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LEGISLATIVE  RESOLUTION  commemorating the 31st 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  31st 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  31st  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  31st  Anniversary  of  the Independence of Antigua and
Barbuda.