Julian Willock has been sent on compulsory leave from his MCW Permanent Secretary post, pending an investigation.

The Governor said he was acting on the advice of the Public Service Commission (PSC.

He said in a GIS press release that “this is to enable an investigation to be undertaken as of a yet unsubstantiated but serious allegations in the print media”.

The release said further information will be communicated as to the acting appointment of a Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Communications and Works.

Willock is a former Water and Sewerage Department Director. His appointment to the post was announced 22 March after he was acting in the post at the Ministry for two months.

As the Permanent Secretary assigned to the Ministry of Communications and Works, he was the Chief Advisor to the Minister for policies that fall under the Minister’s portfolio. The Ministry of Communications and Works has seven departments/units under its responsibilities – the Public Works, Water and Sewerage, and Vehicle Licensing Departments, the Fire and Rescue Services, along with the Facilities Management, Electrical Inspection and Telephone Services Management Units.

The Ministry also overseas three statutory bodies: the BVI Airports Authority, the Telecommunications Regulatory Commission and BVI Electricity Corporation. These agencies are governed by Boards appointed by the Minister in Cabinet.