Governor Daniel Pruce rejected accusations that racism or sexism played a role in his decision to remove Acting Police Commissioner Jackie Vaterpool, saying the reassignment was based solely on his constitutional responsibility to ensure the security and effectiveness of the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force. The statement came as debate continued following a Nov. 11 protest in Road Town that united government and opposition leaders in opposition to the move.
Pruce expanded on his position in a video released Friday, Nov. 14, on the HM Governor’s Office official Facebook page, where he further outlined the reasons for returning Vanterpool to her substantive post as deputy commissioner and addressed public concerns regarding the transition in police leadership.
In both his written statement and Friday’s video message, Pruce said the decision to reassign Vanterpool was necessary to maintain stable, effective leadership within the RVIPF amid a changing and increasingly complex criminal environment. He noted that Vanterpool, who has served in the acting role since last autumn, had remained in the position “far longer than anticipated,” and that extended acting appointments can challenge the operational needs of any organization.
“I have a duty under the Constitution and the Police Act to protect and preserve security,” Pruce said. “My decisions are and always will be driven by one priority, and that is improving public safety and security in these islands.” He described allegations of racism or sexism as “completely false.”
The Governor also highlighted the ongoing vetting of all police officers, launched earlier this year, calling the process essential to supporting internal reform, building public trust and ensuring the long-term success of the RVIPF. A law enforcement review conducted earlier this year identified several areas needing improvement, he said.
Pruce acknowledged Vanterpool’s decades of service and thanked her for her leadership during the past year. He said he had worked closely with her during her tenure but noted that he had, at times, “a duty to raise concerns” about her performance. He said it would be inappropriate to discuss those concerns publicly.
The Governor reiterated that he has nominated Richard Ullger, former commissioner of police in Gibraltar, to serve as interim acting commissioner beginning Nov. 18. He emphasized that the appointment is temporary, follows the usual constitutional procedure and is not linked to the ongoing recruitment process for a permanent commissioner. Addressing reports of past allegations involving Ullger, Pruce said a review by the United Kingdom’s National Crime Agency “found no supporting evidence.”
At the Nov. 11 protest, Premier Wheatley accused the Governor of sidelining local leadership and warned that the decision could form part of broader external interference in key institutions. “Yes to democracy, no to dictatorship,” Wheatley told the crowd. “Jackie has been disrespected, disregarded and ignored.”
The Nov. 11 protest outside the Governor’s Office drew Premier Natalio D. Wheatley, Education Minister Sharie de Castro, Health Minister Vincent O. Wheatley, Deputy Speaker Karl Dawson, Junior Minister Lorna Smith, Junior Minister Luce Hodge-Smith, Opposition Leader Myron V. Walwyn, District Representative Mitch Turnbull, Territorial At-Large Representative Stacy Mather and District Representative Marlon Penn. Aaron Parillon of the Virgin Islands Communal Association, Kyle Ricketts and former legislator Dr. Kedrick Pickering also addressed the gathering.
The search for a permanent commissioner continues under the Police Service Commission, with Pruce expected to consider its recommendation after consulting the National Security Council.
Vanterpool, the first Virgin Islander woman to serve as acting commissioner, has not publicly commented on her reassignment.
