Willock declines to confirm gov’t consultant role

Political hopeful Julian Willock declined to confirm or deny reports that he has been hired as a consultant in the Premier’s Office, insisting that any announcement on the matter should come from Premier Dr Natalio Wheatley. 

Willock made the remarks during an appearance on the Talking Points programme, where he was repeatedly questioned about reports that he had secured a consultancy or advisory position with the government.

Asked directly whether the reported role had materialised, Willock responded: “Well, I will allow the Premier to make his own announcement.” When pressed further, he added: “If that has materialised, I will allow the Premier to make his own announcement.” 

The exchange followed reports and public discussion about Willock potentially serving in a consulting capacity within the Premier’s Office.

Hosts Damion Grange and Elvin Grant pressed Willock on the issue, arguing that a publicly funded advisory role would be in the public interest. However, Willock insisted that the Premier should be the one to address the matter.

“You ought to allow the premier to tell the public who he has hired,” Willock stated. 

Foreign accents

Willock described the debate over the reported position as a non-issue, arguing that he found it “a little curious” that questions were being raised about the possibility of his employment in government. 

Seeking to reinforce his point, Willock said he had recently encountered non-Virgin Islanders working throughout the public service.

“I went out some days ago, through the ports, and I’m hearing all kind of foreign accents, at public sector jobs. I made a call sometime to a ministry. I’m hearing all sort of accent,” Willock said. 

He added that while he supports the Virgin Islands “building for everyone”, there should be no controversy over a Virgin Islander being employed in a public sector role, if they are qualified for the position.

“I’m a Virgin Islander, and holding any job in my country, there should be no debate about that,” Willock said. “I’m a Virgin Islander, and I can work any place, anywhere in my country.” 

When challenged that the public had a legitimate interest in understanding the duties and objectives of any taxpayer-funded advisory position, Willock again declined to provide a direct answer.

The discussion comes in the wake of Premier Wheatley’s disclosure months ago that Willock was expected to join his office as a Special Advisor. At the time, Premier Wheatley indicated that a formal contract had not yet been finalised.