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34 Registered As British Citizens
Thirty-four persons are now registered British citizens. The group recited the Oath of Allegiance to His Majesty the King and the Pledge of Loyalty to the United Kingdom on September 8 at the Government House in Road Town, Tortola.
The ceremony was attended by Governor John Rankin, and Registrar General Tashi O’Flaherty-Maduro, who congratulated the new citizens on their citizenships. They were all previously naturalised as British Overseas Territories Citizens.
“You have shown your commitment to the United Kingdom, your knowledge of its history, its institutions, and its language. There are already strong links between the United Kingdom, and the British Virgin Islands, you are now part of those links,” Governor Rankin told the group.
Registrar General O’Flaherty-Maduro acknowledged the new citizens’ dedication throughout the sometimes lengthy process of naturalisation.
She informed them of their new rights as British citizens, including the ability to hold a British passport and reside in the United Kingdom. She also reminded them of the responsibility to represent the United Kingdom favorably in their conduct, speech, and actions.
Under the British Nationality Act, individuals who have been naturalised as British Overseas Territory Citizens after May 21, 2002, are eligible to apply to the United Kingdom Government for registration as British Citizens.
The new citizens are Aftab Alli, Eartha Lorraine Barker, Symarj Anthony Bobb, Raymond Alroy Caton, Akada Kennisha Charles, Ivin Davis, Kimberlee Casandra Bailey-Francis, Alaire Chrys-Daveen Khan Frazer, Rachael Rebecca Rodriguez Frazer, Leisha Ann Joyce Frett, Mignolia Lopez De George, Shibon Avalyn Guy, T’sa Lovia James Hodge, Tashel Latisha Martin-Jackson, Emerline Victoria Jennings, Abigail Aghogho Joseph, Gary Bernard Joshua, Nerissa Nina Lindie, Erlina Andretha Matthews, Nadia Maria Preciosa Menezes, Asma Muhammad, Darren Darian Muhammad, Elizabeth Mylan, Richard Naraine, Seema Kamalpatie Naraine, Margaret Olivia Paul, Veronica Viola Prince, Latreesha Marceda Rogers, Carlos Septus, Hannah Singh, Cherry-Ann Linda Cynthia George-Smith, Raphael Eric Stoll, Daniela Renee De Leon Vanterpool and Levon Themba Ayodaily Williams
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British Virgin Islands Financial Services Commission Welcomes New Leadership
The British Virgin Islands Financial Services Commission (BVIFSC) has announced new appointments to its governing board, with Mr. Gerard St Clair Farara KC stepping in as Chairman and Ms. Patlian Johnson as Commissioner. The appointments, confirmed by the Ministry of Financial Services, Labour, and Trade, mark a new chapter for the commission as it seeks to strengthen the territory’s financial services sector.
Mr. Gerard St Clair Farara KC has been appointed to a three-year term as Chairman, effective August 1, 2024. A seasoned legal expert with a distinguished career, Farara currently serves as a Commercial Court Judge for the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court and leads the litigation team at the BVI office of COLLAS CRILL, formerly Farara Kerins. Farara’s prominence in the legal community is further highlighted by his appointment as Queen’s Counsel in 1996, cementing his standing as a leading figure in the Virgin Islands Bar and the broader Eastern Caribbean.
Ms. Patlian Johnson will serve a one-year term as Commissioner, also beginning on August 1, 2024. Johnson, a Strategy and Policy Advisor with extensive experience, currently holds the position of National Coordinator for the UNDP Project Office. She brings an impressive academic background, including a Master of Science in Economics and Finance from the University of Bristol and a Bachelor of Science in Economics and Accounting with First Class Honours from the University of the West Indies, Cave Hill Campus.
The pair will replace outgoing Chairman Mr. Robin F. Gaul and Commissioner Mr. Melvin A. Turnbull, whose terms have concluded. Minister of Financial Services, Labour, and Trade, Honourable Lorna G. Smith, OBE (AL), praised the new appointments, stating, “I am delighted to welcome Mr. Farara and Ms. Johnson to the BVIFSC Board of Commissioners. Their combined expertise will be invaluable as we continue to navigate the challenges and opportunities facing the financial services sector.”
Smith also expressed gratitude to the departing board members for their significant contributions to the growth and stability of the territory’s financial services industry. According to the Government Information Service (GIS), these appointments underscore the Virgin Islands’ commitment to maintaining a well-regulated and competitive financial services sector.
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