Ot Minister Backs Governor Over Vanterpool
UK Overseas Territories Minister Stephen Doughty told Premier Dr Natalio Wheatley he supported Governor Daniel Pruce’s decision not to appoint Jacqueline Vanterpool as Police Commissioner. Vanterpool was returned to her substantive post as Deputy Commissioner while an international recruitment continues, a move that prompted public concern and calls for greater local accountability.
UK Overseas Territories Minister Stephen Doughty has sided with Governor Daniel Pruce over the decision not to appoint Jacqueline (Jackie) Vanterpool as substantive Police Commissioner, Premier Dr Natalio Wheatley has revealed. Dr Wheatley said he raised the matter directly with Doughty during recent Joint Ministerial Council talks in London and was told the UK minister did not support the elected government’s position.
The Premier described the outcome as a disappointment but said disagreement with the UK did not remove the government’s duty to support the police. Vanterpool, who served as Acting Commissioner of the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF), was reverted to her substantive role as Deputy Commissioner while a recruitment process for a permanent commissioner proceeds.
The governor appointed Acting Commissioner Richard Ullger to lead the force during the interim — a decision that sparked public protests and widespread calls from community members who wanted Vanterpool to remain until the process concluded. "I did have discussions with the minister of overseas territories as it pertains to the situation with Jackie Vanterpool.
I have to say that we were not necessarily aligned in our particular views, and he expressed his support for Governor Daniel Pruce," Dr Wheatley said, adding that although he was disappointed he accepted that elected and UK officials do not always agree. The Premier praised Vanterpool’s performance while acting as commissioner, noting her leadership on community policing and efforts to reduce firearms on the streets. "I have been very impressed with the work of Jackie Vanterpool acting in the role," he said.
Wheatley also warned the way the decision was handled damaged perceptions of the modern partnership between the UK, the governor and the elected government, and he renewed calls for constitutional reform. He argued the governor’s exercise of discretion in this instance undermined perceived democratic accountability and reinforced the need for stronger local authority in areas where the elected government presently lacks control.
The government said it is awaiting the next steps in the appointment process, including consideration by the National Security Council, and will continue to press for greater local capacity building within the RVIPF. In the meantime, Dr Wheatley emphasised the elected administration’s obligation to support whoever occupies the commissioner role so the territory can maintain momentum in combating crime and protecting communities.
Primary source: BVI News