Got TIPS or BREAKING NEWS? Please call 1-284-442-8000 direct/can also WhatsApp same number or Email ALL news to:newsvino@outlook.com;                               ads call 1-284-440-6666

Time for the VIP to unite & support the new Chairman- Julian Willock

- said unity is necessary if the party wants to oust the NDP Government
Following the defeat of former Chairman Hon Julian Fraser RA (R3), right) by new Chairman Hon Andrew A. Fahie (R1), left, at the Virgin Islands Party (VIP) internal elections on November 30, 2016, party member Julian Willock has called for unity. Photo: VINO/Facebook/File
VIP member Mr Rajah A. Smith (left) had made allegations of ‘delegate list rigging’ prior to the VIP internal elections, however, these were refuted by former President Mr Carvin Malone (right). Photo: VINO/File
VIP member Mr Rajah A. Smith (left) had made allegations of ‘delegate list rigging’ prior to the VIP internal elections, however, these were refuted by former President Mr Carvin Malone (right). Photo: VINO/File
The Virgin Islands Party (VIP) is still seen as the best hope for ridding the territory of the National Democratic Party (NDP) Government. Photo: VINO/File
The Virgin Islands Party (VIP) is still seen as the best hope for ridding the territory of the National Democratic Party (NDP) Government. Photo: VINO/File
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI- Weeks after the contentious November 30, 2016 internal Opposition Virgin Islands Party (VIP) Elections that resulted in Hon Andrew A. Fahie (R1) beating former Chairman Hon Julian Fraser (R3), 52 votes to 22, there has been a call for unity by a staunch Hon Fraser supporter.

Julian Willock, a former Permanent Secretary and Chairman of Advance Marketing and Professional Services, a local political consulting firm, has called for party unity.

The man who many speculate will be a candidate in the next general elections and has emerged as a voice of reason, Mr Willock was at the time- December 12, 2016- speaking with ZBVI 780 AM radio reporter Zan Lewis in an exclusive interview.

Time to unite & support Hon Fahie- Willock

Mr Willock, who was one of the 76 delegates that voted in the party internal elections last month, told Mr Lewis he supported Hon Fraser but, “the delegates have spoken and my side lost…therefore we need to come together and support the new Chairman Hon Andrew A. Fahie…”

When asked by Mr Lewis what was his reaction to the vote, Mr Willock responded “the time has come for healing and the rebuilding process but I am not naive to the work that still needs to be done to make this happen…”

Mr Willock, a close ally of Hon Fraser, told ZBVI news that, “once the goal is to rid the country of the National Democratic Party, the hopelessness, the lack of opportunities for our people, the divisiveness, the assault on the poor thought higher taxes and in my opinion the unfair legal system ….children going to bed hungry all as a result of the backwards polices of the NDP, then it should be easy for us to unite and support the new Chairman.”

List rigged? Rajah A. Smith

There are growing concerns in some quarters that some have not accepted the results of the internal vote with one former VIP 2015 general elections' Second District candidate Rajah A. Smith telling another media site that “the delegate list was rigged.”

After Smith’s statement, the allegations were denied by former VIP President Carvin Malone who did not seek re-election but was replaced by Dr Natalio D. Wheatley aka Sowande Uhuru, who joined the party less than two weeks before the elections.

One way to win-Willock

In an unrelated article carried by our newsroom on December 5, 2016 about four countries- Jamaica, Virgin Islands, St Vincent and the Grenadines and Bermuda- who have changed their opposition party leaders, Mr Willock pointed to the fallout in Bermuda after they got rid of the Opposition and Party Leader Mr Marc A. Bean, of the Progressive Labour Party.

The political consultant noted “but remember when you are out of power and in Opposition most often it becomes more challenging to keep the troops together, but time heals most divisions and once the goal remains to form the next government then Opposition parties, including the VIP, will come together and unite…there is no other way to win,” according to Mr Willock.

