Dominion Web Site gets a 'Face-Lift'

The Dominion of British West Florida's web site, http://dbwf.net is being redesigned.

The Governor-General approved the revisions saying 'The old interface was very information rich, but it may have been to 'cluttered'. The new format is much cleaner.' The new format does not use Cascading Style Sheets, and eliminates all 'side panel navigation'. The design also allows for different header images on each page.

Sources inform us that web site will be 'upgraded' page-by-page.

Lady Amaretta, Baroness Orleans Graduates

The Lady Amaretta Sollicito, Baroness Orleans graduated from Baker County High School this past Friday.

Those who follow the Peerage of the Dominion are aware that the Baroness wed Trey Sollicito and relocated to his family estate when she was 16 years of age. Two years, and two children later, the Baroness has now finished her high school education, and walked with her classmates at an open air graduation ceremony in East Florida.

The Marquess and Marchioness of Mobile attended the graduation ceremony, with the Marchioness attending a private gala held in the graduate's honour later that evening.

Governor-General Submits 'Toleraction Act' to Parliament

-- Wentworth House.

The following act has been presented to both Houses of Parliament by the Governor-General:

Whereas as Granting some ease to scrupulous Consciences in the Exercise of Religion and Clarification of the same may be an effectual means to unite Her Majesty's Subjects in Interest and Affection;

And Whereas Almighty God hath created the mind free; and all attempts to influence it by temporal punishments or burdens, or by civil incapacitations, tend to beget habits of hypocrisy and meanness;

And Whereas religion, or the duty which we owe to our Creator and the manner of discharging it, can be directed by reason and conviction, not by force or violence;

And Whereas it is the duty of every person to worship the Creator in such manner as he thinks most acceptable;

And Whereas no person ought to be, or of right can be, compelled to attend any religious worship, or erect or support any place of worship;

And Whereas it seems to us proper that the freedom of the conscience be declared before the People;

And Whereas it has not yet been publicly so declared by a Parliament of Her Majesty's Dominion of British West Florida.

Now, therefore, be it enacted by the Grace of Queen Elizabeth the Second's Most Excellent Majesty, by and with the advice and consent of the Lords Spiritual and Temporal and the Commons of Her Majesty's Dominion of British West Florida, in this present Parliament assembled, and by the Authority of the same as follows:

Article One, Certain Penalties and Pains for Nonconformity Expressly Removed
That neither the Statute made in the three and twentieth year of the glorious reign of Queen Elizabeth the First, Entitled “An Act to Retain the Queen's Majesty's Subjects in their due Obedience”, Nor the Statute made in the twenty ninth year of the said Queen Entitled “An Act for the more speedy and due Execution of certain Branches of the Statute” made in the three and twentieth year of the Queen's Majesty's Reign The aforesaid Act, nor that Branch or Clause of a Statute made in the first year of the Reign of the said Queen Entitled “An Act for Uniformity of Common Prayer and Service in the Church and Administration of the Sacraments”, Nor the Statute made in the third year of the Reign of King James the First of happy memory Entitled “An Act for the better discovering and repressing Popish Recusants”, Nor that other Statute made in the same year Entitled “An Act to Prevent and Avoid Dangers which may grow by Popish Recusants”, Nor any other Law or Statute of this Realm, Nor any Act made against any other Faith, Sect, Church, or Assembly for Worship Shall be construed to extend to any person or persons that shall take the Oath or make the Solemn Declaration mentioned in Article Six of this Act.

Article Two, Nonconforming Persons Exempted from Ecclesiastical Courts
And be it further enacted by the Authority aforesaid That all and every person or persons that shall as aforesaid take the said Oath or make and subscribe the Declaration aforesaid as defined in Article Six of this Act, shall not be liable to any Pain, Penalties or Forfeitures mentioned in an Act made in the five and thirtieth year of the reign of Queen Elizabeth the First Entitled “An Act to retain the Queen's Majesty's Subjects in their due Obedience”, Nor in An Act made in the two and twentieth year of the Reign of King Charles the Second and in the tenth year after his most fortunate Restoration and the return of his subjects to their due obedience Entitled “An Act to prevent and suppresses seditious Conventicles” . Nor shall any of the said persons, or any other person or persons having duly sworn or solemnly affirmed as set forth in Article Six of this act be prosecuted in any Court Ecclesiastical or Temporal for or by reason of Nonconformity with the Church of England.

