Former Speaker of the House of Assembly and businessman Julian Willock said the ruling Virgin Islands Party (VIP) Government has not left any opposition members’ district behind. Photo: Facebook

The Cane Garden Bay Community Centre in District 2 was officially handed over on Tuesday, October 15 ,2024. Photo: Government of the Virgin Islands

Works ongoing to repair the Brewers Bay Communty Centre in District Two. Photo: Team of Reporters

A Welcome Centre is being constructed at Trellis Bay, Beef Island in District 8. Photo: Team of Reporters

Mr. Willock was at the time being interviewed by Cathy O. Richards on the ‘Big Story’ episode on Thursday, November 14, 2024. He noted that he has seen works going on in the sixth, second and eighth districts following the 2023 general elections: all districts being held by Opposition Members.

List of works in Opposition Districts

The former Speaker stated, “I have seen works and community centres in Cane Garden Bay, things happening in Jost van Dyke, and a community centre in Brewers Bay....I have seen roads being fixed in the sixth district and bush cutting.”  Mr. Willock also said he has seen roads being fixed in district eight and they are now building a welcome centre in district eight at Trellis Bay, as well as an approved Beach Project at Long Bay Beach, Beef Island.

Mr. Willock also made the point that while no opposition members' districts were left behind, the crossing of the floor by Third District Representative Hon Julian Fraser RA, places him in “a better position to get more done for his district”.

When the interviewer Ms. Richards suggested that you must be on the government side to get things for your district, Mr. Willock debunk that notion listing many things getting done in opposition districts.  He noted that before Hon Fraser, now the Deputy Premier, came over to the Government side there were already monies to resurface portions of the road network in Sea Cows Bay, and funds were being paced in the budget to remove the derelict boats from the Sea Cows Bay Harbour.

Is he running?

The point, according to Mr. Willock is that under the Dr. Wheatley Administration no district has been left behind and “that is a fact”.

There continues to be speculation that Mr. Willock, a former Permanent Secretary and a Director of the Water and Sewerage Department, is gearing up to run in the 2027 general election in District Three, however, to date he has not made any public announcement. He did however tell Ms. Richards in the Big Story interview that he will continue to help where he can in his community out of love for people. 

She link to full interview here.