Haiti Chérie Mwen - Issue 1

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OCT 2014

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Obama’s Proposed Amnesty to Expand DACA? ...see page 10

Chamber Offers FREE Paralegal Certificate Program ... see page 15

VOTE 2014

A Moral Victory for Teachout ... see page 3

Save Your American Dream: Your Home ... see page 8

Howie Hawkins from Worker to Governor?... see page 6

Introduction of Faith-based Cardiovascular Program

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BY VANDELL PARK

public health education organization called HeartSmarts, has embarked on a mission to reduce the problem of cardiovascular diseases within minority and underserved communities across the five boroughs of New York City. The program is the initiative of Dr. Naa-Solo Tettey, Coordinator of New York Presbyterian Hospital Cardiovascular

Haitian President Open to Dialogue...see page 2

Should I move from TPS to Extended DACA?

FREE Consultations Call 718-222-3155

Haitian Chamber President Smith Georges ...see page 12

continued on page 5

Brian Figeroux, Esq.

How Can Spirituality Affect Your Family Life?... see page 9

A Close Look at Bishop Dr. Philius Nicolas

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BY SMITH GEORGES

r. Philius Nicolas is the founder and the Bishop of Evangelical Crusade of Fishers of Men, Inc. He was born in Petion-Ville, Haiti on December 22, 1930. He was educated in Haiti. He pursued his study at the Evangelical Teacher Training Association in Chicago, the Church of Christ Bible College in New York, The New York School of Music, Columbia

Bishop Dr. Nicolas

University and Bethany College in West Virginia and Jean Price Mars University of Haiti. He received a B.S., A Master and Doctorate of Divinity Degrees respectively, and three honorary degrees in theology, philosophy and law. He was married on December 29, 1956. He is the father of four sons, one daughter, and is the grandfather of their teen children.

While reflecting on the Haitian comcontinued on page 11

How HAICC’s Small Business Solutions Can Help Your Business ...see page 13

Dr. Kelser Dalmacy: A Doctor With a Big Heart ...see page 4

Double Victories: Rodneyse Bichotte Shines Bright Like a Diamond ...see page 7

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CONSULATES Anguilla 845 Third Avenue New York, N.Y. 10022 Tel: 212-745-0277

Antigua & Barbuda 610 Fifth Avenue, Suite 311 New York, N.Y. 10020 Tel: 212-541-4117 The Bahamas 231 East 46th Street New York, N.Y. 10020 Tel: 212-421-6420

Barbados 820 Second Avenue, 5th Floor New York, N.Y. 10017 Tel: 212-551-4325 Belize 675 Third Avenue, Suite 1911 New York, N.Y. 10017 Tel: 212-949-1240

Dominica 800 Second Avenue, Suite 400H New York, N.Y. 10017 Tel: 212-949-0853 Dominican Republic 1500 Broadway, Suite 410 New York, N.Y. 10036 Tel: 212-768-2480

Grenada 800 Second Avenue, Suite 400K New York, N.Y. 10017 Tel: 212-599-0301 Guyana 308 West 38th Street New York, N.Y. 10018 Tel: 212-947-5119

Martelly Prepared to Meet with Opposition Politicians

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resident Michel Martelly says he is prepared to meet with opposition legislators who are accused of delaying plans for holding legislative and municipal elections by the end of this year.

The Permanent Council of the Organization of American States (OAS) last week adopted a declaration calling on the three branches of government in Haiti to comply with the agreement, known as El Rancho, for the polls to be held in October.

“Unfortunately this agreement is now facing great difficulties; you supported us, encouraged all actors to respect their commitments, and today I come to seek the solidarity of the OAS and its member states regarding a situation facing our nation, because we know that the wellbeing of Haiti’s democracy must be a priority for the region,” said Haiti’s OAS Permanent Representative Edmond Bocchit.