Article Three, Nonconforming Persons Released from Parochial Duties
And be it further enacted by the Authority aforesaid That if any Person dissenting from the Church of England as aforesaid shall hereafter be chosen or otherwise appointed to bear the Office of Churchwarden, Overseer of the Poor, or any other Parochial Office and such person shall scruple to take upon him any of the said Offices in regard of the Oaths or any other Matter or Thing required by the Law to be taken or done in respect of such Office every such Person shall and may execute such Office or Employment by a sufficient Deputy by him to be provided that shall comply with the Laws on this behalf. Provided always That the said Deputy be allowed and approved by such person or persons in such manner as should otherwise by Law have been allowed and approved.


Article Four, All Ministers who take the Oath to enjoy Equal Privileges
And be it further enacted by the Authority aforesaid That every Minister, Teacher, or Preacher that is a Minister, Preacher, or Teacher of a Congregation or assembly that shall take the Oath herein required shall enjoy all the Privileges, Benefits and Advantages which any other dissenting or conforming Minister within or without the Church of England as aforesaid might have or enjoy by virtue of this Act. All charitable or religious assemblies, sects and denominations, demeaning themselves peaceably, and as good citizens of the commonwealth, shall be equally under the protection of the law; providing always that the liberty of conscience, hereby granted, shall not be so construed as to excuse acts of licentiousness, or justify practices inconsistent with the peace or safety of this Dominion.

Article Five, Any Justice of the Peace may Accept the Oath or Declaration
And be it further enacted by the Authority aforesaid That every Justice of the Peace may at any time hereafter accept of any person that goes to any Meeting for the Exercise of Religion, that they may make and subscribe the Oath or Declaration described in Article Six of this Act.

Article Six, the Oath or Affirmation Required for these Liberties
I Full Name and Titles do sincerely promise and solemnly declare before God, these witnesses, and the World that I will be true and faithful to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth the Second and her Heirs and Successors according to Law.

And I do solemnly Profess and Declare that I do from my heart abhor, detest, and renounce as impious and damnable, any thought that Officers, Lords, or Sovereigns excommunicated or deprived, by any Religious, Moral, or Philosophical Authority whatsoever, whithersoever located, may be Deposed or their temporal authority rejected by their Subjects or any other Persons.

I further Profess and Declare that I support the continued Establishment of the Anglican Church, the Protection of the Roman Catholic Church, and the Recognition of all other such Churches or Assemblies as Required by the Constitution of this Dominion or as may be Provided for by Law.

I further Profess and Declare that neither I, nor the Assembly to which I resort, teaches nor asserts in any manner that liberty of conscience extends to Acts which would be contrary to the Public Peace or Safety of this Realm and Dominion of Her Majesty the Queen.

I make this Profession and Declaration of my own free will, my conscience clear before God and the World.

Article Seven, Banning Disturbances within Chapels, Cathedrals, and Other Places of Worship or Charitable Assembly
Provided always, and be it enacted by the Authority aforesaid, that if any person or persons at any time or times after the tenth day of June next ensuing do and shall willingly and of purpose maliciously or contemptuously come into any Cathedral, Parish Church, Chapel or other Congregation or Assembly permitted by this Act and disquiet or disturb the same or misuse any Minister, Preacher or Teacher such person or persons upon proof thereof before any Justice of the Peace by two or more sufficient Witnesses shall find two Sureties to be bound by Recognizance in the penal Sum of fifty pounds and in default of such Sureties shall be committed to prison there to remain till the next Session of Court and upon conviction of the said offence at the said Session shall suffer the pain and penalty of ten pounds to Her Majesty's Treasury, and of ten pounds to the Privy Purse for the use of Her Majesty's Governor-General, and of ten pounds above any restitution to the Congregation so disturbed.

