119 persons are now British Overseas Territories Citizens following two ceremonies held at Government House on 25^th and 28^th 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.

The 119 new British Overseas Territories Citizens are:

Mohammad S. Abdulsalam

Paula Melrose Ajarie

Joel Ian Antione

Sandra Veronica Arringdell

Bernadette Myrtle Athanaze

Cristell Nalda Athanaze

James Athanaze

Candice Stacy Bolondia

Aldan Winston Bertham

Rondell Andre Braveboy

Joyce Michelle Bruce

Douglas Lester Butler

Joan Ivolyn Butt

Thorn Corderow Carey

Belinda Louise Dabbs

Camelia Roxanne Daniel

Rashenna Kaffilla Dawson

Brian Edward Deane

Digna Poueriet De DeCastro

Orville O’Neil Dunkley

Roberta Lorie-Ann Ellis

Annelle Adelia Francis

Alicia Eugenie Gilbert

Ceon Adrian Hartman

Beverly Doreen Headlam

Norma Elaine Higgins

Gavin Anthony Hinds

Dickson Chukudiamara Igwe

Roxanne Evelyn James

Dennis Gavon Milton Jones

Teresa Joseph

Vanicia Argel Liddie

Ernesta Francelia Maloney

Joseph Raymond Xavier Maloney

Judith Agatha Martin

Duklin George McDonald

Avril Sunelia Mendes

Jim Robertson Mendes

Carla May Morton

Cecilia Titre-Nicholas

Daniel Philippe

Glenny Gonzales-Pickering

Petronella Caroline Pope

Michelle Theresa Quashie

Sharon Rameshar

Khemragie Ramotar

Olfred Cradie Sharpe

Roslyn Deborah Simmons

Rebecca Patricia Spencer

Loraine Rodney Spencer

Jo-Ann St. Rose

Blondina Idella Sutton

Sanchia Simone Thompson

Decoomarie Tillack

Dhanmattie Tillack

Peter John Twist

Carol Emelda Williams

Laurence Christopher Wintz

Quincy St. Orbis Narcelius Woolford

David Joseph Andrews

Marguerite Arthur

Jocelyn Blake

Mecheal Kesha Baird

Andrew Claxton Campbell

Mary Agatha Campbell

Wayne Richardo Carter

Anthony Tony Ceasar

Irvinia Damier Ceaser

Otis Ortix Claxton

Basilia Daniela Ramona Cole

Vicki Natasha Clarke

Timothy Paul Dabbs

Sowbhagyawattie Deoraj

Shelly Ann Baker Donovan

Ellen Erwin

Angela Robertha Farrell

Anestasia Sordia Felix

Dexter David Fortune

Shurma Nesta Fortune

Alfred Ludlow Francis

Peter Anthony Francis

Marino Lorenzo Garcia

Velma Monica Harry

Dordea Leslyn Hartman-Hastings

Shawn Adwane James

Catherine Andresine Hodge-Jeremiah

Glenroy Leon Johnson

David Jolly

Sonia Joseph

Joan Richardson-Liburd

Jerrol Mc Kenzie

Rodger Linton Miller

Jennifer Marie Myers

Paul Samson Myers

Richard William Nichol

Blessing Chukwugozie Okpara

Ogechukwu Blessing Okpara

Dulce Maria Pena O’Neil

Ana Isla Tania Javier De Ortiz

Marvalene Pinnock

Ann Ramgadoo

Patricia Devi Ramgobin

Glory Ramjawan

Sylvia Lenora Richards

Elcon Cedric Roberts

Kayanna Marian Shorne Roberts

Cruz Guerrero Rivera

John Calvert Robin

Ramona Maria Acevedo Rodriguez

Belkis Iris Cuevas Sanchez De-Samuel

Juan Gerardo Nunez Santana

Kaminee Seenarine

Totaram Silchand

Jesse Alexander Sobers

Jeremy Stephen Walcott

Feebles Bryan Williams

Paschale Welina Williams

Rick Nelson Williams

Nalita Winter