WHEREAS, On February 27, the people of the Dominican Republic and all free people, will celebrate 170 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 House of Representatives of the State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations hereby commemorates the 170th Anniversary of Dominican Republic Independence on February 27, 2014, 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 a duly certified copy of this resolution to His Excellency President Danilo Medina.