Local News

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

Published

3 years 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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Crime/Police

Tarik Aaron Arrested on USVI Extradition Warrant

Published

17 hours ago

April 22, 2026

Editor

The Royal Virgin Islands Police Force has confirmed that Tarik Aaron was arrested shortly before midnight on Friday, April 17, on extradition orders issued by authorities in the United States Virgin Islands, and has since appeared before the Magistrate’s Court.

According to police, the arrest was carried out in connection with a request from USVI authorities, though further details have not been disclosed.

Aaron appeared before the Magistrate’s Court today and was denied bail.

Further updates are expected as more information becomes available.

Local News

Civil Registry Announces Increase in U.K. Passport Fees Effective April 8

Published

18 hours ago

April 22, 2026

Editor

The Civil Registry and Passport Office has announced an increase in fees for United Kingdom passports, effective April 8, 2026.

According to the office, the revised fees apply to new, renewal and replacement passport applications, as well as other related services.

Under the new structure, the cost for a new, renewal or replacement adult passport has been set at £116.50, while the fee for a child passport is £75.50. Adult frequent traveller passports will cost £130.50, and child frequent traveller passports £89.50.

The fee for changes to an existing passport will also be £116.50. In addition, a delivery fee of £14.32 will apply.

The Civil Registry and Passport Office advised that the updated fees are now in effect and apply to all relevant applications submitted on or after April 8.

Elections 2023

Hon. Wheatley Introduces Elections Amendment Bill in House of Assembly

Published

18 hours ago

April 22, 2026

Editor

A bill proposing wide-ranging changes to the Virgin Islands’ electoral system was introduced in the House of Assembly today, Tuesday, April 22, by Premier and Minister of Finance, Honourable Dr. Natalio D. Wheatley.

The proposed Elections (Amendment) Act, 2026, is based on consultations with stakeholders and recommendations from observer missions, as well as input from the Deputy Governor’s Office and the Office of the Supervisor of Elections.

“This is the Elections Amendment Act 2026, following extensive deliberations with a number of entities, including a committee of the House who looked at recommendations of various observer missions that came to The Virgin Islands,” Hon. Wheatley said during the continuation of the Second Sitting of the Third Session of the Fifth House of Assembly.

He said the bill also builds on work undertaken by the previous House of Assembly. “Also, the last House of Assembly looked at a number of recommendations that were forwarded through the Deputy Governor’s Office and the Office of the Supervisor of Elections,” he said.

Hon. Wheatley said the proposed amendments were developed through discussions on changes to the Elections Act. “We had very extensive discussions about amendments to the Elections Act, and of course, those recommendations were used to make this Amendment Act. This received its first reading some time ago, and now we are here to debate this Elections Act, so that it can therefore become law,” he said.

The bill introduces several reforms to the electoral framework, including expanded access to voting through mobile and curbside options for individuals with physical limitations and the formal use of assistive technologies for voters with disabilities.

It also provides for the establishment of a Department of Elections and an Elections Advisory Committee to oversee voter registration and election administration.

Additional provisions include a formal Code of Conduct for political parties and candidates, along with new rules governing campaign donations and political financing.

The legislation also proposes restrictions on the announcement of major public grants or projects shortly before an election, aimed at addressing potential incumbency advantages.

The bill has already received its first reading and is expected to be referred to a committee when the House of Assembly resumes on April 30, 2026, at 10 a.m., where it will undergo further review as part of the legislative process.