Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court blocks vetting of police officers in British Virgin Islands

The Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court in the High Court of Justice (Civil Division) has dealt a blow to United Kingdom–appointed Governor Daniel Pruce, granting an injunction that blocks the controversial vetting of police officers in the British Virgin Islands until the court rules otherwise.

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Issued on Aug. 11 by Acting Justice Akilah Anderson, the order prevents the Commissioner of Police and the Police Services Commission from initiating disciplinary or criminal proceedings against current members of the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) and Auxiliary Force for failing to comply with specific vetting requirements. Those include submitting prescribed vetting forms, providing third-party consent for financial disclosures, and updating previously submitted information in writing.

The temporary halt to certain provisions of the Police (Amendment) Regulations 2025 follows a legal challenge by Sean A. McCall, chairman of the Police Welfare Association (PWA), who argues the process — introduced through the 2024 and 2025 amendments — is “very intrusive” and infringes on officers’ rights under the Virgin Islands Constitution Order, 2007.

The ruling also suspends enforcement of provisions allowing authorities to compel officers to correct deficiencies in their vetting forms.

“This order affects current members of the Royal Virgin Islands Police and does not apply to such persons as have not yet made an application … or whose applications … are currently pending,” the judgment stated.

The court further directed the governor to confirm within 14 days whether any vetting forms or related information have been sent to an independent body as defined in Regulation 3(G)(1).

McCall’s legal team, led by King’s Counsel Terrence Williams and instructed by Chase Law, argues the new rules infringe on officers’ rights under the Virgin Islands Constitution. The governor is represented by attorney Remy Reichold.

The police vetting policy has been a contentious issue in recent months, with the PWA raising concerns over privacy, procedural fairness, and the breadth of information sought. The matter will now proceed to a full hearing on the legality of the amendments.