Commemorating the 64th Anniversary of the Independence of Jamaica

Assembly Resolution No. 1464

BY: M. of A. Forrest

        COMMEMORATING   the   64th   Anniversary   of  the
        Independence of Jamaica

  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 64th Anniversary of the Independence of Jamaica; and

  WHEREAS,  The  celebration  of  Jamaican  independence  affirms  the
culture, identity and self-esteem of a people; it honors a rich heritage
and illuminates Jamaican history and tradition, as well as the spirit of
an indomitable people; and

  WHEREAS, The people of this great State and Nation and Jamaica enjoy
a deep and abiding relationship rooted in kinship and culture, and  many
New Yorkers proudly trace their own roots to Jamaica; and

  WHEREAS,  The  State  of  New York is home to one of the largest and
most vibrant Jamaican-American communities in the United  States,  whose
members  have  made  enduring  contributions  to  the economic strength,
cultural vitality, and civic life of communities throughout  the  State;
and

  WHEREAS, Jamaican New Yorkers have distinguished themselves in every
field  of  endeavor,  including  public  service, education, healthcare,
labor, business, the arts, and community leadership,  thereby  enriching
the social and cultural fabric of the State of New York; and

  WHEREAS,  In  the  ancient  past, Jamaica, West Indies, was known as
"Xaymaca" which when literally translated means Land of Wood  and  Water
or the Land of Springs; and

  WHEREAS,  Every year August 6th is celebrated as Independence Day in
Jamaica; the country acquired its independence from the British colonial
powers  on  August  6,  1962,  after  years  of  political  subjugation;
initially  a  Spanish  territory,  Jamaica  was  soon  taken over by the
British in the 17th Century; and

  WHEREAS, Jamaica was discovered by Christopher Columbus in 1494  and
proclaimed  as  a  territory of Spain; in the 17th Century, Jamaica came
under the control of the British  following  an  expedition  by  General
Robert   Venables  and  Admiral  Sir  William  Penn;  the  Spanish  were
over-thrown by a strong British force that established its control  over
the island; and

  WHEREAS,  In  a  span of a couple of centuries, the conflict between
the colonizers and the colonized was extreme; Jamaica was made  a  Crown
Colony  on August 1, 1834, and it managed to acquire a certain degree of
political autonomy in the 1940s; and


  WHEREAS, Jamaica attained its independence on August 6, 1962, and is
a member of the British Commonwealth; and

  WHEREAS,  The 64th Anniversary of Jamaica'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  Jamaican  history  and
traditions,  and of the role Jamaicans 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 64th Anniversary of the Independence of Jamaica.