07/16/2003

The following is the text of remarks delivered by Governor Carcieri Monday evening.

Good afternoon.

Given the events of this past weekend, I canceled my plans to attend the Republican Governors Association conference in Colorado and chose to return to Rhode Island to contend with the issues surrounding the Narragansett Indians' establishment of an illegal smoke shop in Charlestown.

Let me be crystal clear:

Today's actions were precipitated by the Narragansett Indians and their flagrant violation of state law.

We do not take today's actions lightly. In fact, state officials deliberated long and hard and with great anguish before authorizing today's response.

As I have said repeatedly, I am aware of, and concerned with, the issues raised by the Narragansett Indians.

I had hoped that we could have arrived at a satisfactory resolution. But that has not been the case.

The Narragansett Indians have refused to cooperate and have chosen, instead, to flout state law. They have knowingly violated our law and have done so with impunity.

Let me be clear. My administration has worked in good faith with the Narragansett Indians, their advisers and the members of the tribal council. Specifically:

I met in my office with Chief Sachem Matthew Thomas on May 27 where we had an opportunity to discuss a wide range of economic development issues -- far and beyond the issues of a casino and a smoke shop.

A few days following that meeting, on June 3, I toured the tribal lands in Charlestown, the first governor to do so since Governor Chafee back in the 1960s.

I then personally arranged what I believe was a very productive meeting on June 27 between the members of my economic development team and the tribal leaders. The purpose of that session was to develop an action plan for addressing the tribe's stated issues of housing, health care and job creation.

Furthermore, this past Saturday, soon after the smoke shop opened unexpectedly, I spoke directly with Chief Thomas to voice my concerns over this illegal act, and indicated that he was causing a confrontation that would require a law-enforcement response.

I indicated that I was prepared to discuss the possibility of the state entering into a compact with the tribe, but first they must cease operations.

And, as recently as yesterday, members of my staff met with the chief and representatives of the Narragansett Indians in an attempt to defuse this situation.

Their demands were totally unacceptable.

They demanded that in return for closing the smoke shop that I must drop my opposition to a casino.

That was outrageous.

During each of these meetings, I reiterated the state's position that the opening of a smoke shop violates both state and federal law.

Not only that, we have followed up in writing, on two separate occasions, making the specific rationale for our argument abundantly clear.

The Narragansett Indians have never responded with any argument to the contrary.

We have gone to extraordinary lengths to work with the members of the Narragansett Indian tribe. We have been patient. We have listened to their concerns. We have been open and accessible. We have not delayed.

Today's action is truly regrettable but clearly necessary. Their unwarranted demands left me with no alternative except to enforce the law.

As governor, through the Rhode Island State Police and in conjunction with the Department of Attorney General, I have an obligation to ensure that the laws of the State of Rhode Island are adhered to, and adhered to completely.

This weekend, we sought and received a court-issued search warrant authorizing the State of Rhode Island to halt the illegal activity. Earlier this afternoon, that warrant was executed.

I instructed the colonel of the state police to avoid any and all hostilities. Clearly, those hostilities were provoked by the chief.

I am extraordinarily dismayed because the chief indicated to me that he did not want any confrontation, but could not assure the behavior of others.

Tomorrow, we will go to Superior Court to obtain a restraining order to stop any further illegal activity.

Just because the Narragansett Indians have been denied a casino vote, they cannot and must not engage in willful violation of state law. Many people's lives and livelihood are affected.

My opposition to a casino has nothing to do with the Narragansett Indians.

I have been opposed to a casino sponsored by anyone. Period.