Qualified VIslanders Can Work Anywhere; Premier Confirms
On June 22, 2026, ancestral Virgin Islander Jerome Willock told talk show hosts he would defer to the Premier on any appointment and argued that qualified locals should be able to work anywhere in the Territory. A week later, on June 29, Premier Dr the Hon Natalio D. Wheatley confirmed on the same programme that Willock had been retained as a political special adviser following the passage of the government's ministerial staff policy, saying Willock is well qualified for the post, according to VINO.
On June 22, 2026, ancestral Virgin Islander and former senior public servant Jerome Willock appeared on the talk show Talking Points to address reports that he would be engaged by the Government of the Virgin Islands as a consultant or Ministerial Special Adviser. Asked whether the reported role had materialised, Willock repeatedly deferred to the Premier, saying it was a matter of respect and protocol and that the Premier should make any formal announcement, according to VINO.
During that June 22 interview, Willock used the opportunity to make a broader point about employment rights for Virgin Islanders. He argued that any qualified local should be able to work anywhere in the Territory. "I am a Virgin Islander, and can hold any job in my country; therefore, there should be no debate about that," he told hosts Damion C.
Grant, calling public questions over his potential employment "a little curious," VINO reported. Willock also highlighted what he said were everyday examples of foreign nationals working in the public service. He said he had heard foreign accents at public sector offices and had once called a government ministry and been answered by a foreign national.
Framing the controversy as a non-issue, he warned against creating barriers that force locals to justify their employment: "If a Virgin Islander now has to explain at an altar why he or she is employed, then we are in serious trouble," he said, according to VINO. Willock’s public record includes service as Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Communications and Works, Speaker of the House of Assembly, and Director of the Water and Sewerage Department.
He holds bachelor's and master's degrees in political science and economics with a concentration in international relations, a certificate in public administration from the University of the West Indies, and has worked in the United States and in corporate roles. He also runs a local marketing and consulting firm and other small businesses, details VINO.
A week after Willock's appearance, Premier and Minister of Finance Dr the Hon Natalio D. Wheatley confirmed on the June 29 edition of Talking Points on ZBVI 780 AM that Willock had been retained by his office as a special adviser. Dr Wheatley told the panel the appointment followed the passage of the government's ministerial staff policy and described Willock as "my political adviser," adding that Willock is well qualified for the position, VINO reported.
The Premier also put the move in context, noting that special advisers are common in governments operating under the Westminster system, particularly in the United Kingdom where elected parliamentarians often have special political advisers. "It might be strange in the Virgin Islands, but it's certainly not strange to the UK and the Westminster system," he said, according to VINO.
It is believed Willock is one of several advisers retained by the Premier. The exchange between Willock and the Premier underscores two recurring issues for residents: the need for transparent hiring practices in government and the broader debate over protecting employment opportunities for qualified Virgin Islanders while filling public sector needs.
Willock said he will continue to defend locals' rights to work in the Territory while allowing the Premier to confirm any official appointment, and the Premier has now publicly confirmed that retention under the new ministerial staff policy, per VINO.
Primary source: VINO