Premier and Minister of Finance Dr the Hon Natalio D. Wheatley (R7) has questioned the handling of the process of selecting a new Commissioner of Police (CoP) for the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF), during a press conference on November 21, 2025. Photo: Facebook

Jacqueline E. Vanterpool was reverted to her substantive position of Deputy Commissionr of Police after serving as Acting Commissioner of Police for over a year. Photo: RVIPF

Richard Ullger (middle) was sworn into office as Interim Acting Commissioner of Police on November 19, 2025. Photo: Office of the Governor

Governor Daniel Pruce, using powers granted to him under the 2007 Constitution of the Virgin Islands (VI), decided to revert Ms Jacqueline E. Vanterpool to her substantive position as Deputy CoP after she had served as Acting CoP for over a year. 

During his announcement on November 7, 2025, Governor Pruce also informed that he had nominated Richard Ullger, the former Commissioner of Police of Gibraltar, as the interim Acting Commissioner of Police. 

Ullger was appointed interim Acting Commissioner of Police on Wednesday, November 19, 2025. 

Premier in dialogue with Hon Doughty & Governor 

Premier Wheatley, during a press conference on Friday, November 21, 2025, informed that he had a call with the Minister for Overseas Territories, Hon Stephen J. Doughty, on Thursday, November 20, 2025, and has been in dialogue with Governor Pruce on the matter via Cabinet and the National Security Council (NSC). 

“I respectfully expressed my disagreement with the decision to move forward with Mr Ullger’s appointment.”

He continued that the Police Service Commission (PSC) made a recommendation to the Governor for the appointment of a substantive Commissioner. The recommendation will be coming to the National Security Council imminently. 

“In my view, it would have been better to conclude that process before appointing an interim Acting Commissioner. 

He said that while Governor Pruce acted within his constitutional rights by acting contrary to the advice of the NSC, he is concerned the way Governor Pruce exercised that discretion is not “in keeping with the modern partnership” the UK had committed to. 

Process poorly handled 

Premier Wheatley added that he also believes the process for appointing a new Commissioner of Police was “poorly handled”. 

“[It] does not reflect transparency, good governance or sensitivity to the concerns of the people of the Virgin Islands.”

The handling of this matter, he continued, underscores the importance of negotiating a constitution for the Virgin Islands that provides a greater democratic accountability to the people, through devolving more responsibility to the elected government, including responsibility for internal security. 

Premier Wheatley said he will continue to engage in respectful dialogue with Hon Doughty and the Governor as “we remain steadfast in defence of the security of the people of the Virgin Islands and their democratic rights”.