29 Responses to “Time for the VIP to unite & support the new Chairman- Julian Willock”

  • tell me how come (13/12/2016, 15:38) Like (7) Dislike (5) Reply
    This wasn't said when fraser was the leader
  • bunch ah crooked people (13/12/2016, 15:41) Like (9) Dislike (20) Reply
    Hon Fraser was undermined from day one and never got the support from 80% of his team mates....Fraser needs to do as the bible say and come out from among them and align himself with decent and trust worthy people.
  • one eye (13/12/2016, 15:49) Like (6) Dislike (4) Reply
    Willock got rich and switch
    • the rock II (13/12/2016, 22:36) Like (8) Dislike (2) Reply
      That is the problem with the VIP...no guts! Its hard to envision the emergence of a rejuvenated party when all we have is the same people crawling from the same cocoon... .Yet we expect great changes?! Willock you are corageous and I support your stand
  • hog city (13/12/2016, 16:15) Like (7) Dislike (3) Reply
    The esteem one speaking good
  • w (13/12/2016, 16:42) Like (11) Dislike (1) Reply
    You making a lot of sense Mr. Julian. Bottom line NDP need to go before we all end up having to beg them alone who have it for our bread and not hand to mouth!
  • zoe (13/12/2016, 16:43) Like (9) Dislike (11) Reply
    When Julian Willock speaks the BVI people listen trust me
    • The Donald (13/12/2016, 22:59) Like (9) Dislike (5) Reply
      True comrade, do not mind the haters your time will come JW to be elected
  • wize up (13/12/2016, 16:59) Like (4) Dislike (3) Reply
    VIP had no succession plans; Hon R T O'Neal held the party together; once he left the political arena it was every man for themselves: it will be wonderful to see a revitalized VIP(might be wishful thinking of my part) who will be the dept premier because fahie is now the chairman so will Dawson become his sidekick(should Dawson get deputy leader; fraser might be piss because he been with the party longer)..some of us will like to know who will be candidate or potential candidates for each district: once Willock be a good gentleman then win on Election Day(he might be given a ministry).he have to work with fahie now, his collègue lost the chairman post(power seat) dont say that I say BUT some of us wants the opposition title as well;!because it is documented the chairman could be the opposition leader(there is a "new sheriff" in town weather "you" like it or not)....on the count of 3(simply say west side).
    • jj (13/12/2016, 23:11) Like (8) Dislike (0) Reply
      See... We don't always have to behave like hooligans.. We can be civil..
  • Nice (13/12/2016, 17:31) Like (8) Dislike (10) Reply
    Thanks Mr. Willock for having the courage to say and do what is right for the party and the country ..you are showing leadership already so not to worry my vote along with my 4 children in the bag!
  • Listen (13/12/2016, 17:51) Like (11) Dislike (2) Reply
    VIP STOP ALL THE FOOLISHNESS AND LET THE PAST BE THE PAST.BURIED IT FOR GOOD BECAUSE WE NEED A GOOD PARTY WHO IS UNITE TO GET THESE ///////AND /////// FROM SINKING US IN QUICK SAND. MOST AND FOREMOST GET GOOD PEOPLE WHO THE PUBLIC RESPECT. IF YOU ALL STAY AND BICKER AT EACH OTHER THERE IS NO HELP TO YOU ALL NOR THE COUNTRY SO THE SAKE OF OUR BVI PLEASE UNITE TOGETHER UNITY IS STRENGTH REMEMBER THAT WE ARE PRAYING FOR YOU ALL AND THE INTIRE ISLAND. KEEP STRONG.
  • qc (13/12/2016, 18:51) Like (8) Dislike (2) Reply
    Three good men in there own way
  • street reporter. (13/12/2016, 19:16) Like (12) Dislike (0) Reply
    Give us your slate of candidates. Give us your best 19 people let us the people pick our winning 13. We can't wait..
    • wize up (13/12/2016, 20:54) Like (10) Dislike (0) Reply
      @ street reporter: you need to meet the new chairman and tell him actually what you have in this blog: let the voters know who the posible candidates are per each district upfront
    • rattie (13/12/2016, 22:47) Like (6) Dislike (5) Reply
      Party not ready for change. Wilocks is being strategic but also on point. VIP will lose the next General Election if the in fighting contiunes
  • Unifier (13/12/2016, 19:28) Like (13) Dislike (12) Reply
    Willock, you are one of the most effective communicators around. Work to unify the team as fast as you'll can, and get a move on strategizing, fundraising, targeting and engagement of potential candidates processes.
  • the rock (13/12/2016, 21:58) Like (5) Dislike (7) Reply
    Say what u all want to say but the vip still dead, just wait and u all will see the next set of licks in store for them, the ndp is just that good!
    • wize up (14/12/2016, 08:19) Like (3) Dislike (3) Reply
      @ the rock: i love the VIP but the only how VIP win another election is if the world stop spinning
    • nonsense (14/12/2016, 11:00) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
      @ the rock............. You sound like an /// without a ..... People like you so is why the BVI is in the predicament state it's in now. Old fool.
  • Arbrey (13/12/2016, 22:17) Like (5) Dislike (7) Reply
    Heard them say the smith guy who run in the second say the list was rigged well may bouy ting to talk
  • list rigged (13/12/2016, 22:44) Like (3) Dislike (7) Reply
    I don't know but democracy in the VIP is a thing of the past.
  • think about it (13/12/2016, 23:15) Like (5) Dislike (2) Reply
    great points Willock this is Maturity in governance!
    The young man Julien exhibits a broad understanding of why the BVI people ask for a NATIONAL APPROACH TO GOVERNANCE, it is wise for the older heads to listen to him, and heed his warning. This tribal politics in the VIP and NDP have gotten us NOWHERE GOOD!
    Yes the party is important, but NEVER MORE IMPORTANT THAN THE CITIZENS it pledges to serve.
    One Love!
  • it is time now (14/12/2016, 21:34) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    Congratulations on your stands willie.... the VIP is ready to have mature bipartisan development, that will start to heal "decades" of Oneupmanship by either side and after the death of stoutt.
  • Music (14/12/2016, 21:42) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    All I will say is Hon Fraser please listen to Mr. JW and for the interest of the VIP and the country go along with what they want but be very, very vigilant!!!


Create a comment


Create a comment

Disclaimer: Virgin Islands News Online (VINO) welcomes your thoughts, feedback, views, bloggs and opinions. However, by posting a blogg you are agreeing to post comments or bloggs that are relevant to the topic, and that are not defamatory, liable, obscene, racist, abusive, sexist, anti-Semitic, threatening, hateful or an invasion of privacy. Violators may be excluded permanently from making contributions. Please view our declaimer above this article. We thank you in advance for complying with VINO's policy.

Follow Us On

Disclaimer: All comments posted on Virgin Islands News Online (VINO) are the sole views and opinions of the commentators and or bloggers and do not in anyway represent the views and opinions of the Board of Directors, Management and Staff of Virgin Islands News Online and its parent company.