Article Eight, Registration of Place of Worship
Provided always that no Congregation or Assembly for Religious Worship, or other Charitable Society and Gathering by this Act enabled, shall be permitted or allowed by this Act until the place of such Meeting shall be certified to the Justices of the Peace for the County City or Place in which such Meeting shall be held and registered in the said Baronial or Lord Lieutenant's Court respectively. The Register or Clerk of the Peace whereof respectively is hereby required to register the same and to give Certificate thereof to such person as shall demand the same for which there shall be none greater Fee nor Reward taken than the Sum of six pence.

Article Nine, wherein the Act is Named
This Act Shall be known as “Her Majesty's Gracious Act of Toleration Towards Those Nonconforming to the Church of England”, or by the Short Title of “The Toleration Act”.

West Florida, Australia, and New Zealand Condemn Fiji Takeover

-- Wikinews
Friday, April 10, 200

The international community has condemned the Fijian president's decision to abrogate the constitution.

President Ratu Josefa Iloilo abrogated the country's constitution earlier today in response to a Court of Appeal decision declaring the removal of Prime Minister Laisenia Qarase and the appointment of military strongman Voreqe Bainimarama as interim Prime Minister unlawful.

Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd condemned the move, saying that it would take Fiji backwards. He called for the government to obey the court of appeal's ruling and hold elections promptly.

"This is the right course for Fiji and the only way forward for the people of Fiji," he said.

New Zealand Foreign Minister Murray McCully said that the abrogation of the constitution "will merely compound the problems faced by ordinary Fijians".

"The President's decision, no doubt prompted by the Commodore, to override the constitution, sack the judges, and depend upon the military to keep an unlawful regime in power, will compound the already serious economic difficulties confronted by Fiji," McCully said.

In a televised address this morning, President Iloilo abrogated the constitution, revoked all judicial appointments, and appointed himself as head of state. He said he would appoint a new interim government in the coming days to implement the reforms of the People's Charter for Change, Peace and Progress and pave the way for "true democratic and parliamentary elections" to be held by September 2014.

Fiji's government was overthrown by a military coup in 2006

G-G Attends League of Small Nations Meeting

-- Wintworth House

The inaugural meeting of the revitalized League of Small Nations was held this past Saturday. Representatives of the Dominion of British West Florida (GG Register), Grand Duchy of Greifenberg (Paul, Grand Duke of Greifenberg), Republic of Molossia (President Baugh), and the Principality of Vikesland (Prince Christopher I) were present.

After some initial technical difficulties the meeting was called to order by His Grace Paul, Grand Duke of Griefenberg. The charter, and officers were approved in short order.

Molossia nominated the acting Secretary-General, (The Grand Duchy of Griefenberg) for Secretary-General, the nomination was seconded by the Principality of Vikesland and received unanimous consent.

Vikesland nominated Molossia as Treasurer, British West Florida seconded the motion, and Molossia was elected, again by unanimous consent.

A discussion of expulsion of members who appeared unwilling or unable to meet their obligations to the League then followed. British West Florida argued for the benefit of the doubt to be extended to those nations who had not yet made their intentions plain to the League. After much discussion it was agreed that while the league's patience is not infinite, the nations in question would be offered one more opportunity to show their ability to meet their obligations.

Discussion then turned to the Summit Conference. It was agreed that the Summit would be held in or near Saint Louis, with all member state delegations to arrive by the evening of 7 October 2010. Grand Duke Paul graciously agreed to take the lead in organizing the site and events.

The League agreed that the Treasurer would maintain the league's funds in a special account under their name and the authority of the League. A new account will be created by subsequent treasurers with remaining funds transferred from the old treasurer to the new following the transfer of the office.

The League agreed to work together on a League web page, to be ready before the Summit. Molossia graciously agreed to to continue to host the League web page, and to remain as its web master, until other arrangements could be made.

Triple Understanding Reached - UN ICC Condemned

Triple Understanding Reached, UN ICC Condemned.

-- Wentworth House, Embassy of the Imperium of DeWaCo Estates, High Commission Office of Independent Long Island

Monday, 9 March 2009 – Commonwealth Day.

In a rare show of multilateral agreement, the Heads of Government of the Imperium of DeWaCo Estates, Independent Long Island, and the Dominion of British West Florida have released a joint statement (the text of which follows) condemning the United Nations' International Criminal Court for issuing an arrest warrant for a serving head of government.

