Attorney Confident as Judge Reserves Decision in Captain Willock’s Defence Force Dispute

Justice Jan Drysdale today reserved her judgment in a contentious case involving Captain Javonson Willock and the Antiguan Defence Force. Captain Willock, represented by Attorney Wendel Alexander, has alleged a prolonged campaign by Defence Force leadership to undermine his career and strip him of his indefinite commission, granted by the King of England through the Governor General.

During the trial, Alexander painted a picture of an ongoing “war” between Captain Willock and the Chief of Defence Force, suggesting that a substantial amount of government resources had been used in attempts to force Willock out of the service.

He detailed how Defence Force leadership sought to downgrade Willock’s commission to a short-term one, which would enable his eventual dismissal.

Alexander explained that his client had been denied promotion to the rank of major, despite possessing all necessary qualifications and seniority.

According to Alexander, Willock, who holds a degree in Human Resource Management with distinction from the University of the West Indies, has repeatedly seen others with fewer qualifications and less experience promoted over him.

The attorney argued that the Chief of Defence Force has made it clear that Willock will never receive another promotion so long as he remains in charge.

“Captain Willock is being treated as a troublemaker because he’s not afraid to challenge these injustices,” Alexander stated.

He added that this label of “troublemaker” appears to stem from Willock’s insistence on addressing the issues that have plagued his career and his outspoken approach to perceived wrongdoing within the Defence Force.

One of the core legal arguments presented by Alexander hinges on the sanctity of Willock’s indefinite commission. Alexander argued that any attempt to alter this commission with a post-dated policy rather than a statutory change is illegal, asserting, “A policy cannot override a statute. Captain Willock’s indefinite commission cannot simply be altered by policy—it’s a matter of legislation, and any change would require action in Parliament.”

Drawing on Shakespearean analogies, Alexander described the Defence Force’s alleged attempts to limit Willock’s career as efforts to “kill him in the shell.”

He cited past incidents, suggesting that the Chief of Defence Force’s rise to power has brought about a shift in how senior personnel are treated, with Willock now facing unfair treatment from someone who once attended evening classes alongside him at Antigua State College.

Alexander is confident of a favorable outcome for Captain Willock, based on both the submissions made and the responses given by the Defence Force’s legal representation.

He indicated that the attorney representing the Office of the Attorney General faced significant challenges in responding to key questions about Willock’s treatment.

Justice Drysdale’s pending judgment is expected to set a precedent regarding the authority of Defence Force leadership and the legal boundaries of indefinite commissions granted to officers.

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