Requirements for Getting Married in the British Virgin Islands

If you are planning to get married in the British Virgin Islands, you should know about the fees, the rules and the time frame for planning the ceremony.

Do you want to have your wedding in the British Virgin Islands (BVI)? Then you will need to know about requirements for obtaining a marriage license and for organizing your ceremony. There are two steps to the process. The first step is to make your application to the Attorney General's Chambers in the British Virgin Islands. The next step takes you to the Civil Registry and Passport Office (Civil Registry) to finalize the ceremony.

Basic Requirements for a Marriage License in the BVI

If you want to get married in the British Virgin Islands, your application for a marriage license must be submitted with proper identification, proof of a prior marriage and the applicable fees to the Attorney General's Chambers. The fiances must be present along with two witnesses of their choosing. All parties must be over eighteen years of age. Couple who are younger than eighteen years must have the  presence and consent of both parents. According to the brochure, "Getting Married in the Virgin Islands" from the Civil Registry and Passport Office, "a marriage license takes three working days to process" and "it remains valid for three months from the date it is signed" by the Governor.

Bigamy is a Crime in the BVI

Proof of a prior marriage is important because bigamy is a crime in the Virgin Islands. If any of the applicants was previously married, they should submit an original or certified copy of their Decree Absolute or a death certificate of the prior spouse.

Fiances Who Visit the BVI to Get Married

Persons who are visiting the BVI and are resident in the territory for less than fifteen days must apply for a Special License at a cost of US$110. The applicants must show their passports which will reflect the number of days that they have been in the BVI.

Normal Residents of the Virgin Islands Applying for a Marriage License

 Couples who normally live in the Virgin Islands apply for an Ordinary License at a cost of US$50 and this is also submitted with a postage stamp. Although you may live in the Virgin Islands for over fifteen days, please walk with your passport to show proof of residency.

Paying Fees for the Marriage License

According to the brochure "Requirements for Obtaining a Marriage License in the British Virgin Islands" produced by the Attorney General's Chambers, fees are paid via the purchase of postage stamps from the Post Office. As of 2010, the BVI Post is located Port Purcell.

Planning Your Marriage Ceremony in the BVI

Upon the application for the marriage license at the Attorney General's Chambers, contact the

Registrar-General's Office in Civil Registry and Passport Office in Road Town to set an appointment for the wedding date. More importantly, the couple needs to decide the location and type of wedding they wish to have. Two witnesses are also required and couples can select the persons listed on their marriage license or other persons.

Planning a Religious Wedding in the BVI

Couples should speak to their clergy, obtain the necessary counseling before applying for the license and have a date in mind for the wedding. Upon making the application for the marriage license, a letter from your recognized religious leader should be forwarded to the Civil Registry. When couples choose to have a religious wedding ceremony, they can hold the event in a church or another location of their choice. If they want to get married in a church, "Getting Married in the Virgin Islands" shares that wedding banns are then "published on three consecutive Saturdays or Sundays in that church." MSN Encarta Dictionary shares that banns are "an announcement of a forthcoming marriage, proclaimed in the church of the engaged couple on three successive Sundays."

Planning a Civil Wedding in the BVI

In a civil wedding ceremony, the Registrar-General or another appointed Marriage Officer performs the ceremony without any reference to religion. The vows are read, the license is signed and the marriage is solemnized.

• Fees for the Registrar General: The cost is US$35 for the Registrar-General to marry a couple in her office at the Civil Registry. A ceremony outside of the office costs US$100. For any ceremonies outside of Tortola, such as in Jost Van Dyke, Anegada, Peter Islands or the other islands, the Registrar-General's travel to that location has to be paid.
• Prayers Allowed After Civil Wedding: If the couple wishes for prayer, they set the prayers to come after the Registrar-General declares them married and after they have signed the official documents.

After the applications for the marriage license is applied for and approved, the couple confirm their wedding date and plan for the civil or religious ceremony of their choice. After all the processes are complete, the final product is the marriage certificate, which can be further authenticated by Apostille. This document is the proof that the marriage officially occurred in the British Virgin Islands.

