A media release from the Office of the Governor said the twenty individuals officially registered as new British Citizens after they received certificates and recited the Affirmation of Allegiance and Pledge of Loyalty at the ceremony.

The process was administered by Registrar General Stephanie Benn who congratulated the new British citizens, and encouraged them to continue to be of good character and contribute to the territory.

Also welcoming the new British Citizens was Governor John Rankin. He called the occasion a ‘happy and meaningful one’.

He said, “This is a matter to which ministers in Her Majesty’s Government in Britain attach great importance…British law requires that those who acquire nationality in this way must not only demonstrate a commitment to the United Kingdom, but also knowledge of its history, its institutions and its language.”

Governor Rankin also encouraged the new citizens to take advantage of opportunities for travel and study that may come with their new status, and to remember their duty as British Citizens.

“Your responsibilities as British citizens are to uphold our shared values of respect for democratic freedoms, respect for the rule of law, and respect for each other, irrespective of race, gender or religious belief. Never forget that you are now personal ambassadors for both the British Virgin Islands and for the United Kingdom,” he said

The following persons were formally registered as British Citizens:

Akilah Nayo Corbin

Dacia Mariesha Daniels-Louie

Atisher Alisher Davis

Flavia Patricia Edwards-Dougan

Ackla Aiana Eristee

Garnet Alphonso Ferron

Brian Devon Jr Gaston

Julique Elmika Huggins

Lianie Britney Betesha Huggins

Jonathan Augustin Jn Baptiste

Nadia Letitia Leanna Merry

Ann Marie Metor

Abigail Moran-Mendez

Rosa Emilia Paul De Nisbett

Denisha Simone Ledgister- Penn

Darwin Reynold Ryan

Lettie Anita Ryan

Tianna Cara Salmon

Jeni-Lee Evelyn Joseph- Watson

Charlene Natasha Williams