04-R 086

2004 -- S 2851

Enacted 02/11/04

S E N A T E R E S O L U T I O N

COMMEMORATING THE 160TH ANNIVERSARY OF DOMINICAN REPUBLIC

INDEPENDENCE ON FEBRUARY 27, 2004

Introduced By: Senators Pichardo, and Paiva-Weed

Date Introduced: February 11, 2004

     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 the slaves there revolted, achieving freedom in 1804. 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 Durate, Francisco del Rosaro Sanchez and Ramon Matias Mella; 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 Developmental Bank; and

     WHEREAS, The over one million Dominicans who now reside in the United States 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 the myriad of contributions greatly adding to the economic vitality of our state; and

     WHEREAS, The Dominican-American community has played 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 160th Anniversary of Dominican Republic Independence on February

27, 2004 and proudly recognizes the significant contributions that Dominicans have made to the

State of Rhode Island and the United States.

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