LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commemorating 195 years of Guatemala's Independ-
ence from Spain on September 15, 2016

WHEREAS, Guatemala sits at the heart of what was the Mayan civilization
until 1523, when the Spanish conquistadores arrived and began colonizing
the new world; and
WHEREAS, Guatemala became a large producer of tobacco, sugar cane,
cocoa and agave products harvested and prepared for export by the
enslaved Mayans and Africans; and
WHEREAS, The first colonial capital, Ciudad Vieja, was ruined by
floods and an earthquake in 1542; survivors founded Antigua, the second
capital, in 1543; and
WHEREAS, Antigua was destroyed by two earthquakes in 1773; the
remnants of its Spanish colonial architecture have been preserved as a
national monument; the third capital, Guatemala City, was founded in
1776; and
WHEREAS, Guatemala was a Spanish colony for nearly 300 years, before
gaining its independence on September 15, 1821; and
WHEREAS, Guatemala was quickly annexed by Mexico until July of 1823,
when it joined the United Provinces of Central America until a civil war
lasting from 1838-1840 tore the nations apart; and
WHEREAS, Guatemala's Rafael Carrera was instrumental in leading the
revolt against the federal government and breaking apart the Union and
thus was President of Guatemala on two occasions; and
WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to honor and thank the
many Guatemalans and Guatemalan-Americans who have come to New York in
pursuit of a better life and have made so many contributions to our
State; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commemorate 195 years of Guatemala's Independence from Spain on Septem-
ber 15, 2016; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Myriam De la Roca, Consul General of Guatemala.