SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 538
WHEREAS, The Senate of the State of Texas takes pleasure in
paying tribute to the Greater Houston Garifuna-American
Partnership and in recognizing March 14, 2013, as Joseph Chatoyer
Day in Texas; and
WHEREAS, Joseph Chatoyer was a revered chief of the Garifuna
tribe, which hails from the Caribbean regions of Saint Vincent and
the Grenadines, Guatemala, Belize, and Nicaragua; and
WHEREAS, This legendary warrior led his people in a
revolt against the British colonial government when it held
control over much of the Caribbean; Chief Chatoyer died on
March 14, 1795, fighting to liberate his people; he is a
national hero of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, and his
historical importance is recognized by Garifuna Americans
across this state and nation; and
WHEREAS, The life and the struggles of Joseph Chatoyer are
universal in their symbolism of courage in the face of tyranny;
all cultures are endowed with the right to freedom and to
determine their collective destinies; the bravery of Chief
Chatoyer and the Garifuna people as they fought for liberation is
indeed deserving of recognition; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 83rd
Legislature, hereby proclaim March 14, 2013, as Joseph Chatoyer
Day in Texas and commend the Greater Houston Garifuna-American
Partnership on its efforts to preserve Garifuna culture and
history; and, be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be prepared in
honor of Joseph Chatoyer and the Garifuna people as an expression
of high regard from the Texas Senate.
Ellis
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President of the Senate
I hereby certify that the
above Resolution was adopted by
the Senate on March 25, 2013.
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Secretary of the Senate
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Member, Texas Senate