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