Registrar General Mrs Stephanie Benn officiated the ceremony at Government House.

Speaking to the recipients, Governor Augustus Jaspert reminded the new British Overseas Territories citizens that their new status entitles them to carry a Virgin Islands Passport and allows them the ability to now apply for British passports.

“We know that regardless of race or religion or country of origin, you are part of what makes the territory strong. You take on today the responsibility to be ambassadors of this territory,” Governor Jaspert stated.

While commending the new citizens, Premier Andrew Fahie urged them to continue to lead by example for many others in the BVI.

“We know that you have made here your home and that you are part of what has helped us develop to the point we are now … I trust that you would all continue to be a beacon, showing what it means to be naturalised here and demonstrating that the system works,” Fahie stated.

According to the Office of the Governor, the ceremony is the first of three planned for the coming weeks.