The Virgin Islands is home to 31 new British overseas territory citizens who recited the Oath of Allegiance and Pledge of Loyalty to the United Kingdom during a naturalisation ceremony this month at Government House.

At the Oct. 6 ceremony, Governor John Rankin congratulated the new citizens and reminded them that with citizenship status comes great responsibility.

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

He added that when the citizens are exercising their new freedoms for travel and employment, they should remember that they are ambassadors for the VI and the UK.

“Your contribution to the development of this community has already been substantial,” he added.

The ceremony was chaired by Registrar General Stephanie Benn, who also gave the welcome remarks.

Mr. Rankin distributed the certificates and led the new citizens in the affirmation and pledge. Nolma Chalwell delivered the invocation.