122 Persons Naturalised as British Overseas Territories
One hundred and twenty-two people were naturalised as British Overseas Territories Citizens (BOTC) at two ceremonies held at Government House on Tuesday 24 February 2026. Officials including Governor Daniel Pruce, Acting Premier Julian Fraser and Registrar General Tashi O’Flaherty-Maduro spoke about the social and civic importance of naturalisation and the contributions new citizens make to the Virgin Islands.
One hundred and twenty-two persons were naturalised as British Overseas Territories Citizens (BOTC) following two ceremonies at Government House on Tuesday 24 February 2026. The newly naturalised heard congratulatory remarks from His Excellency the Governor, Mr. Daniel Pruce; Acting Premier, Honourable Julian Fraser, RA; and Registrar General, Mrs.
Tashi O’Flaherty-Maduro, officials said in a Government of the Virgin Islands statement. Governor Pruce told the celebrants that naturalisation is an enriching process that benefits the Territory through the mixing of cultures and ideas. In his address, the Governor said the intermingling of cultures and ways of thinking brings benefits for the whole community and urged new citizens and residents to practise mutual respect. “The shared values in our community include respect and concern for others who are less fortunate, or simply those who are considered to be different,” he said, adding a biblical reminder: “Perhaps, when you first came here, you felt different yourself.
But, as the Bible reminds us, you shall love the stranger, for you were once a stranger in the land,” the Government release reported. Acting Premier Honourable Julian Fraser welcomed the individuals to the Virgin Islands family and praised their service and commitment. “Today we join a distinguished group of individuals who have committed themselves to the development of this territory, who have followed its laws, embraced its values and enriched its communities through their hard work and perseverance,” he said, emphasising that naturalisation is more than an administrative process but a recognition of belonging.
Registrar General Tashi O’Flaherty-Maduro framed naturalisation as both a legal milestone and a personal choice to belong. “Becoming a citizen is more than the granting of a legal status. It is the embracing of a shared identity, shared responsibility, and a shared future,” she said, noting that the Territory is built not only by those born here but also by those who come to raise families, build businesses and serve their communities.
At the ceremonies the new citizens took the Oath of Allegiance and pledged loyalty to the Virgin Islands, marking a formal commitment to the Territory’s laws and values. Government House served as the venue for both ceremonies, underscoring the official and communal character of the occasion.
Officials reminded residents that the Territory’s changing demography is strengthened when newcomers put down roots, contribute to the workforce, and join civic life. Leaders at the ceremony urged the wider community to welcome the new BOTCs and to value the skills and experiences they bring, saying unity in the BVI does not require uniformity.
The Government release lists the newly naturalised and encourages residents to celebrate the milestone with their neighbours. The statement and quotations above are from the Government of the Virgin Islands press release on the ceremonies.
Primary source: BVI Government