Lucien Jura, the spokesman for President Martelly said the head of state had responded positively to a letter from

Panama 1212 Avenue of the Americas, 6th Floor New York, N.Y. 10036 Tel: 212-840-2450 St. Kitts & Nevis 414 East 75th Street, 5th Floor New York, N.Y. 10021 Tel: 212-535-5521 St. Lucia 800 Second Avenue, 9th Floor New York, N.Y. 10007 Tel: 212-697-9360 St. Maarten 675 Third Avenue, Suite 1807 New York, N.Y. 10017 Tel: 800-786-2278

St. Vincent & The Grenadines 801 Second Avenue, 21st Floor New York, N.Y. 10017 Tel: 212-687-4981 Trinidad & Tobago 125 Maiden Lane New York, N.Y. 10038 Tel: 212-682-7272

For more Consulate information go to www.cawnyc.com/directory

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ormer president Jean-Bertrand Aristide has been placed under house arrest as a judge continues to investigate allegations of corruption, money laundering and drugs smuggling involving the former leader and close allies.

As a result of the ruling issued by Judge Lamarre Belizaire the residence of the former president, in the district of Tabarre, is being guarded by agents of the prison administration, known as APENA, while the perimeter of the residence will be

Jamaica 767 Third Avenue New York, N.Y. 10017 Tel: 212-935-9000

Montserrat 845 Third Avenue New York, N.Y. 10022 Tel: 212-745-0200

Senator Simon Dieuseul Desras, President of the Senate, asking that he meet with the opposition legislators to discuss the matter.

Meanwhile, the President who is currently in New York for his participation in the 69th session of the General Assembly of the United Nations, and met with the Prime Minister, Laurent Lamothe, and Christian Paradis, Canadian Minister of International Development and La Francophonie, to discuss the cooperation between the two countries and development projects committed to assist the

Former Haiti President Jean-Bertrand Aristide Placed Under House Arrest

Haiti 815 Second Avenue,6th Floor New York, N.Y. 10017 Tel: 212-697-9767

Martinique 444 Madison Avenue, 16th Floor New York, N.Y. 10022 Tel: 212-838-6887

President Martelly with Canadian Prime Minister

Haitian Beauty Made the Top 25 in the Swimming Suit Competition in Thailand

New York: Lisa Drouillard is currently in Bangkok, Thailand, getting ready for the October 7, 2014 “Miss Grand International.” She made the top 25 in the swimming suit competition and is advancing toward the final. We are following closely her progress and wish her the best.

Lisa is a smart young woman and she is stunningly beautiful. She holds a degree in Criminal Justice, and she is also a violinist. She has been competing in pageants for eight years, holding many titles, and is now Miss Grand Haiti International. During her early years she started modeling and doing philanthropic work that came along with her winning titles.

Lisa has been featured in magazines such as Today’s Black Women, Super Models Unlimited and Hype Hair. The New York Daily News featured Lisa in an article after her victory as Ms. Teen New York USA 2010 where she represented the 19.3 million residents of New York State. She has also appeared on several TV shows.

On Haitian Flag Day in 2011, Lisa

received a citation from former Brooklyn Borough president Marty Markowitz, and she was also awarded a citation and a proclamation at the New York City Council.

Lisa is in the midst of creating her own non-profit organization and several projects for Haiti as well.

Early this summer, Lisa assumed the title of Miss Grand Haiti International.

This is the first time Haiti will be represented on the "Miss Grand International" stage. "Miss Grand International" is one of the largest international pageants in the world, where more than one hundred countries are represented.

"I have always been proud of my Haitian heritage and culture. I will be wearing a Toussaint Louverture outfit during the competition in Thailand. It's such an honor for me to represent Haiti on such a grand scale," said Lisa.l To follow and keep up with Lisa, you can follow her on her Instagram @itslisadee or the Facebook Miss Grand Haiti. The hashtag to use if someone wants to spread the message along with

IN THE NEWS

Haitian people.

Both men have explored new areas of cooperation, including public health, hydropower, and the opportunity for Haiti to benefit from the expertise of HydroQuébec, as well as security in order to create favorable conditions for investment and job creation in the country.

The Head of Government also spoke in favor of direct budgetary support to the government, like the European Union and the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), in order to facilitate more projects in favor of the population and to accelerate the development in the country. "The good news is that Canada is ready to continue its cooperation with Haiti.”

