Thirty-Five (35) individuals are now registered as British Citizens after being previously Naturalised as British Overseas Territories Citizens.
During a ceremony held at the Government House on November 7, the individuals recited the Oath of Allegiance to His Majesty the King, as well as the Pledge of Loyalty to the United Kingdom.
The new citizens also received congratulatory remarks from His Excellency the Governor, Mr. Daniel Pruce and Registrar General, Mrs. Tashi O’Flaherty-Maduro.
Governor Pruce said, “The process you have gone through to get to where you are today and this ceremony, are matters to which ministers in His Majesty’s government each person attach great importance,”
The Governor added, “It’s a significant and solemn occasion. They rightly consider that the taking of a new nationality is a matter of significance for every individual and British law requires that those who acquire British 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 Pruce said the success that both the VI and the UK enjoy in the global economy is founded upon a number of shared factors, including their Common Law legal systems and respect for the rule of law.
The Governor said, “Our connections of go much further than that, through our history, our people and our culture. Most importantly as part of the British family, we have a shared respect for democratic values and for the rights and the freedoms of all persons.
Meanwhile, Registrar General Mrs. O’Flaherty-Maduro said becoming a British citizen is much more than acquiring a new status and that it is about embracing the values that define this great nation, democracy, equality, respect and the rule of law. She said the presence of the new citizens reflects their dedication to contributing to these ideals and playing a role in the continued development of the United Kingdom society.
Mrs. O’Flaherty- Maduro said, “You bring with you your own diverse cultures, languages, and perspectives, which will only serve to strengthen the multicultural fabric of the United Kingdom, and positively shape its community in numerous ways.”
The Registrar added, “Today is a proud day, not just for you, but for your families, friends, and the entire country. The responsibilities of citizenship are not to be taken lightly, but they are balanced with the many opportunities and freedoms that come with being part of the British community.”
The British Nationality Act states that individuals who are Naturalised as British Overseas Territory Citizens after May 21, 2002, can apply to the United Kingdom Government to be registered as British Citizens.