September 7, 2005 EXTENSIONS OF REMARKS 19733 a musical powerhouse and an animated figure Beltra´ n, in Santiago. The band later moved the Nimtez Freeway, which was built in 1953. that clearly enjoyed performing Cuba’s tradi- from Santiago to Havana and called itself The construction headquarters was turned into tional ‘‘son’’ music of the 1940s and 1950s for Los Bocucos. a playground, community hall and the San For most of his career Mr. Ferrer generally new generations of fans. sang uptempo numbers, guarachas and sones, Lorenzo Homeowners’ Association offices. I extend my condolences to his lovely wife not the slow romantic boleros, even though The Association is controlled by a board of and six children. Mr. Ferrer and his music are he loved them. But his chance finally came directors elected annually on staggered terms truly an inspiration to both Cubans and people on ‘‘The Buena Vista Social Club,’’ when Mr. of three years each. The first meeting was throughout the world. His life and music are a Cooder and Juan de Marcos Gonza´ lez, the al- held on April 5, 1945. After a few months, with testament to the vibrancy and resilience of bum’s musical director, persuaded him to the number of homes increasing so rapidly, it Cuban people. sing songs like ‘‘Dos Gardenias,’’ which he became apparent that it was necessary to Creating some of Cuba’s most rhythmic and had learned decades before when singing have paid employees to devote their full time with More´. dynamic music, Mr. Ferrer accomplished an In 1998, the Cuban Egrem label released to Homes’ Association work. enormous feat because despite the constraints ‘‘Tierra Caliente,’’ an album of older songs Through the years, the Association, with its of the U.S. embargo, his music was able to he had made with Los Bocucos. In 1999 the volunteer Board of Directors and professional break through and Americans responded to it British World Circuit label (with Nonesuch management, has been successful in ensuring with overwhelming enthusiasm. His life legacy in the United States) released Mr. Ferrer’s the appearance, safety, and financial account- as a musician demonstrate the kind of beauty first solo album, and in 2003 his second, ability of San Lorenzo Village. and musical genius that can come out of a re- ‘‘Buenos Hermanos’’; both were produced by Since 1945, San Lorenzo Village has grown lationship with Cuba and it is my hope that the Mr. Cooder. In ‘‘Buenos Hermanos’’ Mr. from its original 1,329 homes to 5,686. The Cooder took more artistic liberties, stirring failed U.S. embargo against Cuba will be lifted the very un-Cuban accordion and the gospel value of San Lorenzo Village homes has in- soon to permit the enrichment of an enhanced singing group the Blind Boys of Alabama creased over eight thousand percent over the cultural exchange to the benefit of the people into the mix. past sixty years. of Cuba and the U.S. Mr. Ferrer paved the Though by this time he was in his 70’s, Mr. I have a personal connection to the San way for generations of Cuban singers to come Ferrer won a Latin Grammy for Best New Lorenzo Homes Association. My wife, Debo- and it is my hope that their music will continue Artist in 2000. ‘‘Buenos Hermanos’’ won a rah Roderick Stark, was born in San Lorenzo to reach the hearts of Americans and people Grammy for Best Traditional Tropical Latin and her parents, Frank and Mary Roderick, throughout the world. Album of 2003, but Mr. Ferrer was denied a visa to enter the United States for the are long-time residents and members of the I would like to submit for the RECORD an awards ceremony last year. Association. obituary from the August 8th edition of the His last performance in New York was in On behalf of the Roderick and Stark fami- New York Times. April 2003. He was on a European tour in the lies, I applaud the exemplary contributions of [From the New York Times, August 8, 2005] week leading up to his death. the San Lorenzo Homes Association. The As- IBRAHIM FERRER, 78, CUBAN SINGER IN Mr. Ferrer is survived by his wife, Caridad sociation has demonstrated its leadership to Dı´az, 6 children, 14 grandchildren and 4 great ‘‘BUENA VISTA SOCIAL CLUB,’’ DIES maintain the integrity of this planned commu- grandchildren, Ms. Romero said. (By Ben Ratliff) nity and its commitment to quality service de- Ibrahim Ferrer, the Cuban singer whose f livery to meet the needs of Village residents. life included one of popular music’s most tri- TO COMMEMORATE THE 60TH f umphant second acts, died on Saturday in ANNIVERSARY OF THE SAN Havana. He was 78. The cause was multiple IN