While in New York, President Martelly addressed the Haitian Diaspora at the Evangelical Crusade of Fishers of Men located at 557 East 31st Street, in Brooklyn. He spoke on the progress that he has made in Haiti since becoming President. Haiti was hit by a severe 7.0 magnitude earthquake on January 12, 2010, that left about 300,000 people dead and 1.5 million homeless. Ever since, Haiti has been struggling to reconstruct the nation. About $13 billion was pledged by the international community, but only 48% has been disbursed. Rebuilding Haiti is not an easy task.l

guarded by agents of the Central Department of the Judicial Police (DCPJ).

“We order those responsible for the Prison Administration to take all necessary measures to secure the residence where the accused is found and to bring him before us, when required, in order to be interrogated on acts of money laundering and illicit drug trafficking blamed on him, “Justice Bélizaire said in his order.

“For these reasons, (we) say and declare that the named Jean-Bertrand Aristide is under house arrest since force must remain with the law,” according to the order dated September 9.l

Source: Caribbean360.com

Lisa’s photo, is #MissGrandHaiti.

To view Lisa and other beauties from around the world, who will compete in Bangkok, Thailand, on October 7, 2014. for "Miss Grand International," go to www.missgrandinternational.com/?page= contestant.

To go directly to Lisa's page/website, go to www.missgrandhaiti.wordpress.com.

To donate to Lisa's pageantry fund, please go to http://goo.gl/L7WxY4.

REFLECTIONS

A Moral Victory for Teachout

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BY MARILYN SILVERMAN

ndrew Cuomo, in his quest to launch a reelection campaign to keep his seat as our governor, had no idea whatsoever, that he was facing a formidable candidate; she couldn’t match his campaign coffers; she couldn’t match his name recognition; she couldn’t match his political experience; after all he has in essence devoted his entire life to the political arena, having been handed the mantle from his father. He thought he would just breeze into office. He won, but he didn’t breeze into office as a second-term governor.

Yes, Zephyr Teachout, a Fordham University Law Professor, a distinguished legal scholar, and an author of Corruption in America, is a virtual newcomer on the political horizon, and waged an amazingly impressive battle in her quest to become New York’s next governor. She won 35% of the vote and we will certainly hear more about this virtual unknown in the near future. Who would think a virtual unknown can end up being a formidable opponent? Well it can and did happen.

The incumbent governor, Andrew Cuomo, was victorious as expected, but nevertheless, Teachout was pretty impressive for a newcomer. Her political agenda focused on the liberals’ frustration with a number of Cuomo’s policies, e.g., his business friendly tax cuts; and his refusal to rule out hydrofracking, which is basically a controversial natural gas -drilling technique. She was also critical of the dismantling of an anti- corruption commission . It’s certainly interesting that she also fared much better than little-known challengers in previous statewide races. Though obviously defeated, it is conceivable that she put a dent in our governor’s bid for higher office in the not too distant future, according to the New York Times. What he took for granted, might not come to fruition.

Her platform for reform is demonstrable proof of the existence of a rift among the liberal voters. Yes, she was the loser, no doubt about it. The numbers don’t lie but she claimed victory; she is bringing to the forefront her old-fashioned populist platform to the attention of the media and a broad spectrum of voters. She feels that the government should do more to ensure free competition both in elections and in the economy and furthermore, calls for a return to the trust- busting

TEAM

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My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge. —Hosea 4:6

Publisher I.Q. INC.

Managing Editor & Editor-in-Chief Pearl Phillip

Editor Smith Georges

Legal Advisor Brian Figeroux, Esq.

Assistant Editor Marilyn Silverman

Marketing Manager Orlando Auponte

Community & Public Relations Jovens Mon Coeur Graphic & Website Designers Praim Samsoondar Lana Delgadillo

Teachout with her running mate, Wu

approach of the early part of the last century whereby individual firms were prevented from accumulating too much economic power. Her goal is to put an end to decentralizing political and financial power.

