Thirty one (31) persons recited the Oath of Allegiance and Pledge of Loyalty last week to complete the process of becoming British Overseas Territories Citizens (BOTC) of the Virgin Islands.

His Excellency the Governor John J. Rankin CMG congratulated the new citizens during a naturalisation ceremony at Government House and reminded them that with this citizenship status comes great responsibility.

The Governor said, “The new freedoms you now enjoy also come with new responsibilities, moral responsibilities as well as legal ones. To uphold our shared values – including respect for democratic rights and freedoms and respect and concern for others less fortunate than ourselves.”

 “I hope as you exercise your new freedoms for travel and employment, you will never forget that you will be ambassadors for the British Virgin Islands and the United Kingdom, where your contribution to the development of this community has already been substantial,” the Governor added.

The 31 new BOTCs are:

Mathurine Joseph-Angelo

Deba Carolyn Layne-Bharat

Shurn Ray Alaska Browne

Beverlev Ann Clarke

Egbert Nathaniel Clarke

Vanessa Renee Antonette Cooper

Paulette Angela Creary

Rayonne Tamara Victor-Frett

Janette Antiape Louisy

Mervin Louisy

Gillian Sarah Niles-John

Corinne Romina Moses-King

Shamika Brianna Langford

Tiffany Hadassah Maduro

Evelyn Venicia Maturine

Denise Wilmar Carey-McKennon

Dawson Samuel Strothie Mornix

Lyndon Fitz-Gerald Nicholas

Ramona Lisette Rodriguez Nolasco

Belkis Niove Stephen Nunez

Rozelle Amerly Pereira

Navindra Persaud

Junior Javier Rodriguez Baez

Mayrobi Edaliza Richards-Rodriguez

Deryn Odessa Smart

Kenesha Latoya Thomas-Smith

Sharon Verona Reid-Stevens

Natividad Solano-Thomas

Denia Vanterpool Vasquez

Emily Jane Welch

Asha Latitia Johnson Willins