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Julian Willock supports Lorna G. Smith’s interview; Rejects comparison

- said of course it’s an emotional issue & one must have passion to defend the Territory in a time like this
Former Permanent Secretary Mr Julian Willock, right, has defended the Territory’s First Lady and Interim Director of BVI Finance Mrs Lorna G. Smith OBE, left, following an interview she did on a BBC radio programme on May 1, 2018.
The Sanctions and Anti-Money Laundering Bill debated in the House of Commons today, May 1, 2018 saw the United Kingdom Government of Theresa M. May make a major U-turn in accepting public ownership registers for UK overseas territories. This could in effect hurt offshore jurisdictions, including in the Virgin Islands Photo: BVIFSC
The Sanctions and Anti-Money Laundering Bill debated in the House of Commons today, May 1, 2018 saw the United Kingdom Government of Theresa M. May make a major U-turn in accepting public ownership registers for UK overseas territories. This could in effect hurt offshore jurisdictions, including in the Virgin Islands Photo: BVIFSC
The Sanctions and Anti-Money Laundering Bill brought before the House of Commons was spearheaded by Dame Margaret E. Hodge. Photo: Internet Source
The Sanctions and Anti-Money Laundering Bill brought before the House of Commons was spearheaded by Dame Margaret E. Hodge. Photo: Internet Source
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI- Political aspirant, businessman and former Permanent Secretary Mr Julian Willock has come to the defense of the Territory’s First Lady and Interim Director of BVI Finance, Mrs Lorna G. Smith OBE.

Mrs Smith, in an interview on the BBC’s radio programme, clashed with Member of the United Kingdom Parliament Dame Margaret E. Hodge over the financial services sector on Tuesday May 1, 2018 in what many described as a “heated” interview.  

Many critics of the First Lady claimed that she was too emotional and allowed Hon Hodge, a critic of the sector, and the host ‘John’ to get the best of her, especially at the end.

"Hats off to First Lady"- Willock

However, Mr Willock, who did an interview in 2016 with BBC radio where the reporter was hostile and even claimed that the Territory’s new Hospital was built with dirty money, said, “The First Lady did a marvellous job in fighting for our interest.”

One must understand the implications of the Bill that was passed on public registry and the target of only OECS Overseas Territories “with the majority of people that look like me.” Mrs Smith was “right in her approach and she told the truth and that is what the international community needs to know,” Mr Willock stated.

Social media was full of debates trying to compare Mr Willock’s interview in 2016 after the Panama Papers leak to Mrs Smith presentation yesterday. Mr Willock stated, “I categorically reject the comparison, it was not a time to play nice when we have just come out of two Category 5 Hurricanes that have affected our tourism sector, now they want to kill the last pillar. It is like a bad dream…. and even I would have gotten emotional.”

Willock said we need to thank Mrs Smith for “her commitment to country, her sacrifices, even sometimes physical [long flights], along with learning from her knowledge of the financial services sector.” Now is no time to play politics and try to score political points. The UK’s decision will affect all of us directly, rich, poor or in between, the aspiring politician stated.

UK wants to take us back- Lorna Smith

In the interview, Mrs Smith said, “the legislation represents a constitutional infringement, subverting the BVI’s right to self-determination that was agreed with the UK in 2007.”

She also argued that the amendments to the Sanctions and Anti-Money Laundering Bill at the time before the House of Commons, and spearheaded by the same Dame Hodge, “is wrong” because the “BVI register of beneficial ownership is verifiable”, and “therefore accurate and useful for law enforcement agencies responsible for fighting economic crime.”

Mrs Smith, herself a former Permanent Secretary, accused the backers of the amendments of smacking of "colonialism, and trying to take us back 40 years…”

Is FSC part of the issue? More inclusion needed- Julian Willock

Mr Willock told our newsroom that we have to use this as an opportunity to move the financial services sector to “innovation, new ideas and inclusion.” 

Let us get the “lawyers, accountants, liquidators, agents to coordinate more. Speak about the sector, as these are the persons who interact with clients and understand new trends, new products and offerings we can bring to the table,” the political candidate stated.

Mr Willock said, “Frankly we need to breathe new life into the Financial Services Commission, and while it remains a well-respected regulator, it seems to be stagnant on product development approvals,” he added.