She emphasizes that she will continue to be supportive of a matching system whereby small campaign donations are matched by large donations. Why? To encourage candidates to lend a sympathetic ear to the myriad concerns of the poor and middle class in our cities who are suffering, instead of just listening to wealthy donors and corporations.

She also voiced her sincere commitment to prevent monopolies and oligopolies in business. She feels the policies introduced and implemented during the Regan era allowed the formation of mergers and acquisitions. That resulted in the concentration of market power in the hands of a few firms. What’s wrong with that? Plenty. This resulted in creating hardship for consumers who ended up paying higher prices and workers who were paid less.

Teachout doesn’t rule out a second run for office. She lost every borough in New York City but was victorious in

nearly two dozen upstate counties.

Cuomo’s campaign coffer contained $30 millilon, Cuomo spent his entire career in politics and is a household name. First there was his father in New York City politics. Now there’s the son in New York City politics. Basically she was an embarrassment to him.We will certainly hear the name Zephyr Teachout in future campaigns.

Teachout ran a bare-bones campaign whose campaign coffers did not in any imaginable way match that of our governor. She campaigned as a liberal alternative to Cuomo who she accused of utilizing Reagan-like economic policies. It is most certainly encouraging that her campaign proves that in America, an unknown political candidate with virtually no name recognition, with virtually no huge campaign funding, with virtually no campaign experience, can make a difference and have a future in politics.

All that unknown political candidate needs in a thorough comprehension of the political arena and a sincere commitment to ameliorate our standard of living and to be responsive to the issues of the day.l

Contributors Vandell Park Janet Howard Steven Dowshen, MD Dan Nowicki Daniel Gonzalez Victoria Britt

Email cariaweekly@aol.com Website www.myiqinc.com

Take your business to the next level!

Become a member of the Haitian-American International Chamber of Commerce (HAICC).

Call 718-722-9217 and ask for Smith Georges at ext 834.

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COMMUNITY LEADER

A Doctor with a Generous Heart

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and the papers and the publications regardless of the ideology. You are always there in the center of everything.

How do you feel being chosen as a prominent figure we are going to have in the first publication of Haiti Chérie Mwen?

Dr. Dalmacy: Thank you, this is a great honor to be on the front page of the first publication of Haiti Cherie Mwen. I have to congratulate you also because you are a great figure in the Haitian community. I remember twenty years ago I used to watch you on many programs — on TV programs. I think we are watching what each other is doing. Being on the front page will help people know me better because every interview that I do, there is something new coming out of it so I think putting me on the front page would help people know me better and have a different prospective of me.

BY SMITH GEORGES

e are featuring Dr. Kesler Dalmacy in the first publication of Haiti Chérie Mwen (HCM). Haiti Cherie Mwen is a monthly paper that will feature events, activities, news, artists, community and religious leaders, and will be particularly focused on guiding and empowering Haitian entrepreneurs and business owners to expand and to structure themselves, and to become minority-certified businesses. One of our objectives is to bridge the gap between the Haitian community and the other communities.

Dr. Kesler Dalmacy is a prominent figure in the Haitian community. He is a physician; a Diplomat, American Board of Pathologist; a community leader and an activist.

HCM: Dr. Dalmacy, welcome. It’s a pleasure to speak to you.

Dr. Dalmacy: Thank you. It’s a pleasure to be with you and to talk to the community at large; as you have just mentioned, we are not here just for people of Haitian descent. We serve everybody, every ethnicity that you can think of.

HCM: Dr. Dalmacy, I know you, not just as a doctor — even my own mother goes to your office — but you are also a com-

Everything the community is doing in the past twenty years, mostly Haitians, may it be sports, art — everything that they are doing, they call upon me to help. munity leader supporting events in the community, such as the summer stage festival on Nostrand Avenue every year,

HCM: I know you are a known figure in the Haitian community and the community at large and you also ran for president of Haiti, and we send approximately two billion dollars every year there and we should have representation in what is happening in Haiti. You are also a pathologist. What can you tell us about you and what does a pathologist do?

