LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commemorating the 54th Anniversary of the Inde-
pendence of Jamaica

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 54th Anniversary of the Independence of Jamaica; and
WHEREAS, The celebration of Jamaican independence affirms the culture,
identity and self-esteem of a people; it honors a rich heritage and
illuminates Jamaican history and tradition, as well as the spirit of an
indomitable people; and
WHEREAS, The people of this great State and nation and Jamaica enjoy a
deep and abiding relationship rooted in kinship and culture, and many
New Yorkers proudly trace their own roots to Jamaica; and
WHEREAS, In the ancient past, Jamaica, West Indies, was known as
"Xaymaca" which when literally translated means Land of Wood and Water
or the Land of Springs; and
WHEREAS, Every year August 6th is celebrated as Independence Day in
Jamaica; the country acquired its independence from the British colonial
powers on August 6, 1962, after years of political subjugation; initial-
ly a Spanish territory, Jamaica was soon taken over by the British in
the 17th Century; and
WHEREAS, Jamaica was discovered by Christopher Columbus in 1494 and
proclaimed as a territory of Spain; in the 17th century, Jamaica came
under the control of the British following an expedition by General
Robert Venables and Admiral Sir William Penn; the Spanish were over-
thrown by a strong British force that established its control over the
island; and
WHEREAS, In a span of a couple of centuries, the conflict between the
colonizers and the colonized was extreme; Jamaica was made a Crown Colo-
ny on August 1, 1834, and it managed to acquire a certain degree of
political autonomy in the 1940s; and
WHEREAS, Jamaica attained its independence on August 6, 1962, and is a
member of the British Commonwealth; and
WHEREAS, The 54th Anniversary of Jamaica'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 Jamaican history and tradi-
tions, and of the role Jamaicans 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 54th Anniversary of the Independence of Jamaica.