Breaking up the boys club! From left: Deputy Police Commissioner Alwyn James, Superintendent of Police Jacqueline E. Vanterpool, Commissioner Michael 'Mick' Matthews and Superintendent St Clair Amory. Photo: VINO

Women's advocate Gloria Fahie (2nd from right) and Cabinet Secretary Sandra Ward (3rd from right) were among the many women well wishers of Jacqueline E. Vanterpool. Photo: VINO

Women power! Photo: VINO

Superintendent of Police Jacqueline E. Vanterpool is presented with a bouquet. Photo: VINO

From left: Opposition Leader Hon Julian Fraser RA (R3), Zoe Matthews (wife of Police Commissioner Michael Matthews), Superintendent of Police Jacqueline E. Vanterpool and Minister for Education and Culture Hon Myron V. Walwyn. Photo: VINO

Commissioner Matthews was among the first to affix his signature! Photo: VINO

Raising a toast for new Superintendent of Police Jacqueline E. Vanterpool. Photo: VINO

Raising a toast for new Superintendent of Police Jacqueline E. Vanterpool. Photo: VINO

Opposition Leader and Third District Representative, Hon Julian Fraser RA gives a congratulatory hug to Superintendent of Police, Jacqueline E. Vanterpool. Photo: VINO

Among those in attendance to share in the proud moment were Commissioner of Police Michael ‘Mick’ Matthews, Minister for Education and Culture Hon Myron V. Walwyn, Opposition Leader Hon Julian Fraser RA (R3), Cabinet Secretary Sandra Ward, members of the Police Service Commission (PSC) and family and friends of Superintendent Vanterpool.

Virgin Islands News Online was first to report in February of this year that then Chief Inspector Vanterpool was tipped for the position of Superintendent of Police and was also first to report on her subsequent appointment last month.

‘I dreamt of being a police officer’

The lady of the moment was her usual calm and humble demeanour as she spoke briefly about her journey as a police officer that started on July 2, 1991 when she embarked on a 6 month course in Antigua.

“I knew from a very early age that I wanted to be a police officer. I thought it, I dreamt it and I kept it before me all the days of my life. I tried teaching, I tried nursing, I even worked as a postal clerk at the post office,” Vanterpool said, adding that she found none of those jobs fulfilling.

She also shared that her six months of training in Antigua was met with many challenges and frustration and during that period she even submitted three resignation letters, but they were all torn up by the chief instructors as they refused to let her quit.

I will maintain integrity, passion

Now 25 years in the force and holding a position that was never occupied by a female in the RVIPF for 50 years, Vanterpool vowed to continue to be the same character that made her join the force in the first place.

“I will maintain my integrity. I will never lose my passion for protecting these lovely Virgin Islands. I stand on my faith and the promises that God has given me in his word that says I Jacqueline E. Vanterpool can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”

Turning to her fellow female colleagues in the RVIPF, Vanterpool admitted that she had a number of challenges being a police officer and even a greater challenge being a female officer. “But I want to encourage you to hold on to the passion that propelled you to become a police officer. Persistence, dedication, and faithfulness to the duties and responsibilities given to each of us to achieve the position that has been entrusted…”

She also encourage all the members of RVIPF to take the force to a level of excellence, noting that she welcomes the cooperation and that she looks forward to working with every one of them.

“Continue to be diligent and committed and establish a moral compass for all of your lives,” Vanterpool encouraged.

Soon to be new Head of Operations

Commissioner Matthews said he was delighted about the appointment of Vanterpool and announced that she was soon going to be the RVIPF’s new Head of Operations.

He also said he was honoured to be the Commissioner “who happened to be around” at such a significant occasion for the RVIPF and that Vanterpool has his “absolute, 100% support.”

“What this is about is pride. This is about pride in a local girl that spent the last 24 years policing these islands and much to the protest of the good people of Virgin Gorda when they heard that she is leaving, she is now coming to join the senior team at headquarters.”

Matthews also said he was delighted for the community of the Virgin Islands since there is always the question of identity. “Whenever I look around and worry about local identity I know that I have got one of the most senior police in the force next to me who will always remind me how important local identity is and how important the local culture is. And we will keep it alive Jackie.”

Woman of high esteem

Hon Walwyn in his remarks said he holds Vanterpool in very high esteem and that she came from good lineage in that all of her siblings are making their contributions to the Virgin Islands.

He urged all in the RVIPF to give Vanterpool their full support.

Leader of the Opposition Hon Fraser, in congratulating Vanterpool, said the appointment was one that should have been made a long time ago.

He also said the Opposition has always been a supporter of the RVIPF as he personally believes that whatever police need they should get. This was met with loud applause.

Following the remarks, a toast was done in honour of Vanterpool who was soon surrounded with persons giving personal congratulations, capturing a photographic moment or giving a hug to the first female Superintendent of Police in the RVIPF.