Sous-Préfète Régine Pam presented the decrees to the new French citizens as Capitaine Thierry Verres from the Gendarmerie and Vice-President Yawo Nyuiadzi look on. (Photo Robert Luckock)
Sous-Préfète Régine Pam addresses the gathering before the handing out of the decrees. (Photo Robert Luckock)
MARIGOT–The Préfècture held a naturalization ceremony on Friday at which nineteen persons obtained their decrees of French citizenship. It was the first naturalization ceremony to be held since the passing of Hurricane Irma.
The ceremony was conducted by Sous-Préfète and Secretary-General Régine Pam with the assistance of Second Vice-President of the Collectivité Yawo Nyuiadzi.
The ceremony, in a room that was too small for the number, included the inductees watching a short film about life in France and singing the Marseillaise national anthem. Lyrics were provided on a sheet for those who did not know the words.
Pam told the gathering what an important moment it is to become a French citizen, noting the rights afforded to every citizen, and the responsibilities they in turn have to uphold.
“It’s much more than an administrative formality, it’s a fundamental act taken after a long reflection,” she said.
Nyuiadzi disclosed he became a French citizen in 1987 and said the decision improved his life and opportunities considerably.
Thirteen received French citizenship by decree and six by marriage. The new citizens hailed from Antigua, the Dominican Republic, Dominica, Guyana, Haiti, India, Kazakstan, Romania, Ukraine, and Venezuela.
Source: The Daily Herald https://www.thedailyherald.sx/islands/78681-19-become-french-citizens-in-naturalization-ceremony
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