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Nurse and entrepreneur among city's newest citizens

Rachael Lewis
BBC WM
BBC A woman wearing a black dress, gold pendant necklace and gold nose stud smiling into camera. She is standing in front of a white voile curtain with pink and purple flowers arranged in a vase and white chairs are to her right.BBC
Emily Bregal was one of 32 people who became British citizens at Birmingham Register Office during a special ceremony on Commonwealth Day

When Emily Bregal first arrived in the UK seven years ago, she had no idea how long it would take to become a citizen.

The NHS nurse moved to Birmingham from commonwealth country Belize in 2018.

She was one of 32 people who became British citizens at Birmingham Register Office on Monday, during a special ceremony marking Commonwealth Day.

"I came here as a nurse, and I wasn't aware of the process. So getting this far, it's been amazing," she said.

Speaking after the conclusion of her ceremony, she added: "I feel amazing, I feel like I can breathe now, because I was a bit nervous.

"I am currently working in the NHS and I plan to continue working there and plan to give my service there, because it is what I love doing."

Commonwealth Day is an annual celebration marked by millions of people across 56 countries, according to organisers.

During the Birmingham ceremony, a song about strength in diversity was performed by children from Colmore Junior School

Birmingham music teacher Sarah Baker wrote Come Together Everybody, which includes words spoken by Queen Elizabeth II at the opening ceremonies of recent Commonwealth Games.

Ms Baker said: "The main message is that we are different, but that together in unity we are stronger if we are connected, not divided, and there is strength in all our diversity."

The schoolchildren said they were excited to perform.

One child said: "I like the song, because it brings people together, and the world would be boring if people were all the same."

Another said: "It's really important that this message is expressed because it could improve people's feelings, and make them feel like they're not alone."

Four people, three men and a woman, standing next to British flags and portraits smiling into the camera. The picture features a man in uniform and the Lord Mayor of Birmingham in his mayoral chains.
Amitoj Singh, who now lives in Sutton Coldfield, received a citizenship certificate from Lord Mayor of Birmingham, councillor Ken Wood

Entrepreneur Amitoj Singh, who moved to the region from India seven years ago, also received his citizenship certificate.

"It's a big day for me and my family. I feel on top of the world," he said.

"We love it over here. All the cultures come together and there's so many different flavours and languages. I would not have had these opportunities if I had stayed in India."

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