Local Vanterpool Replaced by UK Officer as
Governor Daniel Pruce has moved to install retired UK officer Richard Ullger as Acting Commissioner of Police despite the Police Service Commission (PoSC) formally recommending local deputy Jacqueline E. Vanterpool. New reporting by Virgin Islands News Online (VINO) says the PoSC has rejected the Governor’s recommendation of Mr Ullger and reaffirmed its support for Ms Vanterpool, even as Mr Ullger is slated to assume the post on November 18, 2025.
Vanterpool, who has served as acting head of the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) for more than a year and earned praise from the public, civil society, media and officers, was formally recommended by the Police Service Commission (PoSC) for appointment as Commissioner of Police.
Despite that recommendation, Governor Daniel Pruce invoked Section 97(2) of the Constitution — a provision that gives the Governor discretion over such appointments — and moved to replace Ms Vanterpool with retired UK police officer Richard Ullger. VINO reported last week that Mr Pruce ousted Ms Vanterpool and reverted her to the Deputy Commissioner post, with Mr Ullger expected to take up the top job on November 18, 2025.
New developments emerged on November 10, 2025. Sources speaking to Virgin Islands News Online confirmed that the PoSC has rejected the Governor’s recommendation of Richard Ullger in a letter over the weekend and has again stood by its recommendation that Ms Vanterpool be appointed Commissioner.
VINO reported that the PoSC’s decision to reject Mr Ullger came after the Governor submitted his preferred candidate to the Commission last week. Mr Ullger’s appointment — and the Governor’s use of his discretionary power — has prompted controversy. Critics argue that bringing in a retired foreign national to lead the RVIPF, particularly when local officers who have reached statutory retirement age are required to step down, undermines local leadership development and morale.
Media reports from Gibraltar have also linked Mr Ullger to a past National Crime Agency investigation in the UK over allegations of sharing sensitive information with the wife of a defendant; those reports have added to public unease, though no formal charges in the BVI have been reported.
Opposition to the Governor’s actions has been strong. Civil society groups, religious leaders, the media, and many within the policing community have described the decision as an affront to local institutions; VINO quoted activists who labelled the move racist, sexist and a colonial power grab.
A week of protests was planned to begin on Monday, November 10, 2025, with a gathering scheduled for 3:30 PM in front of the Governor’s Office parking lot in Road Town, according to VINO. Political commentators and opponents have noted tensions with recent governance reforms stemming from the Commission of Inquiry process and questioned why wide appointment powers remain with an unelected Governor.
The controversy also recalls earlier sensitivities over overseas appointments, including disputes involving former UK Commissioner Mark Collis. Calls have intensified for greater transparency and for an investigation into the Governor’s interference in the PoSC process. Wheatley (R7) was scheduled to address the matter at a press conference on November 10.
With the PoSC having rejected Mr Ullger’s nomination but the Governor still holding constitutional discretion, the immediate outcome for leadership of the RVIPF remains uncertain, and community concern about morale and public confidence in policing continues to grow.
Primary source: VINO