VI women salute Jacqueline E. Vanterpool on historic appointment
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”
So happy. You are going to do a wonderful job.
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.