[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 151 (Wednesday, October 21, 1998)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E2288-E2289]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             RHODE ISLANDERS HELPING THE DOMINICAN REPUBLIC

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. ROBERT A. WEYGAND

                            of rhode island

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, October 20, 1998

  Mr. WEYGAND. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to thank the many people and 
organizations throughout the great state of Rhode Island who united to 
collect much needed supplies for the humanitarian relief efforts for 
the victims of Hurricane Georges in the Dominican Republic. As you 
know, during the week of September 15, 1998, Hurricane Georges tore 
through the Caribbean.
  From a root of tragedy has grown a stem of unity, especially among 
the Hispanic community. The relief supplies collected in Rhode Island 
by local Hispanic churches and other relief groups will go directly to 
the Dominican Republic--one of the islands hardest hit by Hurricane 
Georges. The residents of this island have suffered tremendous losses 
in both possessions and lives. The generosity of Rhode Islanders will 
help get these residents back on their feet to begin rebuilding their 
lives.
  As the donated supplies grew in size, I was pleased to work closely 
with the Providence and Worcester Railroad and Sammy Sosa and the Sammy 
Sosa Foundation to secure transportation for these much needed 
supplies. Both the P&W Railroad and the Sammy Sosa Foundation agreed to 
cover the associated costs of transporting the goods to the Dominican 
Republic. P&W donated the cost of the rail transportation between Rhode 
Island and Miami. In Miami, the Sammy Sosa Foundation will transfer the 
goods to a cargo ship headed to the Dominican Republic. The Sammy Sosa 
Foundation and the Providence and Worcester Railroad have made it 
possible for the residents of the Dominican Republic to receive canned 
food, bottled water, blankets, batteries, clothing, powdered milk, 
medical supplies, and other goods.
  This past Sunday, a sunny, beautiful New England fall day, these 
groups and their volunteers joined together once again at the Pine 
Street Railyard in Pawtucket, Rhode Island. Everyone gathered to load 
the supplies that had been collected since the Hurricane first struck 
the island onto the huge P&W boxcar. Forming a human chain, the 
volunteers unloaded cars, trucks, vans, and pickups onto the car. With 
the help of all assembled, the long line of cars were soon emptied and 
the boxcar was loaded to the brim. The energy and enthusiasm of the 
crowd of workers was truly amazing, Mr. Speaker. I was most moved, 
however, to see Rhode Islanders from different walks of life--people 
who might not otherwise spend the day together--joining together to 
help those who can not help themselves.
  The following organizations collected goods, donations and delivered 
the supplies to the departure sight in Pawtucket: WPMZ Poder 1110; 
Gtech Corporation; Quisqueya in Action; Rhode Island Committee for 
Puerto Rican Statehood; Hurricane George Relief Fund; Centro Las 
America, Worcester, Massachusetts; Teamsters Local 251, Providence; 
Teamsters Local 170, Worcester.
  While many organizations offered their services, it was individuals 
who collected and boxed the relief supplies and then loaded them into 
the boxcar. While hundreds were involved at some point, a select few 
deserve special recognition for their efforts. I am sure I can speak 
for the residents of the Dominican Republic in thanking the following 
for their tireless efforts.
  Senator Jack Reed, Jennie Rosario and Jose Mendez with the Rhode 
Island Committee for Puerto Rican Statehood, and Tony Mendez with WPMZ 
Poder 1110.
  From the Providence and Worcester Railroad: Mrs. Heidi Eddins; 
Katherine Eddins; Scott Eddins; Brett Eddins; Mr. Norbert Cabral, Sr.; 
Mr. Paul Arrighi; Mr. John Corrigan; Mr. Jerald DeMello; Mrs. Diane 
DeMello; Mr. Robert Kraemer; Mrs. Patricia Kraemer; Mr. Larry Berg.
  In addition, Mr. Art Sandoval from the Sammy Sosa Foundation deserves 
a great deal of thanks.
  And last, but certainly not least, Mr. Sammy Sosa. When we mention 
the name Sammy Sosa we immediately think of the Chicago Cubs player who 
hit a record breaking sixty-six (66) homeruns. Sammy Sosa and his 
foundation have hit yet another home run, possibly the most memorable 
one of all, especially in the eyes of the Hispanic community in Rhode 
Island.

[[Page E2289]]

  Sammy Sosa is not only a true sports hero but a true humanitarian. 
Sammy has repeatedly shown that he has not forgotten his country of 
origin, and I am sure his country will never forget him.

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