Uncategorized
79 New British Overseas Territories Citizens Welcomed in Ceremony at Government House
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.
The Marine Safety Investigation and Reporting Authority has recorded 10 vessel-grounding incidents between February and December this year, including four between October and December, prompting Chief Marine Accident Investigator in the Premier’s Office, Jerome Padmore, to call on vessel owners and operators to heighten vigilance while navigating Virgin Islands waters.
“This is a significant number and it is concerning, especially given that the marine tourism season is just beginning,” Mr. Padmore said. “It highlights the urgent need to reinforce strict situational and navigational awareness when operating in local waters.”
He said the incidents primarily involved bareboat charter catamarans and occurred under varying conditions, but all shared common contributing factors: reduced situational awareness, inadequate passage planning, and over-reliance on electronic navigation systems.
Mr. Padmore said most groundings are preventable and typically result from human error rather than mechanical failure. Common causes include lapses in concentration, misinterpretation of navigation tools, incorrect assessments of shallow areas, and excessive dependence on electronic charts.
“In regions like the Virgin Islands, operators must remain vigilant due to the complex geography, which includes numerous islands, cays, reefs, shoals, and submerged rock formations,” he said. “These elements can change with tides and weather, making attention to detail essential.”
He also warned that groundings pose serious environmental risks, including damage to coral reefs, seagrass beds, and marine habitats. Even one incident, he said, can cause long-term ecosystem harm and require costly restoration efforts.
The MSIRA is urging all vessel operators—including charter crews, private owners, commercial operators, and bareboat charterers—to reaffirm their commitment to safe navigation. Recommendations include reviewing bareboat charter qualification criteria, ensuring proper briefings, consulting cruising guides and local charts before departure, following designated channels, monitoring water depth, observing navigational buoys, and reporting hazards.
All marine accidents, including groundings, must be reported to the MSIRA within 24 hours, as required under the Virgin Islands Merchant Shipping (Accident Investigation and Reporting) Regulations 2020.
Uncategorized
National Parks Trust Marks Arbour Day With Native Tree Planting at The Baths and Spring Bay
The National Parks Trust of the Virgin Islands observed Arbour Day 2025 on Nov. 21 with native tree plantings at The Baths National Park and Spring Bay National Park, part of an ongoing effort to restore natural vegetation and strengthen coastal ecosystems.
In a statement posted on its official Facebook page, the Trust said the plantings support the replacement of invasive species and the long-term health of two of the Territory’s most visited natural sites. Officials said the initiative aligns with broader conservation priorities across the national park system.
“Arbour Day is an opportunity to give back to the land that sustains us,” the Trust said. “These plantings contribute to the resilience of our coastal landscapes and help ensure these sites remain healthy for generations to come.”
Alongside the plantings, the Trust’s annual Arbour Day Plant Sale is being held at the Joseph Reynold O’Neal Botanic Gardens from Nov. 17 through Nov. 28. The sale features a variety of fruit trees, including Suriname cherry, lemon, sugar apple, sugarcane fruit, and starfruit, as well as other native species. The Trust also made available the Ylang Ylang tree, known for its fragrant yellow blossoms used in perfumery.
Residents were encouraged to take part in Arbour Day by planting trees in their communities or visiting the Botanic Gardens to purchase native species. The Trust noted that public participation plays a vital role in advancing environmental stewardship across the Territory.
Arbour Day observances highlight reforestation, biodiversity, and the importance of native vegetation — key components in safeguarding the ecological integrity of the Virgin Islands.
Uncategorized
Government Retracts Bulletin on Indefinite Work Permit Exemptions Amid Public Confusion
The Ministry of Labour and Workforce Development of the Government of the Virgin Islands has officially retracted a bulletin issued yesterday November 11, regarding the status of Indefinite Work Permit Exemptions.
Individuals previously granted indefinite exemptions under the categories of Marriage or Minister’s Discretion were instructed to submit renewal applications, while those under the Education category must now apply for a standard work permit. The Ministry emphasized that work permit exemptions are a privilege, not a status, and encouraged eligible residents to apply for residence status instead.
Governor’s Office Delivers Trauma Risk Management Training to Frontline Officers in Virgin Islands
Maya Marcellin Departs for Teen Universe International Pageant in Nicaragua
Andrea Wilson brings Caribbean colour to the NYFW debut
-
Crime/Police2 weeks agoPedestrian Flung Into Air in Pasea Estate Hit-and-Run
-
Health2 weeks agoServices to Resume at Nurse Iris O’Neal Clinic After Completion of AC Works and Deep Cleaning
-
Local News2 weeks agoRotary Club of Tortola Mourns Passing of Past President Sam Welch
-
Entertainment2 weeks agoAndrea Wilson brings Caribbean colour to the NYFW debut
-
Entertainment2 weeks agoMaya Marcellin Departs for Teen Universe International Pageant in Nicaragua
-
Local News7 days agoGovernor’s Office Delivers Trauma Risk Management Training to Frontline Officers in Virgin Islands