113 Granted Belonger Status in BVI
One hundred and thirteen people were officially granted Belonger Status at a ceremony hosted by the Department of Immigration on 29 January 2026 at H. Lavity Stoutt Community College. Premier Dr. Natalio D. Wheatley presented certificates and urged new Belongers to embrace both the rights and responsibilities that come with their status.
One hundred and thirteen individuals were formally welcomed into the Virgin Islands family on 29 January 2026 during a Belonger Status Ceremony at the Eileene L. Lavity Stoutt Community College, Paraquita Bay. The event, hosted by the Department of Immigration, recorded the granting of Belonger Status under Section 16 of the Immigration and Passport Act.
Wheatley, Premier of the Virgin Islands, presented certificates to the recipients. In his remarks Premier Wheatley described the occasion as both a celebration and a recognition of long-standing contributions to the Territory. He noted that many recipients have lived, worked, raised families, and served their communities in the Virgin Islands for years, saying the registration simply formalises what has long been true. “You have lived among us for many years, and have made these islands your home.
And you have contributed in countless ways to the life and progress of our territory. Long before this afternoon, you were already part of our story. What we are doing now is simply acknowledging the truth in an official and public way. Today we open our hands and our hearts and welcome you into the Virgin Islands family,” the Premier said. “You belong, and we are proud to say so.” Officials emphasised that Belonger Status brings important legal rights alongside civic duties.
Recipients now hold privileges including the right to vote, own land, and conduct business in the Territory. Premier Wheatley and other speakers urged new Belongers to participate actively in nation-building, preserve local culture and the environment, and help strengthen unity across the islands.
Chairperson of the Board of Immigration, Ms. Kamika Aisha Forbes, congratulated the recipients and acknowledged their contributions to the social, cultural and economic fabric of the Territory, encouraging them to continue giving their best as engaged members of the community. Delivering the closing remarks, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Financial Services, Economic Development and Digital Transformation, Mrs.
Natalie Fahie-Smith, said, “Today your status has changed in meaningful and practical ways. You now enjoy the right to live and work freely in the Virgin Islands, and to participate more fully in national life.” She asked recipients to wear their status with pride, exercise its privileges responsibly, and continue investing in the future of the Virgin Islands.
The ceremony concluded with the recital of the Territorial Pledge by the new Belongers, a benediction and a group photograph. For BVI residents, the event is a reminder of the Territory’s evolving civic landscape and the ongoing importance of inclusive community participation. The Government of the Virgin Islands coordinated the ceremony and provided information to recipients about their new rights and responsibilities.
Primary source: BVI Government