The His Excellency the Lord Imperator of DeWaCo stated "The Proud People of the Imperial Commonwealth stand in support of the resolution; and would hope that wisdom will prevail, with regards to this matter.". Our own Governor-General remarked that “While we do not sanction any UN actions under Chapter VII, we do call upon them to at least follow their own rules!”. The Governor of Independent Long Island had no additional comments, but according to the Governor-General, having Independent Long Island as a co-signatory to the statement speaks volumes about the breadth of reaction to this latest usurpation by the United Nations.

The full text of the statement (also transcribed below) is available from the Dominion Archives: http://dbwf.net/archives/proclamations/Statement_on_ICC_Issues_Warrant_to_Arrest_Pres_of_Sudan.pdf

Whereas the International Criminal Court, an Agency of the United Nations has issued a Warrant for the Arrest of a Head of State, and

Whereas the Authority of the International Criminal Court is limited to those cases brought before it by competent authority, and

Whereas the nature of Crimes committed by Heads of State or Government, no matter how heinous do not enlarge the Jurisdiction of International Bodies, and

Whereas the Government of the Sudan has neither requested nor authorized intervention by the United Nations Criminal Court,

Now Therefore, we the undersigned Heads of Government and Heads of State, do

Reject the claim of the United Nations International Criminal Court to have the Authority to issue a Warrant against a Head of State or Government, and

Renounce any association with this or any other attempt to use a Foreign Court to interfere in the Domestic Activities of a Sovereign Nation or people, and

Call upon the International Criminal Court of the United Nations to confine itself to the activities authorized by its Charter, and

Call upon the United Nations Security Council to act according to Chapter VII of its Charter in the interest of the Peace and Security of the Sudan.

We further resolve and declare that usurpation of national sovereignty by any external body is a security matter for which no court of competent jurisdiction can be established without the consent of all parties involved.


His Excellency D.W. Corbett
- CommiCzar & Lord Imperator, Imperium of DeWaCo Estates

The Mt. Hon. Bo Register, Marquess of Mobile, GSB
- Governor-General, Dominion of British West Florida

Hon. Most Rev. Dr. Cesidio Tallini
- Governor of Independent Long Island

Dominion - Barony of Caux Hold Talks

-- Staff Writer
Tuesday 10 February 2009

His Excellency the Governor-General and His Lordship John I of Caux held an impromptu teleconference earlier this evening. This was the first such conference between the two nations, and made use of voice over the Internet protocol (VOIP).

The office of the Governor-General has previously stated that VOIP and Voice and Video of the Internet will be more widely utilized as part of the Government's on going cost containment program.

While the agenda was not released, sources close to Wentworth House indicated that the meeting was primarily a 'get acquainted meeting', and a preliminary to further meetings of members of the League of Small Nations.

The Honourable Bishop C. M. Sheperd Newest MP

-- Office of the Governor-General

The Governor General issued a Writ of Appointment to the Honourable Bishop C. M. Shepherd to the House of Commons, At Large Division today.

In a very brief statement the Governor-General stated:

I have this day appointed CM Shepherd of the Barony de la Bay as Member of Parliament (at large division).

http://dbwf.net/archives/Writs_of_Appointment/CM_Shepard_Commons_Appiontment_Letter.pdf

The Hon. Bishop Shepherd brings many talents and much wisdom to our Parliament. We look forward to working with him on many of the pressing matters that we now face.

Bo Register, Marquess of Mobile, Baron Von Servers of Fayette,
Her Majesty's Governor-General in and for the Dominion of British West Florida

Vacancies in the Members of Parliament At Large Division can be filled by the Governor-General until the next general writ of election is issued.

Grand Prince Christopher I of Vikesland & G-G Hold Skype Summit

January 20th, 2009 saw the very first video summit between HSH The Grand Prince Christopher I of Vikeland and His Excellency the Governor-General of British West Florida.

The summit was approximately an hour long and many subjects were discussed such as the League of Small Nations and some National projects.

HSH was quoted on the Micronational Open Forum as saying "Of course we complained of the weather and about some Macro issues."

Many more of these summits will take place in the future and the two leaders look forward to meeting face to face during the LSN international summit in 2010.

