SENATE RESOLUTION COMMEMORATING THE 182ND ANNIVERSARY OF DOMINICAN REPUBLIC INDEPENDENCE ON FEBRUARY 27, 2026

S2637

2026 -- S 2637
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STATE OF RHODE ISLAND
IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY
JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2026
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S E N A T E R E S O L U T I O N
COMMEMORATING THE 182ND ANNIVERSARY OF DOMINICAN REPUBLIC
INDEPENDENCE ON FEBRUARY 27, 2026

Introduced By:
Senators Quezada, Appollonio, Euer, Dimitri, Raptakis, Famiglietti,
DiPalma, Burke, Lauria, and Rogers

Date Introduced:
February 26, 2026

Referred To:
Recommended for Immediate Consideration
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WHEREAS, It is the tradition and practice of this legislative body to commemorate
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historical events which exemplify the diversity, spirit, and struggle of the people in Rhode Island
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and throughout the world that have achieved independence and live in peace and freedom; and
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WHEREAS, The people of the Dominican Republic acquired their independence from
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Spain on February 27, 1844; and
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WHEREAS, Each year, this auspicious occasion is celebrated and provides an
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opportunity for all people to reflect upon the rich history of the Dominican Republic and the
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many contributions of Latin Americans to our country as well as the world; and
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WHEREAS, February 27th has been designated as Dominican Independence Day in the
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State of Rhode Island; and
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WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize the great contributions
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which Dominicans have brought to our State and our nation; and
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WHEREAS, On February 27th, the people of the Dominican Republic, and all free
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people, will celebrate 182 years of Dominican Independence; and
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WHEREAS, The seat of the original capital of the Spanish New World, the Dominican
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Republic, proclaims a host of New World firsts: the first permanent European settlement, the first
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university, the first church, the first cathedral, the first mass, and the first royal court; and
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WHEREAS, On February 27, 1844, the Declaration of Independence was written by Juan
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Pablo Duarte, Franscisco del Rosaro Sanchez and Ramon Matias Mella; and

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WHEREAS, The Dominican Republic's record for free and fair elections sets an example
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for emerging democracies the world over; and
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WHEREAS, Today, the Dominican Republic has a close relationship with the United
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States and has been supportive of many U.S. initiatives. The Dominican Republic has accredited
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diplomatic missions in most of the countries in the Western Hemisphere and in principal
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European capitals, and belongs to many world organizations, including the United Nations, the
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World Bank, the International Labor Organization, the International Atomic Energy Agency, the
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International Civil Aviation Organization, and the Inter-American Development Bank; and
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WHEREAS, The approximately 2.7 million Dominicans now residing in the United
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States are an important element in the special relationship between the two countries. Rhode
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Island's Dominicans number around 54,000 and are among the State's smaller ethnic groups but
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the community imparts a rich history and vitality through their presence in our Ocean State. The
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strong civic participation and business ethic within Rhode Island's Dominican community, and
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local businesses owned by Dominican immigrants, are evidenced by their myriad contributions,
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greatly adding to the economic vitality of our State; and
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WHEREAS, This Senate also acknowledges the leadership of Neicy Narcisa Coderre, the
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first elected Dominican-American and first Dominican woman to serve on the Pawtucket City
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Council, whose service demonstrates leadership and civic engagement in the community,
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reflecting the growing participation and representation of Dominican-Americans in Rhode Island;
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and
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WHEREAS, The Dominican-American community plays another essential role through
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their representation in the United States Armed Services. Many Dominican-Americans have made
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the ultimate sacrifice, giving their lives defending America's liberty, security, and freedoms; now,
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therefore be it
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RESOLVED, That this Senate of the State of Rhode Island hereby commemorates the
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182nd Anniversary of Dominican Republic Independence on February 27, 2026, and proudly
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recognizes the significant contributions that Dominicans have made to the State of Rhode Island
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and the United States; and be it further
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RESOLVED, That the Secretary of State be and hereby is authorized and directed to
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transmit duly certified copies of this resolution to His Excellency President Luis Rodolfo
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Abinader Corona, Her Excellency Vice President Raquel Peña Rodriguez de Antuña, and to the
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Dominican-American Association.
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