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‘Answer to question if I am running for office is obvious’- Willock

- to announce his intentions to contest elections with press conference
Former Permanent Secretary, Businessman and political aspirant Mr Julian Willock has been the lone voice in the public offering solutions rather than just criticisms on issues affecting the Virgin Islands. Photo: VINO/File
Mr Julian Willock was a guest of Mr Paul A. Peart aka ‘Gadiethz’, right, the host of Fresh Radio Vybz on March 7, 2018. Photo: Facebook
Mr Julian Willock was a guest of Mr Paul A. Peart aka ‘Gadiethz’, right, the host of Fresh Radio Vybz on March 7, 2018. Photo: Facebook
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI- Although he has frequently proposed solutions on many issues affecting the Virgin Islands (VI), former Permanent Secretary and Businessman, Mr Julian Willock would usually evade the question of whether he was running for office in the 2019 general elections.

Again the question as to whether he would contest the next general elections was asked and this time Mr Willock was ready to give a more direct answer, which can put no doubt in the minds of the public that he will be throwing his hat in the ring.

“I think by now the answer to that question is obvious. We have assembled a strong campaign team in all the nine districts in the Virgin Islands and we are doing this for our country, we are doing this for my son, we are doing this for the next generation and we are doing this for the people,” Mr Willock told Mr Paul A. Peart aka ‘Gadiethz’, the host of Fresh Radio Vybz on March 7, 2018.

“I have a campaign committee and they, through our Director of Communications, have a campaign strategy, how we wish to roll out. We will be rolling out with a press conference announcing my intention to run. We will be asking the voters for only four years,” Mr Willock stated, adding that the launching will be done in a four-week span on each island, Tortola, Virgin Gorda, Jost van Dyke and Anegada.

Seeking to run with the VIP

The young Virgin Islander has always maintained he is a Virgin Islands Party (VIP) member and told Mr Peart he will be seeking to run under the VIP banner.

He said everyone was curious about his delay in making an announcement about his intentions to contest the next general elections but his committee has been doing things in a systematic way. “Added to that, you know that I am a Virgin Islands Party (VIP) member and they too, through their constitution, has a congress and we still have to go before the congress for their blessings or nomination or approval of my candidacy to run with that party.”

In the meantime, Mr Willock said his campaign committee is out there letting the people know of solutions and challenges. “Because the critical question of the next election is who do you trust to take our country, the Virgin Islands, from where we are as to where we want to be,” Mr Willock stated.

What Ministry?

Mr Willock was also asked if he was seeking to hold a particular ministry if elected but said now is not the time to discuss that matter.

“We don’t want to pre-empt anything. We have to get elected first before we start talking about ministries or anything so let us hold off and wait for an announcement.”

He did say; however, that there were certain issues that he would be determined to address as priority once elected. This include the elderly, the Sister Islands, discrimination, and education.

Possible solutions that Mr Willock has brought to the table include the appointment of a National Security Advisor (NSA) to address crime, a town council for the sister islands, review of the minimum wage, as well as proposals for new revenue streams for the Territory.

See link to full interview:

https://soundcloud.com/gadiethz/mr-julian-willock-will-be-interviewed-today-wednesday-march-7-2018

47 Responses to “‘Answer to question if I am running for office is obvious’- Willock”

  • Omarosa (09/03/2018, 13:18) Like (13) Dislike (21) Reply
    Well 2 candidates confirmed for VIP, for an election that could happen anyday.
    Hip hip Hooray!
    • that’s right (09/03/2018, 19:44) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
      and where is Omarosa currently? , I’ll wait
    • the rock (11/03/2018, 05:55) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      He is in a hard place, can't go against Frazer, if he try that, Kevin will win, can't see him at-large!
  • wize up (09/03/2018, 13:20) Like (16) Dislike (2) Reply
    Ok!!! This should be interesting
    • Street reporter.. (09/03/2018, 15:07) Like (8) Dislike (5) Reply
      The 5.. winning issues in this country are 1/, How to Revive labour and Agriculture,2/, Bad employers that oppressed their workers, 3/ Addressing greed and accountability in high places.. 4/ Realistic and meaningful youth programs...5/,Hot to improve communication assuring customers service or value for money. ( Stick with the streets and the street reporter and you will be a winner )
      • good start (09/03/2018, 19:07) Like (9) Dislike (1) Reply
        @Street reporter. Adding a little more to your good points.

        This upcoming elections we need to see all these issues and more publicly debated amongst all campaign members before we can make up our minds who we thinks among them are best suited and equipped, who are willing to take the pledge to focus on country over self, in order to move our country forward in the right direction.

