Willock Sidesteps Questions on Adviser Contract

Former House Speaker Julian Willock repeatedly declined to say whether he has been hired as an adviser to Premier and Minister of Finance Dr. Natalio Wheatley, despite being pressed by both hosts and listeners during the Talking Points radio programme on June 22.

The issue has been a matter of public interest since March, when Dr. Wheatley confirmed during a press conference that his office was working to hire Willock as a special adviser, although no contract had been signed at the time.

Seeking clarity on whether that arrangement had since materialised, the programme's hosts repeatedly asked Willock for a direct answer, noting that the position would involve someone working closely with the Premier and being paid with public funds.

Willock, however, refused to confirm or deny whether he had been appointed.

“I will allow the Premier to make his own announcement,” he said.

When pressed further, Willock maintained that the matter was not a significant issue.

“So, this matter of whether I am a consultant with the Premier or not is a non issue. Let the Premier make his announcement, it's a non issue,” he stated.

Willock also defended his right as a Virgin Islander to work in any role for which he is qualified.

“I am an ancestral Virgin Islander and I can work any place, anywhere in my country and in the private sector,” he said.

The exchange left unanswered the central question posed by hosts and listeners: whether the advisory role discussed publicly by the Premier three months ago has now become a reality.

Eyes on Third District Seat

During the same programme, Willock also announced that he intends to seek elected office in the Third District at the next general election.

He said he hopes to contest the seat under the governing Virgin Islands Party (VIP) banner, although he acknowledged that he must first secure the party's nomination through its internal selection process.

Willock expressed confidence about his prospects and said he looks forward to presenting his case to the party's congress as he seeks to become the VIP's candidate for the district.

Incumbent Third District Representative and Deputy Premier Hon. Julian Fraser who has represented the district for more than two decades, recently said that a decision on his political future would be made "when the fat lady sings".