LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION celebrating the 50th Anniversary of the Independ-
ence of Trinidad and Tobago

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to celebrate histor-
ical events which exemplify the spirit and struggle of peoples through-
out the world to achieve independence and live in peace and freedom; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in keeping with its time-ho-
nored traditions, it is the intent of this Legislative Body to celebrate
the 50th Anniversary of the Independence of Trinidad and Tobago; and
WHEREAS, The celebration of Trinidad and Tobago's independence affirms
the culture, identity and self-esteem of a people; it honors a rich
heritage and illuminates Trinidad and Tobago's history and tradition, as
well as the spirit of an indomitable people; and
WHEREAS, The people of this great State and nation and Trinidad and
Tobago enjoy a deep and abiding relationship rooted in kinship and
culture, and many New Yorkers proudly trace their own roots to Trinidad
and Tobago; and
WHEREAS, Trinidad and Tobago were one of those countries in the Brit-
ish colony that became a part of the post war, decolonization process;
the country was granted their independence on August 31, 1962; and
WHEREAS, Christopher Columbus discovered Trinidad in 1498, and the
country became a colony of Spain; Tobago was first invaded by the Dutch
and later saw the French invasion with Spain as its ally; and
WHEREAS, Later, British colonists settled in Trinidad in 1802, and in
Tobago in 1814; it was in 1888 that both Trinidad and Tobago were made a
single entity; this country was prone to colonization because of its
rich minerals and crude oil; and
WHEREAS, However, this country's history of so many nations trying to
colonize its inhabitants had taken a toll on its original inhabitants;
the independence of Trinidad and Tobago brought a sigh of relief to its
native people; and
WHEREAS, Trinidad and Tobago consists of two main islands, along with
their small neighboring islands; its location is just north of the
Orinoco River delta in Venezuela; and
WHEREAS, The islands also have a significant tourist industry where
agriculture employs a smaller proportion of the population than industry
and services; its agricultural products, include cocoa, rice, coffee,
citrus fruit, and flowers, and its main trading partners are the United
States, Jamaica, and Brazil; and
WHEREAS, The 50th Anniversary of Trinidad and Tobago's Independence
provides an opportunity to recognize the significance of their contrib-
utions to the quality and character of life, and, through events and
activities, for all people to gain a greater appreciation of Trinidad
and Tobago's history and traditions, and of the role Trinidadians 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
celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the Independence of Trinidad and Toba-
go.