Actions

Text

LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commemorating the 203rd Independence Day in Ecua-
dor on August 10, 2012

WHEREAS,  Ecuador  enjoys  a  rich and diverse history dating back to as
early as 12,000 BC -- home to many advanced indigenous cultures  includ-
ing  the  Chorrera, Jama, Coaque, Bahia, Tolita, Machalilla, Valdiva and
the Incas; and
  WHEREAS, The Incas developed an advanced society until the arrival  of
and subsequent conquering by the Spanish in the 1530s; and
  WHEREAS,  Ecuador  was  ruled  from Lima until 1563, at which time the
Audiencia de Quito was established; and
  WHEREAS, In 1739, the Audiencia was transferred back to the Viceroyal-
ity of Peru, which was part of the Viceroyality of  Colombia,  or  Nueva
Granada; and
  WHEREAS, Under Spanish rule, there was a great disparity in quality of
life between the ruling class and the indigenous people and later gener-
ations  of  "mestizos"  --  who were treated abysmally, often stuck in a
system of forced labor; and
  WHEREAS, On August 10, 1809, a revolutionary group  led  by  Juan  Pio
Montufa  took  over  Quito and installed the first Junta, thereby estab-
lishing Peru's first post colonial government; and
  WHEREAS, Some 24 days later, Spain regained control  of  Quito;  Quito
remained  under  Spanish  control  for  the next decade until Colombia's
independence was won under the  leadership  of  Simon  Bolivar,  thereby
deeming Ecuador a free territory; and
  WHEREAS,  In  1819,  the  power was returned to the people of Ecuador,
though complete autonomy from Spain  was  not  fully  established  until
1824,  where  Bolivar's army regained Quito after the decisive Battle of
Pichincha; and
  WHEREAS, Many Ecuadorians have made New  York  their  home,  and  this
Legislative  Body  is  justly  proud  to thank the Ecuadorian people for
their contributions to this great Empire State; now, therefore, be it
  RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause  in  its  deliberations  to
commemorate  the  203rd  Independence Day in Ecuador on August 10, 2012;
and be it further
  RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Minister Jorge Lopez , Consul General of Ecuador in New  York
and the various Ecuadorian organizations in the State of New York.