119 persons are now British Overseas Territories Citizens following two ceremonies held at Government House on 25th and 28th March.
During the ceremonies, the newly naturalised individuals heard congratulatory remarks from His Excellency the Governor, Mr. Daniel Pruce, Premier of the Virgin Islands, Honourable Dr. Natalio D. Wheatley, and Registrar General, Mrs. Tashi O’Flaherty-Maduro.
During his remarks, Governor Pruce reminded the celebrants that Naturalisation is an enriching process from which the Virgin Islands gains. He expressed that the intermingling of cultures and ways of thinking brings benefits that will reach the entire community.
Governor Pruce said,” The shared values in our community include respect and concern for others who are less fortunate, or simply those who are considered to be different. Perhaps, when you first came here, you felt different yourself. But, as the Bible reminds us, you shall love the stranger, for you were once strangers in the land.”
Premier and Minister of Finance Honourable Dr. Natalio D. Wheatley welcomed the individuals to the Virgin Islands family. Honourable Wheatley said, “I enjoy coming to these ceremonies and seeing individuals who have contributed immensely to our society. I know the road here for many of you has been a long road, and to come to this point must be deeply moving and special for you, as it is for me, to see you become a part of the family.”
The Premier added, “This moment is more than just receiving papers, you are joining a family. Before, you may have had another home, and we are not telling you to give up the home you had before, but now you have two homes. You may have had a flag before, but now you have two flags. And, we want you to be able to defend the Virgin Islands as if you have ancestors from here, dating back to the days of slavery.”
Registrar General, Mrs. Tashi O’Flaherty-Maduro said citizenship is far more than a legal formality adding that it signifies your connecting to the Virgin Islands.
Mrs O’Flaherty-Maduro said, “Citizenship represents your commitment to its values and your role in shaping its future. It represents a bond to a rich history, a diverse community, and a set of shared rights and responsibilities. Today, you become part of that legacy and we are proud to welcome you as fellow citizens.”
Naturalisation is the process under the British Nationalitty Act, 1981, that allows indviduals who have met the criteria, to become British Overseas Territories Citizens.