Dr. Dalmacy: A pathologist is a part of study in medicine that takes care of the

study of organs. If someone has a medical problem and they want to know what it is. Beside SCA and RMI, you take a tissue or a piece of the organ and you see exactly under microscope — yes, under electronic microscope so you can see the problem. Pathology has diverse phases—let’s say someone dies and there is no known cause, the pathologist will study the tissue after an autopsy to determine what kills that person. Same procedure after a surgery, the pathologist studies the tissue in order to find out the cause of the disease.

This interview in not just about medicine, I know you also talk about my being an activist in the community. I share my time between working as a medical doctor and helping people in many ways — treat them for more than thirty years; also, we do a lot of social work. Everything the community is doing in the past twenty years, mostly Haitians, may it be sports, art — everything that they are doing, they call upon me to help. You also mention that I ran for office in Haiti about four years ago.

It was just a gesture and symbolic; that we can say. I knew not being in Haiti for five years they were going to reject me, but I went there just for historic purposes. I wanted to represent the Haitian Diaspora there…. as you just mentioned, we send two billion dollars there. l

TIME FOR ACTION

Introducing of Faith-based Cardiovascular Program/

continued from previous page

Health Education. Dr. Tettey says her experience as a graduate intern student at the St. Luke’s Obesity Research Clinic motivated her to become a public health advocate and educator, thus the birth of the HeartSmarts initiative: “I commenced HeartSmarts in 2011, as a way to educate underserved communities about heart disease and its prevention. So far, the program has met the needs of communities across the five boroughs of New York City and we are looking to expand that.

An internship as a psychology grad student at the St. Luke’s Obesity Research Clinic led me to learn what public health was and how public health deals with educating the people on a broader scale as opposed to just having one on one contact. I realize that I would be more effective at that level than if I just have to deal with people one-on-one. That’s when I changed my direction and moved towards public health and health education. What we do at HeartSmarts is educate pastors and community leaders to become educators in the community about cardiovascular health. What makes HeartSmarts different is that it uses a faith-based curriculum, so each of the ten sessions of the HeartSmarts program has a biblical scripture that goes along with it. For example, session one is ‘Your body is the temple, know your risk for heart disease’. So it goes on and on each week to have a biblical scripture that matches the lesson for that week.

And the purpose for that is that we actually wanted to created a program that was faith-based and not just faith-placed.

What I mean by that is, when a program is just faith placed an organization such as a hospital or an insurance company can just come in and give the program without having anything specific dealing with those participants in the program.

What we wanted to do is to actually incorporate the faith tradition, the culture, and the scripture into our program to really make it resonate with those who participate.”

When asked why the program is faithbased, Dr. Tettey explained: “The reason we used the faith-based theme for the program is because we found that church is a great place for education for the entire community, so even if everyone is not going to a specific church or faithbased organization, they have family members that might be going, and so in terms of disseminating that information, research has shown that the church is a great place for public health programming. Also, research has shown that if the pastor in a church says something regarding health…the congregation is more likely to take the advice of their pastor than the advice of their actual doctor for the most part and so the faithbased organizations are very powerful tools to disseminate information on public health… also there are lots of grant funds out there to work with faith-based programming because of its effectiveness, so we did have a grant to run the program so that is essentially another

part of the faith-base structure.”

The program which currently targets mostly African Americans and Hispanics and other individuals in what is considered underserved communities in New York City, also has a secular component to it for those who may not want to participate in the Christian faith-based format. In the secular program, quotes that encourages healthy behavior and lifestyles fromcommunity leaders and public figures such as Maya Angelou, Mahatma Gandhi, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and Mother Teresa are used as motivators. Dr. Tettey outlined the ultimate goal of the HeartSmarts program: “The goal of the program is to reach communities that are affected at a disproportionate rate by disease like hypertension, obesity and diabetes and all of the other contributing factors.

HeartSmarts is different from other programs is that it empowers the participants. In the beginning the participants are given a pre-assessment that asks questions like, what is heart disease?

