[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 96 (Friday, July 15, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1497]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 TRIBUTE TO THE REPUBLIC OF CAPE VERDE

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. HOWARD L. BERMAN

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, July 14, 2005

  Mr. BERMAN. Mr. Speaker, it is a pleasure to rise today to pay 
tribute to the Republic of Cape Verde. July 5, 2005 marks the 30th 
anniversary of this island nation's independence from Portugal and it 
will be celebrated by Cape Verdeans worldwide.
  After an almost 20-year struggle for improved economic, social and 
political conditions, on July 5, 1975, under the leadership of 
revolutionary Amilicar Cabral, the Republic of Cape Verde emerged a 
country with strong economic aspirations and a commitment to the 
continuance of a fair and equitable society.
  In 1991, the Republic of Cape Verde transitioned from a single 
political party to a multi-party system with no conflicts or civil 
unrest.
  Located approximately 385 miles off the West African coast, this 10 
island archipelago has developed into a key center for regional and 
international investment. The country's monetary and fiscal policies 
have made this young nation a showcase for the World Bank and the 
International Monetary Fund.
  The United States, through the Millennium Challenge Corporation, 
recently signed a historic 5-year Compact in excess of $110 million 
with the Republic of Cape Verde to support the country's goal of 
poverty reduction and economic growth. This agreement is a testament to 
Cape Verde's strong commitment to transparency and good governance, and 
to putting in place a policy framework that uses aid effectively.
  The official language of the Republic of Cape Verde is Portuguese, 
but the population speaks a crioulo dialect. The rich crioulo musical 
and poetic tradition is filled with old fashioned stories of love, 
exotic journeys and family.
  In the mid-19th century, Cape Verdeans were renowned for being great 
seafaring people, skilled in whaling and craftsmanship in the repair of 
ships. As a result, many Cape Verdeans settled in different parts of 
the world.
  It is with great pleasure that I ask my colleagues to join me in 
saluting the Republic of Cape Verde on this occasion.

                          ____________________