Virgin Islanders Unite for Jackie Vanterpool
A cross‑section of Virgin Islands leaders and residents gathered in protest after Governor Daniel Pruce used Section 97 of the Constitution to decline confirmation of Acting Commissioner of Police Jacqueline E. Vanterpool. Speakers from government, opposition, clergy and civil society condemned the decision as unfair and called for accountability and unity.
A large gathering of politicians, clergy, businesspeople, civil servants and residents came together to protest Governor Daniel Pruce’s recent decision not to confirm Acting Commissioner of Police Jacqueline E. Vanterpool, a move the Governor made under Section 97 of the Constitution of the Virgin Islands.
The crowd included Premier and Minister of Finance Dr the Hon. Penn, along with business leaders, clergy and public servants. Organisers said the protest was about principle and protecting a sense of shared identity in the Territory. "Enough is enough," Premier Wheatley told the gathering, warning residents to pay attention or risk losing control of the Islands’ future.
He invoked the legacy of historic local struggles — mentioning Theodolph H. Faulkner, Carlton de Castro and Isaac Glanville 'Glanny' Fonseca — and asked why Vanterpool, whom he described as "a daughter of this soil" and a career member of the force, could be treated as if she were "nothing." He questioned why, if "Mr Ullger did not apply," Vanterpool could be disregarded.
Speakers accused the Governor’s action of discriminatory motives. Parillon called the move "ethnic" and "sexist" abuse and linked it to long‑standing aspirations for local leadership that past leaders championed. Flax‑Charles said the situation revealed "misogyny" in the Governor’s Office and argued Vanterpool had earned her position through education and service.
She expressed concern that a replacement might have "a questionable record." Dr. Pickering, another former legislator, said the Governor’s letter to Vanterpool was couched in "diplomatic language" but suggested there may be unstated reasons behind the decision. "Was this a setup? Was it deliberate?" he asked, urging more transparency.
Sharie B. de Castro said the Governor’s decision inadvertently united Virgin Islanders across party lines and beyond personal preferences. Cline urged sustained action, calling Vanterpool a catalyst for broader civic mobilisation. Speakers at the event said their demonstration was about fairness, representation and protecting hard‑won local gains.
They called for a fuller explanation of the Governor’s decision and signalled continued public scrutiny as the matter develops.
Primary source: VINO