CELEBRATION OF 43 YEARS OF LORENZO HOMES ASSOCIATION organ failure, his manger, Carmen Romero, JAMAICAN INDEPENDENCE announced. Mr. Ferrer was at the center of the Buena HON. FORTNEY PETE STARK Vista Social Club, a phenomenon that OF CALIFORNIA HON. CHARLES B. RANGEL OF NEW YORK brought long-delayed international fame to a IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES group of older Cuban musicians thanks to a IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Grammy-winning 1997 album produced by Ry Wednesday, September 7, 2005 Wednesday, September 7, 2005 Cooder and a subsequent film by Wim Wend- Mr. STARK. Mr. Speaker, on Saturday, Sep- ers, both by that name. Besides offering tember 10, 2005, the San Lorenzo Homes As- Mr. RANGEL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to American audiences a musician’s-eye view of sociation in San Lorenzo, California will cele- recognize the tremendous contributions that Cuba, the film set up Mr. Ferrer as a particu- Jamaican Americans have made to our soci- larly sympathetic figure—tall, distinguished brate 60 years as one of the oldest home- and lively, an excellent bolero singer who owners’ associations in the United States. ety and to join with them in celebrating their used space and silence in his relaxed elegant During World War II, thousands came to the 43rd anniversary of independent rule on Au- delivery to increase the drama, a man who San Francisco Bay Area to work in the ship- gust 6, 2005. had been rolled over by history and was now yards. In response to the need for housing, Jamaicans have been immigrating to the simply trying to enjoy an absurdly lucky sit- David D. Bohannon purchased rich farmland United States for centuries and have undeni- uation. south of the San Lorenzo Creek where abun- ably left their mark on cities throughout our At the time that he war enticed out of re- dant fruit and vegetable crops were grown. Nation. Their contributions can be seen at the tirement to make the album, Mr. Ferrer was center of our neighborhoods and industries, living on a small state pension and shining On May 18, 1944, builders broke ground on shoes in Havana for extra money. the first home in the Village tracts, which everywhere from New York to California. They He was not interested in recording any- launched the wartime construction of the are skilled business people, engineers, doc- more; he had retired from singing in 1991. planned community. Bohannon applied a tors, lawyers, and have produced some of our ‘‘An angel came and picked me up and said, mass production method, the reverse of the Nation’s greatest leaders including former ‘Chico, come and do this record,’ ‘‘he said in normal prefab process, by moving the factory Secretary of State, General Colin Powell, and 1998. ‘‘I didn’t want to do it, because I had to the housing site. Each worker was trained basketball star Patrick Ewing. given up on music.’’ Despite the many challenges that this group Born in 1927 at a social club dance in the to do a single part of the job. The assembled eastern city of Santiago de Cuba—his mother houses rolled off the line at the rate of one has faced both in Jamaica and the U.S. they went into labor on a night out—Mr. Ferrer’s every seven hours. continue to hold fast to the Jamaican spirit of first professional involvement with music The first houses had a ‘‘war worker’s room’’ perseverance and continue in an extraordinary came at age 13, a year after he became an or- with a separate entrance to help meet the way to defy the odds. Theirs is a history of an phan, when he joined a band, Los Jo´ venes del housing shortage. The 1945 three-bedroom effort that while marked with a host of suc- Son. homes were priced at $5,950. Some rented for cesses and some failures, just like all nations, Later he sang with groups that included $55 per month. With the slogan ‘‘Every Lot a has shown that Jamaica is in a much better Conjunto Sorpresa, the Orquesta Chepı´n Chove´n (with which he had a local hit, ‘‘El Garden Spot’’ and In-Door-Outdoor Living, position today than when it became the first Platanal de Bartolo,’’ in 1955) and the Beny San Lorenzo Village grew at the rate of 1,329 English-speaking Caribbean nation to assume More´ orchestra, with which he was a back- houses per project. the responsibility of nationhood. ground vocalist; in 1953 he began working Land was set aside for schools, churches, Jamaica’s record has proven that a rel- with Pacho Alonso’s band, Maravilla de stores, parks, restaurants, a movie theater and atively small but powerful nation can take

