Second District Representative Melvin Turnbull has urged Premier Dr. Natalio Wheatley and his government to confirm individuals serving in key acting public service roles, warning that prolonged delays could open the door to further external influence.
Speaking during the March 31 House of Assembly sitting while debating the Merchant Shipping (Amendment) Bill 2025, Turnbull highlighted several critical leadership positions that remain unconfirmed, including the Chief Immigration Officer and the Commissioner of Police.
“Outside of Customs, which has its own challenges, we have an acting Chief Immigration Officer, an acting Commissioner of Police, and other key roles still unconfirmed,” Turnbull stated.
He cautioned that failure to appoint competent locals on a permanent basis could result in these positions being filled by individuals unfamiliar with or indifferent to the Virgin Islands.
“If you don’t act swiftly to confirm those in these roles—who have been acting and acting and acting—I fear these positions will once again be filled by people who do not understand or care to understand the BVI,” he warned.
Turnbull specifically praised Acting Commissioner of Police Jacqueline Vanterpool, who has led the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force for six months.
“There is a level of confidence in her leadership. She is engaging with the community, meeting with residents, and trusting her officers to do their job,” he asserted.
He also condemned the negative perception of local leadership, which he said has been reinforced by reports such as the Commission of Inquiry and the law enforcement review.
“The narrative is that we are not good enough. But I will continue to say—wherever I am heard—that we are, in fact, good enough,” Turnbull declared.
The government has faced mounting pressure following UK-commissioned reports and recommendations, which have fueled ongoing debates on governance, accountability, and the future of public service leadership in the territory.
This man had to be drinking. The BVI continue to appoint people in leadership positions who lack the experience to advance the subject areas assigned too.
You sound stupid. Blacks are blacks own worst enemy. Your mind is still in bondage.
Mehson wah you got on fo ah tie dah look like you tear off piece ah granny cotter.
Is this boy old enough to be among grown-ups? Much less having anything to say. No no no thank you.
Mitch is Mitch is not talking about himself he is talking about Jackie and the immigration person and he is right those dirty island man police need to go back home were rapping is fine with them
Acting appointments have been a political scam here since before this boy was born. In most organizations if you successfully complete the probation period for the position, usually three or six months, then you get the job with the right pay. But here, who knows…….