February 6 is Bob Marley's Birthday

Robert Nesta Marley, more popularly known as the reggae artist Bob Marley, was born on February 6, 1945. Celebrate his birthday by enjoying his music.

On February 6, people all over the world celebrate Bob Marley's birthday. Marley, formally named Robert Nesta Marley, is a reggae legend and pioneer whose music is recognized worldwide. He was born on February 6, 1945. According to Marley's official website, "he died in a Miami hospital on Monday, May 11, 1981" at 36 years old. Many radio stations, including in the Virgin Islands, play Marley's songs to commemorate his birthday on February 6.

Bob Marley Worked with Other Jamaican Musicians

Bob Marley worked with other notable reggae greats such as  Peter Tosh and Bunny Wailer who were at some point members of the group, Bob Marley and the Wailers. Tosh, who died on September 11, 1987, composed some of the Wailers songs including "Slave Driver", "Stop That Train" and "One Foundation". Tosh also co-wrote "Get Up, Stand Up" with Marley. Marley also worked with other notable persons in Jamaica such as Lee Perry, Anthony Davis, Ashton "Family Man" Barrett and Carlton Barrett. Marley's widow, Rita  Marley also was a part of Bob's music as she sang background vocals on several albums with Marcia Griffiths and Judy Mowatt. Those three ladies called themselves the I-Threes.

Bob Marley's Birthday on February 6

 Many radio stations especially those in the Caribbean will be playing reggae music to commemorate Marley's birthday on February 6. A search on the internet shows that events are planned in Australia, the United Kingdom, United States and of course, in Jamaica.

Bob Marley's Great Music

Any lover of reggae music is sure to have one album by Bob Marley and the Wailers. Marley's official site gives a full listing of the albums. If you are not familiar with this reggae legend's music, be sure to visit the official website or any music site to hear a sample of his music. With more than 10 albums of great reggae music, Bob Marley is truly the front runner in reggae music history with his charismatic flow, engaging voice and lyrical genius. 

All of the albums, those released during his lifetime and those  posthumously, have a special message. Exodus (1977), Catch A Fire (1973), Natty Dread (1975), Confrontation (1983) and Natural Mystic (1995) are only a few of Marley's albums. Legend was released in 1984 and according to the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA), this album remains on the RIAA Top 100 Album list. 

Gimme the Energy! Blaze a Good Fire

These days, we have to beg people to give some positive energy. As the young boys will say "VIBES". It's too much funny and bad vibes. We are not really progressing if we keep acting this way.

I'm not perfect but most days I try. At work, church or in any organization, you want to feel good vibes and good energy. You want to be a part of anything that has a good culture and comraderie.

I'm not going to pretend like life is perfect and there won't be obstacles, but we have to find ways to overcome these issues. It is just unacceptable for people to drag their foot in life and in turn drag you with them. We'll have to literally 'blaze fire' under their feet to get them running and moving forward.

We don't have to wait until 2012 or another milestone to get on the right foot. Let's just drop our dirty ways and run forward. The 'hamster in the wheel' mentality only kills any good intentions by a new person joining a group. That's when I go "GRRRRRRRRRR" because who really wants to be in a 'box' or a 'rut'.

GET UP and Let's JUMP FORWARD!

Gospel Music of 2000: Live in London and More by Donnie McClurkin

Donnie McClurkin brings gospel alive with his inspiring lyrics. His release of Live in London & More in 2000 features "Caribbean Medley" and "We Fall Down."

Live in London and More was recorded live at the Fairfield Hall in Croydon in London by Pastor Donnie McClurkin. There are thirteen songs on the album which went platinum. Churches, Christian radio stations and homes played and continue to play "We Fall Down" and "Lord I Lift Your Name on High" because these songs send powerful messages to listeners.

