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119 Individuals Granted British Overseas Territories Citizenship in the Virgin Islands
A total of 119 individuals have been granted British Overseas Territories Citizenship following two naturalisation ceremonies held at Government House on March 25 and 28.
The ceremonies featured official remarks from His Excellency the Governor, Mr. Daniel Pruce; Premier and Minister of Finance, Honourable Dr. Natalio D. Wheatley; and Registrar General, Mrs. Tashi O’Flaherty-Maduro.
Governor Pruce addressed the new citizens, stating that naturalisation is a process from which the Virgin Islands benefits. “The shared values in our community include respect and concern for others who are less fortunate, or simply those who are considered to be different,” he said. “Perhaps, when you first came here, you felt different yourself. But, as the Bible reminds us, you shall love the stranger, for you were once strangers in the land.”
Premier Wheatley welcomed the individuals, acknowledging their contributions to the territory. “I enjoy coming to these ceremonies and seeing individuals who have contributed immensely to our society,” he said. “This moment is more than just receiving papers — you are joining a family. Before, you may have had another home… but now you have two homes… and we want you to be able to defend the Virgin Islands as if you have ancestors from here, dating back to the days of slavery.”
Registrar General O’Flaherty-Maduro noted that citizenship signifies more than a legal status. “It represents your commitment to its values and your role in shaping its future. It represents a bond to a rich history, a diverse community, and a set of shared rights and responsibilities,” she said.
Naturalisation is a process under the British Nationality Act of 1981, which allows eligible individuals to become British Overseas Territories Citizens.
The following individuals were granted citizenship:
Mohammad S. Abdulsalam
Paula Melrose Ajarie
Joel Ian Antione
Sandra Veronica Arringdell
Bernadette Myrtle Athanaze
Cristell Nalda Athanaze
James Athanaze
Candice Stacy Bolondia
Aldan Winston Bertham
Rondell Andre Braveboy
Joyce Michelle Bruce
Douglas Lester Butler
Joan Ivolyn Butt
Thorn Corderow Carey
Belinda Louise Dabbs
Camelia Roxanne Daniel
Rashenna Kaffilla Dawson
Brian Edward Deane
Digna Poueriet De DeCastro
Orville O’Neil Dunkley
Roberta Lorie-Ann Ellis
Annelle Adelia Francis
Alicia Eugenie Gilbert
Ceon Adrian Hartman
Beverly Doreen Headlam
Norma Elaine Higgins
Gavin Anthony Hinds
Dickson Chukudiamara Igwe
Roxanne Evelyn James
Dennis Gavon Milton Jones
Teresa Joseph
Vanicia Argel Liddie
Ernesta Francelia Maloney
Joseph Raymond Xavier Maloney
Judith Agatha Martin
Duklin George McDonald
Avril Sunelia Mendes
Jim Robertson Mendes
Carla May Morton
Cecilia Titre-Nicholas
Daniel Philippe
Glenny Gonzales-Pickering
Petronella Caroline Pope
Michelle Theresa Quashie
Sharon Rameshar
Khemragie Ramotar
Olfred Cradie Sharpe
Roslyn Deborah Simmons
Rebecca Patricia Spencer
Loraine Rodney Spencer
Jo-Ann St. Rose
Blondina Idella Sutton
Sanchia Simone Thompson
Decoomarie Tillack
Dhanmattie Tillack
Peter John Twist
Carol Emelda Williams
Laurence Christopher Wintz
Quincy St. Orbis Narcelius Woolford
David Joseph Andrews
Marguerite Arthur
Jocelyn Blake
Mecheal Kesha Baird
Andrew Claxton Campbell
Mary Agatha Campbell
Wayne Richardo Carter
Anthony Tony Ceasar
Irvinia Damier Ceaser
Otis Ortix Claxton
Basilia Daniela Ramona Cole
Vicki Natasha Clarke
Timothy Paul Dabbs
Sowbhagyawattie Deoraj
Shelly Ann Baker Donovan
Ellen Erwin
Angela Robertha Farrell
Anestasia Sordia Felix
Dexter David Fortune
Shurma Nesta Fortune
Alfred Ludlow Francis
Peter Anthony Francis
Marino Lorenzo Garcia
Velma Monica Harry
Dordea Leslyn Hartman-Hastings
Shawn Adwane James
Catherine Andresine Hodge-Jeremiah
Glenroy Leon Johnson
David Jolly
Sonia Joseph
Joan Richardson-Liburd
Jerrol Mc Kenzie
Rodger Linton Miller
Jennifer Marie Myers
Paul Samson Myers
Richard William Nichol
Blessing Chukwugozie Okpara
Ogechukwu Blessing Okpara
Dulce Maria Pena O’Neil
Ana Isla Tania Javier De Ortiz
Marvalene Pinnock
Ann Ramgadoo
Patricia Devi Ramgobin
Glory Ramjawan
Sylvia Lenora Richards
Elcon Cedric Roberts
Kayanna Marian Shorne Roberts
Cruz Guerrero Rivera
John Calvert Robin
Ramona Maria Acevedo Rodriguez
Belkis Iris Cuevas Sanchez De-Samuel
Juan Gerardo Nunez Santana
Kaminee Seenarine
Totaram Silchand
Jesse Alexander Sobers
Jeremy Stephen Walcott
Feebles Bryan Williams
Paschale Welina Williams
Rick Nelson Williams
Nalita Winter
K’Meeya Chung and Dakarai Wheatley-Adams were crowned Miss and Mr. H. Lavity Stoutt Community College (HLSCC) tonight during the 2025 edition of the Mr. & Miss HLSCC Pageant, held at the Eileene L. Parsons Auditorium.
