The VI Inquires Bill 2024 is the ‘Willock Bill’- Hon Walwyn
During the heated debate on the proposed Bill at the 15th Sitting of the First Session of the Fifth HoA, the Opposition member—in speaking to Section 11 (1) of the proposed new law, which provides for the employment of staff and legal counsel- told members of the House, “they should name the clause after him.” This was a reference to the former Speaker Mr Willock.
Bill is a violation & vindictive
Hon Walwyn then proceeded to accuse Governor Daniel Pruce of having some clauses which Mr Walwyn described as heavy-handed provisions being meted out to the Virgin Islands (VI), saying, “There are a lot of sections in this Bill that belong to the Former Speaker.”
The Sixth District Representative, in lambasting some provisions of the UK imposed Bill, told Members of the Assembly, “When I did my research in the other acts in the other OTs (Overseas Territories) there is nothing like this in any of them.”
With this in mind, the ex-Education Minister suggested, “It is only now because something happened here that you are now legislating based on what recently happened, and we can't do that; you can’t personalise the law how you want it.”
According to Hon Walywn, “It just shows to me in my mind that you have malice, you have bad thoughts in your minds towards people and you are pretty much targeting people.”
The former Speaker took the Commissioner of Inquiry (CoI) to court for violating the Legal Profession Act 2015. Attorney General Hon Dawn J. Smith also agreed with the Speaker that the lawyers working in the VI for the CoI needed to comply with the laws of the VI. According to her, they were indeed in violation of the Act.
Willock in the bull’s eye
Hon Walwyn, who it is alleged does not always see eye to eye with Mr Willock, noted in his contribution to the debate that “There are a lot of sections in this Bill that belong to the former Speaker, they should name the clause after him because when you read the stuff you can tell what it is they are trying to do in some of the clauses.”
Hon Walwyn condemned many sections in the Bill that were challenged by the former Speaker as “not appropriate to be in this bill."
The Leader of His Majesty’s Loyal Opposition, Hon Ronnie W. Skelton (AL), had also earlier noted that another one of the clauses, 22 (5), was in fact, “one of the former Speakers' cross to bear.”
Appearing on Tola Radio 100.5 this morning July 17, 2024, from Dutch St Maarten, Mr Willock said he was yet again vindicated and he is humbled that the people have woken up. He asked, "How is it in 2024 such a law could come to the HoA that violates individuals' rights, the VI Constitution, International Law and Convention and Human Rights?"
Mr Willock is said to have been a target of the UK police officers following his challenge to the CoI. Last week, they came after him with what was described as "a bogus arrest" and charges allegedly dictated by both the Governor and Police Commissioner Mark Collins.
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21 Responses to “The VI Inquires Bill 2024 is the ‘Willock Bill’- Hon Walwyn”
Certain clauses are necessary to ensure comprehensive investigations. These clauses are not unique to the Virgin Islands; similar provisions can be found in other jurisdictions to maintain the integrity of public office. Why do we need to tell Myron a lawyer that legal frameworks need to be robust enough to handle various scenarios, especially those involving potential misconduct.
Specific provisions aim to close loopholes and ensure compliance with the law. Laws are created for the benefit of the public and the integrity of governance, not for personal vendettas. Any claims of targeting should be substantiated with evidence of who they are aimed at. It can’t be the Speaker as he is no longer the Speaker.
The Act aims to uphold the rule of law and is not intended to target any individual. It seeks to establish clear guidelines for inquiries, ensuring they are conducted impartially and fairly. This Act looks like it has been carefully reviewed to ensure it complies with the Virgin Islands Constitution, international law, and human rights conventions and will have gone through rigorous scrutiny to ensure it aligns with existing legal frameworks and protects individuals rights, which we should all, lawyers included, be striving for
The Act aims to uphold the rule of law and is not intended to target any individual. It seeks to establish clear guidelines for inquiries, ensuring they are conducted impartially and fairly and Myron and his political colleagues and elitist friends seem to have a problem with that.
Based on the actions of one Andrew Fahie I wouldn't object to revisions or changes or introduction of a new Bill ...a necessity is my view.