GG Congratulates New US President

The whole world watched the inauguration of President Obama, witnessing a new chapter in both American history and the world's history. We wish the incoming President success in his office. On behalf of the government and the people of the Dominion of British West Florida, I extend our message of best wishes on this auspicious occasion.

The Dominion of British West Florida stands ready to work with the new American President in the great challenges that lie ahead.

Text of G-G's Statement on Chinese Censorship

We have been made aware that the Communist Government of Mainland China has again acted against the liberty of its people by blocking access to the Chinese version of WikiNews.

The free content news portal contains news stories related to the situation in Tibet, the Republic of China, and other news those in power in Mainland China wish to suppress.

We call upon the leadership in Mainland China to restore access to WikiNews. These attempts to control the media are not in the international interests of the “Peoples Republic”, and can bring nothing but reproach upon the leadership in the government of mainland China.

We call upon those in authority to work towards addressing the issues presented in the news by acting in ways that do not oppress the people under their government's authority, rather than continuing to pretend that by blocking the news sources that they can 'make the trouble go away'.

The Government of the Dominion of British West Florida remains committed to a free and sovereign Kingdom of Tibet, and mutual recognition among the PRC and the RoC.

Bo Register, Marquess of Mobile,
Baron Von Servers of Fayette,
Lord of St. George, GSB

Her Majesty's Governor-General in and for
the Dominion of British West Florida

Chinese Version of Wikinews Gets Blocked in Mainland China

-- From Wikinews Saturday, January 10, 2009

Wikinews has learned that access to the Chinese Wikinews website has been blocked in China. Wikinews can also confirm that the English version of the website is still available in China.

Users using the social networking site called Twitter have reported that the site was "blockade[ed] today by the mainland" of China. Others, writing on the Wikimedia Foundation's mailing list also state that the Chinese version of Wikinews is blocked in major Chinese cities such as Beijing.

The reason for the blockade is not yet known. Wikinews contacted the Chinese government for a statement, but so far there has been no reply.

The Chinese government has already blocked the popular online encyclopedia Wikipedia, but later in July of 2008 the government began to allow users to access the the site during the Summer Olympics. Wikipedia was then blocked once again after the games had ended.

Wikipedia had previously been blocked for over a year in 2005, but in November of 2006, the site was unblocked. The Chinese government then re-blocked only a month later. The block was an attempt to contain information relating to sensitive topics in China, such as Tibet and Taiwan. The Chinese government has an active policy of blocking websites they consider harmful.

His Excellency the Governor-General has called upon the Government of Mainland China to restore to the People of China access to the free content news portal.

Chairman of Lord's Select Committee on Heraldry and Arms Resigns

-- Public Message from the Governor-General


My Lords and Ladies, Fellow Subjects of Her Majesty the Queen, and notable visitors;

I have received from our King of Arms, the Lord Jon Lawrence, Baron Baldwin a letter of resignation from the office of King of Arms and Chairman of the Lords Select Committee on Heraldry and Arms.

Though we shall regret the loss of so able a man's services, in view of the reasons given I find the only proper, wise, and charitable action is accept his resignation, release him from all duties as King of Arms, excuse him from the Chairmanship, and grant him leave to attend to his duties elsewhere while remaining Her Majesty's right trusty and beloved Baron of Baldwin.

I ask that you join me in prayers for Grand Duke Phillip I's swift and full recovery, as well as for the Baron Baldwin, and his new Government of Westarctica.

I have attached a portion of the Baron Baldwin's Letter:

Her Majesty's Governor-General, Lords and Ladies of the House of Lords:

I Jon-Lawrence, Baron of Baldwin will no longer be able to serve Her Majesty in the role of Chair of the Heraldry Committee. I regret that I must adopt a much lesser hand in the Dominion. Providence has called me to return to a more active position in the Governance of the Dominion's staunch ally, the Grand Duchy of Westarctica.

As some of you know Phillip I of Westarctica has fallen ill. His health and his family are, as they should be, his primary concerns. I ask that the Dominion find the time to pray for Phillip's swift recovery.

