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124 take oath to become British OT Citizens of VI

Some One hundred and twenty-four persons (124) are now British Overseas Territories Citizens (BOTC) of the Virgin Islands (VI) having taken the Oath of Allegiance and Pledge of Loyalty in a ceremony. Photo: GIS
Premier Wheatley addressed the new citizens by calling on them to be 'champions of unity'. He further told the recipients, that when binds them together is a love for these Virgin Islands and a commitment to preserve the local environment. Photo: GIS
Premier Wheatley addressed the new citizens by calling on them to be 'champions of unity'. He further told the recipients, that when binds them together is a love for these Virgin Islands and a commitment to preserve the local environment. Photo: GIS
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI – Some One hundred and twenty-four persons (124) are now British Overseas Territories Citizens (BOTC) of the Virgin Islands (VI) having taken the Oath of Allegiance and Pledge of Loyalty.

This is according to a release from the Government Information Service (GIS) which added that the new citizens were divided into two groups and processed at respective ceremonies held at Government House recently.

Present at the ceremony was Premier and Minister of Finance, Dr the Honourable Dr. Natalio D. Wheatley (R7) and Registrar General, Mrs Tashi O’Flaherty-Maduro along with Governor John J. Rankin, CMG, to witness the new citizens take the path. 

Be champions of Unity - Premier Wheatley 

Premier Wheatley addressed the new citizens by calling on them to be “champions of unity”.

He further told the recipients, “What binds us together is our love for these Virgin Islands, our commitment to preserve our environment, defend our values, lend a helping hand where it is needed in our community and our commitment to build these Virgin Islands to be the best it can be.”

“And certainly, I call on you to really epitomise that principle that the BVI is really worth all of us protecting and defending it,” he added. 

Governor Rankin in offering a message of congratulations, said, “It gives me great pleasure to be part of an event where you are all committing yourselves loyally to new ties, which will stay with you for the rest of your lives.”

He called it a highly enriching process, from which both the persons granted citizenship and the VI as a Territory, will gain.

Be obedient citizens - Registrar General 

Meanwhile, Registrar General, Mrs Tashi O’Flaherty-Maduro reminded the new citizens that they will be expected to favourably represent the Territory in behaviour, conversation and action.

She also informed them of their civic duties as citizens, “You are subject to your rulers, those in authority over you, to be obedient citizens, serving your communities, the less fortunate among us. I implore you to become useful citizens by joining a civic or community organisation,” she said.

The full list of the 124 new BOTCs can be found here.  

 

22 Responses to “124 take oath to become British OT Citizens of VI”

  • Native Senior Citizen of the British Virgin Islands (14/07/2023, 19:01) Like (23) Dislike (1) Reply
    I am happy for all of you. Congratulations.
    Brethrens.
    Love you all.
    • Thanks Mr. Gov.. (15/07/2023, 09:00) Like (3) Dislike (4) Reply
      While the Premier and his bias, useless people holding up belonger Status.. People are by-passing that status and straight to the Governor for naturalization...The Governor delivering...
      • @ Thanks Mr Governor (15/07/2023, 16:00) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
        Can one bypass Belonger status and get naturalized ?
    • Fake Smile Sowande. (15/07/2023, 09:01) Like (4) Dislike (5) Reply
      We all know he is not happy...Nothing he can do.. Governor run things..
  • You must stop it!..stop it! (14/07/2023, 20:31) Like (10) Dislike (17) Reply
    When ayo gonna stop giving away this country?
  • Hell no (14/07/2023, 20:33) Like (6) Dislike (5) Reply
    ENOUGH IS ENUFF
  • Wait ... (14/07/2023, 20:42) Like (4) Dislike (1) Reply
    Branson, too? (top right)
  • WOW (14/07/2023, 20:46) Like (9) Dislike (9) Reply
    Dah ah 124 more trade licenses to compete against we locals.
    • License (17/07/2023, 11:21) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      All they want is licenses and money they wouldnt be looking status if we were broke lol
  • 3rd block (14/07/2023, 22:48) Like (7) Dislike (0) Reply
    Is that Richard Branson in the far right? ????
  • yeah (14/07/2023, 23:03) Like (10) Dislike (4) Reply
    Smile for the camera while handing over your country.
  • glad and sad (14/07/2023, 23:16) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
    Most of those face's in the photographs look sad.
  • Native Tongue (15/07/2023, 04:24) Like (10) Dislike (4) Reply
    These people are not loyal.
  • Clears cobweb out eyes (15/07/2023, 06:40) Like (1) Dislike (2) Reply
    Why richard Branson at the back
  • Bay Gone (15/07/2023, 07:19) Like (5) Dislike (2) Reply
    Liabilities and contributors to the decimination of a BVI quality of life free of crime and an upward mobility of its children .
  • dogman (15/07/2023, 09:03) Like (4) Dislike (2) Reply
    This is good news. You people don't start in the comments. These people were vetted and your government approved them. So please come for slowande, not the people from down island
    • Comment (15/07/2023, 15:39) Like (0) Dislike (2) Reply
      Start rotating employment. Stop allowing this to continue!
    • Okayyyyyyyy (15/07/2023, 17:33) Like (2) Dislike (3) Reply
      They were vetted, I do hope when they decide to bring their other family members up from down Island to reside in the territory they are vetted as well.
      • @ okayyyyy (15/07/2023, 19:13) Like (4) Dislike (1) Reply
        Not everybody does this
        I live here over 20 years till date my family is in them country
        And besides if their family want to come snd work and reside don’t see anything wrong long as they behave and flllow the rules of the BVI
  • Ayowierd (15/07/2023, 17:39) Like (3) Dislike (4) Reply
    Why are you ppl like this? Hiding behind a screen talking, if you feel as though the process is not vetted properly all you have to do is ask. It is public information ppl. Do just sit on your fat read ends and spur pointless none sense when you are not well informed. BE HAPPY FOR THEN DAMN!!!!
  • Well Well (17/07/2023, 13:57) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Branson took the oath also? lolololol


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