[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 102 (Wednesday, June 24, 2015)]
[Senate]
[Page S4593]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             40TH ANNIVERSARY OF INDEPENDENCE IN CABO VERDE

  Mr. REED. Mr. President, the 40th anniversary of Cabo Verde's 
independence, on July 5th, comes just one day after our country's own 
Independence Day. As we near Cabo Verde's 40th anniversary, this small 
country of 500,000 merits our recognition for its longstanding ties to 
the United States and for serving as a beacon for democracy in Africa.
  While the existence of Cabo Verde's islands was first acknowledged by 
the Romans, it was not until 1456 that the uninhabited islands were 
rediscovered and settled by Portuguese explorers. Over the next several 
hundred years, as a colony of the Portuguese Empire, Cabo Verde was a 
lucrative trading post between Europe, Africa, and the Americas. 
Towards the end of the 18th century, many Cabo Verdeans came to New 
England, particularly Rhode Island and Massachusetts, where some found 
success working in the whaling industry. This immigration strengthened 
the ties between the United States and Cabo Verde and, in 1818, Cabo 
Verde became the site of the first U.S. consulate in sub-Saharan 
Africa. As a result of the 1974 Carnation Revolution in Portugal, and 
after centuries of colonial rule, Cabo Verde was able to formally gain 
independence on July 5, 1975, and soon established diplomatic ties with 
the United States.
  Since that time, Cabo Verde has worked for a democratic government. 
It has made great strides in this regard and, today, Cabo Verde is a 
leader in good governance, receiving top marks from the Freedom House 
for political rights and civil liberties. Cabo Verde has also made 
significant economic and social progress in the past several years. 
Additionally, given Cabo Verde's strong ties to the United States and 
our shared commitment to democracy and economic freedom, Cabo Verde was 
awarded and successfully undertook a Millennium Challenge Corporation, 
MCC, compact for private sector, agricultural, and transportation 
reforms, and is currently implementing a second MCC compact in the 
areas of water, sanitation, and land management. Moving forward, Cabo 
Verde can build on these successes to continue to grow its economy as 
well as strengthen ties to the United States and other allies.
  Rhode Island is fortunate to have one of the two largest Cabo 
Verdean-American populations in the country, and continues to be 
enriched by the heritage and contributions of Cabo Verde. I am very 
pleased that earlier this month, T.F. Green Airport in Rhode Island 
began welcoming direct flights from Cabo Verde, which will lead to 
greater exchange and new opportunities between Rhode Island and Cabo 
Verde.
  As we near July 5th, I send my best wishes to all those of Cabo 
Verdean descent in Rhode Island and throughout the country on the 40th 
anniversary of Cabo Verde's independence.

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