Senate Resolution No. 2393

BY: Senator CARLUCCI

MEMORIALIZING the 10th Anniversary of the Haiti
Earthquake, January 12, 2010

WHEREAS, This Legislative Body recognizes the epic devastation
caused by the Haiti Earthquake, and the far-reaching loss of life and
damage that was sustained by the victims of this tragedy; and

WHEREAS, On January 12, 2010, a magnitude 7.0 earthquake hit Haiti,
on the island of Hispaniola, near Leogane, 16 miles west of the capital,
Port-Au-Prince; and

WHEREAS, In its aftermath, it was estimated that 250,000 people
died, about 300,000 were injured, and five million were initially
displaced as a result of the devastation; and

WHEREAS, Furthermore, nearly 4,000 schools were damaged or
destroyed, and, at the time of the earthquake, 70 percent of the
population lived below the poverty line; and

WHEREAS, A cholera outbreak struck Haiti in the wake of
reconstruction and humanitarian efforts, contributing to thousands of
deaths as well as countless more being infected; and

WHEREAS, Unfortunately, Haiti has not been immune to further natural
disasters; in 2012, Hurricane Isaac and Hurricane Sandy caused
significant damage and flooding to an already devastated country; more
than 400,000 citizens were forced to live under tents and tarps and, in
2016, Hurricane Matthew caused further destruction and displacement; and

WHEREAS, While progress has been made in the 10 years since the
horrific catastrophe, circumstances of the earthquake continue to plague
the country, such as weak political governance, lack of infrastructure,
and limited access to basic resources; and

WHEREAS, The United States has a population of nearly 1 million
citizens of Haitian nationality, with approximately 200,000 Haitians
residing in the State of New York; and

WHEREAS, The State of New York is greatly enriched by the culture,
traditions, and contributions of the many Haitian Americans now living
in our great Empire State, many of whom immediately made their way home
to search for family members and aid in rescue and relief efforts; and

WHEREAS, Under the luminous direction of Renold Julien, Konbit Neg
Lakay Inc. is a well-respected Haitian non-profit community organization
established in Rockland County, New York; founded in 1987 for the
purpose of assisting the county's rising Haitian community as well as
raise awareness and appreciation of the Haitian culture and promoting
understanding among all communities within the county; and

WHEREAS, Esteemed organizations such as Konbit Neg Lakay Inc. shows
the commitment this great Empire State has for assisting and rebuilding
the Haitian community both home and abroad; and


WHEREAS, It is appropriate to pause in order to reflect on this
disaster, to profoundly mourn the tragic loss of life and livelihood,
and to applaud all those who have offered, and will continue to offer
aid and support to Haiti which will be needed, not only today, but for
many years to come; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
memorialize the 10th Anniversary of the Haiti Earthquake, January 12,
2010; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Renold Julien, President/Executive Director, Konbit Neg
Lakay Inc.