Statement by Governor Donald L. Carcieri

December 29, 2003

I would like to take this opportunity to comment on Judge William Smith’s decision relative to the legality of the Narragansett Indians’ sale of tax-free cigarettes at the smokeshop in Charlestown.

I have read the decision and have discussed its implications with my staff.

As you know, the Court has concluded that the State of Rhode Island, in fact, acted lawfully in responding to the sale of untaxed cigarettes at the Narragansett Indians’ smokeshop and confirms our view of the jurisdictional issues involved.

Judge Smith’s decision today makes it clear that the State’s civil and criminal laws apply to the settlement lands.

The decision also notes that the State’s actions did not violate the Tribe’s sovereign rights.

Today’s decision brings much needed clarity to the complex issues surrounding State and Tribal relations.

Furthermore, the ruling sets an important benchmark that will be useful for furthering a respectful and collaborative relationship among the parties.

In my ongoing dealings and discussions with Chief Thomas, I have told him that my administration will work to create a climate of collaboration.

Since the issuance of the Simmons Report, which was commissioned at my request, we have taken a number of concrete steps to create that climate.

·       Among them, I have appointed a member of my staff, Deborah Smith, to act as a consistent and informed liaison between my administration and the tribe.  She and two additional members of my staff traveled to Washington DC earlier this month to meet with members of the Bureau of Indian Affairs as part of a broader strategy to foster positive and mutually beneficial relations.

·       Furthermore, we continue to work with and tangibly assist members of the Tribe on several key issues of importance to the members. These issues include:

·       Investing state monies to help facilitate the construction of the tribe’s Longhouse meeting place and curation annex.

·       Reviving a long-stalled negotiation over direct access to an important police tool known as the Rhode Island Law Enforcement Telecommunications System. RILETS is deemed to be an important issue to the tribal police.

·       Aiding the Tribe through the auspices of the Department of Environmental Management in maintaining certain portions of the Indian Cedar Swamp located on settlement lands.

·       Providing direct assistance through the Rhode Island Department of Human Services to help make federal Medicaid benefits available to qualified members of the tribe who need primary and specialty medical care.

·       And providing technical resources through the Rhode Island Economic Development Corporation to aid the tribe in creating prudent, market-based business opportunities that will lead to long term economic self sufficiency.

I intend to continue to work on these and other matters in a sincere effort to foster a cooperative relationship with the members of the Narragansett Indian tribe.

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