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4/9/2025
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McNamara calls on governor to use Royal Charter power to create ‘free trade zones’ in Rhode Island
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STATE HOUSE — In response to a string of tariffs levied by President Trump, Rep. Joseph M. McNamara (D-Dist. 19, Warwick, Cranston) is calling on Gov. Dan McKee to establish free trade zones in Rhode Island under powers granted to the governor by King Charles II in Rhode Island’s Royal Charter.
According to the charter, which was granted by the king on July 18, 1663, the governor and all successors are empowered to “hold commerce and trade, with such inhabitants of other colonies peaceably.”
In a letter to the governor, Representative McNamara suggested that the Commerce Corporation could explore the possibilities of establishing trade agreements with international car manufacturers and name the Quonset Industrial Park as a free trade zone.
He also suggested that Rhode Island T.F. Green International Airport, which is currently building a warehouse, would be ideal for duty-free importing, and that the Port of Providence has been underutilized as a working port and would be booming if it were named the first Free Trade Port on the East Coast.
“Our state has a long history of resisting unfair authoritative trade mandates and taxes,” wrote Representative McNamara. “One only has to reflect back on our 252-year history to be reminded of the action that our early colonists took in 1772 when faced with an unlawful British vessel. The burning of the Gaspee was not only the first meaningful event of the American Revolution, but it also solidified our belief in free trade and the rights that were given to us by King Charles II in 1663.”
For more information, contact:
Daniel Trafford, Publicist
State House Room 20
Providence, RI 02903
(401)222-1922
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