Themed “The Dream of a Visionary,” the pageant is part of a series of events commemorating HLSCC’s 35th anniversary. Five students competed for the titles, which recognize outstanding student ambassadors.
Female contestants Chung, Shakira Hendrickson, and Jmya Mark competed in five segments: Introduction and Business Wear, Ambassadorial Presentation, Talent, Evening Wear, and the Question and Answer round. Male contestants Wheatley-Adams and Shimei Peters also took part in the same categories.
The competition began on Friday, May 30, with the personal interview segment, followed by the main event this evening. The pageant aims to develop leadership and public speaking skills, and winners will receive scholarships and represent the College at various engagements throughout the year.
The 2025 Atlantic hurricane season officially begins today, June 1, and runs through November 30. Forecasts from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and Colorado State University (CSU) indicate an above-average season, with heightened activity anticipated across the Caribbean region.
NOAA projects 13 to 19 named storms, including 6 to 10 hurricanes, of which 3 to 5 could become major hurricanes (Category 3 or higher). CSU’s forecast aligns closely, predicting 17 named storms, 9 hurricanes, and 4 major hurricanes.
Several climatic factors contribute to the anticipated increase in storm activity. Sea surface temperatures in the Atlantic Ocean and Caribbean Sea remain warmer than average, providing additional energy to fuel storm development. Additionally, the expected transition from El Niño to La Niña conditions is likely to reduce wind shear in the tropics, further facilitating storm formation and intensification.
For the Caribbean, the implications are significant. CSU estimates a 66% probability of at least one major hurricane tracking through the region this season, compared to the historical average of 47%.
In response to the heightened activity forecast, NOAA has implemented several enhancements to its forecasting and communication strategies. The National Hurricane Center will now issue forecasts and storm tracks up to 48 hours before a storm’s potential formation, allowing for earlier warnings. Updated storm cones will include inland warnings and nationwide inundation mapping to better visualize flood risks. New rip current risk maps will also be provided when tropical systems are present.
As the season begins, residents in hurricane-prone areas are advised to prepare accordingly. This includes assembling emergency supplies, reviewing evacuation plans, and staying informed through official channels. While forecasts provide an overview of expected activity, the specific paths and impacts of individual storms can vary, underscoring the importance of readiness and vigilance throughout the season.
For real-time updates and detailed forecasts, individuals are encouraged to monitor information from the National Hurricane Center and local emergency management agencies.
Karelynne Jimenez and Aiden Thompson claimed top honors in the Environmental Health Division’s first-ever Art and Poetry Competition, held in observance of Caribbean Mosquito Awareness Week 2025. The initiative encouraged youth participation in promoting mosquito control through creative expression, focusing on the dangers of the Aedes aegypti mosquito and the importance of eliminating breeding sites.
The competition aimed to engage children in spreading awareness about source reduction—the elimination of mosquito breeding grounds—as a key public health measure. Students ages 8 to 11 were eligible to participate in the poetry segment, while the art category was open to those between the ages of 12 and 17.
Karelynne Jimenez, a Grade 7 student at Elmore Stoutt High School, secured first place in the art category. Her schoolmate, U’Nyah Stoutt, a Grade 10 student, was awarded second place. In the poetry division, Aiden Thompson, a Grade 5 student at Alexandrina Maduro Primary School, earned the top spot, while Jeanee James of Pelican Gate School placed second.
During a brief award ceremony hosted at the Environmental Health Division’s offices, the winners presented their work to a small audience that included their parents and members of the Division.
Acting Chief Environmental Health Officer, Ms. Henrietta Alexander, commended the participants for their effort and engagement.
“Participants focused their work on the Aedes aegypti mosquito, and the results were nothing short of impressive,” Ms. Alexander said. “The depth of research and artistic expression displayed highlighted both talent and a strong understanding of the public health issue.”
Ms. Alexander also noted that the Division hopes to continue the initiative in coming years, citing the quality and enthusiasm of the entries as a positive indicator for future programs.
The competition forms part of the Ministry of Health and Social Development’s ongoing efforts to improve public health outcomes across the Virgin Islands.
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