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, 2024. Photo: GIS

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. Photo: GIS/File

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.

'Highly enriching process'- Gov Pruce

According to a Government Information Service (GIS) press release on September 6, 2024, 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, Dr the Honourable Natalio D. Wheatley (R7), 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.

'I am proud to welcome into the BVI family'- Premier Wheatley

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