        Now, that would be something to behold. We need elections now; let’s get the party started.
  • good luck (09/03/2018, 13:25) Like (15) Dislike (10) Reply
    I am glad that you have decided to jump into the bullring and pls talk the walk and walk the talk and help put the BVI back on track.You said just 4 yrs and if you do the job well you may even get another term. Don't let us down your supporters but help us to silent the naysayers. We are with you all the way just put your words into action and make the BVI bigger and better and greater.
  • Emerging Leadership (09/03/2018, 13:25) Like (15) Dislike (2) Reply
    This upcoming Elections will certainly take politics to a more favorable level in our
  • Jetta (09/03/2018, 13:27) Like (19) Dislike (5) Reply
    Good luck to you sir and God’s richest blessings.
  • Emerging Leadership (09/03/2018, 13:38) Like (19) Dislike (3) Reply
    Our upcoming Elections will no doubt take politics to a more favourable direction in our country's history. Our people have become much more engage and aware of the importance of accountabilty and transparency with full collective participation for all.

    It is great to witness in my lifetime our young emerging leaders taking the bold move to contribute at the leadership level of our country's politics.

    Lead with A Bold Collective Vision I Say.
  • NezRez (09/03/2018, 13:45) Like (13) Dislike (3) Reply
    How could he say it’s obvious when all of this time he never gave an answer to the questions unti now? So if we had jumped to the conclusion that he was running and he denied it, we would have looked silly.
  • Viper (09/03/2018, 13:46) Like (13) Dislike (0) Reply
    It’s time for change, other islands call themselves Friendly Islands or happy islands but for too long this place has been the unfriendly island and unhappy island and we need leadership to change this. Time to make everyone in the BVI proud, happy & friendly again!
  • Yeah! (09/03/2018, 13:49) Like (13) Dislike (2) Reply
    Young visionaries stepping forth. Let the campaigns begin.
  • ABC (09/03/2018, 13:53) Like (17) Dislike (3) Reply
    He has my vote
  • No deposit back (09/03/2018, 14:00) Like (17) Dislike (26) Reply
    Dead on arrival?
  • concern (09/03/2018, 14:57) Like (8) Dislike (1) Reply
    How would he deal with the big coorperations that support his business. Those coorperations who oppressed the people... Election is about people. The love of People. All people. Courage to fight the unrighteous and unfair mighty. People... Will wait and watch...
  • Albion (09/03/2018, 15:03) Like (6) Dislike (3) Reply
    So will he run District 3 or at large? Fraser best look out.
  • #lostfaithindsyst (09/03/2018, 15:13) Like (11) Dislike (2) Reply
    I kinda lost faith in the Political system. I am not even too sure i will bother to vote. While I agree that there are a number of potentially good candidates out there , i have watch it played out before , vote them in and after a couple months, we are calling to vote them out.
  • BVI STRONG (09/03/2018, 15:42) Like (10) Dislike (4) Reply
    He did a good job at water and sweage he got things done and looked out for his staff

    Mr Willock can win but he must be humble and stay far from vino.

    He has credit also for how he stood up to the BBC when they said we built the hospital with dirty money
  • about time (09/03/2018, 16:05) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    A better pic of the Gadietz dude . at the end of articles
  • Monkey see monkey do (09/03/2018, 16:32) Like (5) Dislike (13) Reply
    Tried to be a lawyer and politician like wallwind
    • @ monkey see monkey do (09/03/2018, 17:14) Like (11) Dislike (5) Reply
      But I think he will be less corrupt and more caring and he ain't going trouble the young boys like wall ring
  • Slim Jim (09/03/2018, 16:36) Like (3) Dislike (1) Reply
    Here are my predictions based on all the chatter and inuendo going on these days. I have always believed that many of the persons coming out are actually angling themselves, or were operatives of the Virgin Islands Party. Time will tell how right (or wrong) I am....

    Potential VIP List of Candidates:
    Shaina Smith (D1/At-Large)
    Claude Skelton-Clyne (D2/At-Large)
    Julian Willock (D3/At-Large)
    Joann Romney - (D4)
    Elvis "Jughead" Harrigan - (D5)
    Zoe Walcott (D6)
    ? (D7)
    Natalio "Sowande" Wheatley (D8/At-Large)
    Elton "All Out" Sprauve / Vincent Wheatley (D9)
    ---------
    Gerald Farara (At-Large)
    Andrew Fahie (At-Large/D1)
    Dancia Penn (At-Large/D8)
    ? (At-Large)
  • Hope (09/03/2018, 16:41) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Remember i when you get to the pig trough.
  • Ya me born (09/03/2018, 17:14) Like (4) Dislike (2) Reply
    I took a lot of flak when I stated there's discrimination against locals and Caribbean people in the yachting industry..way to go Willock..lets stop burying our heads in the sand like the proverbial ostrich ..all the best to you in your endeavour
  • ... (09/03/2018, 17:16) Like (9) Dislike (2) Reply
    GO MR WILLOCK YOU CUT OUT FOR THIS AS IT WAS ONY A MATTER OF TIME AS ITS YOUR CALLING
  • E. Leonard (09/03/2018, 17:49) Like (15) Dislike (1) Reply
    Julian Willock is taking the right approach to running for election. He is devising and laying out solutions to problems. He is addressing and outlining both expenditure and revenue side of the governing equation. One cannot wait until an election date is set ( as others have indicated, there should a date certain for elections) to start campaigning. The electorate interview candidates to represent them in the House of Assembly. And that interview process has to be now so as to give the electorate time to evaluated candidates. By the the time an election date is announced, the interview process should at least be nearing completing. The few short weeks between the time election date is announced and Election Day should be used to close the deal.

