Mr Julian Willock (right), an ancestral Virgin Islander and a former Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Communications and Works, appeared on the talk show, ‘Talking Points’ on June 22, 2026. Photo: Facebook

Mr Julian Willock is adamant that there should be no controversy over a Virgin Islander being employed in a public sector role if they are qualified for the position. Photo: VINO/file

Former Speaker Julian Willock with American politician and attorney serving since 2015 as the delegate to the United States House of Representatives from the United States Virgin Islands' at-large congressional district, Stacey E. Plaskett. Photo: Team of Reporters

It was on June 22, 2026, when Mr Willock, an ancestral Virgin Islander and a former Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Communications and Works, appeared on the talk show, ‘Talking Points’, when the question was posed to him whether he is now working for the Government of the Virgin Islands (VI) as a Consultant.

Mr Willock deferred and noted that, out of respect and protocol, the Premier should be making such an announcement. It was some months ago when Premier and Minister of Finance Dr the Hon Natalio D. Wheatley (R7) announced at a press conference, in an answer to a question, that Mr Willock would be brought on by his office as a Ministerial Special Advisor, but the contract was being formalised.

Respect for Protocol- Willock

When asked by the show hosts, Damion C. Grange and Elvin G. Grant, directly whether the reported role had materialised, Willock responded, “I will allow the Premier to make his own announcement.”

When asked yet again about a Virgin Islander who is qualified working for the Government, Mr Willock, a former Speaker of the HoA and former Director of the Water and Sewerage Department, responded, “You ought to allow the Premier to tell the public who he has hired.”

Mr Willock noted that any Virgin Islander once qualified should be able to work anywhere in their country, whether in the public or private sectors. He noted that he was travelling out via the Road Town Ports and “heard foreign accents working in the public sector being paid by taxpayers but no one ever questioned that”.

In addition, Mr Willock noted that he called a government ministry and heard a foreigner answer the phone; however, “no one questions that”. Willock described the debate over the reported position as a non-issue, arguing that he found it “a little curious” that questions were being raised about the possibility of his employment in government when he is a Virgin Islander, as there are non-Virgin Islanders working throughout the public service being paid by taxpayers, some as consultants.

Virgin Islanders have a right to work at home- Willock

He added that while he supports the Virgin Islands “building for everyone”, there should be no controversy over a Virgin Islander being employed in a public sector role if they are qualified for the position.

“I am a Virgin Islander, and can hold any job in my country; therefore, there should be no debate about that,” the young brilliant advocate opined.

In addition, Mr Willock noted that he will “continue to defend the rights of Virgin Islanders to work in their country because if a Virgin Islander now has to explain at an altar why he or she is employed, then we are in serious trouble”.

Overqualified?

Mr Willock holds Bachelor's and Master’s Degrees in Political Science and Economics with a concentration in International Relations. He also has a certificate in Public Administration from the University of the West Indies.

He has worked in Buffalo, NY, New York City and in Corporate America, both in the private and public sectors in the VI. He also owns and runs a Marketing and Consulting Firm where he is sought after locally, regionally and internationally, along with being the owner of many other small businesses.