WILLOCK: My time as Speaker was one of BVI’s most successful
Former Speaker of the House of Assembly Julian Willock says he believes his tenure was one of the BVI’s most successful, despite the controversies and public criticism that frequently surrounded his tenure.
Willock made the remarks during a recent appearance on the Too Inquisitive Podcast, where he reflected on his three years as Speaker and defended his leadership of the territory’s legislature. “I am proud to say that I served as Speaker for three and a half years, and we’ve had one of the most successful tenures of a Speaker of the House of Assembly,” Willock said.
His comments come at a time when he has once again been thrust into the public spotlight, following reports that Premier Dr Natalio Wheatley is seeking to recruit him as a special advisor to the government — a move that has sparked debate across the territory, given the controversies that marked Willock’s time in public office.
Defending his record
According to Willock, several institutional developments within the legislature began during his time as Speaker and have continued under the current administration. Among them, he said, were strengthened relationships with parliamentary bodies in the United Kingdom and initiatives to modernise the operations of the House of Assembly.
Willock pointed to a recent visit to the territory by UK House Speaker Lindsay Hoyle as an example of work that began during his tenure.
“We had a delegation in my tenure to the United Kingdom, where we met with the Speaker,” he said, explaining that the exchanges helped support initiatives such as member orientation programmes and the development of a parliamentary library.
He added that he is pleased to see current Speaker Corine George-Massicote continuing some of the initiatives started during his leadership.
“I think Madam Speaker is doing a good job carrying on the things that we have started,” Willock said.
The famous wig
During the podcast interview, Willock rejected suggestions that he was not taken seriously by the public during his tenure, particularly over viral social media clips that mocked moments from House sittings and his decision to wear a traditional parliamentary wig.
“The wig was not mandatory. I wore the wig because I chose to. I wanted to be different. There were other people wearing wigs before my time. I remember the speaker Keith Flax, who served longest as speaker, he wore a wig,” Willock said, adding that he adopted the practice in keeping with parliamentary tradition.
He also pushed back against the notion that the viral moments circulating on social media reflected poorly on his leadership. “I reject your characterisation that it was comical,” he told the host. “The fact of the matter is that we’ve had a successful term.”
Despite the controversies, supporters argue that the businessman remains an experienced political strategist and would bring value to the government. For his part, Willock maintains that his legacy as Speaker should be judged by the institutional developments achieved during his tenure. “We worked on a number of things for the House of Assembly,” he said. “And I’m happy to see those things bearing fruit.”
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oh please, you cost the tax payers money with your venetta against mark, you were a terrible speaker, the power went to your head
POWER ALWAYS GOES TO THE ESTEEMED ONE’S HEAD. RET***ED HE IS
Everyone now thinks they can talk s**t and we will eat it..
This guy’s head really needs to be examined by a medical practitioner. The whole country was literally ashamed to know that you were the Speaker of our House of Assembly. And as expected you were arrogant, bias and brought down the standard of the institution. That wig was comical and showed your lack of historical understanding of many things. You barked at colonialism but still wore that silly wig on your head which is part of that old English tradition. You were soo successful in the job that you were asked to please leave the position making you the shortest serving speaker in the history of the BVI. You are n*t case!
I am nuetral on Willock.He does have value and he has a set of dedicated followers who believe in him and that gives him a pulse of what the public is experiencing .However he is not right for Chief of staff ,he is petty and vindictive.The position calls for a more even temperment. Someone who can be objective. Many important ommunications and project will be lost because he is holding a grudge.Find another position for him.This position calls for someone like the Premiers brother ,someone not seeking the limelight and willing to do the behind the scenes work.
The funny thing is dispite all this the people from sea cows bay will still vote him in to teach you all a lesson
Do you know he signs documents and puts the designation “former speaker” under his name? The man was in the position for 6 months before he got the boot.
Knowing how humble he is I doubt that is so
Somebody from sea cows bay please come take out the trash. That’s it. That’s all
If you wish in this world to advance,
Your merits you’re bound to enhance;
You must stir it and stump it,
And blow your own trumpet,
Or, trust me, you haven’t a chance.
(Quoted from Gilbert & Sullivan’s opera Ruddigore)
Love him, or hate him (and I’m sure there aren’t many that love him), he certainly is entertaining, supremely arrogant, and rules his own little world with an iron fist.
