LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commemorating the 203rd Independence Day in Ecua-
dor on August 10, 2012

WHEREAS, Ecuador enjoys a rich and diverse history dating back to as
early as 12,000 BC -- home to many advanced indigenous cultures includ-
ing the Chorrera, Jama, Coaque, Bahia, Tolita, Machalilla, Valdiva and
the Incas; and
WHEREAS, The Incas developed an advanced society until the arrival of
and subsequent conquering by the Spanish in the 1530s; and
WHEREAS, Ecuador was ruled from Lima until 1563, at which time the
Audiencia de Quito was established; and
WHEREAS, In 1739, the Audiencia was transferred back to the Viceroyal-
ity of Peru, which was part of the Viceroyality of Colombia, or Nueva
Granada; and
WHEREAS, Under Spanish rule, there was a great disparity in quality of
life between the ruling class and the indigenous people and later gener-
ations of "mestizos" -- who were treated abysmally, often stuck in a
system of forced labor; and
WHEREAS, On August 10, 1809, a revolutionary group led by Juan Pio
Montufa took over Quito and installed the first Junta, thereby estab-
lishing Peru's first post colonial government; and
WHEREAS, Some 24 days later, Spain regained control of Quito; Quito
remained under Spanish control for the next decade until Colombia's
independence was won under the leadership of Simon Bolivar, thereby
deeming Ecuador a free territory; and
WHEREAS, In 1819, the power was returned to the people of Ecuador,
though complete autonomy from Spain was not fully established until
1824, where Bolivar's army regained Quito after the decisive Battle of
Pichincha; and
WHEREAS, Many Ecuadorians have made New York their home, and this
Legislative Body is justly proud to thank the Ecuadorian people for
their contributions to this great Empire State; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commemorate the 203rd Independence Day in Ecuador on August 10, 2012;
and be it further
RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Minister Jorge Lopez , Consul General of Ecuador in New York
and the various Ecuadorian organizations in the State of New York.