Questions Over Governor's Ullger Choice
Governor Daniel Pruce has recommended UK national Richard Ullger to lead the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force despite past scrutiny while serving in Gibraltar. Critics say the appointment raises concerns about double standards after inquiries into Ullger's conduct and other local officers remaining sidelined despite acquittals.
Governor Daniel Pruce has recommended UK national Richard Ullger to head the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF), a move that has prompted questions from residents and public servants familiar with recent controversies surrounding Mr Ullger's time in Gibraltar. Ullger, who served as Deputy Commissioner and later Commissioner in Gibraltar, was examined during a special Commission of Inquiry (CoI) into the alleged forced retirement of former Gibraltar Police Commissioner Ian McGrail.
According to Gibraltar media reports, the Inquiry found that Ullger was unable to substantiate many of his claims against his former superior and could not recover daybooks, documents or electronic devices used by Mr McGrail before his departure. During the proceedings Ullger reportedly admitted to destroying certain documents after he had given testimony and conceded to operational failings within the Royal Gibraltar Police, including the failure to execute a search warrant in a high-profile operation.
The Inquiry also heard that 22 police officers left the Royal Gibraltar Police after accepting offers of employment within Government services; 18 were said to be working in government roles and four had retired. Media accounts say that, although all had offered evidence to the Inquiry, only one statement was considered relevant by the CoI chairman.
Ullger has since been cleared of the alleged wrongdoings reported in the Inquiry. Despite Ullger's exoneration, some BVI residents and public officers view his proposed appointment as emblematic of inconsistent treatment by officialdom. They point to local cases where officers and senior public servants have been suspended or kept off duty for extended periods over allegations perceived as less serious.
Notable examples cited include Comptroller of Customs Wade W. Smith, who was reportedly cleared by a Virgin Islands court yet has not been reinstated, and public officer Najah Christopher, who has been off duty for more than three years after being charged in relation to a letter about the former Premier and diplomatic immunity — a case a lower court has since dismissed.
Critics allege the Governor's Office has pushed for appeals in some of these matters. The appointment recommendation has not, as of publication, been accompanied by a public statement from the Governor's Office responding to these concerns. For many in the BVI, the episode raises broader questions about transparency, parity in public service discipline, and the standards applied when recruiting leadership for the territory's police force.
Local calls are likely to follow for clearer explanations from the Governor and the Police Service Commission regarding the selection process and assurances about maintaining public confidence in the RVIPF. This report draws on coverage by Virgin Islands News Online and media reports from Gibraltar.
Primary source: VINO