BVI News

Willock being considered for political advisor role?

Willock

Premier Dr Natalio Wheatley has declined to confirm whether former Speaker of the House of Assembly (HOA) Julian Willock is or was being considered for a ministerial political advisor role within his government.

BVI News received credible information last week indicating that discussions were being held between the Premier’s Office and Willock regarding the post.

Our news centre reached out to the Premier to inquire whether the former Speaker was indeed being considered for the role of political advisor. Dr Wheatley responded, “Generally, appointments would be announced by press release.”

BVI News sought further clarity, asking, “Are you saying that Mr Willock was indeed appointed and that there’s a press release to come with more details?”

“If not, we are just seeking confirmation as to whether Willock is or was being considered for a ministerial advisor role,” our news centre further probed.

The Premier did not respond.

News of Willock being considered for the role comes amid the release of the Office of the Auditor General’s 2024 Audit Report on Major Public Contracts. In that report, Auditor General Sonia Webster raised serious concerns over the government’s appointment of ministerial political advisors, citing their involvement as undermining the government’s procurement process.

Webster revealed that political advisors were often hired through petty contracts before their roles were upgraded to more substantial contracts under the guise of “continuation of service.” According to the Auditor General, “There was a noted trend whereby political and politically affiliated consultants were initially hired under the petty contracts regime, after which their assignments were bumped upwards to a waived major contract.”

The audit, conducted under the Audit Act 2003 in response to the Commission of Inquiry’s Recommendation B18, aimed to identify weaknesses in the contract process, including the misuse of waivers, deficiencies in contractor selection, and ensuring value for money in project completion.

Willock, a known affiliate of the Premier’s Virgin Islands Party, previously served as Speaker of the House but resigned in 2022 after a majority of the House agreed that he should demit office. Willock was later arrested and charged in July of this year with conspiracy to utter a forged document, public official using office for gratification, and conspiracy to give false information to a public officer.

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54 Comments

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  1. Bvi love says:

    So what if he is? He born here and could work anywhere in the bvi

    Like 4
    Dislike 61
    • Root out the Corrupt says:

      This is the problem with the BVI… People like you who feel entitled just because you born here. This man has been charged with serious offenses. He is no different to the other civil servants who had to leave their jobs because of charges. … Now you gonna tell me he will be appointed to office in Government?. Go ahead if you want to see war….

      Like 74
      Dislike 6
      • @root out corruption says:

        This government don’t fear corruption they also support taxi men getting a government salary while taxing during their government work hours.

        Like 42
        Dislike 2
    • @bvilove says:

      However,he is NOT a BVIslander. A non BVIslander with criminal offenses committed in and against the best interest of the BVI.

    • $ says:

      has he paid his fine yet?

    • Reminder says:

      https://www.bvibeacon.com/julian-willock-arrested-and-charged/

      The 56-year-old Sea Cows Bay businessman was charged with

      – one count of a public official using his office for gratification;
      – one count of conspiracy to provide false information to a person employed in a public service; and
      – one count of conspiracy to utter a forged document

      Like 5
      Dislike 1
  2. Horseman says:

    Is April 1st?

    Like 46
    Dislike 2
  3. NDP Supporter says:

    I want to apply for one of these jobs, I’m not on island but I’m able to work remotely, I have political experience at the highest level.

    Like 15
    Dislike 5
  4. Give me a chance says:

    Was there a bid?

    Like 13
    Dislike 2
  5. BuzzBvi says:

    No, no, no, no, no. Has this nation and this country gone completely mad.

    Like 44
    Dislike 4
  6. April Fool says:

    Once he has been to court he will be a little too busy to give advice!

    Like 12
    Dislike 1
  7. Rats says:

    Looking at that big piece of cheese.

    Like 19
    Dislike 1
  8. British Clown Islands says:

    Yet, other public servants who are on bail JUST like him are off the job until. . . . .

    Like 16
  9. BOI says:

    You need to stay on your yello site , where you are king of SH*T TALK , hey you fo to HOLLER OUT ” FREE YHE DREW ” AND STOP USING CINDY’S NAME , YOU ALREADY GOT OVER A MILLION FANCY NAMES THAT YOU USES TO BLOGG UNDER TO CREATE FALSE NUMBERS , ( STAY IN THE APRIL’S 1ST MODE

    Like 14
    Dislike 4
  10. Hopeless says:

    Willock will find out the coward that NW is. The UK got he twist right up. You think he will take a chance to fall out of their graces to give you a job? He was the same one that didn’t stand up for you as Speaker and had you removed. You think he would now make you a political advisor with them watching. If you believe that then you’re hopeless.

