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by pltm
(PLTM) - Sir Richard Branson, the British business magnate and owner of the luxury private resort, Necker Island, here in the BVI, was among a group of over one hundred and twenty-four persons are now British Overseas Territories Citizens (BOTC) of the Virgin Islands having taken the Oath of Allegiance and Pledge of Loyalty.
The new citizens were divided into two groups and processed at respective ceremonies held at the Government House. Congratulatory remarks were made 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 said, “It gives me great pleasure to be part of an event where you are all committing yourselves loyally to new ties, which will stay with you for the rest of your lives. This is a highly enriching process, from which you as individuals and the BVI, as a Territory, will gain.”
The Governor added, “The intermingling of cultures, different ways of thinking, different knowledge, and different skills brings with it clear and tangible benefits to the community as a whole.”
Premier Wheatley addressed the new citizens by calling on them to be “champions of unity”. He further told the recipients, “What binds us together is our love for these Virgin Islands, our commitment to preserve our environment, defend our values, lend a helping hand where it is needed in our community and our commitment to build these Virgin Islands to be the best it can be. And certainly, I call on you to really epitomise that principle that the BVI is really worth all of us protecting and defending it.”
Meanwhile, Registrar General, Mrs. Tashi O’Flaherty-Maduro reminded the new citizens that they will be expected to favourably represent the Territory in behaviour, conversation and action.
She also informed them of their civic duties as citizens.
“You are subject to your rulers, those in authority over you, to be obedient citizens, serving your communities, the less fortunate among us. I implore you to become useful citizens by joining a civic or community organisation,” she said.
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