Julian Willock sworn in as new HoA Speaker
In his inaugural speech, Hon Willock expressed gratitude first to God, his family and to the VIP team for granting him the opportunity to serve in the capacity, “I wish to personally thank Premier Hon Andrew A. Fahie and his entire team for the confidence reposed in me... I am aware you had a long list of choices and options,” he told those gathered at the venue.
Humbled
According to Mr Willock, he is humbled and well prepared to take on the post, “Just last night I went back to look at the history of Speakers worldwide, particularly the West Minister system of Governments and Speakers in the United Kingdom,” he revealed emphatically.
Hon Willock, in divulging some historical context to the role, continued, “What I have also discovered is that in some 85% of Commonwealth Countries a Speaker is a sitting elected member of the ruling party—in other words—he or she would have ran with the party, won their seat and the majority gets the right to choose the Speaker.”
Therefore he says, “I pledge that my tenure as Speaker will be fair, non-partisan and objective… I am aware that while the Opposition is in the minority, those districts that sent them to the House, deserve to be heard through their members and will be heard… I also have a duty to preside in a way where the government business is not unnecessarily frustrated, or undermined.”
Further, Hon Willock implored, “Beyond the Chambers proceedings, I wish to help elevate this House of Assembly to the centre for good governance and working with both the Leader of Government Business, Hon Fahie and the Leader of the Opposition, Hon Penn to see that the Government’s legislative agenda is achieved.”
Ready for Business – Willock
He says the HoA must return to a place of dignity where boys and girls aspire to be Ministers of Government, Premiers and even Speakers. “We will ensure this House is not used under the privilege of immunity to engage in personal attacks against ordinary residents or businesses,” he said while noting that renewed focus will be placed on the security of House Members in and outside the HoA.
Hon Willock further stated that elected members have a right to advocate and will be encouraged to speak out if residents and their constituencies are being mistreated and they have a right to speak about ills in the Territory and to educate citizens, “My hope is that the Fourth House of Assembly becomes a place where we educate our residents about Bills before they are passed, and how these Bills will affect or improve their quality of life,” he said.
“I pledge as your Speaker… to restore confidence in this institution, that it is regarded as a beacon for legislative justice and for what is fair, just and right, and most of all, a place where laws are made to protect all residents, locals, expats and everyone that call the Virgin Islands their home.”
Mr Willock holds a Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees in Political Science from the State University of New York at Buffalo and a Certificate in Public Administration from the University of the West Indies.
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