15 Naturalised

Through the process of naturalization, the British Virgin Islands now has 
an additional 15 new citizens.

They received their certificates during a ceremony held at the Legislative 
Council Chambers Tuesday morning. The new citizens include seven originally from St. Kitts/Nevis, one from Dominica, one from the Dominican Republic, two from St. Vincent and the Grenadines, one each from Jamaica, Antigua, Grenada and The Gambia.

Protocol Officer Mrs. Victoreen Romney Varlack, in her chairperson's 
remarks, said it was a very significant day for them, a day on which they 
will become British Overseas Territories Citizens and as such British citizens.

"More importantly, you will be deemed to belong to the Virgin Islands, the 
Virgin Islands where you have lived, worked, played, married, experienced 
the financial and other growth of these Virgin Islands that we all call 
home," she stated.

She recalled the signing of the Commencement Order earlier this year by 
British Foreign Secretary Jack Straw, which brought into effect on 21st May 
2002 the citizenship provisions of the British Overseas Territories Act, 2002.
This means essentially that BV Islanders can now hold a British citizen 
(UK) passport. With that comes the right of abode in the UK, the citizen is 
not subject to UK immigration controls, has the right of free movement, 
residence and the opportunity to work without a permit in the European 
Union, is entitled to the rights and privileges of a UK citizen including 
the right to vote in the UK and is eligible for a US visa waiver.

Deputy Governor Mr. Elton Georges drew the new citizens' attention to the 
guidance notes for persons granted certificates of naturalization. He said 
it contains a lot of relevant information, including what this newfound 
status means.

Mr. Georges drew specific attention to the fact that it is possible for 
them to lose the status and he also encouraged them to keep the certificate in a very safe place to guard against destruction and loss.
He noted that the applicants had probably applied quite some time ago and 
thanked them for their patience. He informed them that the applications go 
through different stages before they are finally granted on the discretion 
of His Excellency the Governor. "But we try to do it as expeditiously as 
possible."

Chief Minister the Honourable Ralph T. O'Neal congratulated the new 
citizens on behalf of the government and people of the BVI. He noted that 
while it is the Governor who actually grants certificates of 
naturalization, the custom has been over the years for him to consult with 
Executive Council before doing. "After all, who best to know who to allow 
to have almost the same status in the country as the elected people."
He mentioned the contribution made by the new citizens to the BVI over the 
years and singled out Captain Baboucar Sallah in particular for his work 
with the government in shipping and ports registration.

"I know that you will continue to help to keep the BVI beautiful and play 
your part in keeping law and order, peace and tranquillity in the country," 
Hon. O'Neal said. In his remarks, His Excellency Governor Thomas Macan said he was pleased to be presiding over his first naturalization ceremony since being sworn in last month.

He welcomed the new citizens to the family of British citizens and warned 
them not to take their new status lightly. He said it is a serious and 
important step and along with it comes real obligations.