07-R007

2007 -- H 5004

Enacted 01/09/07

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

OPPOSING THE CLOSING OF THE PORTUGUESE CONSULATE IN THE CITY OF PROVIDENCE

Introduced By: Representatives Melo, Silva, Amaral, Rose, and San Bento

Date Introduced: January 03, 2007

     WHEREAS, This Rhode Island General Assembly respectfully expresses its opposition

to the plans by Portugal to close its Portuguese Consulate in the City of Providence. For many

years the Consulate has provided a valuable service to the large Rhode Island Portuguese

community for a relatively small amount of money; and

     WHEREAS, Rhode Island's large and significant Portuguese population has made

substantial contributions to all aspects of the state's history as well as being valuable contributors

to Rhode Island's rich cultural diversity; and

     WHEREAS, Although the smallest state in the union, Rhode Island has the largest

population of residents with Portuguese ancestry. There are 26,000 registered Portuguese citizens

in the Consulate; and

     WHEREAS, In the event of the Consulate closing in the City of Providence, most people

will have to drive more than 60 miles, and navigate through complicated Boston streets in order

to take care of their Consulate services; now, therefore be it

     RESOLVED, That this General Assembly of the State of Rhode Island and Providence

Plantations hereby respectfully expresses its opposition to the plans to close the Portuguese

Consulate in the City of Providence; 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 President Anibal Cavaco Silva of Portugal.

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LC00281

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