Premier Wheatley tells UK OTs Minister about his disagreement with Gov Pruce
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”.
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25 Responses to “Premier Wheatley tells UK OTs Minister about his disagreement with Gov Pruce”
I understand why this moment may feel like an opening to stand as a champion of what appears to be an emerging grassroots movement. But even the most inspiring movements must respect a simple, timeless truth: in any organization with paramilitary or military characteristics, the chain of command is not merely a formality — it is the spine that holds the institution upright.
When that chain is ignored or casually set aside, disorder is almost inevitable. And when directives are not followed, consequences follow not out of malice, but out of the need to preserve the integrity and cohesion of the whole.
Keep the ball rolling governor, good job!
Despite Natalio also saying Commissions should not be ignored in the case of the Governor.
Hope he told Mr Doughty that he thought he was David Doughty the Hedgehog Man when he is really Stephen Doughty the respected Minister of State for Europe, North America and Overseas Territories in the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office.
Hope he told MR Doughty he has mislaid $5million and he has not found out why or how yet.
Hope he told Mr Doughty he also lost $20 Million when calculating wages recently that had to be found out of other budgets.
Hope Natalio (487votes) let Mr Doughty know that he and many of his colleagues now get paid more than Mr Doughty who gets paid approximately £125,584 despite being the Minster (17428 votes) responsible for the 270,000 people living in the Overseas Territories and he is the UK Minister responsible for policy on Europe, North America, and the Overseas Territories. Thousands of FCDO staff work on these areas and support his policy decisions.
Hope he let Mr Doughty know that 99.86% of the people are not in agreement with Natalio Wheatly and the HOA.
The following is an AI Overview of a modern partnership : “The UK's modern partnership with its Overseas Territories (OTs) is a "modern partnership" based on shared democratic values, mutual respect, and collaboration. Key aspects include deepening bilateral relationships through 'Compacts' (bespoke agreements on specific issues), improving transparency, supporting the OTs to take on more responsibilities they choose, and consulting them on UK legislation that affects them. The partnership also involves working together on shared challenges like climate change and strengthening their collective voice on the international stage. “
Moreover, leadership is not only about control and power but also and more so about behavior. A leader’s words in action carries greater weight than his/her words in print.Dr. Hon Premier Natalio Wheatley, active engaging with the Minister of Overseas Territory, the Hon Stephen J. Doughty, and UK-appointed Governor Daniel Pruce represents words in action in regards to Governor Pruce’s poor handling of the appointing Acting CoP, writ large the recruiting for the of CoP, and the seemingly don’t give a damn attitude and behavior towards Virgin Islanders desires, reflecting his dissatisfaction , disappointment, displeasure, etc. Nonetheless , the question though is despite the poor leadership and management exhibited on the filling of the vacant CoP position a fait accompli? Further, is there any air/daylight between Governor Pruce action(s) and the FCDO ( Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office). How and where can Virgin Islanders get their issues, concerns fairly redressed?
Moreover, though the expressed diplomatic displeasure on the poor handling of the vacant CoP issue is critical, vital, welcome, needed, etc. the active voices of Virgin Islanders carry much weight as was the case with the Great March of November 24, 1949, the voices supporting Noel Lloyd and PAM( Positive Action Movement) in 1968, the voices supporting The 1853 Cattle Riot protest, the voices supporting Christopher Fleming protest in 1890 and so on.
Further, successful protest, agitation, and advocation of cause(s) are not one act plays; they require persistence, consistency., etc. Currently, it seems as if the exercise of unilateral power granted under the constitution strengthened and emboldened the colonialists, for they know that there will be little or no serious, persistent peaceful pushback. A wise sage notes that a silent dog may die of hunger.
Moreover, needed change does not happened by osmosis, complacency, etc; it requires active fight, sacrifice, etc. Frederick Douglass in an 1857 speech on West Indian Emancipation notes: “ If there is no struggle, there is no progress.” No fight, no progress. Virgin Islanders cannot depend on others to fight their battles to effect change; they must unite and take the bull by the horn. Further, are Virgin Islanders prisoners to the practices of Willie Lynch in making a slave, ie, distrust, fear, and envy? Are the practices still flourishing in the VI? Who determines what is in the best interest of the community? For me, it is the community working collectively, cooperatively, and collaboratively. There is power and strength in unified numbers; power follows the numbers. Virgin Islanders must ethno-aggregate, ie, the concentration of effort,,resources, electoral muscle , etc., around a community’s common need to improve its economic, social, and political governance, etc.,to be effective. The process of ethno-aggregating is used everyday by various group to fight for their common/ best interests. It can be employed by Virgin Islanders. Are vices of colonialism , ie,,control, exclusion,,racial hierarchy, special privileges, entitlements, etc, embedded in the modern partnership? Will the current undemocratic practices be weeded out the next constitution?
—“ Further, are Virgin Islanders prisoners to the practices of Willie Lynch in making a slave, ie, distrust, fear, and envy? ”
—“ Further, successful protest, agitation, and advocation of cause(s) are not one act plays; they require persistence, consistency.”
—-“ Currently, it seems as if the exercise of unilateral power granted under the constitution strengthened and emboldened the colonialists, for they know that there will be little or no serious, persistent peaceful pushback.”
—“ There is power and strength in unified numbers; power follows the numbers.”
—“ Are vices of colonialism , ie,,control, exclusion,,racial hierarchy, special privileges, entitlements, etc, embedded in the modern partnership?
And more…..
And our premiere Wheatley had to travel all the way to UK to be subjected by the royal family and accept their solutions