Pastor Donnie McClurkin Sings Popular Christian Music

Donnie McClurkin is the pastor of the Perfecting Faith Church in Freeport, New York. His musical influences include Pastor Andrae Couch of the Christ Memorial Church. In the "Intro" of Live in London and More, it is shared that Donnie McClurkin sang "Stand" and "Speak to My Heart," both from his self-titled Donnie McClurkin album which was released in 1996. McClurkin also wrote and sang "I Am" from Prince of Egypt soundtrack which was released in 1998.

Donnie McClurkin's Grammy Award Winning Gospel Music

As of 2010, McClurkin has won three Grammy awards. According to the biography on his website, "in 2004, Again was named "Best Soul Contemporary Gospel Album" and in 2006, Psalms, Hymns and Spiritual Songs received a "Best Traditional Gospel Album" award" at the Grammys. In 2010, his duet with Karen Clarke Sheard "Wait on the Lord" won the Grammy for "Best Gospel Performance" from the We Are All One: Live in Detroit album.

McClurkin's Live in London and More is Inspiring Gospel Music

Anyone who loves gospel music should have a copy of Live in London and More in their music collection. With songs like "Caribbean Medley", "Great is Your Mercy" and his rendition of "Psalm 27", McClurkin reminds listeners of the importance of praising God.

• "We Fall Down" is an Anthem: Donnie McClurkin sang "We Fall Down" on an emotional episode of the CW's Girlfriends. Written by Kyle Matthews, the lyrics are very simple, "We fall down but we get up for a saint is just a sinner who fell down and got up." These words are very inspiring especially for anyone is struggling as it reminds us that we can recover from any fall.
• Several Gospel Songs in "Caribbean Medley": McClurkin starts off with "I've Got My Mind Made Up" and then to "Goodbye World." The next songs are "Born, Born, Born Again", "I am Under the Rock" and "Jesus Name So Sweet." The finale of this medley is "Fire Fall on Me". These songs, not necessarily in order McClurkin sings them, are often sung in churches in the Virgin Islands.
• Donnie McClurkin Rewrites "Psalm 27": McClurkin re-wrote "Psalm 27" and focused on verses four and six of the scripture. McClurkin sings "I won't fear the enemy when they come at me they're gonna fall." The actual Psalm reads in verse six, "Then my head will be exalted above the enemies who surround me; at his tabernacle will I sacrifice with shouts of joy; I will sing and make music to the LORD."
• "Lord I Lift Your Name on High": Rick Founds originally wrote "Lord I Lift Your Name on High." However, McClurkin and his back-up singers sang this song lustily and in a prayerful manner that make the lyrics a sung prayer.

Pastor Donnie McClurkin, the pastor of the Perfecting Faith Church in New York, has released several albums and collaborated with Mary Mary, Karen Clarke Sheard and other gospel artists. His music has also been featured in the movie, Prince of Egypt, and in the sitcom, Girlfriends. Live in London and More offers prayerful and inspiring lyrics to uplift any listener.

Can't Hold Me Down - De Apostle (V.I. Soca)

R&B of the 1990s: Anytime by Brian McKnight

Anyone who enjoys R&B music is familiar with music from Brian McKnight. The album Anytime was his third album with songs like "Anytime" and "Hold Me."

Brian McKnight is an award winning R&B artist who has released several albums and hosts a talk show. He released his third album Anytime in 1997 with Mercury Records. Anytime has 12 songs including "The Only One for Me" and "Show Me the Way Back to Your Heart."

The Talented Brian McKnight - Singer and TV Show Host

Brian McKnight released his first album, the self-titled Brian McKnight in 1992 with songs like "One Last Cry" and "After the Love." Since his entry to the music industry, according to his official website, McKnight has released 11 albums to date, seven of them have gone platinum, with several going two and three times platinum, and has sold over 20 Million albums worldwide. Other albums include Back At One in 1999, Gemini in 2005, Ten in 2006 and I'll Be Home for Christmas in 2008. His success continues with his performances in theatre productions and with his The Brian McKnight Show television talk show.

