Gov. Dan McKee ceremonially signed legislation Friday creating a special charity license plate supporting the Dominican Independence Heritage Award Committee of Rhode Island.
The bills, H833 and S3362, were sponsored by Rep. Grace Diaz and Sen. Ana Quezada, both Providence Democrats. McKee was joined at the signing by Lt. Gov. Sabina Matos, Treasurer James A. Diossa, Providence Mayor Brett Smiley, City Councilor Juan Pichardo, DMV Administrator Walter Craddock, Dominican Consul of Rhode Island Juan Mercedes Genao, Consul General of the Dominican Republic in Boston Antonio Almonte, and members of the committee.
“Rhode Island’s Dominican community has made an extraordinary impact on the fabric of our state,” McKee said.
Diaz said the plate will serve as a permanent symbol of the community’s history and culture. “It tells our children that they can be proud Americans while also honoring the Dominican heritage that helped shape who they are,” she said.
Quezada, a member of the Dominican community, called the cultural, culinary, social and political contributions of Dominicans in Rhode Island immeasurable.
