Amid widespread controversy over his appointment, Richard Ullger assumed the position of interim acting police commissioner following a Nov. 19 swearing-in ceremony at Government House.
“While this appointment is temporary pending the selection of a permanent commissioner of police, I am confident that Mr. Ullger’s leadership will ensure the effective administration of the [Royal Virgin Islands Police Force] and promote stability and professionalism within the force,” Mr. Pruce said in a statement released afterward.
Mr. Ullger, a former police commissioner of Gibraltar, replaces Jacqueline Vanterpool, who acted as commissioner for more than a year before the governor moved her back to her substantive post of deputy commissioner last week.
Mr. Pruce’s sudden decision prompted two protests: one a gathering in front of the Governor’s Office on Nov. 10; the other a march from the Road Town Police Station to the Government House five days later.
Premier Natalio “Sowande” Wheatley and other House of Assembly members from both sides of the aisle attended both protests.
March organiser John Cline said a petition supporting Ms. Vanterpool for commissioner was signed by 330 people and would be presented to the governor and United Kingdom officials.
Guv’s view
Mr. Pruce, however, has defended his decision to replace Ms. Vanterpool with Mr. Ullger.
“The RVIPF continues to face significant challenges, including an increasingly complex criminal landscape, the need for internal reform, and the task of securing resources and training necessary to meet modern policing standards,” he said on Nov. 19. “These issues require strong leadership, strategic planning, and collaboration with partners across the territory.”
Despite praising Ms. Vanterpool’s performance while she was acting as head of the force, the governor has made it clear they clashed at times.
“We have not always agreed on everything,” he said ahead of the Nov. 14 march. “And there have been times when I have judged it was my duty to raise concerns about her performance.”
Local media reports in Gibraltar stated that Mr. Ullger had been investigated by the UK National Crime Agency regarding allegations that he shared sensitive information with the wife of a defendant involved in a legal matter. However, the NCA cleared Mr. Ullger of any wrongdoing in January.
The hiring process for a new police commissioner is ongoing.
British Caribbean News