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Questions surrounding Julian Willock's role in government were put to rest on Monday after Premier and Minister of Finance Dr. Natalio Wheatley confirmed that the former House Speaker has been hired as his special adviser.
Responding to questions on the Talking Points radio programme, Dr. Wheatley said Willock was appointed following the passage of the government's ministerial staff policy and is well qualified for the position.
“He is my political adviser. That was decided following the passage of our ministerial staff policy,” the Premier said.
Describing Willock as qualified for the role, Dr. Wheatley noted that he is a former Permanent Secretary with academic training in political science.
“He's well qualified to hold the post,” he added.
The Premier did not disclosed when the contract start date commenced and the value of the contract.
The Premier also defended the appointment, saying special advisers are common throughout governments operating under the Westminster system.
“It might be strange in the Virgin Islands, but it's certainly not strange to the UK and the Westminster system,” he said.
Addressing Willock's refusal last week to confirm whether he had been appointed, Dr. Wheatley suggested the former House Speaker did not want to make the announcement before him.
“He probably didn't want to pre-empt me. But I have no challenge with answering that question. Of course, government is about transparency,” Dr. Wheatley stated.
During last week's Talking Points programme, Willock repeatedly declined to say whether he had accepted the position despite being pressed by the hosts and callers. Instead, he said he would allow the Premier to make any announcement and described the matter as “a non-issue”.
Dr. Wheatley also disclosed that Willock has been assigned specific responsibilities under his contract.
“He has a long job description and things he is expected to complete on my behalf,” the Premier said.
He added that the government's ministerial staff policy was developed with accountability in mind.
“We were mindful of past errors in formulating our policy. Good accountability, I would say, for him [Willock] to be able to perform based on what he has been contracted to do,” Dr. Wheatley said.
Responding to questions on the Talking Points radio programme, Dr. Wheatley said Willock was appointed following the passage of the government's ministerial staff policy and is well qualified for the position.
“He is my political adviser. That was decided following the passage of our ministerial staff policy,” the Premier said.
Describing Willock as qualified for the role, Dr. Wheatley noted that he is a former Permanent Secretary with academic training in political science.
“He's well qualified to hold the post,” he added.
The Premier did not disclosed when the contract start date commenced and the value of the contract.
The Premier also defended the appointment, saying special advisers are common throughout governments operating under the Westminster system.
“It might be strange in the Virgin Islands, but it's certainly not strange to the UK and the Westminster system,” he said.
Addressing Willock's refusal last week to confirm whether he had been appointed, Dr. Wheatley suggested the former House Speaker did not want to make the announcement before him.
“He probably didn't want to pre-empt me. But I have no challenge with answering that question. Of course, government is about transparency,” Dr. Wheatley stated.
During last week's Talking Points programme, Willock repeatedly declined to say whether he had accepted the position despite being pressed by the hosts and callers. Instead, he said he would allow the Premier to make any announcement and described the matter as “a non-issue”.
Dr. Wheatley also disclosed that Willock has been assigned specific responsibilities under his contract.
“He has a long job description and things he is expected to complete on my behalf,” the Premier said.
He added that the government's ministerial staff policy was developed with accountability in mind.
“We were mindful of past errors in formulating our policy. Good accountability, I would say, for him [Willock] to be able to perform based on what he has been contracted to do,” Dr. Wheatley said.
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