Phillip has chosen to sever ties with the Grand Duchy. With the support of Westarctica's founder, Travis McHenry, members of the the nation's cabinet, and Westarctica's citizens, I have become the third Grand Duke of Westarctica.

To cement the relationship between our nations, I would be honored to continue to serve as Her Majesty as her Baron of the beloved Baldwin.

As ever your servant,

Jon-Lawrence
Baron of Baldwin

Governor-General Publishes Shedule of Holidays

In the Name of Her Majesty the Queen;

I do hereby declare and publish this list of Holidays to observed by the Government of the Dominion of British West Florida. Her Majesty's Subjects are encouraged to observe these dates with festivities and prayers appropriate to the occasion. The State Opening of Parliament will, as usual, take place as part of our Celebration of Her Majesty's Birthday.

Holiday	Date of Celebration	Additional Information
New Years Day	Thursday, 1 January	Celebration of Thanks for a New Start
Twelfth Day	Monday, 5 January	Twelfth Day of Christmas:  December 25th Old Style
Commonwealth Day	Monday, 9 March	Celebrating the unity and diversity that the British Commonwealth of Nations (the former British Empire) embraces under Her Majesty the Queen.
Good Friday	Friday, 10 April	Solemn Recognition of the Day of Our Lord Jesus's Death for Our Sins
Easter Monday	Monday 13, April	Celebration of the Risen Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ
Restoration Day	Friday 29, May	Celebration of the Restoration of HM King Charles II to the Throne and his entry into London
Queen's Birthday	Monday, 8 June	Celebrating the Offical Birthday of our Sovereign Lady, Elizabeth II
Summerset	Friday, 28 August	Celebrating the Close of Summer
Discoverer's Day	Tuesday, 20 October	Celebrating the Disoverers (Columbus, Newton, Herschell, and the rest!)
Remembrance Day	Wednesday, 11 November	Day to honour all our fallen Heroes.
Thanksgiving	Thursday, 19 November	Feast of Celebration for the Bountiful Land and Harvest.
Thanksgiving Friday	Friday, 20 November	Second Day of the Feast of Plenty
Christmas Day	Friday, 25 December	Celebration of the Birth of Our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ
Boxing Day	Saturday, 26 December	A day set aside to care for those in need.
New Year's Eve	Thursday, 31 December	Day to Review one's Life and Make Resolutions

Bo Register, Marquess of Mobile, Baron Von Servers of Fayette, GSB
Her Majesty's Governor-General in and for the Dominion of British West Florida

Her Majesty's Christmas Speech 2008

-- Courtesy SkyNews, the Text of Her Majesty's Speech:

"Christmas is a time for celebration, but this year it is a more sombre occasion for many. Some of those things which could once have been taken for granted suddenly seem less certain and, naturally, give rise to feelings of insecurity.

"People are touched by events which have their roots far across the world. Whether it is the global economy or violence in a distant land, the effects can be keenly felt at home.

"Once again, many of our service men and women are serving on operations in common cause to bring peace and security to troubled places.

"In this 90th year since the end of the First World War, the last survivors recently commemorated the service and enormous sacrifice of their own generation.

"Their successors in theatres such as Iraq and Afghanistan are still to be found in harm's way in the service of others. For their loved ones, the worry will never cease until they are safely home.

"In such times as these we can all learn something from the past. We might begin to see things in a new perspective. And certainly, we begin to ask ourselves where it is that we can find lasting happiness.

"Over the years those who have seemed to me to be the most happy, contented and fulfilled have always been the people who have lived the most outgoing and unselfish lives; the kind of people who are generous with their talents or their time.

"There are those who use their prosperity or good fortune for the benefit of others whether they number among the great philanthropists or are people who, with whatever they have, simply have a desire to help those less fortunate than themselves.

"What they offer comes in the form of what can easily be recognised as service to the nation or service to the wider community.

"As often as not however, their unselfishness is a simply taken-for-granted part of the life of their family or neighbourhood.

"They tend to have some sense that life itself is full of blessings, and is a precious gift for which we should be thankful.

"When life seems hard the courageous do not lie down and accept defeat; instead they are all the more determined to struggle for a better future.

"I think we have a huge amount to learn from individuals such as these. And what I believe many of us share with them is a source of strength and peace of mind in our families and friends.

