The Haitian Legislative Caucus in New York State Assembly on Jan. 12 introduced the Haiti 2010 Earthquake Commemoration and the Haiti Independence Day resolutions.
The resolution remembering the victims of the Haitian Earthquake on Jan. 12, 2010 was adopted by the Assembly on Jan. 19.
The Haitian American Legislative Caucus in the State Assembly comprises: Michaelle C. Solanges (22nd AD); Rodneyse Bichotte (42nd AD); Kimberly Jean-Pierre (11th AD); Clyde Vanel (33rd AD); Mathylde Frontus (46th AD) and Phara Souffrant Forrest (57th AD).
The resolution on the Haitian Earthquake says that the Legislative Body reaffirms its support and solidarity with the people of Haiti as they work to rebuild their neighborhoods, livelihoods and country.”
It notes that, after the magnitude 7.0 earthquake, about 230,000 to 316,000 died, about 300,000 were injured, and 1.5 million people were initially displaced as a result of the devastation.
The resolution says that a cholera outbreak struck Haiti in the wake of reconstruction and humanitarian efforts, contributing to thousands of deaths and hundreds of thousands of cholera cases throughout the French-speaking Caribbean country.
It noted that the United States has a population of nearly 1 million of the Haitian Diaspora, with about 200,000 Haitians residing in the State of New York, and that the United States, the international community and the people of New York worked to provide relief, recovery and aid efforts to rebuild after the disaster.
“Now, therefore, be it resolved, that this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to remember those who lost their lives in Haiti in the wake of the devastating earthquake of 2010,” the resolution states.
On the 217th anniversary of the Independence of Haiti from France, the resolution says that, on Jan. 1, 1804, after a prolonged struggle, Haiti proclaimed its independence from France, becoming the second independent state in the Western Hemisphere and the first free Black republic in the world.
“The anniversary of the independence of Haiti from France is a time to celebrate the aspirations and values that have been shared with Haitians for generations and to recognize the countless contributions of Americans and New Yorkers of Haitian descent to every aspect of society,” says the resolution, adding that “the State of New York is greatly enriched by its large population of citizens of Haitian ancestry.
“The 217th Anniversary of Haiti’s independence provides an opportunity to recognize the significance of their contributions to the quality and character of life, and, through events and activities, for all people to gain a greater appreciation of Haitian history and traditions, and of the role Haitian Americans have played, and will continue to play, in our society,” it adds.
“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,” continues the resolution, resolving that “this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to commemorate the 217th Anniversary of the Independence of Haiti from France.”
