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
Governor’s Office Delivers Trauma Risk Management Training to Frontline Officers in Virgin Islands
The Governor’s Office, with support from the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office, this week delivered Trauma Risk Management (TRiM) training to frontline officers in the Virgin Islands, including members of the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force, prison officers and volunteers from Virgin Islands Search and Rescue (VISAR).
The program is designed to help first responders recognize and manage the psychological effects of traumatic incidents encountered in the course of their duties. Participants received instruction on identifying early signs of stress-related responses and providing peer support following critical events.
According to the Governor’s Office, the training forms part of ongoing efforts to strengthen welfare and resilience within frontline services across the territory.
“By strengthening welfare and resilience within our front line services, we are ensuring that the people who protect us are supported themselves,” the Governor’s Office said in a statement.
Officials thanked participants for their involvement and acknowledged the trainer for leading the sessions.
Trauma Risk Management, commonly known as TRiM, is a peer-support process used in emergency services and military settings to assess and address the mental health impact of traumatic exposure.
Maya Marcellin, Teen Universe British Virgin Islands, departed the territory on Feb. 22 for Nicaragua, where she will compete in the Teen Universe International Pageant.
Marcellin left the British Virgin Islands on Sunday accompanied by family members and supporters as she begins representing the territory in the international competition. The pageant will bring together contestants from several countries to compete in preliminary events leading up to the final show.
Supporters gathered prior to her departure to offer encouragement as she travels to Nicaragua to represent the British Virgin Islands on the international stage.
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
