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VI women salute Jacqueline E. Vanterpool on historic appointment

- Proverbial glass ceiling broken with local appointment, says Sharon Flax-Brutus
The recent historic appointment of Ms Jacqueline E. Vanterpool to the position of Superintendent of Police in the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) has seen many extending congratulations to the former Chief Inspector, who is an admirable and respected Virgin Islander. Photo: Facebook
One of the prominent women in the Virgin Islands to publicly express her delight at the appointment of Jacqueline E. Vanterpool as Superintendent of Police is Director of the BVI Tourist Board, Sharon Flax- Brutus. Photo: VINO/File
One of the prominent women in the Virgin Islands to publicly express her delight at the appointment of Jacqueline E. Vanterpool as Superintendent of Police is Director of the BVI Tourist Board, Sharon Flax- Brutus. Photo: VINO/File
The letter by Commissioner of Police Michael 'Mick' Matthews announcing Mrs Jacqueline E. Vanterpool's appointment to Superintendent of Police. Photo: Team of Reporters
The letter by Commissioner of Police Michael 'Mick' Matthews announcing Mrs Jacqueline E. Vanterpool's appointment to Superintendent of Police. Photo: Team of Reporters
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI - The recent historic appointment of Ms Jacqueline E. Vanterpool to the position of Superintendent of Police in the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) has seen many extending congratulations to the former Chief Inspector, who is an admirable and respected Virgin Islander.

The appointment, however, has especially been met with two thumbs up by women in the Virgin Islands since it is the first time a woman has been appointed to the rank of Superintendent of Police in the RVIPF.

Breaking Proverbial Glass Ceiling

One of the prominent women in the Virgin Islands to publically express her delight at the appointment of Vanterpool is Director of the BVI Tourist Board, Sharon Flax- Brutus.

"We salute you for breaking the proverbial glass ceiling in the BVI. Cuz!!! We are so very proud of you. There is a God and there is still fairness in the world. Warmest congratulations. You deserve it and we know you will make us all even prouder."

Efforts to reach Ms Flax-Brutus for further comments and to clarify what she means by "there is still fairness in the world" were futile.

Alleged discrimination in RVIPF

Over the past 10 years locals in the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force have reported that they feel oppressed and discriminated against. In the past 6 years some 50 percent of local officers have been forced out of the Police Force through retirement and other disciplinary issues.

Many of those who have retired have shared their experiences of lack of promotion and upward mobility in the Police Force, the target for discrimination via hash disciplinary charges and double standards in treatment and resources.

It is alleged that there is no active outreach to recruit locals, however, non-nationals coming to the Virgin Islands in the past year or two have an easier time joining the RVIPF.

Meanwhile, Virgin Gordians in particular have been expressing their approval at the appointment of Vanterpool, a Virgin Gordian.

On her Facebook page, Ms Vanterpool is congratulated by one Alecia Frett who said, "congrats Jackie on your high achievement as first female Superintendent.... I know you wouldn't let your RVIPF, Virgin Gorda and the entire British Virgin Islands down.  All the best to you in the new post. Blessings."

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

A copy of the letter announcing Mrs Vanterpool's appointment was obtained by our newsroom on June 30, 2016.

"I am delighted to announce that I have been notified by His Excellency the Governor that the successful applicant for promotion to the vacant rank of Superintendent is Acting Chief Inspector J. Vanterpool," the letter by Police Commissioner Mr Michael ‘Mick’ Matthews stated.

16 Responses to “VI women salute Jacqueline E. Vanterpool on historic appointment”

  • women power (02/07/2016, 11:14) Like (3) Dislike (1) Reply
    go girl!
    • NOW SHIP OUT TANTY (02/07/2016, 19:13) Like (0) Dislike (1) Reply
      Lets get Tanty far away from you. Haters will not prosper. Yippy 4Jacky
      • whothat (04/07/2016, 12:34) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
        And who is Tanty? When you writing, write it plain and simple. You have failed to communicate.
  • Andrew Cox (02/07/2016, 12:14) Like (6) Dislike (2) Reply
    Congratulations Officer Vanterpool you are truly an inspiration for others
  • Serpico (02/07/2016, 12:15) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
    All the phoney n fake cuzins hoing come out the crab hole now. Beware of the side winers.
  • james (02/07/2016, 12:16) Like (4) Dislike (1) Reply
    Congratulations Ms. Vanterpool!
  • Vantersmit (02/07/2016, 14:09) Like (4) Dislike (7) Reply
    Its all in a name! Nepotism rules in these islands.
  • ken (02/07/2016, 14:46) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    hope now that she in the position those same police officers do not undermined her
  • Strong Female (02/07/2016, 17:40) Like (6) Dislike (0) Reply
    This makes me so happy as a woman. Women here in the BVI is doing great things. Ms.Vanterpool, Kudoos to you.
    So happy. You are going to do a wonderful job.
  • @vantersmit (02/07/2016, 17:45) Like (3) Dislike (3) Reply
    She truely deserved this position. There's no nepotism in this one, she is stalwart for justice and fairness.
  • yesssss (02/07/2016, 21:00) Like (3) Dislike (1) Reply
    Congrats, job well done. Best of wishes to you. You are a shining example to women on the Island that with faith, determination and patience we can shine. Hope to see a woman Premier soon.

  • Knight Rider (02/07/2016, 21:15) Like (7) Dislike (1) Reply
    We the citizens of Virgin Gorda are pleased to welcome Jackie into the "Hall-of-Fame" of the RVIPF. When Virgin Islanders make the brave decision to serve Her Majesty,in the Police Force,we the people must commend them for their service.
    While there are other persons in the force who are also qualified for consideration and had applied for this position;The Queen's Representatives in the Virgin Islands-His Excellency,The Governor,in his discretion under section 97 of The Constitution determined that Jackie should be the one to be appointed to this Gazetted Rank,in Her Majesty's RVIPF.
    The good thing about this famous Virgin Gordian,is that-from her end of society,she holds no animosity toward people,and she sees no one as an enemy:She accepts constructive criticism in a democratic society with a view to do better: And that is the human-quality I anticipate she will demonstrate as a Superintendent of Police.Good luck,V.G Woman.
  • E. Leonard (02/07/2016, 23:10) Like (6) Dislike (1) Reply
    The annals of Virgin Islands' history will list Supt. Vanterpool as the first WOMAN to serve as Supt. of Police in the RVIPF. However, her appointment is much more. It is a tectonic shift for women in the Virgin Islands. Supt Vanterpool, a trail blazer, trend setter, role model.....etc has has put some wide cracks in the glass ceiling. Fran, big sis and proud momma, is smiling. Jacque( sorry Supt) congratulations! Go go forth with God's will, guidance hand and direction and make it happen, continuing to chart the path.
  • wife (02/07/2016, 23:42) Like (2) Dislike (5) Reply
    so fllax mars remarried ting to talk
    • imagine (03/07/2016, 05:42) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
      With comments like this is there any wonder why there aren't more Jacks and Jacquelines visible in an upward trajectory??? Small minds......
  • Local (03/07/2016, 04:23) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
    Congratulation Miss Vanterpool. Hope your promotion will help you to look at things that come under your job in a fair manner. If you keep your feet on the ground and treat all humans with respect more will come. This will help you to see that one must not take sides and try to destroy your fellowmen. Hope that in your position you will go out and try to mentor young Virginislanders to be respectful and apply to join the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force. Let them know that honesty, respect, good behavior and a life free from criminal activities will get them there.


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