OT Minister sides with governor over Vanterpool demotion
UK Overseas Territories Minister Stephen Doughty has backed Governor Daniel Pruce over the decision not to appoint Jacqueline Vanterpool as Police Commissioner, Premier Dr Natalio Wheatley has disclosed.
Speaking at his end‑of‑year press conference, Premier Wheatley said he raised the Vanterpool issue directly with Doughty during recent Joint Ministerial Council talks in London, but was told the UK minister did not support his government’s position.
“I did have discussions with the minister of overseas territories as it pertains to the situation with Jackie Vanterpool. I have to say that we were not necessarily aligned in our particular views, and he expressed his support for Governor Daniel Pruce,” Dr Wheatley stated.
Vanterpool, who had been acting as Commissioner of Police, was reverted to her substantive post as Deputy Commissioner while a recruitment process for a substantive commissioner continued. The move triggered public concern and protests, with supporters arguing that she should have been allowed to remain in post until the process concluded.
Dr Wheatley said he was disappointed by the lack of agreement with the UK minister but stressed that disagreement did not negate the need to support law enforcement institutions. “Obviously, of course, I would be disappointed if we don’t agree. I always want us to agree. But being a mature person that I am, I know that we don’t always agree,” he stated.
He said the elected government remained duty-bound to support whoever held the office of police commissioner, including Acting Commissioner Richard Ullger, who was appointed by the governor. “Whoever’s in that particular position, we’re duty-bound to support so that we can fight crime here in the Virgin Islands,” Dr Wheatley stated.
The Premier reiterated his concern about how the decision was handled, saying it affected perceptions of governance. “I do think that how things were handled would have undermined the concept of the modern partnership between the United Kingdom government, the governor and the elected government,” he stated.
He added that the issue reinforced the need for constitutional reform to strengthen democratic accountability in areas where the elected government currently lacks authority. “The way that the governor’s discretion was handled, in my view, undermined the perception of democratic accountability,” Premier Wheatley stated.
Dr Wheatley restated his support for Vanterpool’s performance while she acted as Commissioner. “I have been very impressed with the work of Jackie Vanterpool acting in the role,” the Premier said. “I believe that, as it pertains to community policing, she’s done an extremely good job. I believe that she’s taken a lot of guns off the street. She’s shown strong leadership, and I’ve been extremely pleased with her tenure as acting commissioner.”
The Premier said the government was awaiting the next steps in the appointment process, including consideration by the National Security Council, and would continue to advocate for greater local capacity building within the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force.
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Everyone is sick of talking about this now. Time to move on.
For real jackie needs to retire
Natalio dont know where he is on this issue. If she dont agrees with vetting when there is a public outcry on Police Officers being corrupt. With some of them facing charges but getting off because onftechnicalities and a weak DPP.
Why do you think after the crime summit things have gotten worst. Its the hypocritcy the law breakers see. Crime under her like it was under her predessesor have gotten worst with no improvement in sight. Promoting a set of officers with some of them allegedly can’t even run a station.
So True.
When did Vanterpool get demoted. Who is writing this stupidness.
It has been proven clear that BVI News is but a mouth piece for the over-seas land-lord.
They have not a shred of correctness, morality or truth within them.
They spread lies like wind spread oxygen.
it is NOT a demotion. The woman revert to her original position. STOP IT NOW!!!
The Preemier is applauded for his advocacy for greater Local capacity building within the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force.
However, colonial rule and ill governing mechanisms will always trump fairness and local rights.
Hence and until, along with a genuine rewriting of the Constitution, there is a compelling need for the course of the Virgin Islands be aligned with self determination and cotinued self building.
Colonialism has ran its course, and grown people do not need to be ruled/governed by outside political systems.
People were born with the inalienable right rights to be free from all oppression including that of co and neocolonialism.
We want our freedom to chose our own political furure.
Those who think not should first give up theirs. These are all truths. Those that are incapable of accepting truths will no doubt demonstarte that by showing their mind set by tapping a down arrow, but denial of truths will not make it wrong.
You really expected him to say otherwise?. Please. He is dealing with hearsay and he say she say.
It is not a demotion. There is a wider issue than vetting which the powers that be dont want to be made public. Maybe because it involves them.
You hit the nail flush on its head. If you observed the Governor when he was on Talking Points program with Violet Gaul, you could see how hard that man was trying to restrain himself.
Some people don’t want to be vetted because they know what’s under their beds. They need to hire a specific team to vet these senior officers specifically those who are wearing the white garment.
When dis Jackie disagreed with vetting? Bring all the evidence. Her replacement is a veteran on evidence tampering. some of you so full of s**t.