Local News

124 Individuals including Billionaire Richard Branson Sworn in as British Overseas Territories Citizens of the Virgin Islands

Published

1 year ago

July 16, 2023

Editor

In a momentous ceremony held at the Government House, a total of 124 individuals have officially become British Overseas Territories Citizens (BOTC) of the Virgin Islands. Divided into two groups, the new citizens took the Oath of Allegiance and Pledge of Loyalty, solidifying their commitment to their new status.

The ceremony was graced by the presence of esteemed individuals, including 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. Each took the opportunity to congratulate the new citizens and offer their words of encouragement.

Governor Rankin expressed his delight in being a part of such a significant event, emphasizing that the ties formed through this process would endure for a lifetime. He highlighted the enriching nature of becoming a BOTC, stating that both the individuals and the Virgin Islands as a whole would benefit from the intermingling of cultures, diverse perspectives, and varied skills brought by the new citizens.

Premier Wheatley, in his address to the new citizens, called upon them to be “champions of unity.” He emphasized the shared love for the Virgin Islands that binds them together, along with the commitment to preserving the environment, upholding the Territory’s values, and extending a helping hand to those in need within the community. The Premier urged the new citizens to epitomize the principle that the BVI is worth protecting and defending, striving to make the islands the best they can be.

Registrar General, Mrs. Tashi O’Flaherty-Maduro, reminded the new citizens of their responsibility to represent the Territory in a favorable manner through their behavior, conversations, and actions. She further outlined their civic duties as citizens, emphasizing the importance of obedience to those in authority and serving the community, particularly the less fortunate. Mrs. O’Flaherty-Maduro encouraged the new citizens to become active participants in civic or community organizations, urging them to become valuable members of society.

The ceremony marked a significant milestone in the lives of these 124 individuals, as they officially became British Overseas Territories Citizens of the Virgin Islands. With their commitment and dedication to their new status, they are poised to contribute positively to the community and play an active role in shaping the future of the Virgin Islands.

As these new citizens embark on their journey as BOTC, the Virgin Islands celebrates their inclusion and looks forward to the many contributions they will make to the Territory.

The 124 new BOTCs are:

