Eighty expatriates living in the British Virgin Islands have been naturalised as British Overseas Territory citizens at a ceremony that took place at Government House.
The new citizens have been resident in the territory for a number of years, some as long as 29 and many of the applications had taken years to be processed. The new citizens are looking forward to the ease of travel which having an Overseas Territory or British passport will bring.
Governor Augustus Jaspert had a congratulatory message for the group. As he welcomed them home, he urged them to continue to contribute positively to the territory and reminded them of the responsibilities they now owe the wider society and the country.
In addition to receiving their certificates, the newly naturalised citizens also said the oath of allegiance and pledged their fealty to Her Majesty the Queen and to the British Virgin Islands.