VerDate Sep 11 2014 09:58 Feb 22, 2017 Jkt 000000 PO 00000 Frm 00138 Fmt 0689 Sfmt 9920 E:\FDSYS\2005BOUNDRECORD\BOOK14\NO-SSN\BR07SE05.DAT BR07SE05 ejoyner on DSK30MW082PROD with CONG-REC-ONLINE 19734 EXTENSIONS OF REMARKS September 7, 2005 charge of its own affairs and be a vital and vi- collective security since all such rights her- her so much happiness. She was also indis- brant member of the international community. ald the great freedoms from hunger, from ig- pensable to my own career, lending a helping Instead of tearing itself apart as other devel- norance, from disease and from fear. hand in many elections. But none of these can be achieved without oping and developed nations have done, Ja- the strategic alliances we must make be- In the 1930’s, Rosalie moved to Delaware, maica and Jamaicans have held firm through tween each other with all the caring, trust where she would raise four kids with her hus- thick and thin. and compassion that a civilized society de- band Frank J. Obara, a former City Council Having earned its place among the best- mands of all who inhabit it. President. During her seven terms as Clerk of known developing countries at the United Na- Forty three years in the life of a nation is the Peace, she would perform over 15,400 tions, whether in international diplomacy, cul- short compared to the four and more cen- marriages. ture or excellence in sports Jamaica has been turies of degradation and deprivation. In addition to her professional success, Ro- able to move far forward. Today, its people Through the struggles, the wisdom, foresight salie left an indelible mark on her community. enjoy some of the longest life spans in the and example of our Founding Fathers, we have developed, and continue to develop, She was the co-founder and one-time presi- Western Hemisphere, about 74 years, poverty even greater self-esteem and self-confidence. dent of the Americans of Polish Descent Cul- has dropped dramatically in recent years, edu- We have seen over the years that, despite tural Society, as well as an officer with the cational opportunities continue to escalate, the challenges and inherited disadvantages, Council of Polish Societies and Clubs of Dela- demonstrating the nation’s commitment to in- we are not only fit to rule ourselves but also ware. Rosalie was also very active in her vest in its people’s future. able to make a remarkable contribution on church, St. Hedwig, and served the Repub- Jamaica has come so very far in the last 43 the regional and international stage. lican Party as a member of the State Com- years and I look forward to its continued In today’s competitive global economy mittee and the New Castle County Republican growth and prosperity in the future. Jamaica comparative advantage rests on intellectual skills and the mastery of technology. It is Women’s Club. and Jamaicans will always hold a special for this reason, that I have been stressing During her lifetime, Rosalie was the recipi- place in my heart. It is impossible to imagine the importance of investing in our human re- ent of numerous honors, including the Order New York or Harlem without the contributions sources—in ourselves—through education. of the First State, the highest honor given by of Jamaicans. They are an ever-present and Today, education is the most effective the State of Delaware. During the Eisenhower important part of our community from whom a means of shaping values, attitudes, behav- administration, she joined Mamie Eisenhower great deal of our Nation’s diversity is derived. iours and skills. Education is the key driver for tea in the White House. Rosalie will be re- I would like to submit the following state- of economic transformation. It is our solemn membered for her class and dignity. responsibility to equip the future generation ment from Jamaican Prime Minister P.J. Pat- In closing Mr. Speaker, I would like to point terson to commemorate this historic occasion. with the thinking skills that will assure their individual growth and development and to a 1996 quote from Rosalie that sums up INDEPENDENCE DAY MESSAGE FROM THE MOST the creation of a habitable society. her American Dream story, ‘‘I’m the daughter HON. P.J. PATTERSON, ON, PC, QC, MP It is for this reason, that I have been of immigrants. I survived the Depression. I had PRIME MINISTER stressing the importance of investing in our a limited education, but I made something of AUGUST 6, 2005 human resources—in our young students and myself . . . I am glad I was able to help oth- My Fellow Jamaicans: adults—through education and training. Every year at this time we pause to reflect ers.’’ Rosalie Obara can rest in peace knowing To do so, we are harnessing the resources that she was always able to help others with on the progress we have made as a people in to create an education system that is viable this great country we call home. In our Na- and relevant in the global marketplace. grace and elegance. tional Anthem, we ask for the blessings and The challenge is immense! f guidance of the Eternal Father on this land. It is indeed a challenge for all Jamaicans: We know so well that God helps those who civil society; our private sector; the Church; SENATE COMMITTEE MEETINGS help themselves, but that none but ourselves the family in whatever form; our energetic can free our minds. We realize that it is by and talented youth population; our workers Title IV of Senate Resolution 4, our own efforts we can rid ourselves not only and their trade unions; and, of course, our agreed to by the Senate on February 4, from the obstacles of the past, but also dis- elected representatives. 1977, calls for establishment of a sys- sipate the inertia that would prevent us from Let us view ourselves as custodians of our tem for a computerized schedule of all overcoming present difficulties. We have to nation’s resources which we must invest in a meetings and hearings of Senate com- create our own path to the future of which broader purpose—the betterment of all our we dream—the future which we would want mittees, subcommittees, joint commit- people. tees, and committees of conference. our children and their children to inherit. This is a time for both celebration and re- More and more we have come to appreciate newal. This title requires all such committees that Independence is not simply a single On this 43rd anniversary of our Independ- to notify the Office of the Senate Daily event that took place in August 1962 but a ence, I once again summon every Jamaican Digest—designated by the Rules Com- process which allows us to build a nation for in town or country, at home or overseas, to mittee—of the time, place, and purpose ourselves. re-commit yourselves to giving to this our Our Founding Fathers based the pursuit of of the meetings, when scheduled, and beloved country the loyalty, caring, dedica- Independence on the firm conviction that we any cancellations or changes in the tion it so richly deserves from us all. can be the creators of our own destiny. In meetings as they occur. I wish everyone a peaceful and reflective this changed, and still rapidly changing As an additional procedure along Independence. world of this twenty-first century, it be- May God bless us all and bless Jamaica, with the computerization of this infor- comes even more urgent that we hold on to this beautiful land we love. mation, the Office of the Senate Daily that conviction. Digest will prepare this information for f We are, after all, a people of proven grit printing in the Extensions of Remarks and resilience whether we reside at home or abroad. We must use these attributes to cre- IN REMEMBRANCE OF ROSALIE S. section of the CONGRESSIONAL RECORD atively explore our potential and the oppor- OBARA on Monday and Wednesday of each tunities that exist for economic, social and week. spiritual growth and development. To do HON. MICHAEL N. CASTLE Meetings scheduled for Thursday, otherwise, is a defiance of commonsense and September 8, 2005 may be found in the OF DELAWARE a devaluation of the gift of life we have been Daily Digest of today’s RECORD. given. IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Fellow Jamaicans: Wednesday, September 7, 2005 MEETINGS SCHEDULED You have a right to expect from your lead- ers and the society at large: proper Mr. CASTLE. Mr. Speaker, it is with great SEPTEMBER 12 healthcare; affordable housing; a sound edu- respect, admiration and much sorrow that I cation that can facilitate and ease the jour- rise today to remember the life of Rosalie S. 12 noon Judiciary ney from childhood to adulthood. Obara. Rosalie was elected to the office of You are right to expect opportunities for To hold hearings to examine the nomina- gainful employment which is sustained and New Castle County Clerk of the Peace for a tion of John G. Roberts, Jr., of Mary- adequate to meet the vicissitudes of life. record seven terms, serving from 1969 to land, to be Chief Justice of the United And it is right that you should want to 1996. She loved life and took great pleasure States. have the assurance of individual safety and in giving back to the community that brought SR–325

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