WHAT do an Irishwoman, a Frenchwoman and a Kiwi have in common? They all took part in an historic American-style citizenship ceremony yesterday under naturalisation laws.

Sandra Linehan, Corinne Dean and Chris Hickling were granted British citizenship after taking an oath of allegiance to the Queen.

The new ceremonies have been introduced for residents seeking naturalisation and follow a new system introduced in the UK in February.

The Bailiff, Sir de Vic Carey, and three jurats witnessed the ceremony, which replaces the old system of candidates taking the oath before a magistrate in his chambers.

‘Acknowledging that people do not wish to be kept waiting, large civic ceremonies are clearly not appropriate where there are only two or three people coming forward at a time,’ said Sir de Vic.

He said it had been recognised that a more formal procedure should take place, although as most candidates will have lived in the island for some time, it would not be necessary to give them a homily on good citizenship.

‘We hope, however, that increasing the formality for citizenship will enhance the occasion for candidates,’ he added.

Naturalisation certificates were later presented to the three by Colonel Richard Graham, secretary to Lt-Governor Sir John Foley.

The ceremony was open to relatives of those involved, who had to recite the oath in unison before taking a pledge of commitment to the island.

Mr Hickling was born in Wellington, New Zealand, but has lived in Guernsey for more than five years.

‘Getting British citizenship was always the intention when I left New Zealand. I have blended in well here and want to stay,’ he said.

Mr Hickling last year represented Guernsey at tennis and also plays at county level.

All three candidates were impressed with the ceremony and said the Bailiff had been warm and friendly during a brief chat beforehand.

French-born Mrs Dean already had family links to the island before moving here 30 years ago – her mother and grandmother were born here.

Mrs Dean came to the island in 1973, is married to a local retired businessman, Peter, and they have a son, Nick, who was born here.

Applying for British citizenship was a natural step for her.

‘I have been meaning to do it for a long time because I have no intention of going back to live in France,’ she said. ‘It seems the logical thing to do.’

Mrs Linehan is married to a local man, Andy, and their two children, Siobhan, eight, and Mathew, six, were also born here. The couple moved back to the island nine years ago.

‘I think the ceremony is a good idea – it makes you feel more part of the community rather than doing it behind closed doors,’ she said afterwards.

Col Graham said that Sir John had welcomed the opportunity to make the ceremony more meaningful, but added that the authorities did not want to turn it into an intimidating process.