Sir Richard Branson, the British entrepreneur and owner of Necker Island, a luxury private resort in the British Virgin Islands (BVI), was among over 120 new British Overseas Territories Citizens (BOTC) who took the Oath of Allegiance and Pledge of Loyalty at Government House.
The ceremony was attended by His Excellency the Governor John J.
Rankin, CMG, Premier and Minister of Finance, Honourable Dr. Natalio D.
Wheatley, and Registrar General, Mrs.
Tashi O’Flaherty-Maduro.
Governor Rankin expressed his joy at being part of the event and emphasized the benefits of the diverse cultures and skills that the new citizens bring to the BVI.
Premier Wheatley called on the new citizens to be "champions of unity" and to work towards building the best BVI possible.
Registrar General, Mrs.
Tashi O’Flaherty-Maduro, reminded the new citizens of their civic duties and expected them to be obedient citizens serving their communities.
In her remarks, Mrs.
O’Flaherty-Maduro also informed the new citizens of their obligation to uphold the values of the BVI and to be responsible representatives of the Territory.
She encouraged them to become involved in civic or community organizations and to use their skills and knowledge to make a positive impact on their communities.
The new citizens, who were divided into two groups, were processed at the respective ceremonies held at Government House.
With the completion of the Oath of Allegiance and Pledge of Loyalty, they have become British Overseas Territories Citizens of
the Virgin Islands.
The ceremony marks a significant milestone for the new citizens, who have committed themselves to upholding the values of the BVI and contributing to the development of the Territory.
As British citizens, they are entitled to rights and privileges such as access to healthcare, education, and social security, as well as the right to vote and stand for election in the BVI.
In conclusion, the ceremony represents an important step towards fostering a more united and cohesive society in the BVI, as the new citizens pledge their loyalty and commitment to the Territory.
The BVI Platin