Premier urges reconsideration of Vanterpool demotion amid protests
Premier Dr Natalio Wheatley made an impassioned appeal for Governor Daniel Pruce to reverse his decision to remove Acting Police Commissioner Jacqueline Vanterpool, as scores rallied in Road Town to protest what he described as an act of “disrespect” and “dictatorship”. The protest saw appearances from a number of past and present elected officials and social justice advocates, who gathered outside Government House — the governor’s official residence in Road Town, to voice their concerns.
Addressing demonstrators, Dr Wheatley painted Vanterpool as a symbol of hard work and integrity. “Jackie has been disrespected, Jackie has been disregarded, Jackie has been ignored, Jackie has been passed over,” he stated. “We are asking Governor Daniel Pruce to reconsider your position. We are asking for that position to be reconsidered,” he urged.
Vanterpool, a veteran officer with more than 25 years in the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force, was reverted to her substantive post as Deputy Commissioner after months of serving as Acting Commissioner with a proposed replacement — former Gibraltar Police Commissioner Richard Ullger — named by Governor Pruce.
Pruce argued that the change was within his constitutional remit, but his decision has sparked public outrage and a week of planned demonstrations.
Daughter of the soil
Dr Wheatley told supporters that Vanterpool represented the aspirations of Virgin Islanders. “She worked her way up from the beginning, from the bottom. Mr Ullger knows nothing about the Virgin Islands. Mr Ullger did not apply. So how is it that a daughter of this soil, who grew up here, who came up in the force, who understands the people of the Virgin Islands, how is it that she can just be disregarded like she is nothing?” he asked.
The Premier also tied the issue to broader constitutional concerns, warning that the United Kingdom must respect local governance. “The United Kingdom wants to take over Customs, they want to take over Immigration… Enough is enough,” he declared. “If you do not pay attention and do not stand up, the Virgin Islands will be taken away from you.”
Other speakers at the rally included former Deputy Premier Dr Kedrick Pickering, former legislator Shereen Flax-Charles, and Virgin Islands Party President Sharia deCastro, all calling for unity and transparency.
“There is something fishy about this governor’s decision,” Dr Pickering stated. Flax-Charles told the crowd, “This lady has paid her dues. She’s gotten the education that they asked her to get. And now they’re turning around and, quote unquote, demoting her.”
Meanwhile, the Alliance, a three-member group within the political opposition, issued a statement calling for “openness, transparency, and accountability”, urging Governor Pruce to explain his decision. “Just a few months ago, His Excellency the Governor publicly commended Acting Commissioner Vanterpool for what he described as her fantastic work,” the Alliance stated. The group added, “The public deserves clarity, and Commissioner Vanterpool deserves fairness.”
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Sorry that scampish politicians and friends has to be campaigning for vanterpool, it taints her character as possible compromising in the future as appreciation for their support.
And she is genuine and good, but with a few things need tidy up by advise, going on seminars would bring that out.
Now think about this. Don’t be so easily fooled.
The Premier sits in National Security Council. This issue would have been brought up there. We did not hear a peep from the Premier until the information got out about what the governor was planning and then we saw the press statement from the government. What was the Premier doing all the time with that information up until the time when the governor released his statement. Let me tell: he was doing nothing ! He said nothing! If people didn’t start to talk this would have gone like nothing!
Now of course the situation has garnered much public attention the Premier comes out now playing some hero when he was zero in National security council. This was nothing but theatrics yesterday.
And as for the organizers? Pure political opportunism at its best. Aaron Parillion to speak? Give me a break! Shereen Flax – both political aspirants placed to speak by NDP President John Cline. Anything involving John Cline always has an angle for his benefit!
Kyle Malone placed by VIP president Sharia Decastro. Kedrick Pickering trying anything possible to climb back into politics. The political people only looking votes and exposure at the expense of Jackie Vanterpool.
The whole things make me sick.
Coñooooo!
