The United Kingdom-appointed Governor of the Virgin Islands, Daniel Pruce, has signed an agreement with the United Kingdom’s Home Office, which will enable the vetting of serving officers and applicants to His Majesty’s Prison Service, His Majesty’s Customs and the Department of Immigration. Photo: GIS

Vetting is a standard process used in law enforcement, border security and other sensitive public service roles, involving background and security-related checks to help identify and manage risks associated with positions of trust. Photo: Facebook/File

The Outsourcing Agreement, according to a Government Information Service (GIS) missive on September 18, 2026, is a major development that allows the vetting process set out in the Service Commissions Act to move forward, strengthening integrity, accountability and public confidence across key public service departments.

The agreement, GIS said, comes after extensive engagement between the Governor’s Office, the Public Service Commission, the Attorney General’s Chambers, the UK Home Office and the agencies.

Vetting is a standard process used in law enforcement, border security and other sensitive public service roles, involving background and security-related checks to help identify and manage risks associated with positions of trust.

The vetting agreement comes even as there has been pushback to the full vetting of police officers in the Virgin Islands, and the process has been legally suspended in part by a court injunction due to constitutional and privacy concerns raised by the Police Welfare Association. The outcome will determine whether the vetting proceeds as planned or is modified before completion.

It is unclear whether staff of His Majesty’s Prison Service, His Majesty’s Customs and the Department of Immigration have similar concerns.

 ‘Strong institutions depend on public trust'- Pruce

Governor Pruce said: "Strong institutions depend on public trust, and the people of the Virgin Islands rightly expect those serving in positions of trust to meet the highest standards.

"This agreement is an important step in implementing the vetting arrangements established in law and will help strengthen accountability and public confidence across key public service departments. It is about protecting the public interest while supporting the many officers who serve the Virgin Islands with dedication and professionalism."

According to the press release, officers will receive further information shortly about the vetting process, including the steps required to submit their applications.