BVI News

Willock’s “abusive language” threatens to derail COI injunction — High Court

Speaker Julian Willock has filed a court injunction to stop the lawyers Bilal Rawat, Andrew King and Rhea Harrikissoon from participating in the COI unless and until they are admitted as BVI legal practitioners.

House Speaker Julian Willock’s injunction that seeks to restrain three attorneys from acting as barristers or solicitors in the ongoing Commission of Inquiry (COI) has been met with a hurdle of his own making.

According to a August 27 High Court judgment seen by BVI News, Willock’s alleged abusive and uncivil language in the injunction documents he filed has threatened to derail the entire proceedings before it even gets underway.

Commercial Court Justice Adrian Jack, in his ruling, pointed out that Willock referred to the Commission of Inquiry as “the Inquisition” in several documents in which he had sworn.

“This, in my judgment is inappropriate,” Judge Jack ruled. “Mr Willock no doubt has strong views on the legitimacy of the inquiry. The Court, however, requires parties before it to behave with civility to each other. The Court will not tolerate abusive language of any description.”

He added that describing the COI as an inquisition did not meet that standard of civility.

This apparent lack of civility also applied to an implied comparison of Sir Gary Hickinbottom – the COI’s sole Commissioner – with the late Tomas de Torquemada, the judge noted.

Torquemada was a notorious and cruel prosecutor who served the Spanish monarchy by ruthlessly ridding their kingdom of non-Christians during the 1490s. 

“The Court will not entertain political point-scoring by litigants before it,” Justice Jack said.

Justice Jack gave the House Speaker until 4 pm tomorrow, September 1 to amend the injunction by removing the pejorative language – particularly, references to the word ‘inquisition’. That term must be changed to ‘commission’. If Willock fails to do so, his claim will be struck out ahead of the court hearing scheduled to take place this Wednesday, September 2.

Speaker unlikely to get High Court standing in absence of AG’s approval

The Speaker’s chances of receiving standing before the court on the matter of the injunction have also been cast in dim light since this hinges on him receiving permission from the Attorney General (AG).

“The current claim appears to raise no private law cause of action on Mr Willock’s part. Instead, he appears to be bringing the claim as part of his public duties as Speaker of the House of Assembly. The papers filed to date do not, however, identify any statutory basis on which he might be acting,” Justice Jack ruled.

He added: “There is no general power of public authorities to obtain such injunctions.”

According to Justice Jack, the AG’s permission is therefore required for a claimant to bring proceedings in the manner that the Speaker has done. He said based on the papers filed thus far, it does not appear that this permission has been requested.

But the AG expressed recently that she was disinclined to object to the COI trio’s applications to be admitted to the bar when they come up for hearing in October.

This is despite her belief that they should be called to the bar in order to practice law in the territory.

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66 Comments

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  1. Disgraceful says:

    The speaker is a dis***ce and insult to the people of the BVI. He is carrying out the objectives of the Premier this is why he is not being removed. Any other sensible government would have removed him as speaker a long time ago. He continues to waste taxpayers money for these silly cases to satisfy his setty fowl conduct with the full blessings of the minister of finance. This is how he gets the money.
    Look at the decorum he displayed in his application to the court.l – using abusive language. It’s a disgrace.

    Like 120
    Dislike 1
    • An** m_* says:

      What else you expect from a …

      Like 44
      Dislike 2
    • silkworm says:

      But wait, isn’t he spaffing thousands of our taxpayers dollars on legal advice from the “esteemed” Silk Legal crowd? A refund is in order.

      Like 33
    • love BVI says:

      the COI is trying to work with BVI so solve clear issues from poor process to ignoring the law when it comes to contracts to possible corruption. the UK gov in reality has not stomach to get involved but was forced too. if this nonsense from the house of representative continues the UK will have no choice but to dissolve the House which it can. the UKs not going to waste too much time trying to plicate the politicians of the BVI for long.

    • Anonymous says:

      not to be taken seriously. stamps feet like a baby who been caught stealing candy and blames it on the jar being open, the wrong jar, the wrong label, the wrong lid, the wrong parents. No integrity. No spine. No self-awareness. All he has to distinguish himself is his middle name- “B**o”.

    • Shameful says:

      Only two more years. For sure the VIP Govt will be history. Surely we can do better. I pray some good people come forward. Utter shame what the VIP Government has brought this country too under the current Premier.

  2. Suport says:

    Lets go AG, the ball is in your hands. You must Support the Speaker!