You took the words right out of my mouth and added more!
This is what I’ve been trynnnaa sayyy!!!!
You just articulated it better than I would have lol
Stop letting Natalio fool Ayo. He knew about what was happening to Jackie and he didn’t say anything. It’s only because now people rise up he want to ride the wave and play he is fighting for her. How come we did not know until the governor made his statement?
The governor would have told Natalio about this in National
security Council. Those people don’t care about anybody but themselves!!
What did Natalio know and when did he know it? That is my question. Natalio and Kye weren’t fighting for Jackie. They are cowards. The governor must have told them what he was doing way before his statement came out.
Only now because the public rise up they playing that they are fighting. Why didn’t they speak up before?
Somebody please give Aaron Parillion a course in English. Yes, Fraser might need to go but Aaaron can’t be the replacement if people from the 3rd want proper representation. That would be a be a big mistake.
You must be one of Aaron’s x. Did he hurt you ?
Do we have 12 year olds blogging?
not to worry we going with the Esteem Willock he can speak, he is educated and he will represent us well I love his placard
speaking does not make you politically ready; send him on a talk show.
You sound so ridiculous. That’s a warrior for the people. That’s our next D3 rep. Rest of you sitting behind a computer uttering nonsense before you go check your own house.
Jealous scumbag Jillian W’!!0€k
With the complex issues we are facing in this BVI Aaron lacks the ability to help us. This isn’t Sesame Street. We are dealing with real life issues. The dude just ain’t ready period!
This must be a joke. Complex issues? Educated? CultFight however you choose. Aaron is our next district rep so let that bite you. Aaron is the truest and pure hearted Virgin Islander seeking to represent this country.
The problem with the Ministers we have is that they just do not seem to be able to tell the true or the full story.
She was not demoted. She was Acting as Commissioner and is now returned to her previous role. Did she do a good job. For the most part yes, like lots of other people in Acting roles.
In the VI we have had many years of unfilled roles with people in and out of Acting positions. It never seems right and never seems like an efficient way of doing business but it goes on all the time.
IF the Ministers could start to tell true stories that would help us all. We are not BRITISH Virgin Islands. She was not DEMOTED. We are a TERRITORY of the UK. The UK DOES respect local Governance it is why we have a constitution.
The antagonism to the UK and the Governor that Natalio and now the HOA13 (since they started hiding their SECRET personal deals behind closed doors) have, was inherited from Andrew Fahie. The same corrupt previous leader of the VI who is celebrated everyday in the HOA and by the VIP when we commemorate Emancipation. They have a story, a narrative.
The fact is the UK wants to help the VIRGIN ISLANDS towards Self Determination. The UK and UN are only waiting to know what the PEOPLE of the VIRGIN ISLANDS have decided.
Only P487 and HOA13 are stopping that because they say the PEOPLE are too DUMB. They say that because they would not make the choice they want in a REFERENDUM. So…. NO referendum until they can find a way to get the choice THEY want.
That is why they are working so hard to find another way to make the choice for the people without asking the people.
The same way they made the choice about the airport without asking us, without showing us the reports.
VIRGIN ISLANDS be VIGILATE.
It is alleged that the VIP Government is giving one of the speakers yesterday a big job that involves international travel.
A field he has no experience and expertise in unless you count selling out the country to rich wh..te friends.
Natalio feels that it would prevent him from running against him.
The people voted this man out of politics and don’t want to see him no where any position of power. Leh dem go appoint him.
I bet you the people of the BVI, including Long Look people, march down Government House and demand that the Governor call an election.
They want to see March. Natalio, what is wrong with you? I can’t believe what I am hearing. We will vote every single one of them out.
these guys and girls have courage
Seeing the Government and Opposition to such an event was very displeasing. First of all, they called it a demotion when in fact she was simply reverted back to her position.
