Assembly Resolution No. 1464
BY: M. of A. Forrest
COMMEMORATING the 64th 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 64th 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, The State of New York is home to one of the largest and
most vibrant Jamaican-American communities in the United States, whose
members have made enduring contributions to the economic strength,
cultural vitality, and civic life of communities throughout the State;
and
WHEREAS, Jamaican New Yorkers have distinguished themselves in every
field of endeavor, including public service, education, healthcare,
labor, business, the arts, and community leadership, thereby enriching
the social and cultural fabric of the State of New York; 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 64th 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 64th Anniversary of the Independence of Jamaica.
