Honor Juan Pablo Duarte Day

January 26, 2019, as the 206th Anniversary of Juan Pablo Duarte Day in the State of New York, and commemorating the 175th Anniversary of the Independence of the Dominican Republic to be celebrated on February 27, 2019 WHEREAS, The people of the Dominican Republic acquired autonomy and sovereignty on the 27th day of February 1844; and WHEREAS, The Island of Quisqueya, the indigenous name for what later became the island of Hispaniola, was the cradle of thinking and advancement in the western hemisphere, establishing the first university and cathedral of the New World; and WHEREAS, On the 26th day of January 1813, Juan Pablo Duarte, the founding father of the Dominican Republic, was born; and WHEREAS, During the month of January 2019, Dominicans will celebrate the 206th Anniversary of Juan Pablo Duarte's birth; and WHEREAS, Juan Pablo Duarte, along with Francisco Del Rosario Sanchez and Ramon Matias Melia, formed La Trinitaria, a secret organization that initiated the movement for the independence of the Dominican Republic; and WHEREAS, During the month of February 2019, Dominican Nationals and Dominican Americans from throughout the Dominican Republic and the United States will celebrate the independence of the Dominican Republic; and WHEREAS, Each year, this auspicious occasion is celebrated and provides an opportunity for all people to reflect upon the rich history of the Dominican Republic and the many contributions of Latin Americans to our country as well as the world; and WHEREAS, Since the 27th day of February 1966, the Instituto Duartiano, Inc. in New York City, has promoted the memory and accomplishments of Juan Pablo Duarte; and WHEREAS, The Instituto Duartiano is an organization that is dedicated to maintaining and keeping alive the life and history of Juan Pablo Duarte, the liberator and founder of the Dominican Republic; and WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize the great contributions which Dominicans have brought to our State and Nation; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to memorialize Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim January 26, 2019, as Juan Pablo Duarte Day in the State of New York; in recognition of this auspicious occasion, the members of the Instituto Duartiano will visit Albany, New York, on Monday, February 11, 2019; and be it further RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to The Honorable Andrew M. Cuomo, Governor of the State of New York; and Miguel Estrella, President of the Instituto Duartiano de los Estados Unidos.