What is hypertension? What are healthy numbers for cholesterol? Usually people are on medications for these diagnosis but they are unaware as to what these diseases are. So the purpose of HeartSmarts is to empower people to actually understand their bodies, actually understand their health, thus leading to a more preventative approach, or a way of managing their conditions better and possibly reversing those conditions, so the main goal of the program is education and empowerment.”

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“So the purpose of

HeartSmarts is to empower people to actually

understand their bodies,

actually understand their health, thus leading to a more preventative approach...”

Medical doctors are involved in the training and development of the program curriculum. The format is a 10-week training program between February and May each year at the New York Presbyterian Hospital for community and church leaders. Trainers are then invested as ambassadors and go back into their communities to train others to carry out the HeartSmarts program. Each ambassador is required to do two 10-week classes for the year. They will also educate community members on the risk and prevention of cardiovascular issues.

Participants will undergo various assessment tests, knowledge on the subject of cardiovascular problems and weight and nutrition programs at the start of the program and then at the end of the 10-week session, they will be tested again to monitor their progress and effectiveness of the public health educational drive. A

Dr Tettey

subsequent three-month follow-up test is conducted to ensure participants are following what they learned from the program. Since the implementation of the program, first year participants showed that 50% lost weight, 60% increased nutrition practice, 75% are more actively involved in their daily exercises and 90% show increased knowledge of the disease that affects them.

The program is funded by a grant from the organization called the Fridolin Charitable Trust which guaranteed funds for the program over the next six years.

New York Presbyterian Hospital provides the 200-page training manual and other resources for the program. Faithbased and community organizations that wish to participate in the program can attend An Introduction to the program on Wednesday, December 3rd at 9am. See ad below.l

Hosea: 4:6 - My people are destroyed from lack of knowledge

An Introduction to

A Special Invitation

to all faith-based leaders to empower their congregation and membership

from the IJLEF, Inc., a 501(c)(3) approved not-for-profit organization offering

FREE IMMIGRATION SEMINARS/ PRESENTATIONS & CONSULTATION CARDS ($100 VALUE) ON THE DAY OF THE PRESENTATION

Call 718-243-9431 to schedule a presentation

HeartSmarts

HeartSmarts is a program to empower others to live heart-healthy lifestyles. The program seeks to educate pastors and community leaders to become educators in the community about cardiovascular health. What makes HeartSmarts different is that it uses a faith-based curriculum, so each of the ten sessions of the HeartSmarts program has a biblical scripture that goes along with it.

Applications will be available for the FREE Lay Health Ambassadors Join us on Wednesday, Dec. 3, 2014 Program at 9am Who should attend?

Faith-based and community leaders Visit www.mynacc.org to register.

Location: NACC Conference Room 26 Court Street, Suite 701, Brooklyn, NY 11242

Tel: 718-722-9217

Email: info@mynacc.org

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VOTE 2014

Howie Hawkins: From Worker to Governor?

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BY VANDELL PARK

overnor Andrew Cuomo’s bid for reelection as Governor may not be smooth sailing as he might want it to be. There is an independent challenger, Howie Hawkins, from a working-class background who is seeking feverishly to oust him in the upcoming November gubernatorial elections. Hawkins, who heads the Green New Deal for New York Party, hails from Syracuse. The UPS worker says Governor Cuomo has failed New Yorkers in a number of ways and he and his party will do whatever it takes to provide New Yorkers with the kind of leadership they deserve. Here is how Hawkins introduced himself and his platform for the upcoming elections: “I am a working Teamster out of Syracuse, New York. I am the last progressive left on the ballot for November. I think we need more working people up in office at Albany because the two parties we have in there are not taking care of us. I am running on a Green New Deal for New York, and, these are economic human rights we believe everybody ought to have for just the basic standard of living that we can afford; that would include the right to a job. It would include a minimum wage. We say the minimum wage should be $15 an hour and this is modest we think, because

Hawkins challenges Governor Cuomo

in 1963, the March on Washington for jobs and freedom said we should have a $2.00 minimum wage. You adjust that for inflation, we would now have $ 15.57, so what we are doing now is carrying forward these demands that were made for civil rights, and as they say, back then would be a turn from civil rights to human rights, so we should have these basic economic rights, a job, healthcare, affordable housing and a good education in New York. I believe that if you work you ought to be able to pay your bills. We will also

call it a green new deal because we have to go to clean energy in 15 years. This clean energy project will create jobs in the construction industry, and other areas.