40 Responses to “Julian Willock supports Lorna G. Smith’s interview; Rejects comparison”

  • voter (02/05/2018, 14:36) Like (32) Dislike (4) Reply
    I have new respect for willocks
  • BVI STRONG (02/05/2018, 14:54) Like (122) Dislike (5) Reply
    Mrs Smith was to respond to the comment the lady made about "You can't build an economy relying on dirty money" . History will show that the entire economy of England was built on blood money and dirty money , from thief and enslaving our people..
    • Really? (02/05/2018, 16:23) Like (6) Dislike (34) Reply
      @BVI Strong. I am so tired of hearing about enslaving our people. And just who are you to say what the First Lady should respond to.
      • @Really (02/05/2018, 17:04) Like (45) Dislike (33) Reply
        What first lady you talking about?????????

        As far as I'm concern Orlando and his wife along with their kick back friends and highly corrupt party are the last set of people I want to see.

        These people sold us out and had so much secrecy with it that they just need to disappear from our BVI.

        I don't care what no body say but this was a long time coming and they there with pure lies.
        • But of course (02/05/2018, 19:31) Like (18) Dislike (18) Reply
          Yes, The First Lady of Tortola. Like it or not. She is married to the Leader of your Country so get use to it.
          • @But of course (06/05/2018, 11:50) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
            What first lady??? There exist no ‘First Lady’ of the BVI. First Lady is an American terminology. She is just a woman who married the present leader of the Virgin Islands nothing more nothing less.
      • Don’t get tired, seek understanding (02/05/2018, 18:04) Like (25) Dislike (4) Reply
        A must watch for every individual seeking understanding. https://youtu.be/Iyp9QL9aKqA
      • @Really (02/05/2018, 18:22) Like (9) Dislike (9) Reply
        That kind of arrogance is what has contributed to the crossroads we are on now. . No one is above constructive criticism.
    • keeping it a billion (02/05/2018, 16:51) Like (28) Dislike (1) Reply
      to BVI STRONG. Could not say this any clearer. The Entire Western Sytem was built on blood money, dirty money. These people only respect those who expose their hypocrisy, not gentlemen (ness). Never worked then, and will not work today.
    • Damn it (02/05/2018, 17:51) Like (3) Dislike (9) Reply
      @BVI Strong, The whole world is built on blood money. You think only as you said that our people was enslaved? Oops, I guess I don't count as our people since my mother is black and my father white.
      • Fran (03/05/2018, 17:09) Like (9) Dislike (1) Reply
        @Damn it. You count as our people because when Slave owners raped our Black women and mixed babies like you came out, you were still a Slave. As long as you have Black blood, you will not be accepted as White, so don’t stress yourself.....you are considered Black and there is nothing wrong with that. all people are beautiful and if a selected few don’t think so, they can go to HELL on a speedboat.
      • @Dawn it (06/05/2018, 12:03) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
        No you don’t count, your views are disturbed as it seems you have chosen to place more value on your European blood line’s prospective. Oops...yet to them you are 100% African.
    • tola (02/05/2018, 19:34) Like (17) Dislike (3) Reply
      @BVI Strong,Well said.Who are they to give us a lecture about dirty money when the first world was built on the backs of the colonies.Have much more respect for Mr.Willock as this is not a partisan issue, giving support to the Mrs.Smith after an emotional interview.I think the timing of this vote was so insensitive as we are just starting our recovery from two major catrastrophic events.Yes,kick us when we are down !. Mr Willock,you are a voice of reason.
    • I quaffed with Ollie Reed (03/05/2018, 14:49) Like (1) Dislike (1) Reply
