09-R068

2009 -- H 5692

Enacted 02/25/09

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

COMMEMORATING THE 165TH ANNIVERSARY OF DOMINICAN REPUBLIC

INDEPENDENCE ON FEBRUARY 27, 2009

Introduced By: Representatives Diaz, Slater, Segal, Almeida, and Fox

Date Introduced: February 25, 2009

     WHEREAS, On February 27, the people of the Dominican Republic, and all free people,

will celebrate 165 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 House of Representatives of the State of Rhode Island and

Providence Plantations hereby commemorates the 165th Anniversary of Dominican Republic

Independence on February 27, 2009, 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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LC02074

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