One hundred and fifteen people were naturalised as British overseas territory citizens last week at the Government House.
During two ceremonies held on June 16 and 17, the new citizens heard congratulatory remarks from Governor Daniel Pruce, acting Premier Julian Fraser, and Registrar General Tashi O’Flaherty-Maduro, according to government.
Mr. Pruce said the Virgin Islands benefits from the intermingling of cultures that comes with naturalisations.
“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,” Mr. Pruce said. “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.”
Words of advice
Mr. Fraser said he was pleased to see residents reach the milestone after contributing to the territory’s success.
Ms. O’Flaherty-Maduro offered words of advice.
“As you take on the honour of becoming British overseas territories citizens, you are now entrusted with the responsibility to uphold and respect the rule of law; to contribute to the peace, order, and good governance of our society; and to act with integrity in all that you do,” she said.
Ms. O’Flaherty-Maduro added that the community flourishes when citizens obey the law and treat others with fairness and dignity.
“Citizenship comes with the privilege of participation, having a voice in the future of your community and a responsibility to help protect and preserve the very things that make these islands special: our culture, our sense of community, our peaceful way of life, and the legacy we will leave for the next generation,” she said.
Naturalisation is a process under the British Nationality Act, 1981, that allows individuals who have met the requisite criteria to become British OT citizens.
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