Governor’s Office, Road Town: Seventy-Nine (79) individuals were welcomed as newly Naturalised British Overseas Territories Citizens (BOTC) following a brief ceremony held at Government House on August 29.
The new citizens affirmed an Oath of Allegiance to His Majesty the King and a pledge of loyalty to the Virgin Islands, which is a legal requirement, and officially confirms their places as British Overseas Territories Citizens.
His Excellency the Governor, Daniel Pruce presented the certificates of Naturalisation and offered congratulatory remarks.
Governor Pruce said, “I am delighted to welcome you all to Government House for this ceremony. Today is your day. It gives me great pleasure to be part of an event where you are all committing yourselves loyally to new ties, which will stay with you for the rest of your lives. This is a highly enriching process, from which you as individuals, and the BVI as a Territory, will gain.”
Premier and Minister of Finance, Honourable Dr. Natalio D. Wheatley, reminded the new citizens that the occasion is more than the collection of documentation, adding that they are joining a family of persons that celebrate diversity and strive for greatness.
Premier Wheatley said, “Among you, I see persons who attended and taught in schools here, teachers who even taught my two children. I see persons who work here, who look after us medically and spiritually. I see a broad cross-section of individuals who I am proud to welcome into the BVI family.”
Registrar General, Mrs. Tashi O’Flaherty-Maduro reminded the citizens that becoming a citizen is more than just a legal status and that it is a bond of loyalty and mutual respect.
Mrs. Tashi O’Flaherty-Maduro said,“As you stand on the threshold of this new chapter in your lives, I want to take a moment to reflect on the profound significance of the journey you have undertaken to reach this day.
It signifies your commitment to uphold the rights and responsibilities that come with citizenship, to contribute to the common good, and to work together for the prosperity and well-being of all.”
Registrar General added, “We are a society that thrives on the richness of our culture, where every tradition and background adds to the vibrant mosaic of our shared identity. Your presence here today is a testament of the strength that comes from our collective diversity.”
Naturalisation is the process under the British Nationality Act, 1981 that allows individuals to become British Overseas Territories citizens.
The 79 new British Overseas Territories Citizens are:
Adean Alexander Abrahams, Ahamad Alli, Bibi Shaira Alli, Je‑rey Ebenezer Antoine, Moses Richard Barrett, Eric St. Clair Bobb, Jennel Aduma Velisha James Browne, Suresh Budhu, Vincent James Clarke, Sulay Samuel Cortorreal, Eva Fe Nares Cook, Natalie Nicole Spencer Crosdale, Kevin Ezron Cummings, Tyra Ti‑any Daniels, Guilene Estinls, Vermalene Elveda Skyers Fahie, Graham Jude Farinha, Milton Errol Felix, Felisha Amelia Kennisha Fisher, Marcelin Fontaine, Cadrena Tamara Patterson Forbes, Jeannette Forte, Dwight Maxwell Francis, Heather Natasha Francois, Alden Anthony Francois, Colin Adrian Fredericks, Paula Susan Frederick, Christopher Dominic Ghiorse, Victoria Louise Ghiorse, Dexter Kaziee Glasgow, Orland Rosco Glasgow, Iuliia Gulevych, Naline Harrigan, Lavern Maxcella Haywood, Claudette Ann Harris, Milton Harris, Chandrawattie Persaud Hinds, Brittney Jamelia James, David Reid James, Martin Steven Kenney, Magnus eodore Latchman, Nicole Marie Claire Laurac, Sophie Louise Leroy, Bonny Compton Lindie, Alvin Ralston Matthew, Jaa-mala Jerome Miller, Alexander L. S. L. Mills, Hugh Everton Morrison, Joezette Elaine Morrison, Sandra Muir, Binns Disdale Nickie, Pearlie Sherma Nelson-Nickie, Nosa Everest Omo-Igbinomwanhia, Joan Asher O’Neal, Dawn Marcia Oswald, Barry Arthur Palmer, Agnes Paul, Vaman Romindranauth Ramlall, Shirvon Roach, Antoinette Samanta Leslie-Roberts, Anna Kiara Robinson, Anne Kira Robinson, Mickel Deshon Rogers, Shinia Timia Rowtham, Winston Washington Salmon, Denise Michelle Williams Simmons, Kerwyn Benjamin Simmons, Georgia Marilyn Slater, Anita Sookhoo, Allina Augustina Sprauve, Marvelyn Annette Baker-Smith, Ascar Osdale Sutherland, Gordon Teka, Allison Roselyn Oliver-omas, Christopher Carlyle Varlack, Indra Victor, Nurys Iris Vanterpool Welch, Neville Rolando Wilson, Quincy St Orbis Narcelius Woolford.
