Final response from the state

Wherever I go though out the U. S. A., Canada, on any European country, and people ask me where I live, I always tell them I live in the most beautiful and patriotic town: Bristol, Rhode Island, which is located in the smallest state of the Union, which has the most gorgeous and has the most fascinating maritime history, and is part of the greatest county in the world: the United States of America! And if I am asked to given reasons, I will demonstrate plenty positive reasons for my assertions.

I have been an optimist all my life. I believe on the positive aspects of people. That is the reason why today I am pleased to share with you the contents of the letter I received from the Executive Director of the Turnpike and Bridge Authority giving me permission to take the photo of the Coat of Arms of Corte Reais to be sent to Sea Captain Emanuel da Costa Duarte for him to include on his forthcoming book on Discoveries of North America. Captain Duarte was very well impressed with his visit to this region and therefore I want him to inform his readers how beautiful and wonderful our State is.

Here is the letter from Bridge Authority, followed by my reply by fax to Mr. Bianchi.

July 18, 2003

Dr. Manuel Luciano da Silva
16 Brooks Farm Drive
Bristol, RI 02809

Dear Dr. Luciano da Silva:

Governor Carcieri has asked me to respond on his behalf to your July 9th letter regarding your recent experience here at the Rhode Island Turnpike and Bridge Authority’s headquarters. I am more than happy to do so.

On behalf of the Governor, and the Authority, I would like to apologize for the inconvenience you experienced while attempting to photograph the Coat of Arms of Corte Reais during your recent visit with Sea Captain Emanuel da Costa Duarte. Unfortunately, in the wake of the September 11^th Attacks on America, the RITBA has instituted a series of security measures to protect our facilities from terrorist attack.

One of these security precautions is the prohibition against photographs being taken of either the Mount Hope Bridge, the Pelt Bridge or the RITBA’s headquarters. However, in light of your critical role in having the Coat of Arms of Corte Reais placed on the RITBA headquarters building, I would like to invite you to contact me at the Authority so we can arrange to have you photograph the Coat of Arms as you originally sought to do.

You are a respected member of our community and I regret that our focus on security precautions precluded you from taking a simple photograph. I hope you will accept my offer to arrange for a photograph of the Coat of Arms at a mutually convenient time.

I can be reached at 401-423-0800. I will be out of the office during the week of July 21st and ask that you contact me anytime after July 28^thto make the necessary arrangements.

Sincerely,

Kenneth M. Bianchi
Executive Director
RI Turnpike and Bridge Authority

Honorable Kenneth M. Bianchi
Executive Director
RI Turnpike and Bridge Authority
P. O. Box 423
Jamestown, RI 02835-0437
Fax (401) 423-0830

I was very pleased to receive your letter of July 18^th, giving me permission to take a digital photo of the Coat of Arms of Corte Reais at the Headquarters of the RITBA to be sent to Sea Captain Emanuel da Costa Duarte, from Canada, for him to include on his forthcoming book on the “Discoveries of North America”.

I understand very well the absolute need for you and your officers to be extra cautious because of the terrible attack on America, on September 11^th.

I will call you after July 28^th, so we can arrange a mutual convenient time for me to go there and obtain such a photo. In the afternoon it would be better because of the sun.

I am still in contact with Captain Duarte and he agrees with my request for me to review his chapter dealing with his visit to Rhode Island. I want him to say good things about our beautiful State.

I received a positive letter from the RI Bridge Authority