Senate Resolution No. 5573

BY: Senator PERALTA

COMMEMORATING the 209th Independence Day in
Ecuador on August 10, 2018

WHEREAS, Ecuador enjoys a rich and diverse history dating back to as
early as 12,000 BC -- home to many advanced indigenous cultures
including 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
Viceroyality 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
generations 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
establishing 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 209th Independence Day in Ecuador on August 10, 2018;
and be it further

RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Linda Machuca Moscoso, Consul General of Ecuador in New
York and the various Ecuadorian organizations in the State of New York.