Vanterpool Thanks Public, Accepts Reversion as Governor
Acting Chief Jacqueline E. Vanterpool has thanked the public and members of the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force after Governor Daniel Pruce instructed that she be reverted to her substantive role as Deputy Commissioner of Police, effective November 18, 2025. On November 14 the governor issued a statement saying Vanterpool "served far longer than anticipated" and that his decision was aimed at ensuring the effectiveness and resilience of the RVIPF amid a challenging environment; the move has prompted ongoing protests and questions about leadership as Richard Ullger is named nominee for interim Commissioner (VINO; JTV).
Vanterpool has released a public statement expressing gratitude to members of the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) and the wider community after Governor Daniel Pruce directed that she be reverted to her substantive role as Deputy Commissioner of Police, effective Monday, November 18, 2025 (VINO).
The governors direction prompted a week of protests and public advocacy across the Territory. On Monday, November 10, community members and leaders gathered for a rally in front of the Governors Office to voice opposition to the decision, and on Tuesday, November 11 a virtual panel discussion featured prominent voices including Premier and Minister of Finance Dr. the Honourable Natalio D.
Vanterpools leadership (Jahphix Television). In remarks issued Wednesday, November 12, Ms. Vanterpool said she had accepted the responsibilities of Acting Commissioner "fully, worked hard, and remained committed to making the necessary changes within the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force to better protect and serve the people of this Territory." She noted she carried the acting role for more than a year, at times while the Deputy Commissioner and Assistant Commissioner posts were vacant, and pointed to documented achievements and improvements in operations, crime reduction efforts, community engagement and professionalism (VINO; JTV).
Acknowledging the decision to step back from the acting role, Ms. Vanterpool described the move as unfortunate but said she remains confident and resilient. "That encouragement has meant more to me than words can express, and it reminds me of the trust that so many have placed in my leadership," she wrote, adding that the support from within the Force and across the community has strengthened her resolve (JTV).
On Friday, November 14 Governor Daniel Pruce issued a clarifying statement explaining his decision and responding to public reaction. The governor said he "fully understands the public interest in this matter" and respects the right to demonstrate, but stressed that his choice was driven by a duty under the Constitution and the Police Act to protect and preserve security in the Virgin Islands.
Vanterpool "served far longer than anticipated" in the acting role and that an extended period of acting leadership can raise challenges for any organisation (VINO). Governor Pruce referred to an increasingly complex criminal landscape, recommendations for internal reform from a Law Enforcement Review earlier this year, and an ongoing vetting process as part of the context for his decision.
He also acknowledged he and Acting CoP Vanterpool did not always agree and said he felt it was his duty to "raise concerns about her performance," though he did not elaborate. The governor rejected claims the move was motivated by racism or sexism (VINO). Governor Pruce has named Richard Ullger, a former Commissioner of Police in Gibraltar, as his nominee for interim Commissioner of Police, a choice that has intensified public scrutiny because reports describe aspects of Ullgers past tenure as checkered (VINO).
Jahphix Television also reported that the Governor cited concerns about the extended period of acting leadership and organisational resilience when recommending an interim Acting Commissioner and noted the temporary post would be fully funded by the United Kingdom (JTV). For residents, immediate concerns remain: how the RVIPF will maintain momentum on recent crime reduction initiatives, preserve gains in community engagement, and address public calls for transparency and local leadership.
Vanterpool is expected to resume her substantive duties on November 18 and continue serving within the RVIPF senior leadership team. Additional advocacy events are planned as the Territory watches the formal handover and the Forces next steps (JTV; VINO).
Primary source: VINO