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79 New British Overseas Territories Citizens Welcomed in Ceremony at Government House

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Seventy-nine individuals were officially welcomed as newly Naturalised British Overseas Territories Citizens (BOTC) at a ceremony held on August 29 at Government House in the British Virgin Islands. The new citizens swore an Oath of Allegiance to His Majesty the King and pledged loyalty to the Virgin Islands, a requirement that formally confirms their status as British Overseas Territories Citizens.

His Excellency Governor Daniel Pruce presented the certificates of Naturalisation and congratulated the new citizens. “Today is your day,” Governor Pruce 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.”

Premier and Minister of Finance, Dr. Natalio D. Wheatley, emphasised that this occasion represents more than just receiving documentation. “You are joining a family that celebrates diversity and strives for greatness,” Premier Wheatley remarked. He acknowledged the diverse backgrounds of the new citizens, including educators, healthcare professionals, and other contributors to the community, calling them “a broad cross-section of individuals” who are now part of the BVI family.

Registrar General Tashi O’Flaherty-Maduro underscored that citizenship is not just a legal status but a bond of loyalty and mutual respect. “It signifies your commitment to uphold the rights and responsibilities that come with citizenship, to contribute to the common good, and to work together for the prosperity and well-being of all,” she said, highlighting the strength that comes from the community’s collective diversity.

Naturalisation, under the British Nationality Act of 1981, allows individuals to become British Overseas Territories citizens. The event at Government House was a significant moment for the 79 new citizens, marking their formal entry into the Virgin Islands community.

The new citizens include individuals from a variety of backgrounds and professions, adding to the rich cultural tapestry of the Virgin Islands.

The 79 new British Overseas Territories Citizens are: Adean Alexander Abrahams, Ahamad Alli, Bibi Shaira Alli, Jeffrey Ebenezer Antoine, Moses Richard Barrett, Eric St. Clair Bobb, Jennel Aduma Velisha James Browne, Suresh Budhu, Vincent James Clarke, Sulay Samuel Cortorreal, Eva Fe Nares Cook, Natalie Nicole Spencer Crosdale, Kevin Ezron Cummings, Tyra Tiffany Daniels, Guilene Estinls, Vermalene Elveda Skyers Fahie, Graham Jude Farinha, Milton Errol Felix, Felisha Amelia Kennisha Fisher, Marcelin Fontaine, Cadrena Tamara Patterson Forbes, Jeannette Forte, Dwight Maxwell Francis, Heather Natasha Francois, Alden Anthony Francois, Colin Adrian Fredericks, Paula Susan Frederick, Christopher Dominic Ghiorse, Victoria Louise Ghiorse, Dexter Kaziee Glasgow, Orland Rosco Glasgow, Iuliia Gulevych, Naline Harrigan, Lavern Maxcella Haywood, Claudette Ann Harris, Milton Harris, Chandrawattie Persaud Hinds, Brittney Jamelia James, David Reid James, Martin Steven Kenney, Magnus Theodore Latchman, Nicole Marie Claire Laurac, Sophie Louise Leroy, Bonny Compton Lindie, Alvin Ralston Matthew, Jaa-mala Jerome Miller, Alexander L. S. L. Mills, Hugh Everton Morrison, Joezette Elaine Morrison, Sandra Muir, Binns Disdale Nickie, Pearlie Sherma Nelson-Nickie, Nosa Everest Omo-Igbinomwanhia, Joan Asher O’Neal, Dawn Marcia Oswald, Barry Arthur Palmer, Agnes Paul, Vaman Romindranauth Ramlall, Shirvon Roach, Antoinette Samanta Leslie-Roberts, Anna Kiara Robinson, Anne Kira Robinson, Mickel Deshon Rogers, Shinia Timia Rowtham, Winston Washington Salmon, Denise Michelle Williams Simmons, Kerwyn Benjamin Simmons, Georgia Marilyn Slater, Anita Sookhoo, Allina Augustina Sprauve, Marvelyn Annette Baker-Smith, Ascar Osdale Sutherland, Gordon Teka, Allison Roselyn Oliver-Thomas, Christopher Carlyle Varlack, Indra Victor, Nurys Iris Vanterpool Welch, Neville Rolando Wilson, and Quincy St. Orbis Narcelius Woolford.

