Governor pressed on alleged bid to remove Acting Commissioner
Acting Police Commissioner Jacqueline Vanterpool
Governor Daniel Pruce has dodged claims that he sought to remove Acting Police Commissioner Jacqueline Vanterpool from her post, saying matters between him and senior officials are handled confidentially.
Speaking at a press conference at Government House on November 4, the Governor was questioned by a reporter about allegations that he attempted to remove the Acting Commissioner.
“So I think, as you know, we or I never comment in detail on my relationships with senior colleagues, whether that’s in the security sector or anywhere in the public sector,” Pruce stated. “And I won’t begin to do that today. And that’s just a basic principle of confidentiality, which extends to all staff,” he explained.
He said his focus remains on working closely with law enforcement and security agencies to fulfil his constitutional duties. “In relation to the police and the senior team there, including the acting commissioner, obviously, that’s a very, very important partner for me. It’s a group of people that I work with extremely closely,” he added.
I won’t speculate
Pressed further on whether he intended to remove Vanterpool, the Governor said he would not “speculate” or discuss “matters which are part of his professional relationship with senior colleagues”. “It’s a perfectly reasonable question for you to ask, and I’m not seeking to constrain your ability to do so, but equally I’m sure you’d understand that… matters that relate to my professional relationship with colleagues… are quite rightly matters which are treated on a confidential basis,” he insisted.
His comments followed weeks of speculation about tensions within the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force. According to reports, Vanterpool, who has been acting as Commissioner since early 2024, has overseen major police operations amid an increase in violent crime, including multiple shootings and armed robberies this year.
When asked later by another reporter if he still believed Vanterpool was doing a “good job”, Pruce again declined to give a direct assessment, saying he does not “provide a running commentary on how senior colleagues are performing”.
He clarified that the process of appointing a new Commissioner of Police is managed independently by the Police Service Commission, not his office. “Final recommendation comes to me, but I am not in any way involved in the process that leads to that recommendation,” he stated.
Pruce added that while the Constitution allows for limited discretion once advice is submitted, he expects the process to be followed “diligently” and said he hopes to receive a recommendation “imminently”.
The Acting Commissioner continues to lead the force amid dismal police statistics showing a 58 per cent rise in robberies and an overall increase in violent crime from January to September 2025.
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Lord
Lord..Tolian just lazy.
Lazy like your moma. Just on here trying to undermine authority. Who more lazier than ayou who come here and don’t want to work after people bring you all here to make a better life than what you have in your country.
Ungrateful set of people. Since you so worksome go home and head up your force. Oh, I forget, you’ll be hiding and dodging from your own badman dem.
There must be a reason you are in Tola and not at home. A king has no honour in his own country.
I’m so happy to see this man playing in your faces. If our Premier were to answer a question in that manner all the blogs and social media would be in an uproar, but they can do as they pleased.
He is a big ra***t he bringing in a security advisor to undermine Jacky Vanterpool
Such bizarre comments here from people who do not understand our current constitution! The Governor can remove the Acting Commissioner at any time of his choosing! He can also hold her accountable and yes if he chooses appoint a national security advisor to support security in the territory. Wake up, the Acting Commissioner is not autonomous, and no police commissioner should be! The Governor is in charge of security, so stop your whining – if you want to change the constitution then do it, but stop talking nonsense in the meantime – we created the current arrangements!
The fact of the matter is this. Jacqueline Vanterpool is an incorruptible officer. Officers like her are disliked by the governor hence the reason he is targeting her for removal. She poses a direct threat to corrupt politicians and their illicit activities and power structures.When you are committed to the rule of law and ethical conduct you will expose corruption at the highest levels leading t investigations and potential legal penalties for persons involved be it the governor or not. Ms. Vanterpool speak truth to power and insist on accountability which will bring light to wrong doing.
The governor is a coward. He made a public statement about Ms.Vanterpool’s performance not the cat has his dam tongue after being asked the same question again. Interference in the daily operations of the police is illegal regardless of who it is coming from. When you challenge a corrupt system you face significant challenges including being transferred or sidelined. It also extend to professional and very personal retaliation such as undue disciplinary actions or threats. This the governor has expressed in the past comments to the media. Working in an environment where a “culture of blame” and lack of support makes it difficult to do your job effectively is not good. The presence of an incorruptible officer makes it “close to impossible” for the corrupt officer to prosper or escape detection.
Or perhaps her performance is now rubbish and crime is rocketing under her watch!