124 persons are now British Overseas Territories Citizens (BOTC) of the Virgin Islands.
The new citizens were divided into two groups and processed at respective ceremonies held at the Government House on Tuesday and Thursday respectively.
After taking the Oath of Allegiance and Pledge of Loyalty, both groups received congratulatory remarks from the Governor His Excellency John Rankin, Premier Dr. the Hon. Natalio Wheatley and Registrar General, Mrs. Tashi O’Flaherty-Maduro.
“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,” Governor Rankin stated.
He added, “The intermingling of cultures, different ways of thinking, different knowledge, and different skills brings with it clear and tangible benefits to the community as a whole.”
Premier Wheatley referred to the newly naturalised citizens as “champions of unity” stating, “What binds us together is our love for these Virgin Islands, our commitment to preserve our environment, defend our values, lend a helping hand where it is needed in our community and our commitment to build these Virgin Islands to be the best it can be.”
“And certainly, I call on you to really epitomise that principle that the BVI is really worth all of us protecting and defending it,” Premier Wheatley added.
Meanwhile, Mrs. O’Flaherty-Maduro reminded the new citizens that they will be expected to favourably represent the territory in behaviour, conversation and action, and informed them of their civic duties as British Overseas Territories Citizens.
“You are subject to your rulers, those in authority over you, to be obedient citizens, serving your communities, the less fortunate among us. I implore you to become useful citizens by joining a civic or community organisation,” she said.
The full list of BOTC can be viewed on the Government’s website.