Businessman and former political candidate Mr. Troy E. Christopher has expressed his concern that the UK policing structure does not serve as a shining example for the Virgin Islands.Photo:Facebook

He shared his views during the Umoja program on ZBVI 780 AM on November 12, 2025, as discussions continue regarding the removal of local Jacqueline E. Vanterpool as Acting Commissioner of Police, with plans to replace her with a male UK national. RVIPF/YOUTUBE

He further highlighted that there have been discrepancies within the UK Metropolitan Police Force, asserting that the Virgin Islands should not follow their model. Photo: Internet Source

He shared his views during the Umoja programme on ZBVI 780 AM on November 12, 2025, as discussions continued regarding the controversial removal of local Jacqueline E. Vanterpool as Acting Commissioner of Police, with plans to replace her with a male former Commissioner of Police from Gibraltar.

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Several individuals have spoken out against this decision, and tensions continue to rise in the public. There will be a march against the decision at 3:00 PM today, November 14, 2025, and a signed petition is to be issued to the Governor expressing the public's support for Ms Vanterpool and their displeasure with the Governor's decision.

Christopher emphasised, "The UK does not have any shining example to show us about policing. Their records are really tarnished."

The UK has had a long history of bringing white UK nationals to serve as Police Commissioners, even while there are qualified persons in the force and in the Caribbean to lead the RVIPF.

Discrepancies in UK Metropolitan Police Force

Christopher further highlighted that there have been discrepancies within the UK Metropolitan Police Force, asserting that the Virgin Islands should not follow their model. He questioned, "What is it about the UK's structure that you think that we should be fascinated with? Because there are so many reports and challenges that the UK is having within their police force.’’

Baroness Casey Report

Christopher referenced a report by Baroness Casey published in March 2023, which criticised the Metropolitan Police Force for being institutionally racist, misogynistic, and homophobic. He noted that the report concludes that systemic failures have allowed predatory and discriminatory behaviours to flourish, detailing the mistreatment of women and various misconduct within the force. 

He further added that, "It is only if we are not informed people, that we could figure well we should take all lessons from the UK's police force, because over and over they continue to have problems."