The Antigua and Barbuda Defence Force (ABDF) has been ordered by the court to submit its formal defence by today amid allegations of unfair treatment and procedural irregularities involving Captain Javonson Willock. The captain has filed a misfeasance in public office claim, challenging a re-investigation into misconduct allegations against him.

At a hearing before Justice Rene Williams on Tuesday, the ABDF did not present a defence. In response, Captain Willock requested that the judge treat the hearing as a trial. The ABDF then asked for an extension to file its defence and for relief from potential sanctions. Willock opposed this motion—”citing unnecessary delays and a lack of valid justification”—and the court ultimately granted the extension while ordering the ABDF to pay $2,000 in costs within 21 days.

Captain Willock is also contesting the re-initiation of disciplinary proceedings, arguing that the statute of limitations has expired. The ABDF, however, maintains that although the highest military court lacks jurisdiction, the Appropriate Superior Authority (ASA) does have the power to proceed.

This employment dispute traces back to a previous High Court ruling in 2024, when Captain Willock was awarded damages and costs after being found to have been unfairly tried for misconduct and reprimanded by the ABDF.

The defence force denies that any coercion forced his resignation or stripped him of his rights. It also refutes claims that it targeted him—stating that he never held an indefinite commission or permanent employment—and described the issuance of a commission scroll as an “administrative error” that was promptly corrected. Moreover, the ABDF contends that his employment was never guaranteed until the mandatory retirement age of 47.

Willock insists that if proper procedures had been followed during the initiation of disciplinary proceedings, any findings of misconduct could have been avoided. The court has scheduled a pre-trial review for early April 2025, with plans to conclude the case by the end of the year.