Governor Daniel Pruce has said Ms Jacqueline E. Vanterpool has served as Acting Commissioner of Police (CoP) longer than anticipated. Photo: Facebook

Governor Daniel Pruce recognised the achievement of Vanterpool, describing her as a devoted servant of the Virgin Islands for decades. Photo: RVIPF

Governor Daniel Pruce’s decision to remove Ms Jacqueline E. Vanterpool as Acting Commissioner of Police and revert her to her substantive position as Deputy Commissioner of Police sparked widespread disapproval from Virgin Islanders. Photo: Facebok

In a statement on Friday, November 14, 2025, the governor sought to clarify his decision to reinstate Ms Vanterpool as Acting CoP and revert her to her substantive post as Deputy Commissioner of Police effective November 18, 2025. 

This decision has sparked widespread disapproval from Virgin Islanders who believe Ms Vanterpool is more than capable of leading the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF). 

I fully understand the public’s interest

“I fully understand the public interest in this matter, and I fully respect the right of people to demonstrate. I've been attentive to the views expressed, including the comments of colleagues in government,” he said. 

Governor Pruce reiterated that his decision was solely related to ensuring the effectiveness and the resilience of the RVIPF. 

“The security of the British Virgin Islands remains my number one priority. Indeed, I have a duty under the Constitution and the Police Act to protect and preserve that security. The RVIPF itself is operating in a challenging environment.”

The RVIPF, he said, is operating in a challenging environment, which includes an increasingly complex criminal landscape, the need for internal reform identified in the Law Enforcement Review earlier this year, and the vetting process of all police officers. 

Never a permanent placement 

“Acting Commissioner Vanterpool was appointed to the role last autumn. She has served far longer than anticipated when she was appointed.”

He reiterated that an extended period of acting leadership raises challenges for any organisation. 

“In addition, as I said, the nature of the challenges faced by the RVIPF and, therefore, the holder of this role has also changed… I felt I had a duty to take steps to ensure the efficient administration of the RVIPF. My view was that the best route to this was to move Acting Commissioner Vanterpool back to her substantive role of Deputy Commissioner.”

He went on to recognise the achievement of Vanterpool, describing her as a “devoted servant” of the Virgin Islands (VI) for decades. 

“I thank her for her service as Acting Commissioner this past year…We have collaborated intensively on the force's performance, the use of resources, the operational challenges.”

Governor Pruce admitted that he and Acting CoP Vanterpool did not always agree on everything and said he felt it was his duty to “raise concerns about her performance”, which he did not elaborate on. 

No racism or sexism influenced decision

The governor said his decisions are always driven by the priority to improve public safety and security in the VI. 

“Claims that my decision is rooted in racism or sexism are completely false.”

The governor’s decision led to a week of protest action, which included a protest outside the Governor’s Office, a panel discussion, the launch of a petition, and a march from the Road Town Police Station to the Governor’s Office.