A total of 119 people were naturalised as British overseas territories citizens during two recent ceremonies at Government House.
Speakers at the events, which were held on March 25 and 28, included Governor Daniel Pruce, Premier Natalio “Sowande” Wheatley, and Registrar General Tashi O’Flaherty-Maduro, according to government.
“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 told attendees. “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.”
The premier welcomed attendees with words of congratulations.
“I enjoy coming to these ceremonies and seeing individuals who have contributed immensely to our society,” he said. “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.”
He added that the occasion was more than “just receiving papers.”
“You are joining a family,” he said. “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.”
Ms. O’Flaherty-Maduro also spoke.
“Citizenship represents your commitment to its values and your role in shaping its future,” she said. “It represents a bond to a rich history, a diverse community, and a set of shared rights and responsibilities.”
Naturalisation is the process under the British Nationality Act, 1981, that allows individuals who have met the requisite criteria to become BOT citizens.
British Caribbean News