TORTOLA, British Virgin Islands (CMC) – The Governor of this British overseas territory, Daniel Pruce says the nationality of the next commissioner of police is inconsequential.

Pruce who was speaking during a recent interview, said his primary concern is appointing a candidate with the requisite skills and experience to address the territory’s evolving criminal landscape.

Pruce also addressed the ongoing recruitment process for a new police commissioner.

He noted that the initial search, launched in May, was halted to reassess the desired qualifications for the role. This decision followed insights from the first volume of a law enforcement review, highlighting areas within the police force requiring significant leadership and transformation.

Addressing concerns about the origin of potential candidates, Pruce said – “For me, this has nothing to do with the origin of the successful candidate. What I want to ensure is that we have a candidate that meets our person specification. And frankly, it makes no difference to me where they come from.”

Meanwhile, the governor indicated that his decision to halt the recruitment process aligns with his commitment to transparency and fairness.

“After that process was launched, we took delivery of the first volume of the law enforcement review. That already illustrated several areas within the police, as well as the other law enforcement agencies, that needed attention, and in particular, needed great leadership,” he said.

Pruce said he anticipates the second volume of the review early next year, expecting it to contain “far-reaching recommendations for the law enforcement community, again, including the police.”

The governor said he aims to restart the recruitment early in the new year, with hopes of appointing the new commissioner by late summer or early autumn.

The latest development comes amid heightened scrutiny of the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force’s leadership.

The Governor’s Office recently extended Assistant Commissioner Pamela Trevillion’s tenure by six months.