Fifty-Two (52) persons are now British Citizens having taken the Oath of Allegiance and Pledge of Loyalty.
The new citizens were processed during a ceremony held at Government House on June 20 and heard congratulatory remarks from His Excellency the Governor, Daniel Pruce, and Registrar General, Mrs. Tashi O’Flaherty-Maduro.
Governor Pruce said, “Today you have taken a significant step. Along with receiving your certificates of citizenship you have just taken the Oath of Allegiance to His Majesty the King and the Pledge of Loyalty to the United Kingdom. The oath and the pledge are not just words. They are a formal promise, a commitment that you have made as you embrace your new nationality.”
Governor Pruce continued, “As an overseas Territory and part of the realm of His Majesty, the Virgin Islands has precious links with the United Kingdom. The success that both the Virgin Islands and United Kingdom enjoy in the global economy is founded upon many shared factors, including our common law legal systems and our respect for the rule of law. But our connections go much further than that through out history, through our people and through our culture.”
Mrs. O’Flaherty-Maduro congratulated the new citizens on their accomplishment and reminded them of the value of unity that their new citizenship brings.
and begins a new chapter filled with hope, opportunities and a shared future.
Mrs. O’Flaherty-Maduro continued, “To our new citizens, I extend my heartfelt congratulations. Your dedication, hard-work and commitment have brought you to this moment. We recognize the challenges you may have faced and the contributions you have made along the way. Today you join a nation that cherishes its history and looks forward to its future with hope and confidence.”