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High Court temporarily blocks Governor’s police vetting process

- Controversial vetting process was deemed 'very intrusive'
The Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court (ECSC) in the High Court of Justice (Civil Division) has dealt a blow to United Kingdom-appointed Governor Daniel Pruce, left, seen here with Acting Commissioner of Police Jacqueline E. Vanterpool, by granting an injunction preventing the Governor from proceeding with the controversial vetting of police officers until the court rules otherwise. Photo: GIS/File
The Police Welfare Association (PWA), led by its Chairman Mr Sean A. Mcall, had moved to the courts over the controversial vetting process required of law enforcement officers. Photo: Facebook/File
The Police Welfare Association (PWA), led by its Chairman Mr Sean A. Mcall, had moved to the courts over the controversial vetting process required of law enforcement officers. Photo: Facebook/File
Under the order of the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court (ECSC), the government must confirm within 14 days whether any vetting information has been forwarded to independent bodies as outlined in the regulations. The parties have 21 days to submit written arguments on costs. Photo: ECSC
Under the order of the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court (ECSC), the government must confirm within 14 days whether any vetting information has been forwarded to independent bodies as outlined in the regulations. The parties have 21 days to submit written arguments on costs. Photo: ECSC
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI- The Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court (ECSC) in the High Court of Justice (Civil Division) has dealt a blow to United Kingdom-appointed Governor Daniel Pruce by granting an injunction preventing the Governor from proceeding with the controversial vetting of police officers until the court rules otherwise.

The injunction, issued on August 11, 2025, by Acting Justice Akilah Anderson, prevents the Commissioner of Police and the Police Service Commission from initiating disciplinary or criminal proceedings against current members of the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) and Auxiliary Force for failing to comply with specific vetting requirements.

These include submitting prescribed vetting forms, third-party consent forms for financial disclosures, and written updates on changes to previously submitted information.

The temporary halt to certain provisions of the Police (Amendment) Regulations, 2025, came following a legal challenge by Sean A. McCall, Chairman of the Police Welfare Association (PWA), against Governor Daniel Pruce.

The PWA had applied to the High Court in June 2025 for an injunction against the “very intrusive” process until the concerns of officers are adequately addressed.

The PWA contends the vetting process, introduced through the 2024 and 2025 amendments, is unconstitutional and infringes on officers’ rights under the Virgin Islands Constitution Order, 2007.

Vetting form ‘very intrusive’

Further, the PWA stated that the Police Amendment Regulations centralise authority and much initial activity in the Defendant [Governor] to act as complainant and investigator, when by statute, he is also to play an appellate role in final decision-making.

Acting Commissioner of Police Ms Jacqueline E. Vanterpool, in an interview with JTV Channel 55 on May 9, 2025, said the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) fully supports vetting of its officers and that “it must be done.”

She added, however, that while it is a pivotal step for the RVIPF, officers are not “at a place of comfort” when it comes to the process. 

“As I said, we have no problem with it, but the vetting form, it is very intrusive, very intrusive, in terms of the information that we have to disseminate on the form that is being asked.”

Under the court’s order, the government must confirm within 14 days whether any vetting information has been forwarded to independent bodies as outlined in the regulations. The parties have 21 days to submit written arguments on costs.

See related article below:

Police officers taking governor to court over ‘very intrusive’ vetting process

17 Responses to “High Court temporarily blocks Governor’s police vetting process”

  • Is the BVI a Real Place (12/08/2025, 11:34) Like (42) Dislike (20) Reply
    This decision is absolutely ludicrous. Why would you want to protect dishonest officers. Come on Dame Hodge get a grip with these clowns
    • John (12/08/2025, 12:04) Like (18) Dislike (19) Reply
      This has nothing to do with corrupt officers because they will not be spared. It’s about the slave masters wanted to do anything with what they considered as their property.
      • @John (12/08/2025, 20:50) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
        why you talk about slave masters 200 years later. The island has been self governing for decades and you keep on playing your old tune of slave master this, colonial that. Pathetic excuses for not doing better on this island of corruption, adultery and crime...
    • ... (12/08/2025, 18:21) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      An injunction is not a verdict. It’s a pause button, not a full stop. The court has temporarily restrained action pending full review, not ruled on the constitutionality of the vetting regime.
    • for real (12/08/2025, 20:36) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      You ignorant
  • Cindy (12/08/2025, 11:46) Like (24) Dislike (24) Reply
    This is good news against the racist mob behavior thinking we are all corrupt
    • The Court is wrong. (12/08/2025, 12:29) Like (18) Dislike (14) Reply
      Ghe request by the Gov and co.missioner for vetting purposes in my view is fair & warranted. .These Judges need to relax and let the system process work..
    • @cindy (12/08/2025, 20:51) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
      not all, only 90% is corrupt..blessed is our God who sees everything
  • CLAP CLAP CLAP (12/08/2025, 12:17) Like (15) Dislike (12) Reply
    Positive ruling let us start by vetting governors and uk police officers
  • ... (12/08/2025, 12:56) Like (7) Dislike (5) Reply
    The police that want complete immunity for damages and mistakes over everyone else want their rights to privacy. You can't make this up.
  • Anonymous (12/08/2025, 13:27) Like (17) Dislike (3) Reply
    This is a good day for the bvi and justice let the governor go vet mark Collins
  • Informed (12/08/2025, 15:12) Like (6) Dislike (3) Reply
    Lets not forget the 2 Tons of cocaine discovered in the Police mans garden in a container and 3 yard truck. THis was the Biggest Drug Bust ever on British Soil even above the UK so its a major concern when people dont want to be vetted. If you have nothing to hide its not an issue. The BVI wants to become independent and wont become this until the corruption is stamped out and people are held accountable. Then the BVI can thrive and be the wonderful place we want it to become.
  • I support the bros (12/08/2025, 15:37) Like (0) Dislike (1) Reply
    Don't mind the noise once Aya locking up your own and getting guns and pushing big drug bust I with y'all!!!
  • de silent one (12/08/2025, 18:10) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    It seems as though that the vetting process need to be revisited for clarity as it relates to the form and questioning. The vetting should/must proceed for total transparency, you do nothing, you fare nothing period
  • justin (12/08/2025, 20:23) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    whatever happened to those policemen who have been charged with criminal conduct while on active duty and somewhere given bail but no longer in this jurisdiction
  • @The Court is wrong (12/08/2025, 21:14) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    U is who wrong u is one big C**t


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