SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 538
	WHEREAS, The Senate of the State of Texas takes pleasure in
	paying tribute to the Greater Houston Garifuna-American
	Partnership and in recognizing March 14, 2013, as Joseph Chatoyer
	Day in Texas; and
	WHEREAS, Joseph Chatoyer was a revered chief of the Garifuna
	tribe, which hails from the Caribbean regions of Saint Vincent and
	the Grenadines, Guatemala, Belize, and Nicaragua; and
	WHEREAS, This legendary warrior led his people in a
	revolt against the British colonial government when it held
	control over much of the Caribbean; Chief Chatoyer died on
	March 14, 1795, fighting to liberate his people; he is a
	national hero of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, and his
	historical importance is recognized by Garifuna Americans
	across this state and nation; and
	WHEREAS, The life and the struggles of Joseph Chatoyer are
	universal in their symbolism of courage in the face of tyranny;
	all cultures are endowed with the right to freedom and to
	determine their collective destinies; the bravery of Chief
	Chatoyer and the Garifuna people as they fought for liberation is
	indeed deserving of recognition; now, therefore, be it
	RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 83rd
	Legislature, hereby proclaim March 14, 2013, as Joseph Chatoyer
	Day in Texas and commend the Greater Houston Garifuna-American
	Partnership on its efforts to preserve Garifuna culture and
	history; and, be it further
	RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be prepared in
	honor of Joseph Chatoyer and the Garifuna people as an expression
	of high regard from the Texas Senate.
	Ellis
		________________________________
		President of the Senate
		I hereby certify that the
		above Resolution was adopted by
		the Senate on March 25, 2013.
		________________________________
		Secretary of the Senate
		________________________________
		Member, Texas Senate