58 Persons Naturalised As British Overseas Territories Citizens

Fifty-eight persons have been naturalised as British Overseas Territories Citizens following a Naturalisation Ceremony held at Government House on Friday, 29 May, 2026.

The newly naturalised citizens received congratulatory remarks from Acting Governor Mr. David D. Archer Jr., Premier and Minister of Finance Honourable Dr. Natalio D. Wheatley, and Registrar General Mrs. Tashi O'Flaherty-Maduro.

In his remarks, Acting Governor Mr. David D. Archer Jr. congratulated the new citizens and acknowledged their longstanding contributions to the Territory.

Mr. Archer said, “The wait is over. And if you have any doubt if you were good enough, let me tell you, you're beyond good enough, because you're great. You're not just here by physical presence, you're here because of your contributions, your dedication to the Virgin Islands, and the impact you've made on the lives of others. We are extremely grateful and honoured to provide this recognition for the work you've done to make the Virgin Islands better.”

Reflecting on the Premier's remarks, he reminded the newly naturalised citizens that citizenship comes with a renewed commitment to the Virgin Islands. He encouraged them to embrace the Territory as their home, viewing its successes and challenges as their own, and to protect, strengthen and serve it with pride, passion and dedication as fellow Virgin Islanders.

Premier and Minister of Finance Honourable Dr. Natalio D. Wheatley welcomed the newly naturalised citizens into the Virgin Islands family and encouraged them to embrace their new status with a sense of pride, ownership and responsibility.

Honourable Wheatley said, “Now we have many more persons who enrich the diversity of the Virgin Islands. In the past, we may have been defined by our smallness and our family connections, among other things, but today we have to be defined by our tolerance for differences. Despite the fact that we might be of different races, religions, countries of origin, it is possible for us to share the same values, to share the same principles and to share the same love for these beautiful Virgin Islands."

He continued; "it's more than just receiving papers; you are joining a family. Regardless of where you come from, the Virgin Islands is your home. I look at you as Virgin Islanders of Lebanese descent, Dominican descent, Jamaican descent, Nigerian descent and many other backgrounds. We have to be able to embrace the Virgin Islands as home."

Registrar General Mrs. Tashi O'Flaherty-Maduro described the occasion as a celebration of belonging and shared responsibility. She said, “Citizenship is more than a legal process. It is a recognition of belonging, of shared values, shared responsibilities, and a shared future. It reflects your commitment to the Virgin Islands and equally affirms the Virgin Islands' embrace of you as an integral part of this community.”

The Registrar General noted that many of the new citizens have already made significant contributions to the Territory through their service in healthcare, education, business, community development, charitable organisations and other sectors that help strengthen the social and economic fabric of the Virgin Islands.

The 58 newly Registered British Overseas Territory Citizens are:

Audley Olanzo Bennett
Arlene Rose Marie Bobb
Urenna Nzinga Folayan Butler
Calisha Rachael Cayonne
Obi Fitz Patrick Chester
Ivet Rose Clarke
Omar Gaddafi Kwame Courtney
Natasha Ann Cush
Joseph Owusu Yeboah Daaku
Aiesha Elena Daniel
Audrey Denise Carol Griffith-Daniel
Samantha Alexis Daniels
Sylvia Jestina Debique
Jagnarine Deochand
Ikechukwu Samuel Emelandu
Rebecca Essumang
Banmatie Etwaru
Nehaul Etwaru
Alcyon Antoinette Gillings
Kempton Junior Halley
Sandie Nikacha Huggins
Rebecca Jane Redvers-Higgins
Chelcia Cheslyann Abigail Jackson
Vanessa Samanta Surujdeo-James
Sharon Blackett Jeremiah
Saad Kaddoura
Saif Kaddoura
Mahandradat Kaiso
Claudette Donnice Jessica King
Natalia Mandy Lawrence
Claudina Jno Lewis
Vernese Shikeba Guy Marquis
Marjorie Anita McCarthy
Melinda Equis McKie
Solomon Duhaney McKie
Jason Kelvin Seon Mingo
Juliana Diaz Molano
Brian Godfrey Moore
Vernella Pandora Moore
Alexander Nicholas
Craig Gareth Noblett
Tabitha L. Desbonnes Parillon
Milenia Altagracia Lugo de Penn
David Samuel Primo
Sharon Jennifer Primo
Sheldon Michael Riviere
Leon Roger Rodgers
Monica Haidee Osoria Del Rosario
Amelia Maria Angela Samuel
Earill Eraemus Sergeant
Jacqueline Jennifer Sergeant
Christopher Andrew Simpson
Roger Gregory Sinclair
Wrinisck Rene De Leon Vanterpool
Wrisberg Rene De Leon Vanterpool
Kimana Gabline Wattley
Martin Terence Whitrod
Tamica Anitra Sharlene Williams