    Like 6
    Dislike 1
  11. Willock has alot to offer.. says:

    As Mr. Willock’s detractors continue to disparage him, it’s important to remember that, despite multiple attempts to link him to COI wrongdoing, four years have passed with no concrete evidence. He, much like Hon. Wheatley, finds his public character tarnished by insinuation rather than facts. Ironically, his critics have only strengthened his position, turning him into something of a martyr. With every accusation, he becomes more firmly rooted in the minds of D3 constituents, almost guaranteeing a landslide victory in 2027. Given that D3 is known for its long-term commitment, Willock’s tenure could easily extend for 20 years, especially since he’s still relatively young.

    Willock has much to offer. His finger is on the pulse of the Territory, and his contributions could be valuable to the Wheatley administration. Like many successful figures, he has an ego that would need to be managed, but to dismiss his expertise because of it would be a mistake. True leadership is about leveraging your team’s strengths and developing their opportunities.

    Like 6
    Dislike 34
    • Don’t kill me please says:

      Willock relatively young at 58 years? Ok then

      Like 10
      Dislike 1
      • relative ....meaning says:

        at 58 years he would be 78 with a 20 year run .The US has a Presendital Candidate Trump running for office at 78 years…. so relative is the key word here.

        Like 3
        Dislike 1
      • His age I looking now at his date of birth says:

        Stop it man the esteemed just turned 56 last month

    • wtf says:

      @ Willock has alot to offer.. Are you the esteemed one, writing on behalf of yourself? The Drew has an 11 year reservation in Miami, the two W’s should be there as well and the people of D3 will let you know in 2027.

      Like 16
      Dislike 2
      • I am not Hon.Willock says:

        I assure you I am not Mr Willock, this is not a matter of personal sentiment, but rather an objective observation of the political landscape. It is not about one’s particular affinity or distaste for Mr. Willock, but rather an acknowledgment of the realities at play.

        Like 5
        Dislike 4
    • So Funny says:

      @willockhasalottooffer, you made me laugh out loud with your response! Brilliant, never read a thing so funny in all my life! Of course I know you were just joking because nobody can think the clown with the wig has anything to bring to the party – unless you are him self praising of course!

      Like 8
      Dislike 1
  12. @ RATS says:

    yep and pumpkin is waiting on this dark cheese for a long time , but anywheres this dude is , it’s always a disaster waiting to happen
    (? He was an advisor to his hero THE DREW , and look what happened to the drew CSC was another advisor too ,the government is already FRIGGED according to CSC. But he can be used as a scapegoat for all their * HONEST mistakes , so he will be getting a taste of his own MEDICINE

    Like 7
    Dislike 2
  13. Convicted felons says:

    That’s great news – maybe Andrew wants to have a job from Natalio whilst he is still in Florida?

    Like 21
    Dislike 1
  14. LB says:

    Very excellent choice the man is brilliant

    Like 4
    Dislike 11
  15. hmm says:

    It seem as if consultancy is the new scam ever since the controversial pastor.

    Like 26
    Dislike 1
  16. Cindy says:

    Big up willock we got you

    Like 5
    Dislike 8
  17. Ineligible says:

    Accused criminals are ineligible for employment as political advisors UNLESS the minister privately pays the salary of the advisor.

    Like 15
    Dislike 2
  18. Oh says:

    Just in time for that bank loan we see

    Like 19
    Dislike 1
  19. Eldread says:

    All of our friends should eat at the public treasury, now tell me that a young man like willock can have any political experience in his short life to go offer a nation? Even if he possessed a PHD in political science he would have still lack the internship, it’s a family and friend BVI thing to access tax payers money, and infrastructure and all stay in ruing, not even government office complex can fix and open. Politics is the art of politicians creating a situation that require the same politicians to come with the solutions as heros paying themselves and friends big money from the treasury

    Like 8
    Dislike 1
  20. Seriously says:

    Please tell me this is a joke. There is no way the Premier can be considering this train wreck as an advisor. Either something wrong with the Premier or something seriously wrong with us as a people. How can we be expected to be taken seriously when we keep doing the same things over and over. These guys bring nothing to the table but a bunch of hot air and foolish talk. Premier we can do better let us stop shooting ourselves in the foot then claiming to be victims. Leave Willock where he is and keep him far from Govt. That is my best advice and I born here too.

    Like 27
    Dislike 2
  21. Taxpayer says:

    No
    No way in the world should this man be considered for any cushy consulting job ever.

    Like 16
    Dislike 1
  22. Resident says:

    waste of money

    Like 13
    Dislike 1
  23. Kingfish says:

    The BVI Government should consider tapping into the vast knowledge of Virgin Islanders who live overseas, many of whom have vast experience in government, education, medical, business and many other areas. I am sure they will be willing to share their knowledge and experiences without any cost to the government. This can be done by Zoom, thus saving the government the high cost of these consultants that are currently used. Wake up BVI government and started thinking outside of the box.

