'I will make myself available' for CoI- Speaker Willock

After snubbing the Commission of Inquiry (CoI) on Monday, June 14, 2021, to instead attend the opening of the Virgin Islands Commonwealth Parliamentary Association Members Training, Speaker of the House of Assembly (HoA) Honourable Julian Willock has announced he will make an appearance today, June 18, 2021.

Hon Willock had been summoned by the Commission to appear today.

Hon Willock, in a press statement from the Office of the HoA, said he was made aware that members of the public, his Honourable colleagues in the Fourth House of Assembly, family, friends and the media have been concerned as to whether he will appear before the one-man Commissioner Mr Gary Hickinbottom today.

According to the Speaker, who this week blasted Commissioner Hickinbottom for his alleged “blatant disregard” for the House of Assembly and its members, his schedule does allow him to honour today's hearing date.

"Please note that the House of Assembly has been recessed until Thursday, June 24, 2021, and my next Parliamentary activity is on Monday, June 21, 2021. Therefore, I will make myself available today at 12:00 noon to find out on what basis I have been summoned and hope to learn more about what this Commission of Inquiry is about," Hon Willock said.

The Speaker expressed appreciation for "the many phone calls, emails, prayers, WhatsApp messages of support and wise counsel.

"With God’s help, I will never let you down."

Commissioner Gary R. Hickinbottom was blasted this week by Speaker of the House of Assembly Hon Julian Willock for his alleged 'blatant disregard' for the House of Assembly and its members.