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  by pltm
• Mar 19, 2019
• 5

(PLTM) - Eighty persons were today naturalized, paving the way for their registration as British Overseas Territories Citizens (BOTC) and their ability to vote in the BVI elections.

This was done during a ceremony today, March 19, where the individuals were reminded by Governor Augustus Jaspert of the commitment they have made to the territory.

“All of you will of course already have demonstrated a commitment to the British Virgin Islands over many years in diverse and varied fields of activity, reflecting the BVI’s own rich and developing community,” he told them.

Governor Jaspert went on to say, “You might think it’s unnecessary for the Governor to encourage you to maintain that commitment and, with nationality secured, not to lose sight of the responsibilities we all share not merely to our families but to the wider interests of society.”

He reminded them that the day marks a key milestone for them, pointing out the privileges that accompany naturalization.

“I hope and imagine that all of you are feeling a sense of fulfillment and satisfaction in attaining this citizenship status, conferring as it does the right to carry a BVI passport and to register as a British Citizen for a full British passport,” he stated.

Governor Jaspert also stressed the importance of the commitment to the BVI, now reinforced with the acquisition of nationality.

Also in attendance was Premier and Minister of Finance, Honourable Andrew A. Fahie, who spoke to the importance of unity among the people of the BVI.

“I want to reiterate that unity is strength, and I am a firm believer that the Caribbean has not reached its full potential as yet, because we do not understand that our strength is in each other. I am predicting that the Caribbean will be one of the greatest little nations in the coming future when we learn that we have more things in common than what we have in terms of our differences,” he went on record as saying.

According to the press statement on the ceremony, “Naturalisation is a process under the British Nationality Act of 1981 and the Virgin Islands Constitution Order of 2007 by which persons can become citizens of the Virgin Islands. Naturalised citizens become British Overseas Territory Citizens and as such they may obtain a Virgin Islands passport and are eligible for a United States visa waiver.”

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