A public protest has been organised for Monday, Nov. 10, outside the Governor’s Office in Road Town to oppose the removal of Acting Police Commissioner Jacqueline Vanterpool from her post.

Flyers circulated on social media over the weekend described the removal as “unjust,” urging residents to gather at 3:30 p.m. under the slogan “Our City. Our Choice.” The demonstration follows growing public discussion and online debate over Vanterpool’s departure and the appointment of former Royal Gibraltar Police Commissioner Richard Ullger as interim commissioner.

Governor Daniel Pruce announced on Nov. 6 that Ullger had been recommended to serve as acting head of the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF), pending formal approval by the Police Service Commission and the National Security Council. Vanterpool, who led the force in an acting capacity for more than a year, is expected to return to her position as deputy commissioner.

In a statement, Pruce said the temporary appointment aims to “ensure continuity and stability” within the force. He added that Ullger, who previously served as police commissioner in Gibraltar and held senior roles in the Falkland Islands and St. Helena, “has extensive experience within the UK’s Overseas Territories.”

The governor also thanked Vanterpool for her service, describing the past year as a demanding period for the police force. “I would like to take this opportunity to thank Ms. Vanterpool for her service as acting commissioner over the past twelve months,” Pruce said.

Vanterpool’s removal has drawn strong reactions from members of the public and her family. On Nov. 7, her sister Janiece Flax, who resides in the United States, issued a Facebook statement calling on Virgin Islanders “to take a stand for justice,” describing her sister’s record as “unblemished” and her leadership as “a testament to her dedication and character.”

“We kindly request that everyone joins us in advocating for my sister’s appointment as Commissioner of Police for the British Virgin Islands,” Flax wrote. The post attracted dozens of comments supporting Vanterpool, with several users urging that the territory’s top policing post be filled by a Virgin Islander.

Under the Virgin Islands Constitution Order, 2007, the Governor holds authority to appoint or remove senior officers of the Police Force, acting on the advice of the Police Service Commission. The Constitution also allows the Governor to act “otherwise than in accordance with” that advice if doing so is deemed necessary to protect “His Majesty’s service.”

Governor Pruce has not released details regarding the reasons for Vanterpool’s removal. The decision comes amid continuing discussion in the territory about local leadership within law enforcement and the role of the United Kingdom in policing and national security matters.