Jackie allegedly breached protocol. And police officers and families do need to be vetted. We as a society sit back in our corner and talk about corruption in the force, linking certain officers to crimes, and when something is attempted to be done, we complain.
Natalio, you had no call there instigating a bad opinion against the UK and the Governor. You could have called a special session at the house to debate the matter and not outside the Governor’s office at a street corner like a powerless little boy. Leave that for civilians.
We blame everybody but ourselves. We rejected the UK navy and employed a civilian cargo ship to guard our waters, when in fact it might not have been squeaky clean. Now the UK wants to take back Customs and Immigration who to blame?
Protest???
What protest bro
Let the UK do it’s job
Stay out of grown folks business
Go fly a kite
There’s a letter circulating. Did they all saw it??
The fact that all of the elected representatives can finally agree and fight for something together… that is racist, xenophobic vitriol… and can’t see the bigger picture is proof in itself that we won’t be ready for independence for a long time.
The immaturity and complete lack of any diplomacy are plainly evident for all to see.
J***an Wi***ck pushing his agenda again on his Yellow site. It’s obvious when he writes his articles.
…every chance Natalio, VIP, Corna Lady and Fraser get they remind us that the Governor is in charge of the Police and Security. So if he is in charge, why are they meddling into what he is doing? If I were in his shoes, I would do the exact same thing! Imagine I am your boss advising on the vetting process based on advice I received from the Attorney General and you’re telling me you want to go to another lawyer? Who is paying for this other lawyer? And…who is paying for the lawyer representing the Police Welfare Association? Those costs are not cheap. Sorry Jackie, you should be first in line to be vetted and setting an example for the police force not enabling them.
So embarrassing and shameful — imagine trying to tell the Governor how to do his job.
Jackie Vanterpool wasn’t appointed, and he doesn’t owe anyone an explanation. For years, the government and statutory bodies have left people “acting” in positions without confirmation — and when it suits them, they demote or replace them without reason.
To the elites — stop pressing your foot on our necks. We see you. You’re not for the people, not for the country. You don’t want ordinary BVIslanders to have good jobs, own homes, travel freely, access proper healthcare, drink clean water, eat healthy food, live in a safe crime free environment, and enjoy unity among locals and residents alike.
At that protest, all I saw were Rotarians and other distinguished guests — the so-called elites.
How many BVIslanders have been victimized or sidelined by crooked politicians in favor of non-nationals? Who marched for us then? Who’s marching for us now? How many government departments are headed by non-nationals — and it’s only “okay” because they’re not white?
It was disheartening to hear Dr. Pickering speak so harshly about the Governor. I guess the raise for legislators has quieted his concern for the people.
And then there’s Sowande — using Jackie as a pawn to push for independence. Sadly, the other parties fell right into his trap. Imagine that — after all this, it’s the white people who are supporting the pantries, while the end result of these protests is more hatred and division.
After such a public display of hate, who will help us now when we’re victimized? The Governor may no longer want to help us.
Governor, please don’t take their actions to heart.
Not all locals agree with what happened. Many of us still recognize that your office has been one of the few places we could turn to for help or to air our grievances.
When we face victimization and intimidation by the same government, who marches for us then?
Sowande is playing a dangerous game. He’ll use that video at the United Nations to push for independence — and later, against other parties during election time. Based on how things are going, he might even win again, only to continue destroying this country. These politicians from all the various parties should just call themselves collectively the United Elites Party because all they do is look out for each other — ensuring they have big retirement packages, multiple homes, and overseas connections in case the BVI fails.
They have premium health insurance, the best care, and endless privileges — while ordinary people are left to beg for help through GoFundMe campaigns. When the poor die, they suddenly show up at funerals pretending to care — not even bringing a wreath.
Now, even the premier uses the COI as an excuse to decide who gets funeral assistance from Social Services.
It’s said that over 240 people may die from stress in the BVI — and who can they turn to?