"Indeed, Prince Philip and I can reflect on the blessing, comfort and support we have gained from our own family in this special year for our son, the Prince of Wales. Sixty years ago, he was baptised here in the Music Room at Buckingham Palace. As parents and grandparents, we feel great pride in seeing our family make their own unique contributions to society.

"Through his charities, the Prince of Wales has worked to support young people and other causes for the benefit of the wider community.

"At Christmas, we feel very fortunate to have our family around us. But for many of you, this Christmas will mean separation from loved ones and perhaps reflection on the memories of those no longer with us.

"I hope that, like me, you will be comforted by the example of Jesus of Nazareth who, often in circumstances of great adversity, managed to live an outgoing, unselfish and sacrificial life. Countless millions of people around the world continue to celebrate his birthday at Christmas, inspired by his teaching.

"He makes it clear that genuine human happiness and satisfaction lie more in giving than receiving; more in serving than in being served.

"We can surely be grateful that, two thousand years after the birth of Jesus, so many of us are able to draw inspiration from his life and message, and to find in him a source of strength and courage.

"I hope that the Christmas message will encourage and sustain you too, now and in the coming year.

"I wish you all a very happy Christmas."

Governor-General's Christmas Speech 2008

May I begin with a quotation?
This night bestowed peace on the whole world;
so, let no one threaten;
This is the night of the Most Gentle One -
let no one be cruel;
This is the night of the Most Humble One -
let no one be proud.
Now is the day of joy -
let us not revenge;
Now is the day of good will -
let us not be mean-spirited.
In this day of peace
let us not be conquered by anger.
Today the Bountiful impoverished Himself for our sake;
so, rich one, invite the poor to your table.
Today we received a gift for which we did not ask;
so let us give alms to those who implore us and beg.
This present day cast open the heavenly door to our prayers;
let us open our door to those who ask our forgiveness.
Now the Divine Being took upon Himself the seal of humanity,
in order for humanity to be adorned by the seal of Divinity.
-- St. Isaac of Nineveh

The trouble of course comes from the application. To refrain from threats when we ourselves are threatened is no easy task. To refuse to be cruel to those who have defrauded us, that have taken what is rightfully ours by force, is not something simply done. To remember our place before God when we hear the acclaim of men is counter to our nature.

To remember mercy when we could have vengeance is to be seen as week. To repay spite with the kindness requires that we refuse to demand our due. To live peaceably with our neighbors we must control our own anger – for we can not control their actions.

We are all rich in this fair Dominion. We may not all have a feast of meat and bread spread before us, but we do all have at least one gift from the Father of Lights that He wishes us to share. Some of course, do have the great feast ready, we must remember that our Lord said to invite those who could not return the favour, that the favour may be returned at His table. Others may need to share a word of encouragement, or instruction. Some may need to share of themselves with those who have lost hope.

We are called to show the world that we are His by our love.
Let us renew our commitment to answer this call.

As we live out the faith, both we and our neighbor will be better able to enjoy that Happy Christmas we wish each other.

Happy Christmas!

God save the Queen and Her Majesty's Subjects in all Her Realms.

Poet Laureate's Christmas Poem 2008

Aeturnus: The Feast of Ages.

Golden threads of light nurture ancient aether,
Woven dreams playing ‘cross bleak Northern shores;
Glowing in blind-black storms of frosted weather…
A snow-owl thro’ halo’s of heaven soars.

Roar of Boreas: swart screams into bitter cold,
Thro’ limbs of death-dancing hawthorn, greenest pine;
Aurora’s ribbons flowing; lucent on bold blue…
Spectral hues streaming in waves thro’ space and time.

Polaris: stellar regent pearl, in guiding strong,
Thro’ sleep and years, navigating the knowing soul;
Sov’reign Arcticus chants a celestial song…
Willow’s bear revolves ‘round the crown of the pole.

Three flames: Magi charting the brightest star,
Caspar, Melchior, Balthazaar set on sure path;
Compassing desert, mountain, sea and lands afar…
Wisdom in quest for the prophecy of true faith.

Gold frankincense, myrrh: blossoms of Mother’s earth,
Honour-gifts for the divine birth, new hope springs;
Treasure balm: the warm spirit of Heaven’s hearth…
Word of glory revealed: Angel Gabriel sings.