Sweet R&B Music on McKnight's Anytime

Anytime has mostly love songs and one track that is a bit more of a gospel flavor, the last track "When the Chariot Comes". This album includes "Everytime We Say Goodbye", "Jam Knock" which contains an interpolation from "I Can't Wait" performed by Nu Shooz, "I Belong To You" and "You Got the Bomb".

• The Title Track "Anytime": "Do I ever cross your mind, anytime / do you ever wake up reaching out for me" begin the chorus on "Anytime" which was written by Brian McKnight and Brandon Barnes. This song is about the emptiness after a relationship breaks apart.
• "You Should Be Mine (Don't Waste Your Time)" with Mase: "You Should Be Mine (Don't Waste Your Time)" was produced by Sean 'P. Diddy' Combs who also co-wrote with McKnight, Mase, Ron Lawrence and other writers. This song also contains a sample from the legendary James Brown's "I Got Ants in My Pants" in the instrumental. McKnight sings "I'll never let you down, I'll always be around / and you should be mine." Mase chimes in the rap "And I know he ain't the cat that will stay in your life" to help McKnight express that the leading lady should leave her partner to date him.
• "Everytime We Say Goodbye": In "Everytime We Say Goodbye", McKnight sings of the heartache in long distance relationships. McKnight wrote this song with sample lyrics "This long distance has us living on the phone / every since you went away / I just can't get through a day."
• "The Only One For Me": This is one of McKnight's songs that shows his talent and vocal range. McKnight wrote "The Only One For Me" and it expresses love's infinite power. The first chorus begins "I want you now, I'll show you how / I can be the man you need me to be."
• "I Belong To You": Peter Black wrote, produced and arranged "I Belong To You." Black also played all the instruments. The touching hook captivates the listener with words like "Until I feel your heartbeat pounding next to mine / I got work to do / 'til every single star up in the sky / knows that I belong to you."
• "Hold Me": Mary J. Blige had lyrical input in "Hold Me" and the song contains an interpolation from Tupac's "I Get Around" and Zapp's "Computer Love". A sample of the lyrics is "is it lust or love, either one will do / 'cause I want you for myself, and nobody else."

Brian McKnight has been able to achieve success with his music since the early 1990s and now his talk show is also a success. His albums give R&B fans mellow music with touching lyrical content and an enjoyable flow. 

Reggae Love Songs for Valentine's Day or Any Day to Express Love

Express your feelings to your sweetheart through reggae music. Play music by Bob Marley, Tarrus Riley and other reggae greats to share your love.

Set the mood right for Valentine's Day by playing the right mix of music that your significant other can enjoy. Reggae music offers a number of artists who have varying styles and enjoyable music.

Legends like Bob Marley and Third World have songs that are great for expressing love. Newcomers like Tarrus Riley, Jah Cure, Busy Signal, Gyptian, Etana and Niyorah also sing quality music with touching lyrics and powerful instrumentals. Reggae artists and producers call these love songs 'Lovers'

Rock'.

Old School Reggae for Valentine's Day

Reggae artists like Bob Marley, Garnett Silk and Steel Pulse paved the way for the reggae artists of the today. Their sound gave reggae international recognition and will be enjoyed by future generations.

•  "Is This Love" by Bob Marley: "Is This Love" is one of Bob Marley and The Wailers' most popular songs from their 1978 Kaya album. Bob's crisp voice starts the song off with "I wanna love you and treat you right..." and the song continues with lyrics that capture the theme of love.

• "Nothing Can Divide Us" by Garnett Silk: "Nothing Can Divide Us" comes from Garnett Silk's 1993 100% Silk album. This song is on the "Full Up Riddim" and echoes the words "Nothing can divide us...noone can stop me from loving you."

• "Throne of Gold" by Steel Pulse: Steel Pulse released "Throne of Gold" on their 1984 Earth Crisis album. A sample of the lyrics is "Mother Nature, Father Time, from beginning said she was mine."

