LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commending the Trinidad and Tobago United
Cultural Association upon the occasion of hosting the 49th Independence
Ball

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body, in keeping with its
time-honored traditions, to recognize and pay tribute to those organiza-
tions which foster ethnic pride and enhance the profile of cultural
diversity which strengthens the fabric of the communities of New York
State; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to commend
the Trinidad and Tobago United Cultural Association upon the occasion of
hosting the 49th Independence Ball on Saturday, August 20, 2011, in
Queens, New York; and
WHEREAS, The Trinidad and Tobago United Cultural Association Inc.
(TATUCA) was organized in August of 1962, the same month Trinidad and
Tobago attained its independence; its founding members were called "UN
BOYS"; and
WHEREAS, For many years the Trinidad and Tobago Independence Ball
sponsored annually by the "UN Boys" was the occasion for Trinidad and
Tobago nationals residing in New York City; the event was always held at
the Manhattan Center, Hilton, Americana, and Sheraton where there were
large turnouts of over 1,000 supporters; and
WHEREAS, Thereafter, for 40 years TATUCA successfully promoted the
Trinidad and Tobago Independence Ball; TATUCA took a number of initi-
atives which have now become common practice; and
WHEREAS, TATUCA was the first Trinidad and Tobago organization to hire
a native orchestra from Trinidad to play at a function; it was during
this time that TATUCA arranged chartered flights to Trinidad's carnival;
in the 1970s, TATUCA initiated the practice of honoring its nationals;
and
WHEREAS, For the past 45 years, TATUCA has been at the forefront of
the Trinidad and Tobago community in New York; its mission has, and
continues to be to promote the culture of its beloved twin island
nation, provide educational opportunities for its youth and support
worthy charitable causes; and
WHEREAS, TATUCA has been honored by the Trinidad and Tobago Alliance
and received the award for community service; additionally, its members
Cameron Wiltshire, Dolores Walters, Jackie Philip and Berold Hinds have
all individually received honorary awards for their dedication to commu-
nity service; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when individ-
uals and organizations of such noble aims and accomplishments are
brought to our attention, they should be celebrated and recognized by
all the citizens of this great Empire State; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend the Trinidad and Tobago United Cultural Association upon the
occasion of hosting the 49th Independence Ball; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to the Trinidad and Tobago United Cultural Association.