VIP and NDP Unite Over Vanterpool
Leaders of the governing Virgin Islands Party (VIP) and opposition National Democratic Party (NDP) have joined forces to protest Governor Daniel Pruce’s decision to remove acting Police Commissioner Jacqueline Vanterpool. They have called a week-long, peaceful demonstration in Road Town starting this afternoon to challenge the UK-appointed governor’s unilateral action and press for greater local input in such decisions.
Leaders of the Virgin Islands Party (VIP) and the National Democratic Party (NDP) announced a joint, week-long protest in Road Town beginning this afternoon (Nov. 10) in response to Governor Daniel Pruce’s decision to demote acting Police Commissioner Jacqueline Vanterpool. NDP President Bishop John Cline and VIP President Sharia deCastro framed the demonstration as a non-partisan, territory-wide issue. "This has nothing to do with politics.
It has nothing to do with party," Cline said, urging residents to join what he called "one agenda" to "stand up for the soul of our country." He described Vanterpool’s removal as happening "without cause, without reason given," despite public praise for her leadership. DeCastro echoed calls for unity and stressed the protest is about territorial integrity and participation in decisions affecting the Virgin Islands.
She told supporters the UK’s handling of the matter was "a slap in the face" and demanded partnership rather than paternalism: "Decisions about us must be made with us. We are standing for partnership and not paternalism. Can we partner, can we make this about BVI and the fact that we are capable of deciding our destiny?" The controversy centres on the governor, a United Kingdom appointee, using reserve powers to move Vanterpool out of the acting commissioner role and put forward a British national as her replacement.
The move has reignited debate in the territory over the extent of the governor’s authority and how senior public appointments are made. Organisers describe the Road Town demonstrations as "peaceful but powerful, informed and unified, grounded in respect but uncompromising in principle and rooted in love for these Virgin Islands." The action will build through the week and organisers say it will culminate on Friday, when they aim to send a clear message to the United Kingdom about local involvement in governance decisions.
For many residents, the dispute raises broader questions about local autonomy, trust in public institutions and the role of UK-appointed officials in the territory. Party leaders urged people not to confine their concerns to private complaint but to join the public protest to make their voices heard.
As the planned demonstrations unfold, attention will remain on both the governor’s office and local political leaders for any developments, clarifications or responses to the calls for dialogue on how senior public service appointments should be handled in the British Virgin Islands.
Primary source: BVI News