LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commemorating the 35th Anniversary of the Inde-
pendence of Antigua and Barbuda

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-ho-
nored traditions, it is the intent of this Legislative Body to commem-
orate the 35th Anniversary of the Independence of Antigua and Barbuda;
and
WHEREAS, The people of this great State and nation and Antigua and
Barbuda enjoy a deep and abiding relationship rooted in kinship and
culture; and
WHEREAS, Antigua and Barbuda's Independence Day is celebrated on
November 1st of every year; and
WHEREAS, Antigua and Barbuda is a small island country in the Northern
Leeward Islands of the Caribbean Sea; the country consists of three
islands, Antigua, Barbuda and Redonda, with an estimated population of
around 80,000 inhabitants; and
WHEREAS, Antigua and Barbuda's main economy is tourism; natives are
known for their strong skills of arts and crafts; and
WHEREAS, The majority of the population are descendants of African
slaves who were brought to grow sugar cane and tobacco on the island in
the colonial era - such as the British in the 17th century; and
WHEREAS, In 1493, it is said the island of Antigua was sighted by
Christopher Columbus and named after a Spanish church in Seville; it was
not until 1632 when the British colonized Antigua, Barbuda was colonized
29 years later; and
WHEREAS, In 1967, the three islands of Antigua, Barbuda, and Redonda
became dependencies; as associated States of the Commonwealth, they
achieved full independence within the Commonwealth in 1981; and
WHEREAS, The 35th Anniversary of Antigua and Barbuda's Independence
provides an opportunity to recognize the significance of its contrib-
utions to the quality and character of life, and, through events and
activities, for all people to gain a greater appreciation of its history
and traditions, and of the role it has 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 35th Anniversary of the Independence of Antigua and
Barbuda.