2025 -- S 0371
========
LC000662
========
S T A T E O F R H O D E I S L A N D
IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY
JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2025
____________
S E N A T E R E S O L U T I O N
COMMEMORATING THE 181ST ANNIVERSARY OF DOMINICAN REPUBLIC
INDEPENDENCE ON FEBR UARY 27, 2025
Introduced By: Senators Quezada, Acosta, and Bell
Date Introduced: February 25, 2025
Referred To: Recommended for Immediate Consideration
WHEREAS, It is the tradition and practice of this legislative body to commemorate 1
historical events which exemplify the diversity, spirit, and struggle of the people in Rhode Island 2
and throughout the world that have achieved independence and live in peace and freedom; and 3
WHEREAS, The people of the Dominican Republic acquired their independence from 4
Spain on February 27, 1844; and 5
WHEREAS, Each year, this auspicious occasion is celebrated and provides an 6
opportunity for all people to reflect upon the rich history of the Dominican Republic and the 7
many contributions of Latin Americans to our country as well as the world; and 8
WHEREAS, February 27
th
has been designated as Dominican Independence Day in the 9
State of Rhode Island; and 10
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize the great contributions 11
which Dominicans have brought to our State and our nation; and 12
WHEREAS, On February 27
th
, the people of the Dominican Republic, and all free 13
people, will celebrate 181 years of Dominican Independence; and 14
WHEREAS, The seat of the original capital of the Spanish New World, the Dominican 15
Republic, proclaims a host of American firsts: the first permanent European settlement, the first 16
university, the first church, the first cathedral, the first mass, and the first royal court; and 17
WHEREAS, On February 27, 1844, the Declaration of Independence was written by Juan 18
Pablo Duarte, Franscisco del Rosaro Sanchez and Ramon Matias Mella; and 19
LC000662 - Page 2 of 2
WHEREAS, The Dominican Republic's record for free and fair elections sets an example 1
for emerging democracies the world over; and 2
WHEREAS, Today, the Dominican Republic has a close relationship with the United 3
States and has been supportive of many U.S. initiatives. The Dominican Republic has accredited 4
diplomatic missions in most of the countries in the Western Hemisphere and in principal 5
European capitals, and belongs to many world organizations, including the United Nations, the 6
World Bank, the International Labor Organization, the International Atomic Energy Agency, the 7
International Civil Aviation Organization, and the Inter-American Development Bank; and 8
WHEREAS, The approximately 2.4 million Dominicans now residing in the United 9
States are an important element in the special relationship between the two countries. Rhode 10
Island's Dominicans number around 54,000 and are among the State's smaller ethnic groups but 11
the community imparts a rich history and vitality through their presence in our Ocean State. The 12
strong civic participation and business ethic within Rhode Island's Dominican community, and 13
local businesses owned by Dominican immigrants, are evidenced by their myriad contributions, 14
greatly adding to the economic vitality of our State; and 15
WHEREAS, The Dominican-American community plays another essential role through 16
their representation in the United States Armed Services. Many Dominican-Americans have made 17
the ultimate sacrifice, giving their lives defending America's liberty, security, and freedoms; now, 18
therefore be it 19
RESOLVED, That this Senate of the State of Rhode Island hereby commemorates the 20
181
st
Anniversary of Dominican Republic Independence on February 27, 2025, and proudly 21
recognizes the significant contributions that Dominicans have made to the State of Rhode Island 22
and the United States; and be it further 23
RESOLVED, That the Secretary of State be and hereby is authorized and directed to 24
transmit duly certified copies of this resolution to His Excellency President Luis Abinader, Her 25
Excellency Vice President Raquel Peña de Antuña, and to the Dominican-American Association. 26
========
LC000662
========