The Governor’s Office used to be the one place people could go for sympathy. Now, after this protest, he may not want to listen anymore. People can’t go to the Complaints Board — they fear their business will be exposed. They can’t go to government departments where they’re being victimized. The Deputy Governor’s Office pointless, as he likes to gossip with the very person you are complaining against. The Permanent Secretaries? Never available. The system is broken — and the people have nowhere to turn.
Meanwhile, the elites are comfortable — they have money, food, travel, insurance, and their children in the best schools — while 70% of BVIslanders live in poverty.
Governor, please — don’t turn away from us. Not all locals share their hateful views. When we call your office, please don’t let anyone block us or tell us to “go elsewhere.” We need your ear and your compassion.
These politicians are not for us. Whether NDP, VIP, PVIM, or Alliance — they’re all the same, looking out for themselves. We, the people, have no one left to trust.
At this point, all we can do is turn to God. Let them have their way — because the Bible says:
“Blessed are the poor.”
Go protest about the gunman and dem….oh wait, sone of them are you family
All sl**ande is doing is trying to put a blindfold over people’s eyes. What he need to be on the street doing is telling people who authorised the 5 million deposit into Bank of Asia; what has the 100 million dollars loan been used for; when are government offices going back into the Complex so they can stop putting money into their friends and families pockets as rent; when are they going to finish the road in Sea Cows Bay and Paraquita Bay; what justified them giving themselves an extortionate salary increase; what are they doing about the price of groceries, etc etc.
These are the real issues that affect us and we can’t get answers to!
Jackie going back to the position she was hired to do is not something that concerns us!
The Premier sits on the National Council. He is looking for Brownie points using the Vanterpool issue for his political gains including Cline
Colonialism
Racism
Has nothing to do with this
The premier is fooling the public listen to the Governor interview ladt night
What we need to March against is
Bad roads
Raise for Pensioners
Lack of capital projects
The ungainly sight of Road Town- Beatification
Has anyone even asked her if she wants the job –
Attention: Governor
We, the people of the Virgin Islands, are deeply concerned that the United Kingdom has not done enough to improve the quality of life for ordinary residents. While our local politicians continue to enrich themselves, many citizens are left struggling — overtaxed, without adequate social assistance during difficult times, and lacking meaningful support or subsidies for small and struggling businesses.
Just as Mr. Sawonde and others are able to address the United Nations regarding independence — a matter most residents do not support — we too seek direct and fair access to you as our representative of the United Kingdom. When we face injustice or mistreatment, we should have a legitimate avenue to raise our concerns.
We therefore propose two possible solutions:
1. Appointment of a UK Liaison: Assign a UK national to serve as an official point of contact who can receive complaints directly from the public, review them for validity, and facilitate meetings with you when appropriate.
2. Reform of the Complaints Commission: Appoint an independent foreign representative — such as a retired judge with no local affiliations — to oversee the commission. This individual would review citizen complaints, ensure fairness, and provide recommendations for further action, including meetings with your office when warranted.
We believe that either of these measures would help restore trust, accountability, and a sense of justice among the people of these islands.
The crime rate and the gun violence is on the increase in the BVI. The news headlines on the internet and the world wide web does not look good for the BVI. There is a large amount of news articles online about the crime rate and the gun violence increasing in the BVI. I think that the BVI should allow the Royal Navy and the Royal Air Force and the Royal Marines to intervene. I think that the UK Parliament and the UK Prime Minister and the UK/British Government should intervene to make the crime rate and the gun violence to reduce in the BVI for the safety of everyone. An increase in the crime rate and in gun violence would ruin the economy of the BVI. Can everyone involved in law enforcemnt, bvi immigration and bvi customs all work together and solve the problem before the situation get out of control?
Our destinies muust be decided by us,, Virgin Islanders, not imperial inheritors.
this guy pretended to be an activist to get elected but he is just an actor, dude only cares about himself
These actions — particularly from our elected leadership — are beginning to look less like sensible nation-building and more like an attempt to undermine the constitutional authority of His Excellency the Governor.
