When the House commenced this morning, Monday, November 1, Premier Andrew Fahie moved a motion to push back the debate on the matter. But protestors are holding steadfast in their cause despite the delay.

According to social activist Cindy Rosan-Jones, who played a major role in organising the protest, the protestors will sit and wait for the House to call the motion on Willock.

She said they want to see the position of every member of the HOA and how they will vote.

“The first item on the list (the HOA order paper) was number nine which is supposed to be the exemption of the Speaker from paying his legal fees. The Premier had it moved to number 12. I think he has more information to bring forward on why he changed the agenda,” Rosan-Jones stated.

“What the Premier said is that if the Governor and others lawyers are being paid out of the purse, why does Willock have to pay out of his pocket,” she added.

Did gov’t give Willock permission?

Rosan-Jones also said she is hoping the members of the government can come forward and provide clarity on who gave permission to Willock to move the motion. She noted the court did not see where Willock had permission, hence, he was ordered to pay out of pocket.

“If the government members can come forward and say they gave him specific instruction to move this injunction then I can understand we have to pay it. Unless they are willing to say that, Willock must pay it. Also, even if they have given him permission to do this, they have overstepped the judiciary,” Rosan-Jones stated.

Meanwhile, Angelle Cameron, who was at the location, said she was protesting to make her voice be heard by the government.

“I’m at the protest to make change for the future. The aim for me is to ensure my voice is heard as it relates to grievances that I feel are happening in my community. These include teachers’ rights and concerns, economic issues that continue to plague us, decisions being made that are not in the best interest of people. I have children that I want to grow up in a BVI that is prosperous, flourishing and that has continuity. We need to stand up now,” Cameron said.

Another protestor said she was present because she is putting the youths and their future first. She said the money the government is willing to pay for Willock’s legal fees should go towards education.

“Right now, my whole aim is to put money where it is needed. You have teachers going on strike because they are being treated unfairly. You have teachers at school saying they need the basic things to do their jobs and they are not getting it but you have the government finding money to pay a bill for one individual It is not making any sense,” she said.

As some HOA members made their way inside the House this morning, they received the brunt of frustration from the protestors who flashed placards of disapproval.

Premier Andrew Fahie escaped the words of the protestors as he arrived in an unmarked vehicle and used the back entrance of the property to enter the building.

A strong police presence was observed when BVI visited the location.

Willock was embroiled in a failed injunction attempt before the High Court to prevent Commission of Inquiry (COI) attorneys from continuing as participants unless and until they were properly called to the bar in the BVI, in accordance with the law.

After withdrawing his injunction claim, Willock was saddled with legal costs of up to $121,000 for the proceedings of all opposing parties in the matter.