Police officers and staff of the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) were left with answered questions following a meeting with Governor Daniel Pruce on November 10, 2025, regarding stripping local Jacqueline E. Vanterpool of the title of Acting Police Commissioner. Photo: RVIPF

The high-handed move by United Kingdom-appointed Governor Daniel Pruce to remove local Jacqueline E. Vanterpool (in photo) as Acting Commissioner of Police, despite the objections of the Police Service Commission (PoSC) has left many in the Virgin Islands confused, disturbed, and wanting answers. Photo: RVIPF

A protest was held on Monday, November 10, 2025, in front of the Governor’s Office, and protest activities are continuing in various forms throughout the week. Photo: Facebook

These include officers and staff of the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF), who recently requested an explanation from the governor, who agreed to meet the members of the RVIPF.

According to reports; however, the officers and staff were left none the better informed or satisfied as to the reasons for Vanterpool’s removal as the Acting top cop, as Governor Pruce did his usual dodging and vague responses.

Police officers ‘expressed concern’

According to a public missive from the RVIPF late Tuesday, November 11, 2025, the Acting Commissioner of Police issued a force-wide document informing officers and staff of a decision by His Excellency the Governor for her to revert to her substantive rank of Deputy Commissioner of Police.

This prompted an “emergency meeting” held on Friday, November 7, where the Acting Commissioner addressed members of the Force to further explain the Governor’s directive.

“Officers expressed concern and requested an opportunity to hear directly from His Excellency,” the RVIPF stated.

Dodging Daniel?

According to the press release, Governor Pruce accepted the request and met with members of the RVIPF on Monday, November 10, where he addressed the Force and answered questions in hopes of providing clarity on his decision.

“While officers appreciated the opportunity for open dialogue, many were still left with questions and concerns about the process and its implications for the organisation moving forward,” the RVIPF release stated.

Governor Pruce continues to give a straightforward answer for his controversial decision and only stated on a talk show on Monday that it was because of “developments in weeks and months”.

“The circumstances that have come to be through developments in recent weeks and months that I felt it was my duty to exercise judgment, which will see Acting Commissioner Vanterpool revert back to her Deputy Commissioner role…initiate the process to bring in an interim Acting Commissioner and whoever that may be,” Governor Pruce stated on Talking Points.

RVIPF remains ‘steadfast in mission’ to people

Meanwhile, the RVIPF stated; however, that it remains steadfast in its mission to serve and protect.

“Despite any changes that may come, our commitment to the safety and security of the Virgin Islands and its people remains unwavering.”

The unpopular decision, which some have even labelled as “sexist” and “racist”, has sparked community outrage.

What has been irking the people even more is that Governor Pruce’s pick to replace Vanterpool is a man with a shady past.

A protest was held on Monday, November 10, 2025, in front of the Governor’s Office, and protest activities are continuing in various forms throughout the week.

A grand march is planned for Friday, November 14, 2025, when a signed petition will be given to the governor.