[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 111 (Thursday, July 31, 1997)]
[Senate]
[Page S8611]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




      SENATE RESOLUTION 113--CONGRATULATING THE PEOPLE OF JAMAICA

  Mr. GRAHAM submitted the following resolution; which was referred to 
the Committee on Foreign Relations:

       Whereas on August 6, 1962, the people of Jamaica were 
     granted their independence from Great Britain;
       Whereas the people of Jamaica will celebrate their 35th 
     anniversary of independence during a four-day ``Emancipation 
     Day'' celebration from August 1 to August 4, 1997;
       Whereas the people of Jamaica have practiced a 
     representative democracy for 53 years since the establishment 
     of internal self-governance in 1944;
       Whereas under the Administration of Prime Ministers Michael 
     Manley and PJ Patterson, Jamaica has played a leadership role 
     in stimulating trade-based economic development, promoting 
     democracy, fighting the illicit narcotics trade, and 
     fostering the observance of human rights in the Caribbean 
     region;
       Whereas more than 2,000,000 Americans are of Jamaican 
     descent, and Jamaican-Americans have made a rich contribution 
     to our society;
       Whereas Jamaica and the United States benefit from a 
     healthy commercial relationship that, in 1996, exceeded 
     $2,300,000,000; and
       Whereas Jamaica and the United States enjoy strong cultural 
     and social links: Now, therefore, be it
       Resolved, That the Senate--
       (1) congratulates the people of Jamaica on the occasion of 
     the 35th anniversary of Jamaica's independence from Great 
     Britain;
       (2) celebrates the strong, entrenched tradition of 
     democratic governance in Jamaica;
       (3) recognizes the richness of the contribution to United 
     States of economic, political, social, and cultural life by 
     Americans of Jamaican descent;
       (4) commends the Government of Jamaica for its efforts to 
     promote stability and economic growth in the Caribbean 
     region; and
       (5) looks forward to the continuance of strong relations 
     and cooperation between the United States and Jamaica.

  Mr. GRAHAM. Mr. President, it will be 35 years ago this coming 
Wednesday, August 6, 1997, that the people of Jamaica were granted 
their independence from Great Britain. This significant event for the 
people of Jamaica is cause for great celebration by the citizens of 
Jamaica as well as all of us who cherish democracy. The United States 
and Jamaica have been partners working together helping to bring 
democracy throughout the world. The government of Jamaica was the first 
of our allies joining our efforts to come to the aid of its neighbor 
Haiti. Jamaican American citizens contribute to the richness of our 
nation's cultural heritage. They strengthen the rich cultural and 
social ties between our nations.
  It is therefore fitting that we take this opportunity to congratulate 
the people of Jamaica during their four day ``Emancipation Day'' 
celebration August 1, to August 4, 1997.

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