Willock Declines to Confirm Advisory Role as
Former Speaker Julian Willock repeatedly declined to confirm whether he has been formally hired as a special adviser to Premier Dr. Natalio Wheatley during a June 22 appearance on Talking Points, leaving unanswered questions about a role first disclosed by the Premier in March. The matter has drawn fresh scrutiny because the position would be taxpayer-funded, comes as Willock is emerging as a candidate for the Virgin Islands Party, and raises broader concerns about transparency in government appointments.
Former Speaker of the House of Assembly Julian Willock declined to say whether he has formally been engaged as a special adviser to Premier and Minister of Finance Dr. Natalio Wheatley during a heated exchange on the Talking Points radio programme on June 22. The reported appointment was first publicly raised in March, when Premier Wheatley confirmed his office was seeking to engage Willock as a special adviser but said no contract had yet been finalised.
That disclosure prompted public interest because, if appointed, the adviser would be a close aide to the Premier and paid from public funds. On Wednesday’s show, presenters repeatedly asked Willock whether a consultancy or advisory contract had materialised. Willock repeatedly deferred to the Premier’s Office, telling hosts he would "allow the Premier to make his own announcement." When pressed further, he described the matter as "a non-issue" and again declined to outline any responsibilities, terms or costs associated with a reported contract, according to coverage of the interview.
Both BVI News and Guavaberry reported on the interview, with Guavaberry quoting Willock as saying the question was insignificant and defending his right as an ancestral Virgin Islander to work in any role for which he is qualified. The exchange left the central question — whether an advisory contract now exists — unanswered.
The issue has revived familiar concerns among residents about transparency in the use of public funds for advisory and consultancy roles and about public-sector recruitment. Hosts and listeners argued on air that clarity on duties, objectives and the cost of any advisory position is a legitimate matter for voters and taxpayers to understand.
Questions likely to linger include what tasks a consultant or special adviser would perform, how any contract would be procured and paid for, and whether an appointment complies with public service rules. The matter carries political sensitivity. Guavaberry noted that Willock has emerged as a candidate for the governing Virgin Islands Party ahead of the next general election, and political observers said candidates are often expected to embrace transparency, particularly on matters involving public funds and government appointments.
Guavaberry also reviewed Willock’s tenure as Speaker from 2019 to 2022, a period that drew controversy and criticism over perceived partisanship and disputes with media and commentators — context that helps explain heightened public interest in the reported advisory role. For now, both Willock and the Premier’s Office have not issued a formal announcement confirming the appointment or detailing its scope and cost.
Residents are awaiting an official statement; BVI Live will seek further comment from the Premier’s Office and report any developments on the status, scope and funding of the reported appointment.
Primary source: BVI News