Assembly Resolution No. 1066

BY: M. of A. Cunningham

MEMORIALIZING Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim
February 7, 2024, as St. Vincent Flag Day in the
State of New York

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body, in keeping with
its time-honored traditions, to recognize and pay tribute to those
official days which are set aside to foster ethnic pride and enhance the
profile of cultural diversity which strengthens the fabric of the
communities of New York State; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, it is the intent of this
Legislative Body to memorialize Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim
February 7, 2024, as St. Vincent Flag Day in the State of New York; and

WHEREAS, St. Vincent Flag Day celebrates the rich culture of Saint
Vincent and the Grenadines and its people, including the history,
language, arts, food, music, and traditions; and

WHEREAS, The purpose of the day is to raise awareness and
understanding about the Saint Vincentian culture, celebrate the
independence of Saint Vincent, as well as to strengthen the pride of
Saint Vincentians and their youth; and

WHEREAS, St. Vincent and the Grenadines gained Independence from the
United Kingdom on October 27, 1979, and adopted their flag on October
22, 1985; the blue represents the sky and sea; the gold is for warmth,
the bright spirit of the people and the golden sands of the Grenadines;
the green represents the lush vegetation of St. Vincent's agriculture
and the enduring vitality of the people; and

WHEREAS, There is a significant Vincentian diaspora in Brooklyn, New
York; Vincentians have lived in the New York area since the 1900s, some
of whom came to the United States after working on the Panama Canal; and

WHEREAS, Today, there are approximately 14,000 immigrants from St.
Vincent and the Grenadines living in New York City; and

WHEREAS, It is the intent of this Legislative Body to urge the
citizens of New York State to join those from Saint Vincent and the
Grenadines as they rejoice in the accomplishments of their ancestors by
memorializing February 7, 2024, as St. Vincent Flag Day; now, therefore,
be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
memorialize Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim February 7, 2024, as St.
Vincent Flag Day in the State of New York; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to The Honorable Kathy Hochul, Governor of the State of New
York.