• "Committed" by Third World: In 1992, Third World released the album Committed with a title track that can express love every day. In "Committed," the band sings repeats in the chorus "I'm committed to keeping this love alive / I'm committed to staying in love with you."

• "All I Need Is You" by Gregory Isaacs: Known as The 'Cool Ruler,' Gregory Isaacs was well known for his smooth style and way with words. "All I need Is You" is a great song to play for Valentine's Day or as background music for a proposal. "If I never get the chance to show / I want you to always know it / all I need is you...." are part of the lyrics.

• "In This Together" by Richie Spice: Richie Spice sings "In This Together" on the "Dream Riddim" which was released in 2010. Other artists who sing on this riddim include Jah Cure and Ras Penco. Richie Spice sings "me and you together, no matter what the weather" and "this little love was from creation...this love from the root to the stem."

• "Never Find" by Jah Cure: "Never Find" is one of Jah Cure's biggest songs to date. He sings it on the "Changes Riddim" which also features artists like Alaine, Morgan Heritage and Tarrus Riley. "You'll never find no one in this lifetime to love you like I do" is a taste of the lyrics of this reggae love song.

• "Far Away" by Tarrus Riley: "What Jah put together, make no man put asunder," "with you I'll share my world" and "with you, there's noone else - you can't be replaced" are some of the lyrics from Tarrus Riley's "Far Away." This song is sung on the "Love Potion Riddim" and was released in 2009.

• "Love and Affection" by Pressure: Pressure  is a United States Virgin Islands reggae artist whose music is appreciated worldwide. "Love and Affection" is his biggest hit thus far and it garnered over one million views on YouTube since its release in 2007. Lyrics include "the first time we kissed was breathtaking and girl, we got a bright future in the making."

• "Beautiful Lady" by Gyptian: "Beautiful Lady" was one of first songs that got Gyptian noticed in the Caribbean. "I'm the happiest man in the world / because I have you for my girl" are some of the lyrics.

• "Comfort Zone" by Busy Signal: Jamaican reggae artist Busy Signal brings a sweet melody with the song "Comfort Zone" which was released in 2010. He sings "I believe that love is a powerful thing / this feeling deep within / and if you believe in love / free up your mind, let this flow within."

• "Blessing" by Etana and Alborosie: Etana released "Blessing" on Strong One in 2008 featuring Alborosie. They sing in the chorus "When a man love a woman and woman love man - a Jah-Jah blessing."

• "Beautiful" by Damien Marley and Bobby Brown: Damien Marley released "Beautiful" in 2005 on his Welcome to Jamrock album. This song features the mellow voice of Bobby Brown and powerful chants by Damien Marley. Marley sings "Every morning she shampoos my locks / always have my back" and "she keeps herself clean, me na go catch no rash."

• "No Ordinary Love" by Alaine: "My heart's racing / I'm shaking / caught up in the love we're making / this is no, no ordinary love" is the first part of the chorus of Alaine's "No Ordinary Love." This song was released on her Sacrifice album in 2007 and she sings it on the "Seasons Riddim."

• "Always" by Niyorah: Niyorah is another reggae artist who hails from the United States Virgin Islands. He released "Always" on the "New Day Riddim" in 2006. "When I'm hungry, she feeds the Rastaman" and "Come caress and love me up my sweet empress, woman I know you deserve that" are some of the lyrics.

More Contemporary Reggae Artists with Great Love Songs

More recent reggae artists like Richie Spice, Jah Cure, Pressure, Tarrus Riley and Etana are keeping the reggae music legacy alive by bringing listeners fresh reggae music that also sing about love.

Reggae music offers melodious instrumentals with powerful lyrics. There are many more reggae love songs that could be added to this list. Artists such as Buju Banton, Barrington Levy, TOK, Sanchez, Christopher Martin, Wayne Wonder and many others have songs that express love.

Add some reggae music to your playlist for Valentine's Day or other special occasion to make the time with your sweetheart more enjoyable.