Citizenship ceremony in Carmarthen

More people have become new British citizens at a ceremony in Carmarthen Register Office.
The citizenship ceremony was held to formally welcome on behalf of Her Majesty’s Government new people to Britain and to Carmarthenshire. The new citizens live in Llanelli, Ammanford, Merlin’s Bridge and Carmarthen.
Designed to enhance the significance and importance of becoming a British Citizen, the aim of the ceremony, provided by Carmarthenshire County Council’s registration service, is also to provide each individual with a memorable occasion and help them celebrate with their friends and family a new sense of place and belonging.
Chair of Dyfed Powys Police Mrs Delyth Humfryes MBE presented the new citizens with their certificates, and soprano Catrin Thomas sang during the break.
Saji Attuchira Scaria of Dafen said: “The service was very good and I enjoyed the ceremony, I am pleased that I am a British citizen now.”
Carmarthenshire’s statutory services executive board member Cllr Philip Hughes said: “The Citizenship ceremony reflects the importance of becoming part of the British democratic process, which is a major contribution to improving community cohesion and developing a stronger understanding of the roles that individuals can undertake in the culturally diverse society of modern Britain.
“Although we trust that having lived in Carmarthenshire for a while, our new citizens will already have experienced the warmth and welcome of their local communities.”
Note: British Citizenship ceremonies came into being in January 2004 as a result of the provisions contained within the Nationality, Immigration and Asylum Act 2002. There is now a legal requirement for all applicants over the age of 18 years to take part in a Citizenship Ceremony where they are required to swear an Oath or state an Affirmation of Allegiance to the Sovereign and to make a pledge of commitment to the United Kingdom.
For all applicants living within Carmarthenshire, the Carmarthenshire Registration Service is responsible for organising the ceremony.