Local News
124 Individuals including Billionaire Richard Branson Sworn in as British Overseas Territories Citizens of the Virgin Islands
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
Local News
Fraser Appointed to Lead Environment and Planning in Cabinet Reshuffle
Deputy Premier, Honourable Julian Fraser, has been appointed to lead the Ministry of Environment, Natural Resources and Climate Change, taking on expanded responsibilities that now include Building Inspection, Electrical Inspection, Housing, and Town and Country Planning. His Excellency the Governor, Mr. Daniel Pruce, formalised these changes through newly signed instruments of appointment, marking notable shifts in ministerial portfolios across key government departments.
The restructuring affects multiple ministries, beginning with the Premier’s Office, which will now oversee Agriculture, Fisheries, Food Security, and Veterinary services, previously managed under Environment. Additionally, Constitutional Advancement has been added as a formal subject of the Premier’s Office, strengthening its focus on constitutional issues.
Further changes see the Ministry of Tourism, Culture, and Sustainable Development gain oversight of Statistics, a function moved from Financial Services, Labour, and Trade, as well as District Councils, formerly managed by the Premier’s Office.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Financial Services, Labour, and Trade has been renamed the Ministry of Financial Services, Economic Development, and Digital Transformation. Its newly broadened remit includes Cooperatives, Industrial Development (including Incentives), Immigration, and the Registration Apprenticeship Training Employment Development (RATED) Programme, along with Weights and Measures.
The Ministry of Communications and Works will now oversee Alternative Energy, a responsibility previously under the Ministry of Environment, reflecting the government’s commitment to sustainable energy solutions.
The Premier and Minister of Finance, Honourable Dr Natalio Wheatley, remains responsible for the Premier’s Office, Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Tourism, Culture, and Sustainable Development, and the Ministry of Financial Services, Economic Development, and Digital Transformation. Dr Wheatley will be supported by Junior Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries, Honourable Dr Karl Dawson, and Junior Minister for Culture and Tourism, Honourable Luce Hodge-Smith.
These adjustments reflect ongoing efforts to streamline government responsibilities, aligning ministerial remits to meet the evolving needs of the Virgin Islands. Under Section 56(1) of the Virgin Islands Constitution Order, 2007, the Governor, with advice from the Premier, holds authority to assign ministerial responsibilities in writing, facilitating this latest reorganisation in service of the Territory’s administrative goals.
Local News
Visa-Free Access for Guyanese Effective From Nov. 1
A Welcome Change, but with Mixed Reactions
The introduction of a visa-waiver for Guyanese travelling to the British Virgin Islands, aimed at deepening ties with the oil-rich nation, has prompted mixed reactions from both Guyanese residents in the territory and those at home.
Premier and Minister of Finance Dr. Natalio Wheatley confirmed that as of November 1, citizens of Guyana would no longer need a visa to visit the British Virgin Islands for up to six months, whether for tourism or business.
This move eliminates the often lengthy and complicated visa application process that had previously been a barrier for many.
“This step strengthens the bond between our countries and the region, facilitating greater ease in travel, trade, tourism, and investment. It underscores our shared vision of regional cooperation and opens new opportunities for people-to-people exchange. Many of our Caribbean brothers and sisters already benefit from visa-free access to the BVI, and we are pleased to extend this offer to Guyana, a giant in our Caribbean community,” Premier. Wheatley said during a press conference on September 30.
For many Guyanese, particularly those who have lived and worked in the BVI for more than two decades, the visa process had been a source of frustration.
Long-time resident Natasha, who has called the BVI home for more than twenty years, welcomed the change, describing it as long overdue.
“It really is about time that this was done,” Natasha smiled. “I’ve lived in the BVI for over twenty years and was very annoyed when I had to get a visa after being granted a work permit. Made no sense to me, but what can I say—when you’re in another man’s country, you adhere to their rules.”
The issue was first raised during a 2023 trade mission, when both the BVI government and private sector visited Guyana.
The British Virgin Islands is keen to position itself as a key player in Guyana’s burgeoning oil industry, offering specialised services in finance and other sectors.
At the same time, the Guyanese government is keen to ensure its citizens have the freedom to travel internationally with ease. Reflecting this shift, the United Kingdom in 2022 has also eased visa restrictions for Guyanese nationals.
While some share Natasha’s relief, others in Guyana are less enthusiastic. For many, the BVI has not been a primary travel destination, particularly as Guyana has gained visa-free access to the United Kingdom and streamlined visa procedures for European Schengen countries.
A Guyanese, who resides in Georgetown, added that, “After we’ve been given visa-free access to the UK and we can now get our Schengen visa right here in Guyana, the BVI is not really at the top of my bucket list of places to visit.”
Indeed, the perception that this new policy will lead to a surge of visitors from Guyana appears exaggerated.
A Guyanese who previously visited the BVI voiced her appreciation for the Territory but downplayed the likelihood of a major influx.
“I love the BVI, and yes, I would visit again,” she said, “but this notion that we are going to be passing through in the hundreds to take up permanent residence in the BVI is utter foolishness. I am quite happy being home.”
The exemption reflects a broader move by the BVI government to ease restrictions for Caribbean nationals, pushing for regional unity and enabling greater mobility across islands with historical and cultural links. Guyana, with its vibrant economy and close community ties across the Caribbean, is seen as an important partner in this vision.
While some are ready to embrace the opportunity, others view it as an optional advantage in an increasingly accessible world.
As the BVI opens its doors, the hope is that this policy will facilitate more meaningful exchanges between the two countries.
But whether it will lead to significant shifts in travel patterns remains to be seen.
In the words of Premier Wheatley, “We are pleased to extend this offer to Guyana,” but for many Guyanese, the decision may simply be a convenience, not a game-changer.
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