Virgin Islanders are being called upon to sign the Virgin Islands Petition Against Governor's Commissioner Decision. Photo: ipeitions.com

Bishop John I. Cline explained that the petition seeks from Governor Pruce a report to the people about his decision on Acting CoP Vanterpool, among other important matters. Photo: Facebook/My BVI

The petition is against Governor Daniel Pruce’s decision to remove Acting Commissioner (CoP) Jacqueline E. Vanterpool from her acting position and revert her to her substantive role as Deputy Commissioner of Police. 

The Governor’s decision a week ago has come under extreme scrutiny from Virgin Islanders, leading to protest action this week, beginning Monday, November 10, 2025. 

Speaking to Virgin Islands News Online (VINO) today, Thursday, November 13, 2025, Bishop John I. Cline explained that the petition seeks from Governor Pruce a report to the people about his decision on Acting CoP Vanterpool, in addition to informing him that the appointment of his nominee for interim CoP, Richard Ullger, a United Kingdom (UK) national, is not welcomed and should be rescinded. 

The petition also calls for the reinstatement of Ms Vanterpool as Acting CoP “until the due process of selecting a new commissioner is completed, which she has applied for”, he added. 

Bishop Cline said the petition also seeks to inform the governor of the feelings of the people about his “unilateral decision”, which can be described as “a breach of good governance and transparency in the process”, as he ignored the advice and recommendation of the Police Service Commission, which he is “legally bound to listen to and take seriously”. 

These advisors, Bishop Cline said, were put in place to serve as guardrails and checks and balances of power. 

“For him to have taken the decision that he did against the advice of the PSC, we find, is an overreach of his powers.”

This is not pomp and circumstance

When asked what he hopes will come from this petition, Bishop Cline said it is not a show but a demand from the people for the governor to listen to their voices, adhere to the recommendation of the Police Service Commission and represent the Virgin Islands and not the wishes of the UK. 

The petition, he informed, will not only be presented to Governor Pruce but also to the UK and the Foreign Minister. 

“We want action. We will not be doing all this if we didn't expect the results that the people desire. This is not pomp and circumstance, I can guarantee you that.”

The petition has been circulating via Facebook, various group chats and through organisations and groups. 

VI stand up & make your voices heard 

Bishop Cline encouraged Virgin Islanders to support to petition, which he said they feel represents the wishes of the people for accountability and transparency and the rule of law. 

“He has gone unchecked in this decision, and we, the people, must check him. So we are asking everyone to sign this petition. The BVI belongs to the people of the BVI.”

Elected officials and the appointed governor, he added, should be a government for the people, by the people and of the people, and should be held accountable whenever they step out of line. 

“We’re saying to the Governor, even though you have been appointed, we know we don’t have a vote to appoint you, we have a voice, and the BVI belongs to BVIslanders, it does not belong to the UK, and the people need to stand up and make their voices heard.”

The Virgin Islands Petition Against Governor's Commissioner Decision can be found at the link below: 

https://www.ipetitions.com/petition/virgin-islands-petition-against-governors?fbclid=IwY2xjawOC_cVleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZBAxNzM1NzQyOTU5ODQyMjIyAAEe5M7ztVVYFxxNB6Lce4UadfOguwrvC8VgQrD-mw0wjsKZtM6f5VxBqETBE7E_aem_D6qiuW9H4NfguCx2VDjcDw