Despite criticisms over his leadership style in the Virgin Islands, the United Kingdom-appointed Governor Mr Daniel Pruce has received a 1-year extension in his role by the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office. Photo: facebook

Mr Daniel Pruce’s (left) popularity in the Virgin Islands took a nosedive when he repeatedly blocked local Jacqueline E. Vanterpool (right) from becoming the first female Commissioner of Police in the territory. This was even after he publicly praised Ms Vanterpool for her performance as Acting Commissioner of Police. Photo: GIS/File

Governor Pruce, who has spent much of his time out of the territory over the past few months, made the disclosure of his 1-year-extension on the Office of the Governor’s Facebook page today, Friday, August 11, 2026.

“I also wanted to share, and for me this is great news, that I am absolutely delighted about my own tenure here [being extended] by one year. So, I will be in this role until January 2028.”

Governor Pruce said it is an “enormous privilege” for him to have the opportunity to “work here for longer, and, hopefully during that time to provide the best possible service I can to the people of the Virgin Islands.”

The extension means Mr Pruce will be the Governor when the next general elections are held.

Since May 2026, Governor Pruce had stated discussions were ongoing about the possibility of him remaining in the Virgin Islands beyond his 3-year term, which ends in January 2027.

Gov Pruce loses ratings

Mr Pruce’s popularity in the Virgin Islands took a nosedive when he repeatedly blocked local Jacqueline E. Vanterpool from becoming the first female Commissioner of Police in the territory. This was even after he publicly praised Ms Vanterpool for her performance as Acting Commissioner of Police.

Some argue the Governor violated the constitution when he refused to go along with the recommendation of the Police Service Commission (PoSC) to confirm Ms Vanterpool in the position of Commissioner of Police.

Instead, Governor Pruce reverted Ms Vanterpool to her substantive post of Deputy Commissioner of Police.

It was also in April 2025 that Governor Pruce allegedly almost got involved in a physical altercation with an outgoing passenger at Terrance B. Lettsome International Airport. Governor Pruce; however, denied those allegations.

Despite Mr Pruce's low ratings, he has been rewarded by the FCDO with another year as Governor of the Virgin Islands.

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