One hundred and twenty-two more persons have been recently naturalised as British Overseas Territories Citizens following two ceremonies at Government House on Tuesday, February 24, 2026. Photo: Government of the Virgin Islands

Acting Premier Hon Julian Fraser RA (R3) told the newly naturalised citizens that their naturalisation is not merely a legal transaction but a symbol of appreciation for their years of service, commitment and respect for the Virgin Islands. Photo: Government of the Virgin Islands

Two ceremonies were held at Government House on Tuesday, February 24, 2026, for these newly naturalised individuals, where remarks were given by Governor Daniel Pruce, Acting Premier Hon Julian Fraser RA (R3), and Registrar General Mrs Tashi O’Flaherty-Maduro. 

Also in attendance were Deputy Governor Mr David D. Archer Jr., and Minister for Health and Social Development Hon Vincent O. Wheatley (R9). 

Naturalisation is a symbol of appreciation- Hon Fraser

According to a press release from the Civil Registry and Passport Office, Hon Fraser welcomed the 122 individuals to the Virgin Islands (VI) family, describing them as a “distinguished group” committed to the development of the VI. 

Hon Fraser said they have followed the law, embraced the VI’s values and enriched its communities through their hard work and perseverance. 

“Your Naturalisation is not merely a legal transaction. It is a symbol of appreciation for your years of service, commitment and respect for the Virgin Islands, which you now call home. Becoming a BOTC is more than an administrative process; it is a statement that your presence here is valued and that you have woven yourself into the fabric of our society.”

Meanwhile, Mrs O’Flaherty-Maduro explained that becoming a citizen is more than the granting of a legal status; it is the embracing of a shared identity, shared responsibility, and a shared future. 

“It means that you have chosen these beautiful Virgin Islands as your home, not simply as a place to live, but as a place to belong…Our Territory is built not only by those born here but also by those who come, invest their talents, raise families, build businesses, serve faithfully, and give of themselves.”

That richness their presence adds to the VI, she said, is celebrated, and encouraged them to reflect on the journey that brought them here as they took their Oath of Allegiance. 

New BOT citizens 

Governor Pruce also told the new citizens that naturalisation is an enriching process that benefits the VI. 

“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.”

The new BOT citizens are Edith Pamela Augustine, Kenia M. Jimenez Avelina, Jean Hepson Avril, Smeralda D. Avril, Collis Glenton Bailey, Ronald Gregory Baird, Hema Beharry, Isaac Beharry, Alexandra Paul-Burke, Jorge Manuel Faulkner Cadete, Bernardo Caines, Rondell Troy Calliste, Hilda May McLean Callwood, Jesticia Liza Mondesir-Callwood, Naiyada Ika Melika Henry-Callwood, Sachet Latisha Chance, Alice Jane Combrink, Denzel Amish Corum, Jonathan Guillermo Cruz, Alex Ricardo Cupid, Beverly Bonnie Cupid, Leidi A. Rabsatt Crispin De Castro, Malta Rosa Garcia De Daniel, Monica Helen James-Davis, Arismeily Alexandra Ramirez Donovan, Rane John Downing, Michel Nick Etienne, Claire Althea Garnett, Joel Alexander George Gonzalez, Christoph Bernhard Gutmann, Loida Baez de Hatchett, Alecia N. Drummond-Jardine, Trevor Andrew Elmore John, Tysa Deradee Lucia Joseph, Debra John Jules, Christopher Ryan Juredin, Hansrani Karran, Dahiana Daniel Martinez, Kenneth Emanuel Matthew, Lennox Mc Pherson, Rosa Belen Alberto Milford, Carmen Eudene Nelson, Jeaninne Korah Kaynahi Nibbs, Oliver Desmond Palmer, Oneyda Isabel Grassals Perez, Tricia Ann Peters, Tony Alberto Garo Pichardo, Rafael Rabsatt, Kirk Anthony Robinson, Shelly-Ann Brumant-Romney, Gregoria D. D. D. Alvarez Salazar, Elizabeth Brandon Shaw, Donald Richard Shettlewood, Delroy Dwight Spencer, Noah Sherroy Spencer, Shernett Shereen Spencer, Marcia Foga-Smith, Leone Anesta Young-Springette, Kiara Shemoia ‑Tomas, Naomi Elizabeth Joaquin Torres, Bielka Esther Gil Vasquez, Vernaser Bernadine Walters, Lynette Alanna Williams, Shirleen E. B. Baptiste-Williams, Curwin Hensley Andrews, Kevin John Austin, Erica Deloris Bailey, Cletus Mac Lenny Bannis, Lydia Luenda Baptiste, Alicia Donna Davis-Bastian, Lesley Ann Bayles, Drupattie Bharat, Vishaldev Bharat, Ericka Nadia Bobb, Evansley Jamal Bradshaw, Sean Anselmo Browne, Deborah Angelie Bruce, Rasheid Arsenio Chambers, Dominique Tyra Cole, Horace Gar­eld Cole, Margarette Ann Whyte-Cole, Daliah Yvette M. Gidden-Corrington, Paul Brian Cowlard, Bensford Hezekiah Joseph Cupid, Tommy Julien Daniel, Shaniqua Sheasheana Evelyn, Jeremy Gabriel, Henschel Von Bulow George, Kacia Avril Subrina George, Marvin Orlando Grant, Jozette Casandra Gregg, Delores Hall, Ronald Matthew Henry, Yamile Hilton-Joseph, Euphrasia Marilyn Hypolite, Yonette Loraine Jacobus, Anil Jagnandan, Delice Annelle James, Calvin Dexter Jardine, Siddie Monica Jones, Deborah Isabelle Leslie, Sharon Donna Maria Leslie, Cessie Mc Queen, Leroy Mc Queen, Annie Ida Merry, Wadewatie Newton, Henry Nevers, Earl Wilson Noel, Sheniece Louise Palmer, Ieline Darby-Peters, Suzette Shemmelar Phillips, John Lennox Pitt, Dominique L. R. Ketterer Rathbun, Bibi Zalina Richards, Curtis Rowland Orlando Roberts, Albert Nethelston Rogers, Augustina Sanderson, Theresa Seenarine, Allison Hermia Tench, Collin Leslie Thomas, Maria Antonet Vieira, and Reginald Elijah Wynter.