UK Police Not a Shining Example
Troy E. Christopher condemned the decision to replace Acting Commissioner Jacqueline E. Vanterpool with a former Gibraltar police commissioner, arguing the UK is not a model for policing and citing the Baroness Casey report. Public opposition has grown, with a march and a petition planned for November 14, 2025, to express support for Ms Vanterpool and frustration with Governor Daniel Pruce's choice.
Christopher told listeners on the Umoja programme on ZBVI 780 AM on November 12, 2025, that the United Kingdom should not be held up as a policing model for the Virgin Islands. His comments came amid growing controversy over the removal of Jacqueline E. Vanterpool as Acting Commissioner of Police and the Governor's plan to appoint a male former Commissioner of Police from Gibraltar as her replacement.
Christopher argued the UK has a troubled record and should not be presented as an example to emulate. "The UK does not have any shining example to show us about policing. Their records are really tarnished," he said, adding that the Metropolitan Police has faced major discrepancies and repeated reports of institutional failure.
He referenced the Baroness Casey report published in March 2023, which criticised the Metropolitan Police for institutional racism, misogyny and homophobia and said systemic failures had allowed predatory and discriminatory behaviour to flourish. Christopher warned residents not to assume lessons should automatically be drawn from the UK's policing model. "What is it about the UK's structure that you think that we should be fascinated with?
Because there are so many reports and challenges that the UK is having within their police force," he said. The appointment plan by Governor Daniel Pruce — including reports that his preferred candidate has a checkered past — has prompted vocal opposition from several community members and civil society actors.
Critics have highlighted a long-standing pattern of bringing white UK nationals into senior police leadership roles, even when there are qualified officers within the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) and the wider Caribbean region. Tensions in the territory have risen as residents and activists call for a transparent, merit-based selection process and for local capacity to be prioritised.
A march is scheduled for 3:00 PM on November 14, 2025, and organisers say a signed petition will be issued to the Governor to register public support for Ms Vanterpool and displeasure with the decision. The controversy underscores broader concerns about community trust in law enforcement leadership and the need for clear, accountable appointments.
Residents, civic groups and members of the RVIPF will be watching how the Governor's office responds as protests and formal representations are delivered.
Primary source: VINO