Nauru conducts first citizenship ceremony
The Government of the Republic of
Nauru conducted its first citizenship ceremony with 35 new citizens
pledging their allegiance to Nauru this morning (13 May).
Following the opening prayer His Excellency President Baron Waqa
delivered his address welcoming the new citizens into the Nauruan
family.
"Each of you today will have something special to share with your
families that is uniquely yours to add to the meaning of being a
Nauruan.
"We hope, in turn, that the freedom, the peace, the diversity and
tolerance that we are privileged to enjoy in Nauru will be actively
embraced and advanced by you.
"I hope you will all contribute in whatever way is right for you
and your families to building Nauru's future. As Nauruans, let us
face our challenges together and build our nation to prosperity,"
President Waqa said.
Secretary for Justice Graham Leung gave a briefing on the roles
and responsibilities of being a Nauruan.
"Becoming a citizen of Nauru means that one assumes an allegiance
to the country. It means that you must abide by and respect its
laws, take pride in its history and narrative, and commit to
constructively contributing to its wellbeing, political, economic
and social, and in whatever way is possible.
"Nauru confers upon you a legal identity. The right to vote in
elections… a right to participate in decision making in the
country, "Mr Leung said.
Justice Mohammed Shafiullah Khan presided over the oath ceremony
before President Waqa presented citizenship certificates, a copy of
the Nauruan national anthem and gift bag to the 35 that were
granted Nauruan citizenship from 2013 to May 2016.
New Nauruan citizen Richard Lewis gave a brief thank you speech on
behalf of his fellow citizens.
Minister for Justice and Border Control Hon David Adeang delivered
the closing speech in his native Nauruan congratulating the newest
citizens adding that they have today been given something momentous
and something difficult to achieve given that the Nauruan family is
a very small one and inclusion into that small family is
difficult.
Minister Adeang added that citizenship is something well-guarded
and treasured by the current government, by former governments and
by governments yet to come.
The minister explained that every aspect of the applicant
including their background is vetted to ensure that each applicant
seeking Nauruan citizenship is ready to look ahead and partner with
Nauru going forward noting that building up a nation and taking it
forward is no easy feat but said the government welcomed them to
join in taking Nauru forward and prosper.
In closing a coffee book featuring Nauru's landmarks and features
was released by President Waqa.