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Major Drug and Weapon Seizures Mark Strong Start to 2025 for BVI Police

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The Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) carried out a series of high-impact operations in the first quarter of 2025, resulting in significant seizures of illegal drugs, firearms, and ammunition. The enforcement actions, part of a broader crackdown on criminal activity, reflect stepped-up efforts to disrupt narcotics distribution and remove unlicensed weapons from the streets.

The operations are part of intensified efforts to disrupt drug trafficking and remove unlicensed weapons from circulation.

Between January and March, RVIPF officers confiscated more than 12 kilograms of cannabis, 2,900 mature cannabis plants, and 2,447 seedlings. The seizures are part of an ongoing initiative to dismantle local drug distribution networks and reduce the availability of illicit substances across the islands.

In parallel with drug enforcement operations, police also recovered seven pistols and two rifles—exceeding the number of firearms seized during the same period in 2024. Ammunition confiscations more than doubled, rising from 152 rounds in early 2024 to 389 rounds in the first three months of this year.

Authorities noted a high charge rate in possession cases, underscoring what the RVIPF described as a continued zero-tolerance policy toward illegal weaponry. The enforcement activity is supported by intelligence-led policing and strengthened community cooperation.

“These results reflect the success of targeted enforcement strategies and community partnerships,” the RVIPF said in a statement accompanying the release of the data.

The figures were published alongside broader crime statistics indicating that serious criminal offenses, including assaults, sexual offenses, and burglaries, have reached their lowest first-quarter levels in five years. Police attributed the overall decline to coordinated operations and increased public engagement.

The RVIPF has committed to maintaining its current pace of enforcement through the remainder of the year.

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Pope Francis Dies at 88: World Mourns Transformative Leader of the Catholic Church

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Pope Francis, the 266th pontiff of the Roman Catholic Church and the first from the Americas, died on Sunday at the age of 88, bringing an end to a historic papacy defined by humility, social advocacy, and efforts to modernise the Church. The Vatican confirmed his death late Sunday evening in a brief statement, noting he passed away peacefully at the Apostolic Palace, surrounded by senior clergy and aides.

Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Pope Francis was elected to the papacy in 2013 following the resignation of Pope Benedict XVI. His elevation as the first Jesuit pope and the first from the Global South signalled a shift in the Church’s global focus. His leadership inspired millions, particularly in Latin America and the Caribbean, where his messages of compassion, environmental stewardship, and economic justice found deep resonance.

Over his 12-year papacy, Pope Francis worked tirelessly to address some of the most complex issues facing the modern Church—sexual abuse scandals, declining attendance, and widening political divides. He was both praised and criticised for his efforts to reach across ideological lines, calling for greater inclusion within the Church, particularly towards the LGBTQ community, divorced Catholics, and interfaith dialogue.

In the Caribbean, a region with a deep Catholic heritage, Pope Francis was seen as a moral voice and a beacon of reform. His 2015 visit to Cuba helped pave the way for a historic thaw in US–Cuba relations, while his outspoken stance on climate change galvanised support for environmental movements across island nations vulnerable to rising sea levels and intensifying hurricanes.

“Pope Francis was a man of the people. His commitment to the poor, the marginalised, and our common home touched the lives of many here in the Caribbean,” said Bishop Harold Richards of the Antilles Episcopal Conference. “He brought a human face to the Church.”

Though increasingly frail in recent years, Francis continued to carry out his duties with determination. He remained active in Vatican affairs until only weeks before his passing, delivering his final public message on Easter Sunday, in which he called for peace in the Middle East and solidarity with migrants worldwide.

A conclave of cardinals will be convened in the coming weeks to elect a new pope. In the meantime, the College of Cardinals will oversee the governance of the Church.

Pope Francis leaves behind a legacy of bold compassion, spiritual leadership, and a vision of a more open, engaged, and globally conscious Catholic Church. Across the Caribbean and the world, churches will toll their bells in mourning—and in gratitude for a life of service.

Funeral services are expected to be held later this week in St Peter’s Basilica. A national day of mourning has been declared in Argentina.

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Leatherback Nesting Season Commences in BVI: Conservationists Seek Community Support

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As the leatherback sea turtle nesting season begins across the Caribbean, the British Virgin Islands (BVI) are preparing for potential nesting activity. While sightings have been reported in neighboring regions, no nests have been documented in the BVI yet. The Association of Reef Keepers (ARK), a local non-profit dedicated to marine conservation, is urging residents and visitors to report any turtle tracks or nesting activity promptly. Early detection is crucial, especially if nests are located in vulnerable areas where eggs may need to be relocated to ensure their survival.

 

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