Assembly Resolution No. 185

BY: M. of A. Reyes

MEMORIALIZING Governor Kathy Hochul to declare
March 11, 2023, to April 12, 2023, as
Garifuna-American Heritage Month in the State of New
York

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
applaud and commemorate events which foster ethnic pride and exemplify
the cultural diversity that represents and strengthens the spirit of the
people and the State of New York; and

WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to memorialize
Governor Kathy Hochul to declare March 11, 2023, to April 12, 2023, as
Garifuna-American Heritage Month in the State of New York; and

WHEREAS, Garifuna-American Heritage Month celebrates the great
contributions of Garifuna-Americans to the fabric of New York City, and
pays tribute to the common culture and bonds of friendship that unite
the United States and the Garifuna countries of Belize, Guatemala,
Honduras, Nicaragua, and St. Vincent and the Grenadines; and

WHEREAS, Garifuna-American Heritage Month affirms the culture,
identity and self-esteem of a people; it celebrates a rich heritage and
illuminates Garifuna history and tradition, as well as the spirit of an
indomitable people; and

WHEREAS, In 1665, two Spanish ships wrecked off the coast of St.
Vincent; and

WHEREAS, The West African slaves that escaped to the island
eventually intermarried with the Caribs and the Arawaks indigenous
native people; and

WHEREAS, The new race of people, known as the Garifuna, grew strong
and prosperous on the island; and

WHEREAS, In 1795, the Garifuna began the Second Carib War against
the British; battles raged throughout St. Vincent over the next year
with both sides enduring heavy losses; and

WHEREAS, On June 10, 1796, the final battle commenced with the
Garifuna and British, resulting in the Garifuna's surrender; and

WHEREAS, The surviving Black Caribs were forcibly deported to the
neighboring island of Balliceaux; and

WHEREAS, On March 11, 1797, the defeated Garifuna were loaded onto a
convoy of eight vessels and transported to Roatan, Honduras, where they

arrived on April 12th of that year; this resulted in permanent Garifuna
Family Separation; and

WHEREAS, This year we commemorate the 226th Anniversary of the
Forcible Deportation of the Garifuna People by the British from St.
Vincent and the Grenadines and their settlement in Central America; and

WHEREAS, The Garifuna began to migrate to the United States during
the 1930s; today, New York City is home to the largest Garifuna
community outside of Central America; and

WHEREAS, Garifuna-American Heritage Month provides an opportunity to
celebrate the Garifuna family reunification and recognize the
significance of Garifuna's contributions to the quality and character of
life of New York State, through many events and activities throughout
the month, for all people to gain a greater appreciation of Garifuna
history and traditions, and of the role Garifuna-Americans have played,
and will continue to play, in New York's society; and

WHEREAS, Today, New Yorkers of Garifuna heritage such as Marsena
Balantine, Jemma Lewis, Sara Nunez Mejia, Rosemary Ordonez-Jenkins,
Sulma Arzu-Brown, Aquina Valentin Mirtha Colon, James Lovell, Rosita
Alvarez, Paula Castillo, Marcia Gomez, Evelyn Arauz Chamorro and Jose
Francisco Avila continue to recognize and honor the legacy of their
ancestors; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
memorialize Governor Kathy Hochul to declare March 11, 2023, to April
12, 2023, as Garifuna-American Heritage Month in the State of New York;
and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to The Honorable Kathy Hochul, Governor of the State of New
York.