Sixty-five people became British overseas territory citizens of the Virgin Islands after taking the Oath of Allegiance and Pledge of Loyalty during a Dec. 14 ceremony at the Government House.
In a separate ceremony five days later, 11 other people — who had been previously naturalised as British OT citizens — were registered as British citizens.
The first group received congratulations from Governor John Rankin, Premier Dr. Natalio “Sowande” Wheatley, and Registrar General Tashi O’Flaherty-Maduro, according to government.
“Becoming a citizen is a significant milestone: a testament to your dedication, hard work, and the pursuit of a better life,” Ms. O’Flaherty-Maduro said. “It is a celebration of diversity, unity, and the shared values that bind us together as a community.”
She also stressed the responsibilities that come along with their new status.
“As you embrace the rights and privileges of citizenship, remember that you are now an integral part of the ongoing story of the Virgin Islands,” she said.
British citizens
During the next ceremony, on Dec. 19 at Government House, 11 other people were registered as British citizens after reciting the Oath of Allegiance to His Majesty the King and the Pledge of Loyalty to the United Kingdom.
The group received congratulations from the governor and Ms. O’Flaherty-Maduro.
“I hope you enjoy your new nationality, and as you travel outside these shores, remember that you are now ambassadors both for the British Virgin Islands and the United Kingdom,” Mr. Rankin said. “May you represent us well.”
Ms. O’Flaherty-Maduro added, “As you officially join the British family, remember that you contribute to the rich tapestry of the UK’s culture, history and values. This ceremony symbolises not just the acquisition of legal status but the embrace of a shared identity.”
According to the British Nationality Act, people who are naturalised as British OT citizens after May 21, 2002, can apply to the UK government to be registered as British citizens.
The new citizens are listed below.
NEW BRITISH OT CITIZENS
Dawson Dudley Agrilla
Carlos Manuel Arias Abreu
Wendell Carlton Ballantyne
Winston Samuel Anthony Barrett
Ziad A.R. Bazzar
Evadnie Bell
Dellon Shane Bernard
Serienauth Bhagwandas
Mitchie Livinston Browne
Jessica Vern Cadette-Zurich
Christmas Falley
Dion Marcellar Clarke
Andrew Ricardo Cooper
Luis Cordero-Guerrero
Stephen John Davis
Verner Iona Eddy
Mark Julian Carmino Forte
Cleon Reynold Griffith
Oscar Andres Guzman-Newlon
Carrol Maudina Hanley
Binta Jallow
Earl Glenworth James
Eugin Valentine Jardine
Sherlan Azula John
Roger Johnson
Claudine Donna Jacinta King-Johnney
Sarab Kosmass
Tarek Kosmass
Florita Icilma Lake
Nicolas Crenele Laurac
Harris Alphanso Legair
Janette Hermina Legair
Rolanda Cassandra Ione Maduro
Nesta Florence Maloney
Lilchand Mangal
Kenley Emanuel Matthew
Trevor Orvin McLearie
Valerie Judith Negron-London
Dexter Noel
Erica Adella Ollivierre-Simmons
Nosa Everest Omo-Igbinomwanhia
Andrea Del Carmen Pacheco-Vanterpool
Kavirajh Pertabsingh
Tamara Michelle Dinel Pertabsingh
Alban Cecil Prescott
Paul Anthony Rameshar
Ramona Hemwani Ramlall
Sophia Yvonne Richards
Wycliffe Cuthbert Richardson
Zelta Ricardo Robinson
Lohanny Santana-Pacheco
Gail Aloma Scotland
Carolyn Marilyn Shallow-Wheatley
Marilyn Leunda Smith
Natalie Nicole Spencer-Crosdale
Nelcia St. Jean
Susan Anne Tucker
Guy Valade
Sherin Roshell Walker
Marcia Elizabeth Watson
Christine Loraine Wells-Greene
Claudius Mathias Welsh
Christiana Joan Williams
Patrick Windel Williams
Sabeana Tannea Williams
NEW BRITISH CITIZENS
Rosalind Veronica Adams
Ronald Clifford Ambrose
Kendolph Adolphus Bobb
Lesroy Sylvanous Connor
Shevon Sera-Lee Joanna Gumbs
Kamala Hawke
Tagore Hawke
Francis Hiliarius Maximin
Patricia Leavene Prince Pierre
Magdaline Shillingford
Marlon Dixon Thomas