Tuesday, January 5 – The Social Development Department, in partnership with the Governor’s Office, would like to inform the public of the procedure to request birthday and anniversary cards from Her Majesty The Queen for friends and family members, who are British Overseas Territories Citizens.
Chief Social Development Officer Mrs. Annie Malone-Frett told the Department of Information and Public Relations that greetings can be requested for a variety of milestones. These include 100th birthday, 105th and subsequent birthdays, as well as for 60th, 65th, and 70th wedding anniversaries.
However, Mrs. Malone-Frett emphasised the need for persons to submit their requests early, and for them to include relevant information about the celebrant.
“In order to arrange a message of congratulations, it is necessary for the Social Development Department to receive the full name and title of the person or persons concerned, the date of their birthday or anniversary, and an address to which the card should be sent,” she said.
The Chief Social Development Officer added that a copy of the celebrants’ birth or marriage certificate and proof of citizenship are also required. “It is important for the required information to be provided at least two months in advance of the celebration date,” she noted.
However, added Mrs. Malone-Frett, messages can still be provided up until six months after the date of celebration. She said the Governor’s Office will work with the Social Development Department in conveying the information to Buckingham Palace, and in facilitating the delivery of the congratulatory message from The Queen.
The Social Development Department aims to provide the BVI population with effective social services that empower, promote, and enrich their quality of life while fostering individual independence. It operates as part of the Ministry of Health and Social Development.
British Virgin Islands News