Premier Accuses Governor of Sidestepping Appointment
Premier Dr. Natalio Wheatley has criticised Governor Daniel Bruce’s appointment of Richard Alger as interim acting police commissioner, saying it bypassed the Police Service Commission’s recommendation and pre‑empted ongoing procedures. Wheatley warned the move has stirred public concern, linked it to broader constitutional questions about democratic accountability, and says he will raise the issue at upcoming UK Overseas Territories talks.
Wheatley on Friday, Nov. 21 publicly criticised Governor Daniel Bruce’s decision to appoint Richard Alger as interim acting police commissioner, saying the move sidestepped the established recruitment and appointment process and failed to respect the advice of the Police Service Commission.
Wheatley told reporters the Police Service Commission (PSC) had already submitted a recommendation for a substantive Police Commissioner and that that recommendation was expected to be considered by the National Security Council soon. He said the Governor’s interim appointment pre‑empted that process and created unnecessary tension around a key public security post. "In my view, it would have been better to conclude that process before appointing an interim acting commissioner," Wheatley said.
He acknowledged the Governor acted within his constitutional authority but said the manner in which that discretion was exercised was inconsistent with the "modern partnership" the United Kingdom has committed to, and fell short of expectations for transparency, good governance and sensitivity to public concerns.
The appointment follows a week of peaceful public demonstrations in the Territory, during which residents protested what many viewed as political overreach. Wheatley said he and his colleagues in the House of Assembly supported the public’s right to assemble and that he had raised the matter directly with UK Minister for the Overseas Territories Steven Doughty during a call on Wednesday.
Acting Commissioner Jacqueline Vanterpool was returned to her substantive role as Deputy Commissioner after serving as Commissioner for one year. Wheatley said he has engaged with Governor Bruce through Cabinet and the National Security Council and will continue respectful dialogue with UK counterparts to defend both public security and democratic rights in the Virgin Islands.
The Premier framed the controversy within a larger constitutional debate about devolving greater democratic accountability and responsibility for internal security to elected government. Wheatley departs the Territory on Friday to co‑chair the Joint Ministerial Council meetings in London, where leaders will discuss a proposed Charter on Engagement, bilateral compacts, and other measures aimed at resetting relations between the UK and its Overseas Territories.
As chair of the UK Overseas Territories Association and President of the Political Council, Wheatley said he will press Virgin Islands concerns at those talks.
Primary source: JTV