    Like 2
    Dislike 97
    • Big AL says:

      @Support
      The AG is an intelligent and well learnt individual who acts independently in her role. So of course don’t expect her to support the j*** a** Andrew Fahie has as Speaker of the House. He is surely throwing mud in Andrew’s face.

      Like 41
  3. The incompetence says:

    This incompetent government continues to waste taxpayers money with frivolous, not properly thought out legal applications. I hope it’s Willock paying for this crap fro his own pocket. He and Andrew need to pay for this bull. They could do all they want because when they get out they will be getting 2, 3 and 5 years salary every month.

    Like 58
  4. Ya awl says:

    Time for Willock to stop spendin our money. AG either sides with you and your action or time for you to resign, simple!

    Like 57
  5. lol says:

    What does this government have to hide? You can’t stop the COI.

    Like 42
  6. Willock. Is he mad? says:

    Willock is looking like a child in an adult’s world.

    Like 61
    Dislike 2
    • Kingfish says:

      He is a child in an adult world.

      Like 24
      • @ kingfish says:

        Your post is Facts facts and more facts.

        The sad thing is, y’all esteemed cannot see himself and how st***d he looks.

        One thing I must say the COI team is a true bunch of professionals, they do not rute in mud with …, they are dignified men and women with class and taste.

        Take an example w******, this is the world stage not some lil hog pen …

        Like 27
        Dislike 1
  7. Rosie says:

    This man is such an embarrassment and he does not represent the will of the people. Andrew’s unfortunate choice of Willock and Cline is a poor reflection on his judgment along with additional mistteps.
    He should do the VI a favor and st e p aside.

    Like 81
  8. Who elected this guy? says:

    His arrogance and self im***tance is beyond the pale. He needs a good dressing down. The entire injunction needs to be rubbish without prejudice. Lets see if he can follow the judges order by the 4 pm deadline tomorrow.

    He has no standing here and the Attorney General is not going to tarnish her rep following this n***issist down a rabbit hole.

    Like 57
    • Indeed says:

      She’d better not. I’m watching keenly to see what she will do. So far I respect her stance, not being a puppet.

      Like 14
  9. How long? says:

    Before Fahie will distance himself from this toxic timebomb?

    Like 38
  10. Don q says:

    We with Willock keep fighting white power willock

    Like 2
    Dislike 80
  11. Dooped says:

    We elected and appointed people who represent the worst in us to bring out the best in us. Think about that for a second.

    Like 27
    • Disagree says:

      I disagree.

      The elected are a direct reflection of us.

      We elected them according to our stinking thinking and biases.

      We don’t want anyone to have more than us and we are anti-education. We hate educated people because we think they are better than us, so we ensure that we exercise our collected might to ensure that education and intelligence are stomped out, undermined and left at the bottom without hope to rise above.

      We elected ignorance and corruption. We elected them and then we complain about it because we didn’t expect to be the same people who suffered under it.

      Well, you people did. I voted for the other guy, so that I wouldn’t have to suffer with you, but here I am anyway.

      Suffering with you but I have a legitimate right to cuss about it.

      Like 27
  12. Aye says:

    The updeislun portion of this cl**n just wont quit.

    Like 23
  13. Disclosure says:

    Pigs wearing pearls are still pigs

    Like 43
  14. RESPECT says:

    WHO IS IT THAT SAID , IT’S NOT WHAT YOU SAY , IS HOW YOU SAY IT….

    Like 19
  15. PT9 says:

    Willock, You like to have your own way but this is one time it’s not going to happen, your behavior shows that you are guilty of something. When you were been questioned by the COI you were very rude and out of place, I hope they call you back and if you don’t show up have the police bring you in, You need to understand who is in charge and it’s not you. Your behavior is disgraceful to the British Islands you should be removed from the house also your side kick. With all the talk about these lawyers braking the law I don’t think that they would have broken the law because of what they are doing so all who is against the COI let it be known they are here to do a job for the UK our mother country and there is nothing any of you can do to stop it. What about Andrew Fahie lawyer was he passed by the BVI Bar?
    Both you and Andrew Fahie should be made to pay back all lawyer fees.

    Like 67
  16. Resident says:

    Going well so far then, Hon Speaker? How much has this little exercise cost the public purse so far?

    Like 37
    • @resident says:

      I hope this is out of his Pocket because no government worker can file for an INJUNCTION Using the government money.

      Like 17
  17. Funny says:

    This man is on some type of destruction mission. What the H*LL IS THIS MAN’S PROBLEM? OH, HE THINK HE IS KING OF TORTOLA.. BUDDY I SAW YOU ON THE WAY UP AND I WILL SEE YOU AND YOUR BLONDE WIG ON THE WAY DOWN.