Marie Popo Andrew

Alfred Anthony August

Jean Delice Avril

Israel Bahadoor

Sachkia Shimmay Barnes

Kathy-Ann Valancia Bell

Angel Rafael Brown Valdez

Dolores Maria Valdez De Brown

Natasha Chavonne Pollard-Butler

Kenster Bede Charles

Ella Sketha Christopher

Cyrus Llewella Claxton

Alphonzo Alexander Davis

Junior Douglas

Kathy Natelle Patrice Barnwell-Edwards

Chandainie Mohanlall-Fahie

Antonio Ferreira

Vernette Dominique Glasgow

Tiffany Timauli Kayla Grant

Arleen Camelia Harris

Herlen Marjorie Hazell

Karen Cecelia Whyte Howell

Nigel George Howell

Dave Andrew Jardine

Mark Anthony Jeffers

Zoe Sandra Joseph

Monique Alinda John-Latchman

Yvonne Anesta McKenzie-Manning

Kamlapattie Beer-Maywahlall

Ravindra Maywahlall

Kareen Georgia McLeod

Sharon Mitchel

Everton Edward Morgan

Reanell Antoinette Jones-Phipps

Edna Veronica Profitt

Parbattie Ragnauth

Saran Asha Samuel

Nestor Julio Ramirez Santana

Barbara Cecile Pinnock-Smith

Rosalyn Card Smith

La Selle Vennie Toney

Hixford George Tyndale

Ahelia Devi Turnbull

Gladys Mae Walters

Judith May Williams

Alastair Guy Abrehart

Claire Louise Abrehart

Alberto Ovalles Almonte

Michel Shamalia Ambrose

Catherine Anselm

Corine Audain

Hemraj Ballie

Nirmatie Ballie

Richard Nicholas Branson

Cargil George Brown

Ioni Millicent Green-Brown

Rafael Leonidas Brown

Benjamin Stokes Butler

Shaunette Saemaire Akeema Mills Byron

Kervin Hutton Carter

Ian William Clark

Josette Sophia Dixon- Cooper

Nigel Maurice Cooper

Gary Patrick Cottreau

Hilario Ubiera Crispin

Carmen Rosario Rosario De Davies

Alene Sharon Elizabeth Daway

Laura Agnes Dore

Adenike Marie Sicard Flax

Suzette Nichola Frett

Celma Verona Gordon

Joan Winifred Gordon

Camiane St.Albourne Grange

Mc Donald Guiste

Don Carlos Kem Hadaway

Verelyn Lavern Hamilton

Roselyn Bethune Hart

Ruth Karon Joslin Hazell

Joan Pamella Hooper

Michael Hypolite

Pauline Genevieve Hypolite

Leroy Joseph Isaac

Nadine Melissa Isaac

Violet Veronica Jackson

Mervin Eversley Jacobs

Rosanna Elitha Jacobs

Robert James

Sherry-Ann Carita Virginia James

Hermia Joseph

Thile Douchel Joseph

Richard Kissoon

Francess Veronica La Touche

Vernon Larocque

Renee Kimona Manning

Steadroy Anthony Matthew

Phoebe Dawn Sharon Murrell

Ann Marie Banner- Palmer

Arcadia Belen De Paul

Christianne R. S. Pecanha

Skeetroy Ezekiel Vernon Percival

Rem-Jermyn Patricia Prince

Jimron Jade Purcell

Ganga Raghunath

Sunita Raghunath

Cecelia Ramtool

Dennis Visham Ramtool

Judith Ann John Robinson

Jamacie Thrisanne Rodney

Venice Viola Samuel

Alithia Adams-Scott

Himwant Seenarine

Lowattie Seenarine

Dharmamati Shevdyal

Florenda Nuevas Ruffell Smith

Michael Smith

Rabindranath Sookraj

Avril Veronica Stoddard

Janet Phillipa Cupid-Stoutt

Patricia Angela Ann-Marie Thomas

Jevon Valester Tyson

Bernadine Avalina Valrose

Anji Veta Walters

Christiana Asson-Williams

Thelma Wiltshire

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Education

Former Legislator Dr Kedrick Pickering Becomes International Best-Selling Author with New Book

Published

4 days ago

December 18, 2024

Editor

Dr Kedrick Pickering, former legislator and renowned obstetrician, has achieved international recognition with the release of his book, Walk in Faith & Medicine: Daily Lessons & Insights from a Doctor’s Handwritten Journal. Published on December 12, the 139-page Kindle edition has swiftly become the number one New Release in Obstetrics & Gynaecology on Amazon, earning Dr Pickering a place among Amazon’s International Best Sellers.

Walk in Faith & Medicine provides readers with a deeply personal account of Dr Pickering’s tenure as the only Obstetrician and Gynaecologist in the British Virgin Islands for nearly three decades. The book intricately weaves his medical experiences with his spiritual reflections, offering profound insights into the challenges of practising medicine in a setting where resources were often limited, but faith and resilience were abundant.

Through heartfelt anecdotes, Dr Pickering recounts the joys and struggles of his career, from the miracle of delivering life under difficult circumstances to the strength he found in spirituality when faced with adversity. Each chapter sheds light on the delicate balance between clinical expertise and moral contemplation.

The book’s release has received widespread acclaim, resonating with audiences in both medical and spiritual communities. Its success highlights Dr Pickering’s unique ability to capture the human side of healthcare while addressing universal themes of faith and hope.

Walk in Faith & Medicine is available exclusively as a Kindle edition and is already being hailed as an inspirational must-read.

Entertainment

FCCA Spreads Holiday Cheer in the British Virgin Islands with Christmas Gift Donation

Published

4 days ago

December 18, 2024

Editor

The Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association (FCCA) brought smiles to the faces of over 100 children in the British Virgin Islands with a generous donation of Christmas gifts. The initiative, held on December 16, was a collaborative effort between the FCCA, the Government of the Virgin Islands, and the Youth Empowerment Project (YEP).

The festivities took place at YEP Headquarters in East End, where children were treated to a festive celebration. Staff from the MSC Virtuosa Cruise Ship donned Santa Claus and other character costumes, adding to the magic of the occasion. The event also received sponsorship from Diamond International.

Premier and Minister of Finance Hon. Dr. Natalio D. Wheatley expressed his gratitude for the FCCA’s ongoing commitment to the Virgin Islands community. “The leadership of the FCCA is a thoughtful group of individuals. For more than two decades, their gift-giving has brought smiles and filled hearts with joy and hope during this special time of year,” said Premier Wheatley. “On behalf of the Government of the Virgin Islands, I extend our sincere thanks to the FCCA and their co-sponsors for their generosity.”

Minister for Ports Hon. Kye M. Rymer highlighted the FCCA’s enduring partnership with the territory. “Their commitment to gift-giving for over 20 years deserves our acknowledgment,” said Rymer. He also commended the BVI Ports Authority for its collaboration with the FCCA in supporting such initiatives.

Director of YEP Hon. Stacy Mather shared his appreciation for the FCCA’s efforts. “This marks our second time receiving gifts from this initiative. We are incredibly fortunate and grateful for this generosity,” he said. “Thanks to the kindness of FCCA, Diamond International, and others, our Christmas celebrations begin a little earlier.”

The event was moderated by Deputy Secretary in the Ministry of Communications and Works, Ms. Haley Trott, and attended by Junior Minister for Tourism Hon. Luce Hodge-Smith, Deputy Director of YEP Ms. Bianca Dougan, and other community leaders.

Business

BVI Bank Association Warns Merchants Against Card Transaction Violations

Published

4 days ago

December 18, 2024

Editor

As the festive season brings increased consumer activity, the British Virgin Islands Bank Association (BVIBA) has issued a stern reminder to merchants across the territory regarding compliance with card transaction policies.

The association warns that imposing minimum spending requirements or charging additional fees for card payments is not only against their merchant agreements but also violates regulations established by major payment networks, VISA and Mastercard.

The advisory, issued on Wednesday, December 18, warns that merchants engaging in these practices are in breach of their contractual obligations with their respective financial institutions. “We request that all merchants immediately cease these practices to ensure compliance,” the statement read.

The BVIBA comprises several prominent financial institutions, including Bank of Asia (BVI) Limited, CIBC Caribbean, FirstBank PR, National Bank of the Virgin Islands, Popular, Republic Bank (BVI) Limited, and VP Bank (BVI) Limited.

For inquiries or guidance on compliance, the BVIBA advises merchants to contact their respective banks promptly.