      ....and the economy of Rome was built on the blood money from the enslavement of Britons. So what?
      • Pockwood (04/05/2018, 03:09) Like (2) Dislike (2) Reply
        Excellent point! The thing is, some people enjoy blaming others for their misfortune. Instead, we should look at our corrupt government and understand how that makes us look to the world. Lorna showed us to be uncultured and she implied we have dirty money. Serious polititians would not make such a fundamental error and survive. Here it happens all the time. That's ok as long as it stays local but when you are talking to the world you must be smarter. Some of us will have a similarly emotional reaction to this problem and say let's go independant. That would be the end of BVI since the only reason we have any business left here is our tie to Britain. It's like having a parent who have taken away some of our priviliges because we are not behaving as they think we should. That doesn't mean they are wrong and instead of slamming doors and behaving like petulant children, stay calm and show them we are responsible.
      • @I quaffed with Ollie Reed (06/05/2018, 12:09) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
        As you have said...’Europeans’ have a long lasting history of enslaved others for economic stability.
  • qc (02/05/2018, 15:44) Like (10) Dislike (1) Reply
    Clap clap clap
  • dude (02/05/2018, 15:54) Like (13) Dislike (8) Reply
    As far as we know they don't bank their $$ here. THE NDP said they have no time for philosophy and history. They don't remember mr. hodge. They also said they are proud of their rich white friends. Seems if they had remembered their history maybe their rich white friends would lobby on their behalf. It is time for real leadership that understands our relationship with the UK and don't get it twisted. Who is willing to promote the local and the Caribbean brotherhood and not sell out for white acceptance.
    • Agree (02/05/2018, 18:14) Like (6) Dislike (3) Reply
      One said we are jealous of their white friends. We have to be very careful of our words this one come back to haunt them. Where is the billionaire from the UK to speak on our behalf. Any way we will survive to the UK GOD is in control and he will not give us more than we can bear. To the PREMIER we are with you on this one because we have no feet to stand on do not be fool by other people we cannot stand up with out holding on.
  • Buff-Baff (02/05/2018, 16:32) Like (34) Dislike (30) Reply
    WE HAVE NOT ELECT THE ESTEEM YET AND HE SELLING OUT? HER INTERVIEW WAS HORABLE BOTTOM LINE!
  • trrefdrfds (02/05/2018, 17:14) Like (20) Dislike (3) Reply
    the dirty money is in London, New York and France
    • Prove it (02/05/2018, 19:19) Like (4) Dislike (15) Reply
      @Truth, prove it. Unless you have RECIPTS to prove what you claim, then shut the front door up.
  • My thought (02/05/2018, 17:19) Like (19) Dislike (0) Reply
    What this boils down to- is that- They created the game, but we should not be benefiting from it. And now, since they have made their choice and placed their economy in a position of compromise, they intend to pull themselves out by eating wherever they find weakness. Just look at what they are doing to the Windrush generation. Pe’o Hypocrisy!
  • vex (02/05/2018, 18:18) Like (11) Dislike (4) Reply
    JW just trying to be humble he know his interview was better lol but seriously they needed someone to be in their face
  • Political Observer (PO) (02/05/2018, 19:19) Like (23) Dislike (1) Reply
    At the end of the day, both the UK Opposition and Government represent the interest, concerns......etc of the UK people, not the BVI. They are playing to a constituency; votes have consequences; they can come back and bite one on one’s ass. On the diplomatic stage, represensenstive(s) must be aware of optics, language, body language, behaviour, attitude, perception.........etc. Reps shouldn’t act as shrinking violets or door mats yet they should do no harm to the agency they are advocating for.

