Governor David Preary, seated in front row among the group of 70 newly naturalized citizens after a ceremony at the Government House last Thursday

In congratulating the 70 anxious candidates at the ceremony, Registrar General, Stephanie Benn said the group is now eligible to enjoy the privileges of being citizens of the Virgin Islands and hoped that they cherish the moment.

The ceremony was the second held for the year.

The reception hall, which was filled capacity, was enlightened with happy faces when the candidates received their certificates of naturalisation in the presence of family members and friends who seemed equally anxious.

In addressing the candidates from a diverse community, Governor David Preary said it is a key milestone in their quest for British Citizenship, and many of them  were  harbouring this ambition. 

“I hope and imagine that all of you are feeling some sense of fulfillment in attaining this citizenship status conferring as it does the right to carry a BVI passport and to apply for a full British passport,” he stated to the newly sworn citizens. The Governor mentioned that in his view, and in London’s view, once a general entitlement is established it is absolutely right that it is acted on, by those with responsibility for bestowing naturalisation, within a reasonable period. 

“The processing of applications and the treatment of applicants must be, and I hope now is, done to the highest possible public service standards. I know everyone responsible is striving to attain those standards and I thank them for their efforts.  But if there are remaining problems I am of course always interested to hear,” he assured.

According to the Governor, the applicant is free of immigration control and attained residency and is no longer dependent on seeking a work permit-a process which is known to take a long time.

The immigration regulations are understandably strict in such a small Territory where the local population is already in the minority, Governor Pearey noted.

The Governor in his third year of service has presided over numerous naturalisation ceremonies. He reminded the gathering that the ceremony is both a solemn pledge, and also a further cause for celebration as they embrace their new nationality and ponder on the opportunities it offers.

In demonstrating their commitments to the Virgin Islands over many years in diverse and varied fields of activity, the Governor encouraged the group to maintain their composure now with a secured nationality, and they should not lose sight of the responsibilities - not just with families but to the wider interests of society. 

“The longer I am here the more I know about the contribution so many of you are already making.  But it would be wrong to let this occasion pass without stressing the importance of your commitment to the BVI, now reinforced with the acquisition of nationality,” he alluded.

Comments (0)

Subscribe to this comment's feed

Show/Hide comments

Show/Hide comment form

Name

Email

Title

Comment

Write the displayed characters

Add Comment