Premier Hon. Dr. Natalio D. Wheatley criticised Governor Daniel Pruce’s appointment of Richard Ulger as interim acting police commissioner, saying the decision sidestepped the established process and failed to respect the advice of the Police Service Commission.

Speaking during a press conference on Friday, Nov. 21, Wheatley said the Police Service Commission had already submitted a recommendation for a substantive Police Commissioner and that this recommendation is expected to come before the National Security Council soon. The Governor’s decision, he argued, pre-empted that process and created unnecessary tension around a critical public-security appointment.

“In my view, it would have been better to conclude that process before appointing an interim acting commissioner,” Wheatley said. “The Police Service Commission has made a recommendation, and that recommendation should have been allowed to proceed.”

The Premier also noted that Acting Commissioner Jacqueline Vanterpool was returned to her substantive post of Deputy Commissioner after serving as Commissioner for one year. While acknowledging that Governor Pruce acted within his constitutional authority, Wheatley expressed concern about how the authority was used.

“Though the Governor is within his constitutional rights, I am concerned that the way his discretion has been exercised is not in keeping with the modern partnership that the United Kingdom has committed to,” he said. “The process has been poorly handled and does not reflect transparency, good governance, or sensitivity to the legitimate concerns of the people of the Virgin Islands.”

The decision follows a week of public demonstrations, during which residents peacefully protested what they viewed as political overreach. Wheatley said he and his colleagues in the House of Assembly supported the public’s right to assemble. “Persons exercised their democratic right to assemble and peacefully protest,” he said. “We respected and supported that right.”

Wheatley said he raised his concerns directly with Steven Doughty, the United Kingdom Minister for the Overseas Territories, during a call on Wednesday. He added that he has also been in ongoing dialogue with Governor Bruce through Cabinet and the National Security Council.

The Premier linked the controversy to a broader constitutional conversation in the Territory. “The handling of this matter underscores the importance of negotiating a constitution that provides greater democratic accountability to the people of the Virgin Islands,” he said. “This includes devolving more responsibility to the elected government, including responsibility for internal security.”

Wheatley is scheduled to depart the Territory on Friday for the Joint Ministerial Council meetings in London, which he will co-chair in his capacity as President of the Political Council of UK Overseas Territories. The JMC, hosted by Minister Doughty at the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office, is the highest-level annual forum for dialogue between Overseas Territory leaders and His Majesty’s Government.

This year’s meeting, he said, “forms part of a broader reset in the relationship between the United Kingdom and the Overseas Territories.” The UK Government is expected to introduce a proposed Charter on Engagement, outlining new principles for transparency, communication, and collaboration. Leaders will also discuss bilateral compacts, long-term frameworks designed to strengthen planning and clarify shared priorities between the UK and participating territories.

Throughout the week, Overseas Territory leaders are scheduled to take part in plenary sessions, technical workshops, and political engagements covering security, development, governance, and economic planning. As Chair of the UK Overseas Territories Association, the Virgin Islands will play a central role in shaping collective positions.

Wheatley said he intends to continue voicing the concerns of Virgin Islanders at every level of discussion. “I will continue to engage in respectful dialogue with the Minister for the Overseas Territories and the Governor as we remain steadfast in defense of the security of the people of the Virgin Islands and their democratic rights,” he said.