Senate Resolution No. 776

BY: Senator COMRIE

COMMEMORATING the 61st 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 61st 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, 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 61st 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 61st Anniversary of the Independence of Jamaica.