R 085
2015 -- S 0454
Enacted 02/26/2015

S E N A T E   R E S O L U T I O N
COMMEMORATING THE 171ST ANNIVERSARY OF DOMINICAN REPUBLIC INDEPENDENCE ON FEBRUARY 27, 2015

Introduced By: Senators Pichardo, Metts, Jabour, Lombardi, and Nesselbush
Date Introduced: February 26, 2015

     WHEREAS, On February 27, the people of the Dominican Republic and all free people,
will celebrate 171 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. The Dominican Republic has accredited diplomatic missions in most Western
Hemisphere countries 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, One and a half 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 the Ocean State. The strong business ethic within
Rhode Island's Dominican community and local businesses owned by Dominican immigrants is
evidenced by their myriad contributions, greatly adding to the economic vitality of our state; and
     WHEREAS, Dominican-American community members play 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 171st Anniversary of Dominican Republic Independence on February
27, 2015, 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 hereby is authorized and directed to
transmit duly certified copies of this resolution to His Excellency President Danilo Medina, and
the Embassy of the United States Dominican Republic.
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LC001945
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