Things slipped through the crack because of COI reforms — Willock

Former Speaker of the House of Assembly Julian Willock blamed the Commission of Inquiry (COI) reforms for neglected and delayed infrastructure projects in the territory, arguing that things lapsed as the government focused on COI implementation.

Speaking on JTV recently, Willock was questioned about whether he thought the territory was in a better shape than it was four years ago before the Virgin Islands Party (VIP) entered office. According to Willock, although “the reality on the ground is tough for most people”, residents must understand that the government took the first two years in office to deal with what he described as imposed COI recommendations.

The former Speaker pointed out that the government prioritised meeting the COI recommendations to avoid significant constitutional repercussions.

“We got set back a lot because that was their focus… Their backs were against the wall with a gun over their head,” Willock said. “Either you do these things or we will take away your freedom… So while they were busy working on those things, a lot of things slipped through the crack.”

Willock highlighted water shortages as a major issue plaguing the territory. He noted that residents of the Third District, in particular, have been struggling to secure a steady water supply for more than a decade.

“People in District 3 call every morning,” he said. Willock explained that residents often wake early to fill buckets during brief periods of water availability. He described the situation as “not tenable.”

The former Speaker acknowledged that infrastructure challenges such as water supply and sewerage management have persisted for decades but argued that political decisions by the National Democratic Party (NDP) exacerbated the situation. “If the government in 2011 had fulfilled its obligations under the BiWater contract, we would have been in a better position today,” he said, referencing a controversial public-private agreement for water production.

Willock also called on the VIP government to make significant progress with available resources. “Now is the time to fix the infrastructure. Now is the time to do the water,” he asserted. He urged leaders to act swiftly, suggesting that visible improvements should be evident by late 2025. “If by the fourth quarter of 2025 we don’t see substantive work on the ground, then we’ll have to talk about marching,” he warned.

Despite his criticism, Willock credited the government for securing a $100 million loan to address infrastructural issues. He emphasised that these funds, combined with the 2025 budget, create an opportunity for progress. However, he cautioned against mismanagement, calling for transparency and strategic planning.