Declare Garifuna Heritage Month

March 11, 2017, to April 12, 2017, as Garifuna-American Heritage Month in the State of New York 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 applaud and commemorate events which foster ethnic pride and exemplify the cultural diversity that represents and strengthens the spirit of the people and the State of New York; and WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to memorialize Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to declare March 11, 2017, to April 12, 2017, as Garifuna-American Heritage Month in the State of New York; and WHEREAS, Garifuna-American Heritage Month celebrates the great contributions of Garifuna-Americans to the fabric of New York City, and pays tribute to the common culture and bonds of friendship that united the United States and the Garifuna countries of Belize, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua; and St. Vincent and the Grenadines; and WHEREAS, Garifuna-American Heritage Month affirms the culture, identity and self-esteem of a people; it celebrates a rich heritage and illuminates Garifuna history and tradition, as well as the spirit of an indomitable people; and WHEREAS, In 1665, two Spanish ships wrecked off the coast of St. Vincent; and WHEREAS, The West African slaves that escaped to the island eventually intermarried with the Caribs and the Arawaks indigenous native people; and WHEREAS, The new race of people, known as the Garifuna, grew strong and prosperous on the island; and WHEREAS, In 1795, the Garifuna began the Second Carib War against the British; battles raged throughout St. Vincent over the next year with both sides enduring heavy losses; and WHEREAS, On June 10, 1796, the final battle commenced with the Garifuna and British, resulting in the Garifuna's surrender; and WHEREAS, The surviving Black Caribs were forcibly transferred to the neighboring island of Balliceaux; and WHEREAS, On March 11, 1797, the defeated Garifuna were loaded onto a convoy of eight vessels and transported to Roatan, Honduras, which arrived on April 12th of that year; and WHEREAS, This year we commemorate the 220th Anniversary of the Forcible Deportation of the Garifuna People by the British from St. Vincent and the Grenadines and their settlement in Central America; and WHEREAS, The Garifuna began to migrate to the United States during the 1930s; today, New York City is home to the largest Garifuna community outside of Central America; and WHEREAS, Garifuna-American Heritage Month provides an opportunity to recognize the significance of their contributions to the quality and character of life, and, through many events and activities throughout the month, for all people to gain a greater appreciation of Garifuna history and traditions, and of the role Garifuna-Americans have played, and will continue to play, in our society; and WHEREAS, Today, New Yorkers of Garifuna heritage such as Rosemary Ordonez Jenkins, Sulma Arzu-Brown, Aquina Valentin Mirtha Colon, James Lovell, Rosita Alvarez, Paula Castillo, Edson Arzu, Sara Nunez Mejia, Marcia Gomez, Evelyn Arauz Chamorro and Jose Francisco Avila, continue to recognize and honor the legacy of their ancestors; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to memorialize Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to declare March 11, 2017, to April