Acting Commissioner back to her substantive position as Deputy Commissioner of Police. According to Government House sources, the Police Service Commission formally recommended Vanterpool, an indigenous Virgin Islander, for the permanent post of Police Commissioner after she emerged as the top performer during the recruitment interview process.
The commission also strongly opposed removing her from the Acting Commissioner role. Despite this, Governor Pruce utilized his executive powers under the Virgin Islands Constitution to bypass the commission's advice, marking the second time during this recruitment cycle that its recommendations have been rejected.
In place of Vanterpool, Governor Pruce has nominated Richard Ullger, the former Commissioner of Police for Gibraltar, to serve as interim Acting Commissioner. The Governor noted that Ullger's appointment, if confirmed, is strictly temporary and that he has not been put forward for the substantive, permanent post.
The Governor has briefed the National Security Council on his actions, which have sparked public protests and intense debates across the Territory regarding self-governance, constitutional democracy, and local representation within key public institutions. Skelton-Cline addressed the controversy on his radio program, questioning whether true democracy exists in the Virgin Islands or if colonial authority continues to override local institutions.
Political tensions have also escalated, with discussions surrounding Opposition Leader Myron V. Walwyn's public remarks on the day of recent demonstration marches. Amid mounting scrutiny, an investigation has been initiated into both the Police Service Commission and the Governor's Office concerning unauthorized leaks of confidential recruitment deliberations to the media.
While the probe focuses on compromised confidentiality, critics argue that the investigation serves as a distraction from what they describe as unethical gubernatorial interference in an independent statutory process. The Governor's Office did not respond to media queries regarding the decisions, and calls to Vanterpool went unanswered.
The future leadership of the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force remains a critical concern for local residents as the community awaits further developments on the permanent appointment.
Primary source: VINO