08-R082
2008 -- S 2768
Enacted 02/27/08
S E N A T E R E S O L U T I O N
COMMEMORATING THE
164TH ANNIVERSARY OF DOMINICAN REPUBLIC INDEPENDENCE ON FEBRUARY 27, 2008
Introduced By: Senators
Pichardo, Metts, Issa, and Ciccone
Date Introduced: February
27, 2008
WHEREAS,
On February 27, the people of the Dominican Republic, and all free people,
will
celebrate 164 years of Dominican Independence; and
WHEREAS,
The seat of the original capital of the Spanish New World, the Dominican
Republic,
proclaims a host of American firsts: the first permanent European settlement,
the first
university,
the first church, the first cathedral, the first mass, and the first royal
court; and
WHEREAS,
The French established the colony of Haiti on the western part of the island,
and
in 1804 the slaves there revolted, achieving freedom. In 1822, the Haitians
gained control
over
the entire island for the next 22 years until 1844, when the Dominican Republic
became
liberated
from Haitian domination. On February 27, 1844, the Declaration of Independence
was
written
by Juan Pablo Duarte, Franscisco del Rosaro Sanchez and Ramon Matias Mella; and
WHEREAS,
The Dominican Republic's record for free and fair elections sets an example
for
emerging democracies the world over; and
WHEREAS,
Today, the Dominican Republic has a close relationship with the United
States
and has been supportive of many U.S. initiatives, including the fight against
trafficking in
illegal
substances; and
WHEREAS,
The Dominican Republic has accredited diplomatic missions in most of the
countries
in the Western Hemisphere and in principal European capitals, and belongs to
many
world
organizations, including the United Nations, the World Bank, the International
Labor
Organization,
the International Atomic Energy Agency, the International Civil Aviation
Organization,
and the Inter-American Development Bank; and
WHEREAS,
Over one million Dominicans now reside in the United States and are an
important
element in the special relationship between the two countries. Rhode Island's
Dominicans
number among the state's smaller ethnic groups but the community imparts a rich
history
and vitality through their presence in Rhode Island. The strong business ethic
within
Rhode
Island's Dominican community and local businesses owned by Dominican immigrants
are
evidenced
by their myriad contributions, greatly adding to the economic vitality of our
state; and
WHEREAS,
The Dominican-American community plays another essential role through
their
representation in the United States Armed Services. Many Dominican-Americans
have made
the
ultimate sacrifice, giving their lives defending America's liberty, security,
and freedoms; now,
therefore
be it
RESOLVED,
That this Senate of the State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations
hereby
commemorates the 164th Anniversary of Dominican Republic Independence on
February
27,
2008, and proudly recognizes the significant contributions that Dominicans have
made to the
State
of Rhode Island and the United States; and be it further
RESOLVED,
That the Secretary of State be and he hereby is authorized and directed to
transmit
a duly certified copy of this resolution to His Excellency President Leonel
Fernandez
Reyna.
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LC02359
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