A public petition is circulating across the Virgin Islands in support of Acting Commissioner of Police Jacqueline E. Vanterpool, urging the Governor to engage directly with residents regarding concerns about the management and leadership of the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF).
Acting Commissioner Vanterpool, a veteran officer with years of distinguished service, is among the first Virgin Islanders to hold the position. Her appointment has drawn significant attention and sparked discussion about local representation and leadership within the territory’s key institutions.
The petition, launched today November 12, under the banner “We the People of the Virgin Islands,” calls on His Excellency the Governor to publicly acknowledge receipt of the petition and to convene a town hall meeting no later than November 24, 2025, to hear directly from residents about their concerns.
The document emphasizes that the Virgin Islands have “qualified individuals with the knowledge, capability, capacity, expertise, and willingness to manage the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force.” It asserts that the people of the territory possess the competence and commitment necessary to lead their own public institutions effectively.
Supporters of the petition further declare unity with Acting Commissioner Vanterpool, stating that they “stand united against any attempts to disenfranchise, demoralize, or disparage” her. The petition affirms the collective will of the people “to ensure the best interest of our beloved and beautiful Virgin Islands.”
As signatures continue to be collected, the petition reflects a growing call for open dialogue, transparency, and respect for local leadership within the RVIPF and other areas of public service.
The petition concludes with a declaration of solidarity:
“We, the People of the Virgin Islands, stand united for fairness, respect, and the empowerment of our own.”
The fugitive known as John Dawn Emmanuel, also identified as Brent Dain Danglade and the alias “Small Brent,” who was first named by the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) in connection with the May 2025 murder of Nyron Erickson in Tortola, is now also being sought by authorities in Sint Maarten in relation to a separate double homicide investigation.
Emmanuel was publicly identified in May 2025 as the prime suspect in the killing of Erickson and was considered armed and dangerous. At the time, BVI authorities launched an intensive manhunt and warned residents not to approach him.
Now, nearly a year later, the Public Prosecutor’s Office in Sint Maarten and KPSM Police have issued their own wanted notice, identifying the same suspect as the alleged shooter in the March 2, 2026 “Alligator” double murder investigation on Arlet Peters Road.
The victims in that case were Damien Sylvester and Denisha Delancy. Prosecutors described the incident as a targeted killing aimed at Sylvester, with Delancy believed to have been an unintended victim.
Police in Sint Maarten have released several images from different periods to show the public how Emmanuel has appeared over time, including both recent and older photographs. The published images highlight noticeable differences in his appearance across various stages, while investigators also noted that he has an elongated tattoo on the inside of his right forearm.
While law enforcement agencies across the Caribbean are coordinating efforts to locate him, JTV News BVI has not independently confirmed any active murder warrant issued by U.S. Virgin Islands authorities specifically charging Emmanuel. Current publicly documented wanted notices primarily involve the BVI murder investigation and the Sint Maarten double murder case. Regional cooperation with neighboring jurisdictions, including U.S. agencies, has been reported as part of broader search efforts.
Police continue to urge residents throughout the Virgin Islands and neighboring territories not to approach the suspect and to report any information directly to law enforcement.
JTV News will continue following developments in this major regional manhunt.
The Royal Virgin Islands Police Force has confirmed that Tarik Aaron was arrested shortly before midnight on Friday, April 17, on extradition orders issued by authorities in the United States Virgin Islands, and has since appeared before the Magistrate’s Court.
According to police, the arrest was carried out in connection with a request from USVI authorities, though further details have not been disclosed.
Aaron appeared before the Magistrate’s Court today and was denied bail.
Further updates are expected as more information becomes available.
Six new police vehicles have been added to the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) fleet as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen law enforcement capacity in the Territory.
The force stated that the vehicles will support policing operations by improving mobility, response times and visibility across communities in the Virgin Islands.
“These additions form part of our continued efforts to enhance operational capacity and visibility across our communities,” the RVIPF said in a statement.
The vehicles are expected to be deployed on roads throughout the Territory as they begin active patrols in support of law enforcement duties.
The RVIPF also indicated that additional vehicles are expected to arrive in the coming months, further expanding the resources available to officers.