    Like 43
    Dislike 1
  18. Tan I A m says:

    Evidently he had no intent of a serious submission hence the unprofessional and the inappropriate.
    My guess is ,he wont be doing a resubmission. This cl**n needs to find a circus. HOA is not it.
    He has done nothing humiliate his non elected by the people position.

    Like 27
  19. Campfire says:

    Somebody better tell this dude he is setting himself up for a real hard fall. HELLPPPPPP, IV’E FALLEN AND I CAN’T GET UP!!!!!. LMAO.

    Like 27
  20. heckler says:

    The speaker is out of his league and outta place

    Like 30
  21. LOL says:

    Government need to bell this kat

    Like 27
    Dislike 1
  22. I am a Local says:

    Mr W. is showing his true colours. Are we surprised here?? Not even the decency to go before the courts in a professional manner. I hope they strike down his entire request. Let the COI continue.

    Like 34
  23. Utter Disgrace says:

    We Shame. Get this cl**n outta here. If he only spends our money one more time.

    Like 26
  24. Cay says:

    Julian Willock should be given an OBE he make us all proud we have a fighter someone with balls

    I will go to war with the esteemed any day we may not be blogging but will the grass roots are with you take that to the bank

    Like 2
    Dislike 45
    • @Cay says:

      This sounds like Willock himself wrote this. He needs an evaluation. Something is dreadfully wrong upstairs. John Leonard all over again.

      Like 21
  25. lol says:

    Poppy-Show! #Clown #SetAhHam all of them.

    Like 19
  26. WELL says:

    lavity would not of allowed this ( whatever ) to disrespect the integrity of such a position ,the HOA is his play pen , and if I may ash , who nis really running the country ?

    Like 22
    Dislike 1
  27. jack says:

    not always very good, but seems to be on the right track here. why did they go before him rather than high court?

    Like 5
    Dislike 2
  28. Hmmm... says:

    I do believe that someone may benefit from a Psychiatric Evaluation.

    Like 24
  29. Deh Watcha says:

    Another fiasco. Wellll sah.

  30. Jack be nimble says:

    Best judge to hear this matter. Fair, balanced and totally impartial. Also a no-nonsense judge.

    Like 10
    Dislike 1
  31. Not surprising says:

    W—— behavior is in line with … He needs a prescribed dose of humble pills. I have never seen a man who craves in desperation to be respected and has not an atom of respect for anyone. His mouth will be his greatest demise, and by far the most glorious.

    Like 11
  32. Common sense says:

    I think this is finally game, set and match to the COI. This on top of everything else the COI have brought to light clearly demonstrates these people are unfit to govern. What everyone continues to ignore, is, these islands are a British territory governed by British laws and British standards, not a discriminatory, racist excuse for a government.

    Like 24
  33. Dear Mr. Premier says:

    You need to slowlyyy tip away from the speaker. Everything he does strongly reflects on you. It ain’t about tossing him under the moving bus. YOU ARE GOING TO LOSE YOUR POLITICAL CAREER BECAUSE OF THE SPEAKER. YOU MR. PREMIER, HAVE MORE TO LOSE THAN THE SPEAKER DOES. YOU LAY DOWN WITH A FLEA INFESTED DOG, YOU SHALL GET UP INFESTED WITH FLEAS. TIME TO DE FLEA THE FLEA INFESTED DOG!!!!!

    Like 16
  34. Randy says:

    You again??
    This boy will do anything or say anything just to get his photo in the papers. Clearly have nothing better to do.

  35. lawyer says:

    the speaker is one thing and his lawyer row is the next. My learned friend should know better. This don’t look good on your record row your boat

  36. SNAFU says:

    All you elect the people that were all up in misters backside. Why? because he had a platform to brainwash weak minds and once elected, they selected! The dirt everyone got on each other makes a tar pit look clean.
    This man and a lot more are going down.
    Who don’t know that must be a clown.
    The people need to revoke any legislator’s stipend once convicted of wrongdoing with the publics purse. The purse does not belong to them, they were elected to be good stewards to protect it!
    Clearly mister thinks its his turn to do as he pleases with it! Shame on you for being a poor excuse of a character bent on retribution and childish antics.
    This child has no moral or ethical right to run any form of governance, his mouth or even a piss yellow lemonade stand site!
    SMFH

  37. Well saw says:

    cost 30K in the Commercial court and that has nothing to do with Lawyer fees. Has Willock has cost the VI Government close to a Mill by now?

    The Hon. Mark Case lawyer fees plus Bearing the cost of Hon. Mark fees after blatantly loosing.

