05-R 352

2005 -- H 6648

Enacted 06/28/05

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

CELEBRATING JULY 5, 2005 AS "CAPE VERDEAN INDEPENDENCE DAY" IN THE

STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

Introduced By: Representatives O`Neill, Fox, Kilmartin, Faria, and Lewiss

Date Introduced: June 28, 2005

     WHEREAS, The Cape Verde Islands, located about 50 miles off the coast of Africa,

were discovered in 1460 by Antonio and Bartolomeo DiNoli. These two Italian navigators

claimed the land in the name of Portugal; and

     WHEREAS, Cape Verdeans developed as a mix of Africans, Portuguese and other

Europeans who voyaged to the islands. Slave trading was active as were attacks on the island's

settlements from many of the world's countries. Devastating cycles of drought and starvation

resulted in the deaths of up to half the total population of the islands; and

     WHEREAS, The Cape Verde Islands are composed of endless beaches, soaring

mountains and stark desert terrain. The Cape Verdean people endured and survived perennial

economic hardship, colonial neglect and centuries of foreign domination. The centuries of

hardships have produced a resourceful and resilient people who dearly love their island home;

and

     WHEREAS, In 1975, Portugal granted independence to the ten islands of Cape Verde.

The Cape Verdean people's dream of freedom and autonomy were realized and the country now

stands as an independent republic; and

     WHEREAS, In Rhode Island, many citizens of Cape Verde descent gather at India Point

Park to celebrate the Independence of their native land. It is proper and desirable to celebrate

with the Cape Verdean people and to reaffirm the democratic principles from which our two great

nations were born; now, therefore be it

     RESOLVED, That this House of Representatives of the State of Rhode Island and

Providence Plantations hereby commemorates the 30th Anniversary of Cape Verde Independence

and celebrates July 5, 2005 as "Cape Verde Independence Day" in the State of Rhode Island; and

be it further

     RESOLVED, That this House proudly recognizes the significant contributions that Cape

Verdeans have made to the United States and the State of Rhode Island; 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 the Prime Minister of the Republic of Cape

Verde.

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LC03609

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