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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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Flavor Masters Possé Takes Trinidad and Tobago’s Flavors to the Caribbean Baking Awards

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Chef Takilla Walcott and her team, “Flavor Masters Possé,” are set to bring the bold flavors of Trinidad and Tobago to the Caribbean Baking Awards. Alongside her assistants, Tegana Auguste and Wendell Griffith, Walcott will showcase their signature style at the competition, happening on February 21-22,  at the Multi-Purpose Sports Complex in Road Town, Tortola, British Virgin Islands.

Known for pushing the boundaries of Caribbean baking, Flavor Masters Possé combines traditional ingredients with fresh, creative twists. Walcott leads the team with a passion for authentic island flavors, while Auguste and Griffith add their expertise to the mix, making them a strong force in the competition.

This year’s theme, “Rum Fun,” is expected to bring out the best in Caribbean bakers, with contestants incorporating the iconic spirit into their creations. The event will also feature the “Ultimate Bake-Off: Celebrity Grudge Match – BVI Artists Edition,” where local entertainers will take a shot at baking.

With their dedication to craft and a deep love for Caribbean cuisine, Flavor Masters Possé is ready to leave a lasting impression. Their participation not only showcases their talent but also shines a spotlight on Trinidad and Tobago’s rich culinary traditions.

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Governor Bryan Proposes 25% Tariff on BVI Goods, Travel Fees for Non-Residents

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Governor Albert Bryan Jr. has called for an emergency session of the Virgin Islands Legislature to consider new tariffs on goods imported from the British Virgin Islands (BVI) and the introduction of entry and exit fees for non-residents traveling between the two territories.

In a letter addressed to Senate President Milton Potter, Governor Bryan underscored the need to address economic imbalances, safeguard local businesses, and bolster the territory’s revenue from cross-border trade and tourism. The proposed tariffs could be set at 25% or higher, while the travel fees would apply to non-residents entering or departing from the U.S. Virgin Islands via the BVI.

“This discussion is crucial to ensuring fair trade and economic stability for the U.S. Virgin Islands,” Governor Bryan stated. “For too long, we have experienced economic leakage and inconsistencies in our trade relationship with the BVI. It is time we take decisive action to protect our local industries, generate revenue for essential services, and establish a more balanced regulatory framework.”

The proposed measures aim to address longstanding concerns about disparities in trade policies between the two territories, as well as the financial impact of cross-border commerce. Governor Bryan’s administration has pledged to provide economic data and impact assessments to inform legislative deliberations.

While supporters argue that the tariffs and fees would create a more equitable trade environment and boost government revenues, critics have raised concerns about potential disruptions to commerce and tourism. The British Virgin Islands and the U.S. Virgin Islands maintain strong economic ties, with frequent travel and trade between the neighboring territories.

Governor Bryan has urged lawmakers to convene at the earliest possible date to debate the proposals. The outcome of the discussions could have significant implications for businesses, travelers, and the broader economic relationship between the U.S. Virgin Islands and the BVI.

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Four Firearms and 302 Ammunition Rounds Seized by RVIPF in First Six Weeks of 2025

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In the first six weeks of 2025, the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF)  recovered four firearms and a total of 302 rounds of ammunition through various operations. Notably, one of the recovered firearms was a modified pistol, classified as a prohibited weapon due to its ability to discharge multiple rounds with a single pull of the trigger.

As a result of these efforts, ten individuals have been charged in connection with the recoveries. Acting Commissioner of Police Jacqueline Vanterpool emphasized the serious legal implications for those who facilitate or permit the presence of illegal firearms or ammunition on their property or in their vehicles.

Under the Firearm Act, any firearms discovered on private property are presumed to belong to the occupants, who are then required to provide evidence to the contrary. This legal standard underpins the arrest and subsequent charges of all individuals present in such cases. A similar provision exists under the Drugs (Prevention of Misuse) Act, which governs the possession of controlled substances.

“The RVIPF remains committed to removing illegal firearms from our streets,” Acting Commissioner Vanterpool stated. “We encourage the public to stay vigilant and report any suspicious activity. The consequences of neglecting such illegal actions can be severe and far-reaching.”

The RVIPF continues to stress the importance of community cooperation in addressing illegal activities and urges residents to remain aware of the significant legal risks associated with firearm and drug violations.

Anyone with information regarding illegal firearms or suspicious activity is urged to contact Crime Stoppers at 800-8477 (TIPS) or, for international callers, at (284) 800-8477. Additionally, tips may be directed to the RVIPF Intelligence Unit at 368-9339.

This image is for representation purposes only and does not depict the full quantity of ammunition seized.

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