Premier Won’t Pre-empt NSC on Vanterpool
Premier Dr Natalio Wheatley says he will not pre-empt the National Security Council’s decision on the future role of senior officer Jacqueline Vanterpool, stressing the constitutional process must run its course. The Police Service Commission has recommended a candidate to the Governor and the matter will be considered by the NSC, which may support or advise differently.
Premier Dr Natalio Wheatley has declined to pre-empt any outcome from the National Security Council (NSC) on the future of senior police officer Jacqueline Vanterpool, insisting the territory’s constitutional process be respected. Speaking at a press conference, Dr Wheatley confirmed that the Police Service Commission (PSC) has fulfilled its role by making a recommendation to the Governor for the appointment of a new Commissioner of Police.
He said the next step is for the Governor to bring that recommendation to the NSC for formal consideration. "We expect that very soon the governor will bring that to the National Security Council so that the National Security Council can either support the Police Service Commission’s recommendation or advise the governor differently," the Premier said. "So I don’t want to pre-empt that process." Dr Wheatley reiterated that although he publicly disagreed with the Governor’s earlier decision to revert the deputy commissioner to her substantive post rather than allowing the ongoing selection process to conclude, he would not speculate on the NSC’s deliberations.
He said any decision about acting appointments while the current acting commissioner is absent must come through the national security framework. The Premier used the opportunity to record his assessment of Vanterpool’s performance while she served in an acting capacity. "I have been very impressed with her leadership," he said, highlighting her work on community policing and efforts at crime reduction. "I believe that, as it pertains to community policing, she’s done an extremely good job," he added.
Dr Wheatley also reiterated a broader policy position: a commitment to building local capacity within the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force. "I support capacity building within our local Virgin Islands police force," he said, noting the importance of continuity and institutional development so the force does not have to "almost start from scratch" each time new leadership arrives.
While stressing respect for constitutional boundaries, the Premier said the elected government will continue to engage United Kingdom authorities on security matters as the appointment process moves to the NSC. For residents, the unfolding decision will shape leadership continuity at the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force and could influence ongoing community policing and crime reduction strategies.
The Governor is expected to present the PSC’s recommendation to the National Security Council in the near term, after which a formal position will be announced.
Primary source: BVI News