Honor Saint Lucia Independence

Senate Resolution No. 3793 BY: Senator HAMILTON COMMEMORATING the 39th Anniversary of the Independence of Saint Lucia WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize and pay just tribute to the cultural heritage of the ethnic groups which comprise and contribute to the richness and diversity of the community of the State of New York; and WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in keeping with its time-honored traditions, it is the intent of this Legislative Body to commemorate the 39th Anniversary of the Independence of Saint Lucia; this auspicious milestone will be celebrated with a month-long calendar of Independence 39 activities, culminating with a Gala on Saturday,

February 24, 2018, at Glenn Terrace, Brooklyn, New York; and WHEREAS, The people of this great State and Nation and Saint Lucia enjoy a deep and abiding relationship rooted in kinship and culture; and WHEREAS, Saint Lucia, a small island country in the Caribbean Sea, hosts its Independence Day every year on February 22nd; and WHEREAS, On February 22, 1979, Saint Lucia became a fully independent state; it was first discovered by Europeans circa the 15th or 16th Century; the first European settlers on the island were the Dutch; and WHEREAS, In the 17th Century, both the French and the English officially claimed Saint Lucia; from 1674 to 1814, political control over the island passed from hand to hand several times, until the British acquired it permanently; and WHEREAS, Saint Lucia belonged to the Federal Colony of the Windward Islands along with other Caribbean islands; in 1958, Saint Lucia, along with other former Caribbean colonies, became part of the West Indies Federation, a semi-autonomous political union created by the United Kingdom; and WHEREAS, In 1967, it became an associated state of the UK; Saint Lucia had full control for internal issues, but its defense responsibilities and external affairs were left to the UK; association with the United Kingdom was an interim arrangement that ended on

February 22, 1979; and WHEREAS, The Flag of Saint Lucia represents fidelity, the prevailing sunshine and prosperity, the values in which the honorable and diverse people who hail from this nation embody; furthermore, the triangle is reminiscent of the island's famous twin Pitons at Soufriere, rising sheer out of the sea towards the sky, a symbol of the hope and aspirations of the people; and WHEREAS, The 39th Anniversary of Saint Lucia's Independence provides an opportunity to recognize the significance of their contributions to the quality and character of life, and, through events and activities, for all people to gain a greater appreciation of Saint Lucian history and traditions, and of the role Saint Lucians have played, and will continue to play, in our society; and WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is pleased to have this opportunity to recognize such events of significance which foster ethnic pride and exemplify the cultural diversity that represents and strengthens the fabric of the people and the State of New York; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to commemorate the 39th Anniversary of the Independence of Saint Lucia.