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11 registered as British Citizens

Eleven (11) individuals are now registered as British Citizens after being previously naturalised as British Overseas Territories Citizens. Photo: GIS
Registrar General Mrs Tashi O’Flaherty-Maduro said the ceremony symbolises not just the acquisition of legal status but the embrace of a shared identity. Photo: GIS/File
Registrar General Mrs Tashi O’Flaherty-Maduro said the ceremony symbolises not just the acquisition of legal status but the embrace of a shared identity. Photo: GIS/File
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI- Eleven (11) individuals are now registered as British Citizens after being previously naturalised as British Overseas Territories Citizens.

During a ceremony held at the Government House on Tuesday, December 19, 2023, the individuals recited the Oath of Allegiance to His Majesty the King, as well as the Pledge of Loyalty to the United Kingdom.

According to a press release from Government Information Service (GIS) on December 27, 2023, the new citizens also received congratulatory remarks from His Excellency the Governor, John J. Rankin CMG and Registrar General, Mrs Tashi O’Flaherty-Maduro.

'I hope you enjoy your new nationality'- Gov Rankin

Governor Rankin said, “I hope you enjoy your new nationality, and as you travel outside these shores, remember that you are now ambassadors both for the British Virgin Islands and the United Kingdom. May you represent us well.”

Mrs. O’Flaherty-Maduro said, “As you officially join the British family, remember that you contribute to the rich tapestry of the UK’s culture, history and values. This ceremony symbolises not just the acquisition of legal status but the embrace of a shared identity. A British identity that is inclusive, respective and celebrates the strength found in our differences.”

According to the British Nationality Act, individuals who are naturalised as British Overseas Territory Citizens after May 21, 2002, can apply to the United Kingdom Government to be registered as British Citizens.

The 11 new British Citizens are:

Rosalind Veronica Adams

Ronald Clifford Ambrose

Kendolph Adolphus Bobb

Lesroy Sylvanous Connor

Shevon Sera-Lee Joanna Gumbs

Kamala Hawke

Tagore Hawke

Francis Hiliarius Maximin

Patricia Leavene Prince Pierre

Magdaline Shillingford

Marlon Dixon Thomas

8 Responses to “11 registered as British Citizens ”

  • Native Tongue (29/12/2023, 11:21) Like (10) Dislike (10) Reply
    During a ceremony held at the Government House on Tuesday, December 19, 2023, the individuals recited the Oath of Allegiance to His Majesty the King, as well as the Pledge of Loyalty to the United Kingdom.

    What about Loyalty to the Virgin islands?
    • Read and understand (30/12/2023, 06:55) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
      You take an oath of loylaty to the Virgin Islands when you become a British Overseas Territory Citizen, these have done that and are now becoming British Citizens. This is to Native Tongue
    • hah (30/12/2023, 07:36) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      BVIs will never be loyal to anyone unless they have a bottonless pit of money they are willing to hand over. Mebbe also those born here in certain families. The rest don’t matter, even if they get belonger status.
    • hmm (30/12/2023, 08:38) Like (2) Dislike (1) Reply
      Its a ceremony for registration ad British Citizens..what do you expect? Naturalization as a BVIslander is different
  • just (29/12/2023, 13:37) Like (6) Dislike (3) Reply
    SHUT UP
  • lk (29/12/2023, 16:33) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
    What about those who came here at a tender age and go to school do thay have to vo though all this? and why are thay not concerned
  • l (29/12/2023, 16:42) Like (8) Dislike (0) Reply
    One question i want to ask people who migrate from there country of origin from like say 1987 why thay have to get a police record from thre when thay are living here can some one clear it for me pĺease it's just a question
  • To lk (30/12/2023, 07:47) Like (3) Dislike (1) Reply
    Unless they were born here (fron non-belonger parents), as soon as they come of age, it seems their status as residents is revoked, particularly if they opt to go to university. A child who grows up here sees the BVIs as home.They have links to the local community. Instead of encouraging them to study and return after they graduate from uni so they can become productive citizens, and so that the Territory can benefit from the education their parents paid for, BVI opts to basically tell them they can’t come back permamently without going through the work permit rigamarole. They can’t come back for more than 30 days at a time to look after ailing families. Some might call thsi cutting off one’s nose to spitee one’s face. I see this as being cruel and retrograde. The Territory needs engineers, lawyers, construction managers etc. no matter how little it ahs invested in developing its educational system.


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