19732 EXTENSIONS OF REMARKS September 7, 2005 U.S. ARMY SPC. LAURO DELEON sistance. This is only the beginning of relief, And finally, I advocate the establishment of and when more is needed, we will provide a blue ribbon, non-partisan committee on the HON. HENRY CUELLAR whatever is required. scope and with the clout of the 9–11 Commis- OF TEXAS We in the San Francisco Bay Area know sion to prepare a long-range and thorough in- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES first hand the impact of natural disaster, and vestigation into this matter, in order to lay out we stand ready to help. I am encouraged by Wednesday, September 7, 2005 the lessons learned. We need to find out what the support being shown by people in the Bay went wrong, what went right, and what we can Mr. CUELLAR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to Area. Emergency volunteers have been dis- do how we can do to brace for a future dis- honor U.S. Army Spc. Lauro DeLeon, who patched. Hundreds of survivors will be housed aster. We need to ensure that a similar natural died one year ago while serving as part of Op- in San Francisco’s St. Mary’s Cathedral. Cali- event, or even a major terrorist attack, is not eration Iraqi Freedom. fornia schools are opening their doors as well: made any worse by our own failure to respond Lauro joined the Army Reserves before In my district, Notre Dame de Namur Univer- with speed, efficiency, and real compassion graduating from Floresville (Texas) High sity in Belmont has offered to take in 50 dis- rather than rhetoric. School in 2003, seeing the military as a way placed students. The California State Univer- Mr. Speaker, let’s work together to help our of financing a college education. He then en- sities, the University of California at Berkeley, neighbors and friends whose lives stood in the rolled at Palo Alto College that fall to pursue and Stanford are accepting others. Many peo- path of destruction. And let’s do a better job a degree in business, but soon learned he had ple have given, and will continue to give, to of shielding our nation against such events. been called up for active duty. established relief agencies at this critical time. f Lauro went to Baghdad as part of Operation As the Ranking Member of the House Inter- Iraqi Freedom in February 2004. The Mojadi national Relations Committee, I also want to REMEMBERING THE LIFE OF army was attacking the city, and Lauro’s unit express my deep gratitude and appreciation to CUBAN BOLLERO SINGER was stuck in camp for three days before mak- our friends in the world community who have IBRAHIM FERRER ing its way out of Baghdad. pledged to help. Secretary General Kofi Annan During that summer of 2004, Lauro sur- has acknowledged American generosity in HON. CHARLES B. RANGEL prised his family with a return home as part of helping others, and he has graciously offered OF NEW YORK a two-week leave from the Army which he the assistance of the United Nations in our IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES won in a lottery. Lauro, a good Christian man time of need. The leaders of a broad array of Wednesday, September 7, 2005 from a good Christian family, prayed that he countries have expressed their condolences would be granted the opportunity to go home and extended offers of aid. Mr. RANGEL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to to his family, and his number was the last one All Americans can be proud of the hard and recognize the life and legacy of legendary called. sometime heart-rending work being done by Cuban musician Ibrahim Ferrer, who died Sat- Lauro then returned to Iraq to serve with the local, state and federal emergency workers urday August 6, after suffering multiple organ 644th Transportation Company. On Sep- now on the scene of the disaster. But it failure. tember 8, 2004, the truck Lauro was driving seemed that immediate emergency action ar- Ibrahim Ferrer was at the center of the went over an explosive device, killing Lauro rived in slow motion last week when it was so Buena Vista Social Club, a phenomenon that and putting the soldier with him in critical con- desperately needed. Those who were watch- brought long delayed international fame to a dition. ing the news reports, as well as those who group of older Cuban musicians thanks to a While in Iraq, both Lauro and his mother, were hurting in the midst of the devastation, Grammy-winning 1997 album produced by Ry Grace Lopez, read a chapter a day from the were united in one question: Why did the res- Cooder and a subsequent film by Wim Wend- Bible. She passed along a message that cue efforts take so long? Now other questions ers, both by that name. Besides offering helped Lauro make it through the tough times: are beginning to arise. We must answer them American audiences a musician’s-eye view of ‘‘Fear is not of God; whenever you start feel- in order to do better in the event of another Cuba, the film created a recognition of Mr. ing fear, tell God to remove it.’’ It is this faith emergency. Even the President indicates that Ferrer as an unlikely musical icon. that carried Lauro through the war, and it is the response to this one has been less than Mr. Ferrer’s story is particularly inspiring to this faith that continues to carry his family after acceptable. me because it speaks to the limitless possibili- his passing. When the Department of Homeland Security ties of talent and chance. He was a gifted mu- Along with all of our fallen servicemen and (DHS) was formed in 2002, I voiced concern sician but of all the larger-than-life personal- women, Lauro DeLeon has honored our nation about folding into it the Federal Emergency ities that make up the Buena Vista Social by making the greatest sacrifice of all. It is the Management Agency (FEMA). After failing to Club, Ibrahim Ferrer seemed the least likely to least we can do to offer these words of re- adequately respond to Hurricane Hugo in emerge as an international superstar. Yet membrance today. As always, our prayers re- 1989 and Hurricane Andrew in 1992, FEMA within three years of his first international tours main with Lauro, his family, and all those rep- had reestablished itself as a singularly respon- with the Afro-Cuban All Stars outside of Cuba resenting our country in our Armed Forces. sive federal agency by clearly defining its mis- in 1996, Mr. Ferrer was filling the world’s great f sion and aggressively pursing it. It was not venues and receiving rapturous ovations from HURRICANE KATRINA helpful to change its structure and culture only audiences for whom he had become the em- a few years later in order to fit into the mas- bodiment—the heart and soul—of the multi- HON. TOM LANTOS sive and newly created Department. million-selling Buena Vista phenomenon. I believe our primary purpose in establishing Mr. Ferrer, a bolero singer who was com- OF CALIFORNIA the DHS was to better protect the nation pared to Nat King Cole, was born in Santiago IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES through better prevention and response to ca- in eastern Cuba on February 20, 1927, and Wednesday, September 7, 2005 tastrophe. We have yet to demonstrate im- began singing professionally in 1941. In the Mr. LANTOS. Mr. Speaker, the disaster proved prevention, and in this case our re- 1950s, he was an established singer who per- along our Gulf Coast has wrought heart- sponse has been pathetically sluggish. Confu- formed with well-known Cuban bands, includ- breaking devastation on a scale too staggering sion and lack of leadership dominate our ef- ing that of the legendary Benny More. But to comprehend. I rise to join my colleagues in forts. I call on President Bush to take swift ac- sadly, Ferrer was a forgotten name by the extending deepest sympathies to all those tion to relieve FEMA Director Michael Brown mid–1990s, supplementing a meager state who have been struck by this catastrophe. Our of his duties. pension by shining shoes. He was lifted from hearts go out to all those who are suffering. I also join with Ranking Members WAXMAN, obscurity by the 1997 Buena Vista Social Club First and foremost, we must provide effec- OBERSTAR, and THOMPSON in requesting that recording brought together by Texas guitarist tive and immediate relief to our neighbors who the committees of jurisdiction, the Committee Ry Cooder that shot a group of vintage Cuban are the victims of this tragedy. Federal authori- on Government Reform, the Committee on musicians to international fame and an unex- ties must render all assistance necessary in Transportation and Infrastructure, and the pected second career. this overwhelming national crisis. Committee on Homeland Security, conduct Mr. Ferrer was a man who was full of life Congress has already taken the needed hearings on the questions raised in respond- and energy. Even in his seventies he could steps to ensure that funds are available for as- ing to Hurricane Katrina. still salsa dance with the best of them. He was

VerDate Sep 11 2014 09:58 Feb 22, 2017 Jkt 000000 PO 00000 Frm 00137 Fmt 0689 Sfmt 9920 E:\FDSYS\2005BOUNDRECORD\BOOK14\NO-SSN\BR07SE05.DAT BR07SE05 ejoyner on DSK30MW082PROD with CONG-REC-ONLINE 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

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