    Moreover, any candidate running for election, should clearly state 1) what projects are going to be tackled, 2) how he/she is going to pay for them, 3) what projects are not going to be deferred/delayed, 4) how he/she is going to do things differently from the current government 5) how he/she is going to be more efficient and effective in producing more with the same or fewer resources, 6) will he/she raise fees, taxes......etc, 7) what new programme(s) will be rolled out.......etc.
  • vip (09/03/2018, 18:13) Like (1) Dislike (2) Reply
    So who all on the VIP ticket
    Andrew Fahie
    Julian Fraser
    Raja Smith
    Shania Smith
    Julian Willock
    Elvis Harrigan
    Zoe Walcott
    Cindy Rosan
    Did I miss anyone lol
    • @ vip (09/03/2018, 20:32) Like (3) Dislike (3) Reply
      Stop your fake news only three there going make it, Fraser not a vip but he will get his seat and 2 vip jw and Andrew who will both win easily
  • ccc (09/03/2018, 18:48) Like (8) Dislike (5) Reply
    He has a good chance of winning
    • Sunshine (10/03/2018, 01:09) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
      Can the VIP win the majority? Or are we looking at a collation Government in 2019?
      • RealPol (10/03/2018, 08:49) Like (7) Dislike (1) Reply
        A coalition government may be in the territory’s interest. Tribal and partisan politics have paralyzed VI growth, development and good governance. There too much self interest and too little public interest. Politicians focus is on getting re-elected, not focus on solving problems. The electorate must demand more; they are responsible for the lack of transparency and accountability. We need to stop being bambozzled by politicians for a few pieces of pewter not even silver.
  • Adrian (09/03/2018, 19:50) Like (6) Dislike (0) Reply
    Good luck bro am proud of you my God richly bless you and you will be victorious I wish I can vote for you.
  • Wendy (09/03/2018, 20:33) Like (11) Dislike (1) Reply
    At least no one is saying Willock go sit down, so it tells me he is a credible candidate
    • ******Wendy (09/03/2018, 22:41) Like (0) Dislike (9) Reply
      The real Wendy did not pen the above endorsement. I am strictly an NDP supporter . Too soon for election foolishness but desperation is a factor here. I understand. All is forgiven.
      • @ ......wendy (10/03/2018, 09:54) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
        Real windy look jokes. Everyone knows Julien going in council real blogger or not!
  • If only (09/03/2018, 21:01) Like (9) Dislike (0) Reply
    the leader of some of these political party give room to the young generations. Take a back seat act as advisor or bow out gracefully that party is sure to strive. Dr Zzz needs to do the same like what Amory did in Nevis and I only wished that Dr Douglas on StKitts to do the same and some other countries don't let it go to house arrest ,coup , over throw,etc. Give the youths a chance they are not just the future but the present.
  • Charley Rose (10/03/2018, 06:38) Like (5) Dislike (1) Reply
    Hot debate. It is about time that there is a change of the guard. I am ecstatic with this political move. I cannot wait too long for a change. The voters should ensure that the minister of education does not have another chance in the House of Assembly by voting him out. He has been too arrogant. Wishing all the best for the coming 2019 election.
  • Boo (10/03/2018, 08:55) Like (12) Dislike (0) Reply
    Willock has some baggage, and who doesn't, but he is laying down his platform and his ideas systematically and methodically and showing maturity.
    • @ Boo (10/03/2018, 22:42) Like (11) Dislike (0) Reply
      Baggage? Does he have more baggage than Mr zzzzzzzzzz or myrun or Mark or kedrick don't get me started.

      The man going win trust we
  • 1 (10/03/2018, 09:25) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
    Willock on the move
  • My girl (10/03/2018, 09:42) Like (6) Dislike (0) Reply
    Julian has respect and he is out there early
  • one eye (10/03/2018, 10:06) Like (6) Dislike (0) Reply
    Just hope when he gets in he does not be like the rest of them croupt
  • oh (10/03/2018, 19:51) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
    Keep Claude, Shaina and EL T far from VIP please
    if you all want people to take you all serous.
  • voter (10/03/2018, 22:45) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
    Hope he does not change on the people. I will like to see him as the minister of communications and works or education and culture


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