Twenty residents have now become British Citizens after completing their ceremonial obligations at Government House on Thursday June 24.
A media release from the Office of the Governor said the twenty individuals officially registered as new British Citizens after they received certificates and recited the Affirmation of Allegiance and Pledge of Loyalty at the ceremony.
The process was administered by Registrar General Stephanie Benn who congratulated the new British citizens, and encouraged them to continue to be of good character and contribute to the territory.
Also welcoming the new British Citizens was Governor John Rankin. He called the occasion a ‘happy and meaningful one’.
He said, “This is a matter to which ministers in Her Majesty’s Government in Britain attach great importance…British law requires that those who acquire nationality in this way must not only demonstrate a commitment to the United Kingdom, but also knowledge of its history, its institutions and its language.”
Governor Rankin also encouraged the new citizens to take advantage of opportunities for travel and study that may come with their new status, and to remember their duty as British Citizens.
“Your responsibilities as British citizens are to uphold our shared values of respect for democratic freedoms, respect for the rule of law, and respect for each other, irrespective of race, gender or religious belief. Never forget that you are now personal ambassadors for both the British Virgin Islands and for the United Kingdom,” he said
The following persons were formally registered as British Citizens:
Akilah Nayo Corbin
Dacia Mariesha Daniels-Louie
Atisher Alisher Davis
Flavia Patricia Edwards-Dougan
Ackla Aiana Eristee
Garnet Alphonso Ferron
Brian Devon Jr Gaston
Julique Elmika Huggins
Lianie Britney Betesha Huggins
Jonathan Augustin Jn Baptiste
Nadia Letitia Leanna Merry
Ann Marie Metor
Abigail Moran-Mendez
Rosa Emilia Paul De Nisbett
Denisha Simone Ledgister- Penn
Darwin Reynold Ryan
Lettie Anita Ryan
Tianna Cara Salmon
Jeni-Lee Evelyn Joseph- Watson
Charlene Natasha Williams