The Minister of State for Europe, North America and UK Overseas Territories, Stephen J. Doughty, told the United Kingdom Parliament on October 13, 2025, that he would not hesitate to 'act' if the VI did not speedily bring about improvements to law enforcement capability, including the critical implementation of vetting processes. Photo: BBC

In a letter to the Premier of the Virgin Islands, Dr the Honourable Natalio D. Wheatley (R7), from the Minister of State for Europe, North America and UK Overseas Territories, Stephen J. Doughty, dated September 22, 2025, Minister Doughty said the UK 'reserve the right to take any appropriate actions necessary in future, to work with you to uphold good governance, security and the rule of law, in line with our respective constitutional responsibilities and, most importantly, the mutual interests of the people of the Virgin Islands and the United Kingdom.' Photo: GIS/File

When the United Kingdom mentions the word 'partnership' when referring to its relationship with the Virgin Islands (VI), it appears to be referring to a two-edged sword. Photo: Internet Source/File

In fact, it continues to be bold about stating who is really the boss in the “partnership” and that the Virgin Islands really has no final say on any matter, even though it contributes zero finances to the territory’s national budget.

This continues to be one of the main reasons the Virgin Islands has been seeking more autonomy and is looking to prepare itself to walk, earlier rather than later, down that inevitable road of self-determination.

‘Serious issues’

It was Minister of State for Europe, North America and UK Overseas Territories, Stephen J. Doughty, who told the United Kingdom Parliament on October 13, 2025, that he would not hesitate to “act” if the VI did not speedily bring about improvements to law enforcement capability, including the critical implementation of vetting processes.

According to the UK Minister, he remains “deeply concerned” about the findings of a review of law enforcement agencies in the VI by His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire Rescue Services (HMICFRS), which identified a number of “serious issues”.

“We are working to support immediate improvements to law enforcement capability, including the critical implementation of vetting processes. It is vital that these and other changes are made with urgency and appropriate funding provided, to keep the people of the British Virgin Islands safe and to combat the serious and organised crime that impacts BVI, and on the United Kingdom, the region and our partners,” Mr Doughty stated.

The issue of vetting for police offices has been a controversial one, with Governor Daniel Pruce seemingly hellbent on ignoring the concerns of law enforcement officers and even a court ruling against the process.

‘I will not hesitate to act’- Stephen J. Doughty

Governor Pruce had even threatened to bring disciplinary measures against the Acting Police Commissioner, Jacqueline E. Vanterpool, for allegedly supporting her officers who had expressed concerns about the vetting process.

The Governor has since tried to remove Ms Vanterpool from the Acting CoP position; however, he has been blocked by the Police Service Commission (PSC).

But now it seems Mr Pruce is receiving the full support of Mr Doughty, who has already gone as far as making threats to the Premier.

 “I will not hesitate to act if urgent improvements are not made,” Mr Doughty told the UK Parliament in reference to law enforcement reforms in the VI.

It was the same Doughty who let the VI Premier know who is boss, after announcing in September that the imperialist draft Order in Council would be revoked.

UK reserves ‘right to take any appropriate actions’

Adding that he sincerely hopes the UK and the VI are now entering a new chapter for the Virgin Islands and "our relationship", Minister Doughty then essentially reminded the Premier that the UK has the final say on matters affecting the territory.

"You will understand, of course, we reserve the right to take any appropriate actions necessary in future, to work with you to uphold good governance, security and the rule of law, in line with our respective constitutional responsibilities and, most importantly, the mutual interests of the people of the Virgin Islands and the United Kingdom," Mr Doughty had stated in his letter to the Premier.

The draft Order in Council was instituted in 2022, almost immediately following the arrest of former Premier Andrew A. Fahie in Miami. It was designed to force the VI to implement "recommendations" in a Commission of Inquiry Report made by a lone commissioner and UK national handpicked by then Governor Augustus J. U. Jaspert, who advocated for the Commission of Inquiry during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Order came after an attempt to enforce direct rule on the VI was condemned by regional and international bodies, and people in the Virgin Islands had marched against it.