LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commemorating the 37th Anniversary of the Inde-
pendence of St. 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-ho-
nored traditions, it is the intent of this Legislative Body to commem-
orate the 37th Anniversary of the Independence of St. Lucia; and
WHEREAS, The people of this great State and Nation and St. Lucia enjoy
a deep and abiding relationship rooted in kinship and culture; and
WHEREAS, St. 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 offi-
cially 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 37th Anniversary of St. 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 St. Lucian history and
traditions, and of the role St. 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 37th Anniversary of the Independence of St. Lucia.