First pledge ceremony for new Caymanians

The Honourable George McCarthy OBE, JP (front r) with
the first group to take the pledge. (l-r) Winston Welsh,
Fitz Clarke, Gary Simpson, Angello Roye and Ana
Santos-Powery

Friday,  February 4, 2005

Prior to the revised legislation passed in November 2004 only those people from non-commonwealth countries were mandated to take an Oath of Allegiance when becoming Naturalised as a British Overseas Territories Citizen of the Cayman Islands. 

Now all new Caymanians must pledge themselves to the rights and freedoms of the Cayman Islands during naturalisation. The Honourable Chief Secretary George McCarthy, OBE, JP held the first pledge ceremony back in November 2004.

While the first ceremony only involved five people, following ceremonies have been held for as many as 20 successful Naturalisation applicants at one time. Over 65 persons have taken part since it became effective in November.

The Chief Secretary’s Office has confirmed that 453 persons were Naturalised in 2004, not including 129 minors (0-17years).

Successful Naturalisation applicants receive a letter confirming whether his/her application has been successful and giving instructions to contact the Chief Secretary’s Office for an appointment to take the Pledge. Only British citizens are exempted from taking a Pledge. The letter confirms the fee payable and stresses that proper attire must be worn when visiting the Government Administration Building to be formally Naturalised. 

The Pledge states the following: 

“I will give my loyalty to the Cayman Islands and respect its rights and freedoms. I will uphold its democratic values. I will observe its laws faithfully and fulfill my duties and obligations as a British Overseas’ Territories’ Citizen”.

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