Vibrant echoes thrum deep in a church of stones,
Wicks flicker praise on shadow’d walls: songs lift a veil;
Psalms adore in faith, love’s vision inspiring tones…
Welcome brighter bliss to vales of ghostly pale.

The tender prayer of worth is ever-burning,
In shrines revered; shines eternal in dim-lit night;
Breath of every dawn emerging, each Yule a yearning…
The feast of All-Ages… for The Prince of All-Light.

All Rights Reserved / David John Drew / DBWF 2008.

Governor-General offers condolences on the passing of Alexei II

On the occasion of sudden and untimely passing of His Holiness Alexei II, we ask you to accept, along with all episcopes, clergy, monk orders and believers our sincere condolences. We pray to God for the rest of his noble soul, and to give you the solace in your pain.

May the God of All Comfort be with you in the days ahead, and may you be comforted by the words of the Apostle Paul, to the believer in Christ at Thessaloníki:

“But we do not want you to be uninformed, brethren, about those who are asleep, so that you will not grieve as do the rest who have no hope. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so God will bring with Him those who have fallen asleep in Jesus. For this we say to you by the word of the Lord, that we who are alive and remain until the coming of the Lord, will not precede those who have fallen asleep. For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive and remain will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we shall always be with the Lord. “

Know that we mourn the passing of His Holiness Alexei II with you.


Bo Register,
Baron Von Servers of Fayette, Marquis of Mobile, GSB
Her Majesty's Governor-General in and for the
Dominion of British West Florida.

G-G Issues Statement on the Constitutional Crises in the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg

We note with regret the recent announcement by the Prime Minister of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, Jean-Claude Juncker, that his government would seek a rewording of the constitution. The Parliament of the Grand Duchy is on a collision course with its monarch over his refusal to sign a bill legalising euthanasia. Luxembourg is a constitutional monarchy in which the Grand Duke, at the moment, holds executive power and bills only becomes law with his signature. The Prime Minster and Parliament is now moving to alter the constitution to limit Henri’s powers on approving legislation.

The law in question if enacted it would add Luxembourg to a small group of countries allowing euthanasia. His Serene Highness, the Grand Duke made known that he would not sign such legislation in violation of his Conscience and Faith before the bill was passed by His Parliament.

We call upon the Members of Parliament of the Grand Duchy to remember their Oath, their sworn Duty, and the Duties and Rights of each part of the Constitutional Government of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, and to refrain from attempting to modify the constitution.

We call upon the People of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, to make known to their elected Members of Parliament their support for Grand Duke Henri, and the existing Constitution.

We Call upon the Lords of Parliament of the Dominion of British West Florida, the Loyal Subjects of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, and advocates of Constitutional Monarchy and Liberty throughout the world to make known to the various Ambassadors, Consuls, and Representatives of the Government of the Grand Duchy your support for the Grand Duke.

Bo Register, Marquess of Mobile, Baron Von Servers of Fayette,
Her Majesty's Governor-General in and for the Dominion of British West Florida
in Service to The Dominion of British West Florida

Governor-General calls on the United Nations to Act.

Statement on Current Eritrea and Djibouti Border Conflict

Date: October 25, 2008 03:12PM

As tensions mount in the border area between Eritrea and Djibouti we call upon the United Nations to take those steps needed to ensure the peaceful maintenance of existing borders.

Previous calls for the withdrawal of Eritrea's Armed Forces by the United Nations have been unheeded, and we suggest that perhaps now is the time for something more than mere words from the United Nations.

The disingenuous of the Eritrean government's claims in regard to the matter increases our concern.

We are encouraged by the efforts of the government of France to restore peaceful interaction among the nations in that area.

Should the United Nations fail to provide a means for peaceful resolution of this dispute it will have again demonstrated its uselessness as a peacekeeping organization, and provided yet another reason why nations should not look upon it as any other than a rather expensive debating club.

Bo Register, Marquess of Mobile, Baron Von Servers of Fayette,
Her Majesty's Governor-General in and for the Dominion of British West Florida
in Service to The Dominion of British West Florida