NSC Did Not Approve Commissioner Extension
Premier Dr Natalio Wheatley has rejected reports that the National Security Council approved a three-month extension for Interim Acting Police Commissioner Richard Ullger. The clarification follows public questions about the Governor’s decision to extend Ullger’s tenure while the permanent commissioner recruitment continues.
Premier Dr Natalio Wheatley has confirmed that the National Security Council (NSC) did not approve a recent three-month extension for Interim Acting Police Commissioner Richard Ullger, addressing confusion and criticism about the leadership of the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force.
Speaking at a recent press conference, Dr Wheatley answered questions from political commentator Cindy Rosan, who asked why the NSC appeared to have supported Governor Daniel Pruce’s recommendation to extend Ullger’s appointment while the Police Service Commission had already made recommendations for a permanent commissioner.
The Premier was unequivocal: "The NSC did not approve three months for Richard Ullger. No, we didn’t approve three additional months for Richard Ullger." Dr Wheatley also rejected suggestions that his administration had been silent about the wider selection process, particularly the fate of Jacqueline Vanterpool, a long-serving local officer who served as Acting Commissioner and was not confirmed in the permanent post by the Governor. "I can’t say that we’ve been silent about the situation with Jackie Vanterpool.
We have not," the Premier said. "I made it very clear. I thought Jackie should have gotten the job." The current dispute traces back to November 2025 when Governor Pruce appointed Richard Ullger—formerly Commissioner of the Royal Gibraltar Police—as Interim Acting Commissioner after instructing Vanterpool to return to her substantive role as Deputy Commissioner.
That decision sparked protests and political criticism from residents and elected officials who argued a local officer should be confirmed in the top role. More recently, Governor Pruce extended Ullger’s tenure by a further three months while the recruitment process for a permanent Commissioner continues.
The Governor defended the move as necessary to maintain stability in the police force during the selection process. Media reports have suggested the Governor relied on his constitutional authority to issue the extension despite opposition from both the NSC and the Police Service Commission, which had forwarded recommendations for a permanent appointment.
The episode highlights ongoing tensions between the public, the locally elected government and the Governor’s office over control of security and policing in the Virgin Islands. For many residents, the controversy underscores broader questions about local representation in senior public security roles and the transparency of the recruitment and appointment process as the territory seeks stability in its police leadership.
Primary source: BVI News