    Like 11
    Dislike 2
  24. 1st district original says:

    More rats to mind the cheese!!

    Like 7
    Dislike 1
  25. West says:

    This culprit wasted our money before, NOT AGAIN!!

    Like 11
    Dislike 1
  26. SOS says:

    More and more the current Premier demonstrates his poor judgemental in all matters concerning good governance in these BVI. Would be comical if it wasn’t the reality of lives and governance for our survival,

    Like 9
    Dislike 1
  27. One eye says:

    Ha ha willock congratulations reading these comments from the same two persons

  28. BuzzBvi says:

    What do some people hold over, our political leaders. Wicock, Clyne, Cliine 2, Crab, PC Lke, Skeleton, etc etc that we are always handing them money for nothing.

    Like 6
    Dislike 1
  29. AG says:

    Please can someone explain how would Government tender for a Political Advisory role, which is PURELY POLITICAL? If it is a problem then the positions and the budgets ought to be removed from the system. I do not see how you could tender a post that by its very design is a HAND-PICKED POSITION!!!!

    Like 6
    Dislike 1
  30. Busy Bee says:

    Perhaps it’s the Attorney General that is contracting the esteemed one? Utilising the notion that “it takes one to know one” might add clarity to the Attorney General’s investigations.

    Asking for a friend: “Is there a means for the common man to object to such a hiring?” If in fact it did happen…

    Like 3
    Dislike 1
  31. Are we mad? says:

    Have we learned nothing? This is a man who is charged with one count of a public official using his office for gratification; one count of conspiracy to provide false information to a person employed in a public service; and one count of conspiracy to utter a forged document.

    Like 10
    Dislike 1
  32. KEEP IT UP says:

    UK is watching.

    Like 6
    Dislike 1
  33. @ WILL- OX HAS ALOT YO OFFERR says:

    BOI YOU REALLY LOVE TO FOOL YOURSELF / WE CAN SEE THAT COMMENT WAS WRITTEN BY YOU / (THE BIG youth ) ALREADY MADE SURE HE DROPPED KICKED YOU OUT OF THE HOA , AND ITS THE ONLY THING HE CAN BRAG ABOUT THAT WD CAN COMPLIMENT HIM ON AS FAR AS ACHIEVEMENTS IS CONCERNED / YOUR
    WIG DIDN’T FOOL HIM / AND ALL THE WIGGED ONE IS GOOD AT IS SCAPEGOATING THE UK / THE GOVERNOR / THE COMMISSIONER / WALWYN AND CINDY ( AND MOW HE EVEN NUSING CINDY’S NAME TO BLOGG NOW , SO HIS HUTTER MENTALITY WON’T GO AWAY / THATS HOW HE GETS HIS GROOVE ON

    Like 4
    Dislike 3
  34. VIP says:

    …must go!!! Enough is enough. Delilah we will never forgive you for this mess you’ve caused.

  35. He is already one says:

    Supposed my suspicion is correct, I always believed that he is collected blog data from his site for VIP and the Premier…He is also VIP choice for #3. Supported by Frazer. It’s all a game my people the politicians and Govt playing with us. Every where people are on the street protesting against their Govt. What happen to us in the BVI. Too much Guns turned the young generations into cowards.

  36. Sturpss says:

    It’s clear as day that all these advisor and consultant hiring is just another way they find to put taxpayer dollars in their friends and family hands. The country not getting anything out of it. It’s not even like they hiring experts in the respective fields that they advising/ consulting on. You telling me you don’t know how to do nothing at all neither you nor nobody on staff already have a clue? That you need extra advisors and consultants for everything? The people of the BVI just as bad is like they would vote for sheep and goats to run this country once they have on their party colors. Personally I never expected this administration to do anything great for this country and I have to say they living up to my expectations 100%.

  37. okay says:

    Let the Premier give him a job, no problem.

    Then the UK will take over , does the Premier not remember he said that the UK wanted him gone so they could make a coalition government and stop the UK form direct rule????

    This guys an i**ot

  38. Wheatley's Wigman says:

    I am willing to offer my advisory services to the Govt for free. Here’s my first piece of advice: “Under no circumstances hire Mr Willock”

  39. Really? says:

    Willock – He is a de***cable human being. A ho**ible man! Co**upt, r**e, egotistical, r**ist, the list goes on! An absolute a-h**e who has no place in politics!

  40. Facts says:

    J****n W*****k is at it again on the Yellow site. Writing his owner articles and trying to divert our attention away to his smear campaign on Mr. C**ins. LOL we can see right through you!

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