    Political aspirant J. Willock was gracious in his support for Lorna Smith, Interim Director of BVI Finance, in her interview with the BBC regarding the register of beneficial ownership. About a year ago, J. Willock had a similar interview with the BBC post release of Panama Papers; he represented the BVI and financial services well. Nonetheless, the two interviews though about a similar topic were different. JW interview was not on the eve of a critical vote in the House of Commons; LS, was. Perhaps the BVI should have stayed away from the BBC and worked close up with the, BVI ambassador, Governor, FCO.....etc before the vote. The BBC interview perhaps should have been delayed. Whose side do we think the host was on ? UK or BVI.

  • jw is the man (02/05/2018, 19:44) Like (4) Dislike (10) Reply
    Two interviews one wimner
  • Rattle (02/05/2018, 20:22) Like (3) Dislike (9) Reply
    She admits the bvi has dirty money
    • ... (03/05/2018, 09:27) Like (4) Dislike (6) Reply
      She was emotional and her response came out poorly, although it is true. It did come across as if she admitted we do but I don’t think that’s what she meant. Maybe I would have put some words under the Dame too cause they’re just aloof.
  • just asking.... (03/05/2018, 00:25) Like (41) Dislike (8) Reply
    Willock speaking good how Fraser say no one understands the sector?
  • BRAD BOYNES (03/05/2018, 05:53) Like (11) Dislike (7) Reply
    First lady defend the issue like how the Hill man used to defend proper immigration procedures but she and others in the NDP gang had problems with him. None of them have integrity like him .Go figure
  • Wendy (03/05/2018, 08:22) Like (19) Dislike (13) Reply
    She tried to bully the MP these ndp bullies need to be chase out
  • Just Me (03/05/2018, 09:21) Like (10) Dislike (1) Reply
    She got emotional but I understood her passion about the subject. I see this as a way to divert revenue from the thriving offshore centers to the crown dependencies such as Isle of Man. We have a register already, although not public. We have the mechanisms in place to deal with money laundering. We do not KNOWINGLY harbor dirty money and if we had any suspicion of such we are obligated to report. Do you know how much screening clients have to go through, at least with my company, before they get accepted as a client? Sometimes clients get annoyed but it is a requirement. We screen transactions to ensure it’s legit and in keeping with the purpose of the formation of their company. We don’t turn a blind eye to anything. I’m sorry we are well regulated in the BVI and this to me is just a tactic. The money launderers as they say we hide will just go to Isle of Man etc and I hope they implement the same requirement on them because to get rid of the “dirty money”...please
  • SB (03/05/2018, 09:59) Like (13) Dislike (3) Reply
    This is ONLY about WHITE vs BLACK prosperity. They want to come to the BVI and not see the RANGE ROVER driven by local blacks. The million dollar homes built for US they can't stand that sight.
    • Well (03/05/2018, 13:46) Like (7) Dislike (1) Reply
      @SB I agree. But they need to understand how we got here. I got land from my grandparents, I went to the bank with said land and was able to get a loan to build my home. My husband and I pay back the bank $3,000.00 a month. We work legal jobs to do so we work hard. When we die the insurance will payoff the loan and our children will have the home. The then will refinance it to get a loan to start there businesses etc. if they understand how we get these big homes they would not be jealous. This situation is sad all around and people focusing on her emotion. I might have been crying for my BVI.
  • Rubber Duck (03/05/2018, 10:22) Like (4) Dislike (2) Reply
    The BVI has no friends in the U.K. None. And that is entirely the BVI’s fault. Every Brit treated like dirt by Labour, Immigration, Customs etc went back an enemy. And there was not a cent spent on PR to improve the BVI s image. . Every story about the BVI in the papers or on the despicable BBC was negative, money laundering, drugs, tax evasion etc. Never a positive one. Then you have Hodge. A quasi Communist Egyptian ( in spite of her name ) who hates both Britain and Capitalism and will do anything to cause trouble for them. And this is what you get.
  • ausar (03/05/2018, 13:26) Like (4) Dislike (11) Reply
    Thank you, our beloved First Lady, Mrs. Smith for defending our country against those "rabid" British bulldogs

    Dirty money has always been de riguer of the Western-aka-European world

    So what's wrong if the rest of the non-white world "cut their cloth to fit the pattern"?
  • ReX FeRal (03/05/2018, 18:47) Like (5) Dislike (1) Reply
    Some body need to bell that British cat.
  • The Signs of the Times (06/05/2018, 13:11) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    The whole earth is moving into economic and other calamities. The Perfect Storm Is Nearing. Repentance is the only way out. Have no fear God’s people, God covers His own from the dogs of this world. So He has removed many that would have destroyed us in this reason to come.

    The question...

    What power does a nation have on another when that nation falls apart???

    This is what the Lord God says...For the few that is His people throughout the Virgin Islands and the world. He will destroy the nations and their ‘god of wealth’ for your sake. He will be selective and will search the heart of a man to find his worth...for many dogs sit among His people. Far too long evil has controlled and collected His wealth which He created for His Children on the expense of His Royal Heirs. Using their diplomas, evil wisdom, beauty, and evil charisma as a sword. God’s people will rise and evil will fall. Yet a remanence of evil will remain to rebuild back the kingdom of darkness so that prophecy may be fulfilled. Those that remain to do the works of evil will be enraged with jealousy as they create ‘The One World System’. Choose today who you will serve your belly or God!
    Glory to Jesus He Is Coming Soon! Amen


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