This sor of attention is what he loves and it fuels him further. If we stop reacting, maybe his light will dim and lose relevance
During His Tenure as Speaker of the HOA was the BVI Most Corrupt Era. A Period to be Noted in BVI History Books.
Thank goodness he will return from d3
So easy to hide behind a computer and make attempts to trash one’s name because of jealousy. As soon as the boy got a little job all hell broke loose….he born here and once qualified should be able to work anywhere. When he wins the election look heart attacks!!!! Jah bless
I am tired of reading about losers. The narrative must change.
Willock: Fraser was disliked but you are the most hated politician in the Virgin Islands. It is best you keep a low profile if you dream of getting elected.
All the fake blogs from the same 2 will not change one thing we from zone 3 putting him right back in the house and you can take that to the bank
Mental health in these islands truly need attention and addressing holistically. This person has delusions of grandeur that have clouded his judgements and his actions are not worthy of consideration nor attention.
Simply put – pregnant frogs never mature and eventually become food for the other predators.
WITH WILLOCK WE WIN
So has he paid back the legal fees to the government that the court ordered he was at back after his case against the CoI lawyers?
These two —– — need to clear off
NO ONE BELIEVES THESE SILLY NEGATIVE S**T THEY ON HERE WRITING ABOUT MR WILLOCK HE IS GOOD PEOPLE
Let me get this straight…
The esteemed one thinks that his role as the >>non-voting<< administrator of the legislature had something – anything – to do with legislation passed, or economic activity within the territory?
Meglamaniac
aaron going beat u
We are going to remember on election day how you gave millions to these worthless advisers with zero returns- if it were your money, you would not do such foolishness- you are a f—-g opportunist
The man is full of self praise
Told to step down after the COI saw through him
Still facing the courts due to his corrupt activities
Bit wait let’s make him a Government Advisor as he’s such an upstanding member of the community
Nah pardna – you is da weakest link in ANY political party and system. Your missed opportunity no longer exists in this realm. Maybe you could represent Round Rock and its constituents – food for thought!!!
You just don’t get it; or you don’t want to accept that you are not worthy to represent any district. Facts. So resign your desires to this hard reality and change your dubious ways.
His self-agrandisement is clearly a sign of weakness. It’s all about me me me – Somebody betta RECOGNIZE!
Mr. Premier it would be in the interest of him only if allowed to join your group. Perhaps you’re simply trying to neutralize challenges to your tenure and your group, but that would be a huge mistake. Please leave this self-loathing unnecessary weight to himself. You’ve done well thus far and we pray your success will continue.
Done well where?
Mr. Willock keeps saying “we” – is that the royal plural?
Willock, Walwyn, the antichrist Cline…..who’s next for a crony contract or to run for the House? Al Capone?
Me son yo can’t handle power, pride and arrogance get the better of you.
We love Julian willock he is one of we right back in the HOA cone next election
SELF PRAISING AIN’T NO RECOMMENDATION ( O THOU WIGGED ONE ) BUT THERE ISN’T ANY LAW AGAINST FOOLING YOURSELF ,SO HAVE FUN AND ENJOY THE LUXURY OF TRAVELING ON TAXPAYERS MONEY , LIKE THE 3RD DISTRICT REP AND THE GANG WHO HE BOUNCED OVER TO – AND HAS ADMITTED WONDERFUL IT IS / HE DIDN’T MIND BEING BOUGHT ALONG WITH THE OTHER TWO / AND THE “BIG youth ” IS NOW SCHOOLING THEM , SINGLE HANDEDLY • WE GOT GIVE THE DUDE CREDIT , SFTEF CALLING HIM , A ” LIL BOI” – “TOY -BOI” ETC THOSE SAME PUPPETS ARE UP UNDER HIS REAR END , IF HE ONLY ” LEGGO AH FAR-TH , ALL AH THEM GINE GEH KNOCK OUT / BUT THEY DON’T MIND , THEY ALL WILL STILL HOLLER OUT ” LET THE GOOD TIMES ROLL ‘ MASTER WEATIE •¿• WE “aH ~iGHT” .
Sounding like arrogant Donald trump Jack Donkey behind.
One thing this guy goin do is liw
Julian Willock is our prince bottom line