BVI News

Premier should have bodyguards just like for Governor, Chief Justice

Why was there public outcry over hiring security detail for the territory’s Premier when no one has ever questioned the security detail provided for the Governor and Chief Justice?

This is because the BVI doesn’t respect the legislature in the same way it respects the other two arms of government — the Executive and the Judicial arms — Jullian Willock has said.

Willock — Speaker of the House of Assembly — made the point that even though the Legislature funds the Executive and the Judiciary, these two arms are often allowed to exercise their full powers while the legislature is prevented from doing the same.

“Almost 19 months ago — while the public debated the security afforded to our head of government and Premier — there was never a dispute over both the Governor and Chief Justice being afforded the same security, which we support.”

“Again, it speaks to a different standard or, might I say, interpretation of co-equal branches of government. While the other two branches are allowed to have the tools that come with the office, for us in the Legislative Branch, it continues to be a struggle,” the outspoken Speaker argued.

He explained that according to the Constitution, the Governor is Head of the Executive Branch, the Speaker is Head of the Legislative, and the Chief Justice of the Eastern Caribbean Supreme court is the Head of our Judicial Branch.

He said all three should operate as co-equal branches of government, with none having more power than the others.

“After all, it is the Legislative Branch that passes the Appropriation Bill — the funding of the other two branches,” Willock said.

He cautioned that he isn’t requesting special privilege or treatment for elected members but is simply calling for equality for all three arms.

“I do not want tomorrow’s headlines to be that the Speaker is requesting special privilege or treatment for elected members. That is far from the truth. All the Speaker is requesting is that the concept of co-equal branches of government is put into practice and respected,” Willock said.

 

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20 Comments

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  1. Um says:

    They have one driver / bodyguard who is very incospicious and is a serving police person. They don’t have 3 and a extra car. No one has a issue with protection, everyone had a issue with the large amount of money spent on outsourced over the top security. Maybe we should throw rose petals on the ground at the same time???

    Like 99
    Dislike 3
  2. Soap Opera says:

    The soap opera continues

    Like 37
    Dislike 1
  3. Stop Lying says:

    Premiers/ Chief Mimisters have ALWAYS had an armed driver/ bodyguard who is a senior police officer. So do the other imdividuals mentioned. This BS has to STOP. Tired of it. The Speaker needs to be reminded he is also not ELECTED. He needs to STAY in his lane.

    Like 65
    Dislike 4
  4. Need bodyguard for what says:

    What does he need bodyguard for, he lives on a small piece of rock in the middle of the Ocean that is a Washer and dryer if you know what I mean. Damn even the tribe bushmen think they are important.

    Like 25
    Dislike 9
  5. vip heckler says:

    I cant wait for the next 2 years to fly by

    Like 22
    Dislike 4
  6. Oh Please says:

    The Premier lives in the hood of Tower’s where all the young boys hangout, smoke and do whatever. He is well known on the block.

    Like 20
  7. Roll eyes says:

    We all know why he need body guards.

    Like 30
    Dislike 1
  8. Basically says:

    The answer is simple. The Governor is more important than the Premier. And pretty much everyone is more important than the Speaker.

    Like 40
    Dislike 5
  9. The answer says:

    Only cri****ls need body guards

    Like 13
  10. Asking for a friend says:

    What about the speaker?

    Like 2
    Dislike 3
  11. LB says:

    Tell JW to please STFu

    Like 8
    Dislike 1
    • Baaaa says:

      You can pick up a mad man or a garbage man and turn him in a politician. Governor and lawyers are highly skilled people trusted with the highest integrity. Politicians are just cr**ks. Them only need bodyguard cause them deeds.

  12. Owen says:

    Politician means criminal. Chief justice means integrity. I agree the politicians need bodyguards. lol lol lol lol

  13. Hogwash says:

    Premiers and Presidents of large countries don’t have body guards! Why does our Premier need them is the question here.

  14. Treasure says:

    Bodyguard for what
    To waste tax payers money

    He running the bvi to the ground
    Soon this island will get empty houses and apartments building
    And I want to see how the landlords will pay the bank
    Most ppl that work here are expats soon all of them will leave
    And this … want more bodyguards …

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