If the goal is independence, it needs to be approached transparently, responsibly, and with a lawful roadmap, not through confrontation or destabilisation.
We are still a British Overseas Territory.
There are established constitutional processes for change, including any discussion about independence.
Some of the behaviour and rhetoric we are seeing lately ignores that reality.
Running around with pitchforks and torches is not becoming. This is 2025, not 1701.
If independence is genuinely the goal, then it requires planning, diplomacy, legal frameworks, economic strategy, and public consultation – not disorder or impulsive grandstanding.
Why is it always the same bishops and clergy stirring up the place, talking strong and winding everybody up …. then when the dust start to fly, they step back quiet-quiet like they didn’t just pull the pin? That’s a funny kind of church leadership we got going here. If you preaching unity and guidance, then guide. Don’t light the match and walk away like you innocent.
The Governor is following the rule book. If there are performance issues within government, those matters are meant to be handled professionally and in confidence — not blasted out in public statements.
That is standard practice in any serious administration. The expectation that he should “announce to the world” every internal issue is unrealistic and irresponsible. Process exists for a reason.
I am concerned that the some peoples behaviour will be viewed as unprofessional, and the protest clips are already circulating widely.
Once something goes viral, people outside the Territory will form opinions quickly, often without context.
I think this will raise questions about leadership judgment, stability, and whether the proper constitutional processes are being respected.
i dont understand we vi people
we have host of serious issues where we should of marched for against our leaders
but here we gathering for this one thing. Not that is bad but this time and energy could of been used for so many other issues we got going on
and our polticians gonna jump on this only to push their agenda and narrative on independance and uk propaganda they dont care about the issue with jackie cuz they was aware of it long before the public and they kept quiet and agreed with the governor
governor you made a bad move hitting this ants nest cuz whatever good intentions you and Uk may have to improving and progressing this country and detering bad political schemes and practicies will now be viewed in a negative light by the more people now. if the uk has a solid reason for this step i hope it comes to light so the politicians dont get any more fuel or support for their own agenda
we should of marched for all the following reasons:
Greedy Bill
Politicians pay raise doubled
Bank of asia
SSB HOMES
PIER PARK SCANDAL
BI WATER SCANDAL
BVI AIRWAYS SCANDAL
ESHS WALL (KINDA)
COVID GRANTS
SCHOLARSHIPS TO FAKE STUDENTS
BAD ROADS
BAD INFASTRUCTURE
SEWAGE RUNNING INTO THE STREETS
NO PRICE CONTROLLLLL
MINIMUM WAGE
ESHS BUILDING ISSUES
MOLD IN GOVERNMENT BUILDING
2017 GOVERNMENT COMPLEX STILL NOT FINISHED
PUBLIC HOSPITAL RATIONING SUPPLIES ANDB BOARD MEMBERS CUTTING WORKERS PAY TO RAISE THERE OWN
CLINIC IN VG CLOSED AND CAUSE SOMEONES DEATH
NON STOP PARTIES BUT NTN FOR IMPROVE THE QUALITY OF SERVICES AND LIFE HERE
NO RUNNING WATER AFTER 6PM
BVIEC POWER KEEP GOING
THE BANK INTEREST RATES HIGHEST IN THE CARIBBEAN
ETC ETC ETC ALL THESE THINGS WARRANTED A MARCH AND DETER THE BAD MOVES AND SCHEMES BUT NO ONE CAME FORWARD. so imagine when they get independence….. they alrdy got away with all of this and not one action from their local people…..so imagineeeeeeee what they will do once they get full control!
yes the governor did nonsense here but dont let this blind you from what our leader been doing to us for donkey years
the coi failed the people.. it only brought to light the dirty nonsense that been going on but no one was held accountable or paid the price. no tax money returned from all the scandals and schemes smhh
The man in the picture looks very angry