    Kishama blatant lost.

    COI Blatant loss again. Everything he challenge in court he lost miserablely. Smh. The VI Government need to appoint another Speaker to do the Government work. The Speaker is just a Refferee in the house nothing more, feel he is equals with the AG, Governor and COI team from a political appointment. Smh.

    Like 14
  38. Wrll saw says:

    The wi* got Power lok.

  39. Selfish madness. says:

    The Judge is clearly telling them to stop using tax payers money to achieve personal and political points. They dont care, its not their Money…COI needs to Investigate this abuse of the tax payers purse and Foy needs to be held responsible….

    Like 19
  40. ... says:

    as I read these comments its so obvious of the writing the same three persons over and over again.

    Come on man we should give Mr. Willock an award for standing up for what is right and the rule of law

    Like 1
    Dislike 28
  41. BLONDIE says:

    THAT WIG SURE DID SOME SERIOUS DAMAGE TO THAT MAN BRAINS. HE IS OUT OF CONTROL. HE ACT LIKE HE CAN ACT AND DO AS HE LIKE AND EVERYONE SHOULD HUMBLE DOWN TO HIM. NO TYPE OF RESPECT. WELL, PREMIER HANDED HIM CARTE BLANCHE ON A GOLDEN PLATTER COVERED IN PINK DIAMONDS.

    Like 16
  42. AH TELL ALLYO says:

    HE IS A MASTER MIND ? AND HE IS WHO RUNNING THE COUNTRY ( INDIRECTLY ) BUT SOONER OR LATER THE TRUTH WILL COME OUT ( THIS IS WHAT POWER AND AUTHORITY DOES TO SOME PEOPLE’S MIND

    Like 12
  43. Me vislander says:

    U talk about colonilism look at this black face man with this fake wig.What is more of an insult to us that thi fake fool.COI pls come to our rescue

  44. Jimmy Jowe says:

    He needs to give an account of his legal expenses with a view to getting a refund/ or paying it back to the ppl of the Territory. What an A**-Cl**n.

  45. @lawyer says:

    What kind of advise is Rowe giving here? Run little Davies boy before your career is over. You are being dragged down in quick sand defending these cr**ks. This is on you too. Find a better firm to work for. You know better.

  46. PSST says:

    THE SPEAKER NEEDS TO SIRE A … THAT HE CAN RULE AND CONTROL AND LEAVE EVERYONE ELSE THE H*LL ALONE.

  47. Joker says:

    Did we not make a dangerous, inhuman law after the Panama Papers that says anyone bringing the name of the BVI into disrepute in the media would be subject to a lengthy prison sentence?
    Could I suggest we try it out on this man whose ‘news’ site has for years now created an impression of the BVI that is mean, greedy, deeply divided, xenophobic place overflowing with racial hatred.
    How much damage has this done in terms of potential investors in the BVI and of course tourists who decided to go elsewhere for their own safety?
    What has this to do with the man-troll’s CoI case?
    Point is, he is working his own long-term, broad based strategy to get/control power. One aim is to affect the narrative and make people think in certain ways (“island people”; “the whites”), and part of it is to seed himself in the centre of power (ie using some hook he had to get himself in Speaker chair); and part of it is to play the joker/crazyman around UK gov. to try to drive them mad, exasperate them and make them look/act foolish.
    By playing the old-school anti-colonial angle he convinces simpler minds that he is some kind of Jomo Kenyatta, Robert Mugabe or Malcolm X, great liberators of their people.
    He is not. But he is wily, playing a long game, and the BVI needs to watch out for the power he has and aims to achieve.

  48. never a dull moment says:

    never a dull moment with this dude. Look like part of his brain buss out … and spill over in his lawyer head. Two f***s. Had respect for Mr. Row for years. he is basically at the end of his legal career and this is how he going go down? The bible say it isnt how you start the race its how you finish it. Rowe you let the esteem one take your esteem and you bite the bullet before you tell him go sit down and learn manners.

    The client don’t prepare documents, the lawyers do. … should have known better. If your client want to use inappropriate language in a court document, you excuse yourself and let him know you cannot act for him with that kind of behavior.

  49. Maxwell says:

    This dude is such an embarrassment to the HOA, the VIP Govt. and to the BVIs. I have never met a man so *** in all my lifetime. This dud should have never been given that position. He really need to humble himself. Geezzz

  50. @ JOKER & @ @CAY says:

    Joker you seems to know that blond good / and CAY you got the first letter wrong , so please remove the (C) and we know he has been blogging under different ? names

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