Twenty-six new British overseas territory citizens recited the Oath of Allegiance and the Pledge of Loyalty and received certificates of naturalisation during a socially distanced ceremony last Thursday at Government House.
Governor Gus Jaspert welcomed the citizens, and reminded them that their new status entitles them to carry a Virgin Islands passport and to apply for a British passport, according to a press release about the event, which was not open to the media.
“We know that regardless of race or religion or country of origin, you are part of what makes the territory strong,” Governor “You take on today the responsibility to be ambassadors of this territory.”
Mr. Jaspert also encouraged the group to work to make the VI a better place to live.
Premier Andrew Fahie also spoke during the ceremony.
“We know that you have made here your home, and that you are part of what has helped us develop to the point we are now,” Mr. Fahie said, adding, “I trust that you would all continue to be a beacon, showing what it means to be naturalised here and demonstrating that the system works.”
Mr. Fahie also thanked the Governor’s Office, the Deputy Governor’s Office, and the Civil Registry and Passport Office for facilitating so many applications for naturalisation.
To allow for safe physical distancing, the ceremony — which was officiated by Registrar General Stephanie Benn — was the first of three planned for the coming weeks, according to GIS.
Newly naturalised British overseas territories citizens
Ava Patricia Baird
Ronald Everton Baird
Natasha Joana Bradford
Susana Candelario
Anthony Val Chambers
Beverley Ann Clarke
Egbert Nathaniel Clarke
Andy Julian Donovan De Leon
Hemant Hemanchal Doonauth
Verseley Leona Eugine Duncan
Sahodra FauIkner
Valarie Janice Hendrickson
Andrea Corbin- Hodge
Cedric Dario King
Dionne Corrisa King
Tiffany Hadassah Maduro
Ronald Ron Maloney
Theresa McCoy
Lachmi Narainasami
Ruben Dario Fernandez Perez
Sundrimonie Pertabsingh
Almel Narain Sammy
La Vaughn Rawlene Stewart
Malicah Joyan Van Triest
Elvis Granville Watts
Jeannette Altagracia Pena De Wells