Senate Resolution No. 3793

BY: Senator HAMILTON

COMMEMORATING the 39th Anniversary of the
Independence of Saint 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-honored traditions, it is the intent of this Legislative Body to
commemorate the 39th Anniversary of the Independence of Saint Lucia;
this auspicious milestone will be celebrated with a month-long calendar
of Independence 39 activities, culminating with a Gala on Saturday,
February 24, 2018, at Glenn Terrace, Brooklyn, New York; and

WHEREAS, The people of this great State and Nation and Saint Lucia
enjoy a deep and abiding relationship rooted in kinship and culture; and

WHEREAS, Saint 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
officially 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 Flag of Saint Lucia represents fidelity, the prevailing
sunshine and prosperity, the values in which the honorable and diverse
people who hail from this nation embody; furthermore, the triangle is
reminiscent of the island's famous twin Pitons at Soufriere, rising
sheer out of the sea towards the sky, a symbol of the hope and
aspirations of the people; and

WHEREAS, The 39th Anniversary of Saint 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 Saint Lucian history
and traditions, and of the role Saint 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 39th Anniversary of the Independence of Saint Lucia.