Earlier today, the committee presented a petition signed by over 800 individuals, calling for immediate action to address the ongoing healthcare challenges on Virgin Gorda. Among the key issues discussed with Governor Pruce were the potential for UK grants, visiting medical staff from the UK, increased funding in the 2025 budget for healthcare on the sister islands, and the critical shortages of medical supplies. They also raised concerns over the incomplete construction of healthcare facilities, a leaking roof, and an aging generator, as well as the operational status of the North Sound Clinic and medivac options for emergencies.

While the petition garnered significant support both in-person and online, there were reports that others who share the same concerns refrained from signing due to fears of victimization.

In a statement, the committee highlighted the urgency of the situation, noting that the petition outlines several critical healthcare issues affecting Virgin Gorda. “The community hopes Governor Pruce will facilitate swift and meaningful dialogue with the Government of the Virgin Islands to address these urgent shortcomings,” the statement read. “The interaction was constructive, with a great exchange of ideas.”

The Ad Hoc Committee reaffirmed its commitment, along with the broader Virgin Gorda community, to ensure the well-being of residents and visitors, and looks forward to collaborating with the relevant authorities for long-term improvements.

Religious Leaders Rally Behind Healthcare Petition

The petition was bolstered by the support of Virgin Gorda’s religious leaders, who offered their prayers and full backing. In a joint statement, the island’s pastors expressed their solidarity with the committee. “We, the pastors of Virgin Gorda, stand in unwavering support of the healthcare proposal on behalf of the residents of the sister islands.”

The clergy emphasised that healthcare is not just a basic human right but a key factor in ensuring a stable economy and a healthy society. “For too long, the healthcare needs of the sister islands have been treated as secondary, leaving our communities with inadequate services that have dire consequences for our well-being,” they said.

Calling the situation urgent, the pastors urged the Deputy Governor and all relevant authorities to recognise the severity of the crisis. “We hope for swift and decisive action to ensure that the residents of Virgin Gorda and the sister islands receive the healthcare services they deserve,” they added, pledging their continued support and prayers for a prompt resolution to the healthcare challenges.

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His Excellency the Governor, Mr. Daniel Pruce, and the Registrar General, Mrs. Tashi O’Flaherty-Maduro, addressed the new citizens during the ceremony. Governor Pruce remarked, “Today you have taken a significant step. Along with receiving your certificates of citizenship, you have just taken the Oath of Allegiance to His Majesty the King and the Pledge of Loyalty to the United Kingdom. The oath and the pledge are not just words; they are a formal promise that you have made as you embrace your new nationality.”

Governor Pruce emphasised the strong ties between the Virgin Islands and the United Kingdom, noting, “As an Overseas Territory and part of the realm of His Majesty, the Virgin Islands has precious links with the United Kingdom. The success that both the Virgin Islands and the United Kingdom enjoy in the global economy is founded upon many shared factors, including our common law legal systems and our respect for the rule of law. But our connections go much further than that—throughout history, through our people, and through our culture.”

Registrar General Mrs. O’Flaherty-Maduro highlighted the importance of British citizenship, stating, “Being a British citizen means being part of a nation with a rich history, a diverse culture, and a strong set of values. The United Kingdom is a country that values democracy, freedom, and respect for all people, regardless of their background. As new citizens, you now have the responsibility of upholding these values and contributing to the ongoing legacy of this great nation.”

She continued, “I encourage you to take pride in your new status, but also to remember that citizenship is more than just the rights it confers; it is about responsibilities. It is about participating in your community, standing up for what is right, and helping to make the United Kingdom a better place for everyone.”

Under the British Nationality Act, individuals naturalized as British Overseas Territory Citizens after May 21, 2002, are eligible to apply for registration as British citizens.

The new British citizens include:
Carol Betty-Ann Calliste Alexander
Marie Popo Andrew
Oneal Bevon John Bakker
Gershon Malachi Bowens
Greisy Desairis Ortiz Claxton
Collis Marjorie Denton
Laura Agnes Dore
Nigel Urban Felix
Verneilia Vania Fontaine
Eva Lynn Smart-George
Camiane St Albourne Grange
Diana Bernadette Gregg
Andrea Dianne Corbin-Hodge
Steadroy Anthony Holder
Doian Dwight Kettle
Mya-Ashlee Ikeidra Locker
Kertson Marquis
Gardia Myrtle McDowell McDonald
Kimone Kaynell Mills
Sherry Amanda Moses
Phoebe Dawn Sharon Murrell
Frank Soobreyan Nagapen
Jahmal Anthony Osborne
Christianne Robalinho Senra Pecanha
Veronica Dawkins-Perry
Reanell Antoinette Jones-Phipps
Ruth Elisha Quincy Phillip
Donsiya Kimisha Tishorn Mercury-Pickering
Ephriam Livinston Jr Pollack
Carly Angelique Ramchandran
Jeneline Elizabeth Richardson
Simon Robin
Junior Kadafi Samuel
Jacqueline Fiona Scott-Simmons
Himwant Seenarine
Alphonso Ricardo Warner

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