March for Democracy Today
A protest march will begin at 3:00 PM from the Road Town Police Station to the Governor’s Office calling for democratic accountability after the Governor declined to confirm a Police Commissioner nominee. Bishop John I. Cline is urging residents across the islands to attend, citing concerns over what he called dictatorial and colonialistic actions by the Governor.
A march for democracy will take place this afternoon, beginning at 3:00 PM from the Road Town Police Station and proceeding to the Governor’s Office, organisers confirmed. Cline told this news centre he is urging everyone to come out and join the demonstration. "Stand up for your right.
This is your democratic right, this is for the future of your children, this is for the good governance of this Territory, we will not settle for dictatorship, we will not settle for indirect rule by the UK representative," he said. Bishop Cline appealed to residents across the Territory, asking those from Virgin Gorda, Jost van Dyke and Anegada who can travel to Tortola to attend.
The march is the latest in a week of protest activities that have included action outside the Governor’s Office, a panel discussion, a town hall meeting and the launch of an online petition titled "Virgin Islands Petition Against Governor's Commissioner Decision." The protests were sparked by Governor Pruce's decision not to confirm Ms Vanterpool to the post of Commissioner of Police, despite her nomination by the Police Service Commission.
The Governor has said his action is consistent with the constitutional powers granted to him under Section 97 of the Constitution of the Virgin Islands. Governor Pruce has nominated former Gibraltar Commissioner of Police Richard Ullger as interim Commissioner. Local reports say Ullger has been the subject of an investigation in the past; the Governor's office has defended his choice as within the constitutional remit to ensure public safety and effective leadership of the force.
For many residents, the dispute raises broader questions about the balance of authority between locally appointed bodies and the Governor's reserved powers, and about transparency in appointments affecting public security. Organisers say the march aims to make those concerns visible and to press for what they describe as accountable, locally representative governance.
Police and organisers have not publicised a permit status for the march; participants are advised to follow instructions from law enforcement on the day. The demonstration is expected to be peaceful, following the pattern of recent town halls and public discussions. This developing story may have further updates as events unfold this afternoon.
Primary source: VINO