And will cut electricity rates in half by using solar and wind energy. Those two parties, the Democrats and Republicans, owned by the 1%, are not concerned about the ordinary New Yorker and we have to have a party who is looking out for the rest of us. That’s what my party brings to the table these elections.”

According to Hawkins, the burning issue of public education is a priority for his party. He argues that Governor Andrew Cuomo and his team have failed New Yorkers, especially Blacks and Hispanics, the basic right of free education, by taking away funding from the public schools.

Hawkins says: “The current Governor has underfunded the public schools, promotes the privatization of schools in the form of charters, and imposes this high stakes test that is linked to this common core and has punished students which got the teachers up in arms, and the parents up in arms. We need to back off of that, and put the teachers, who are the professionals, and the parents, back in charge of the curriculums …in the schools,…this state is now the most segregated in its residences and housing patterns and in our schools and nobody is addressing that. We have some ideas on how to address that problem. We will ensure that public schools are funded by the state. I have as my running mate for Lieutenant Governor, Brian Jones, who is a schoolteacher, who taught in Harlem and in Brooklyn for the past nine years; he is now studying Urban Education as he pursues his Doctorate at the CUNY Graduate Center. He is a teacher who is trying to reform the teachers’ union; he is on a caucus called MORE, a Movement of Radical Educators; they are pushing for full funding of our public schools, and for using tests that will evaluate and encourage our children rather the current test which is used to punish and push out our children from the schools to the street to the prison pipeline, which is a big problem particularly in the most disadvantaged communities which are doubly segregated by race and class.”

Hawkins lashes out at Governor Cuomo on his immigration policies, accusing the current Governor of sabotaging the rights of hard -working immigrants living in New York State. He stressed that the Governor did not push to pass the immigration Dream Act which would have provided a number of hard-working immigrant students with financing to attend higher academic institutions of learning.

Hawkins also says the Governor’s choice for Lieutenant Governor is an outright slap in the face of immigrants living in a diverse state as New York, and his nonchalant attitude towards the push to authorize undocumented immigrants to drive as other states have done, only speaks to his uncaring attitude for the average New Yorker: “We want to pass the Dream Act. It is a basic human right. We are for drivers licenses for undocumented

immigrants. We want to make this a sanctuary state, and we don’t want the police stopping people and asking them if they have their papers. Those who don’t have the appropriate documentation such as a drivers license and a State Identification card, is deprived of their whole attempt to make a living up here, and then the farmers don’t like it because they have trouble getting the laborers to pick the apples and the other crops when that times comes around. Drivers licenses are a public safety issue, and it also helps people to get to their jobs and take care of their business.

It is these issues that the Governor should support. We’ve got a Governor who has appointed Kathy Hochul as Lieutenant Governor, who was not only opposed to drivers licenses for the undocumented, but tied it along with terrorism and basically said when she was County Clerk up at Erie County, that if anybody shows up at her office without U.S. documentation for drivers license, she will turn them over to ICE, which is not the kind of person you need running a diverse state like New York.”

Hawkins says he respects the rich in society, but believes they should not be given special favors as Governor Cuomo appears to have done for them in his first term. He says he is a staunch advocate for equal opportunity and the working class should be treated with dignity as well.

Hawkins says: “I intend to establish a Truth, Justice and Reconciliation Commission. This commission will focus on the war on drugs and the mass incarceration of the disadvantaged communities. This commission will find out what happened to the victims and figure ways how to make those communities whole, following the example of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission in South Africa. I will also establish a Civil Rights Commission that will be cabinet level in New York State. I will push to repeal the Urstad Act which has Albany deciding on rent control in New York City, and give that power back to the city. I will also work on improving the percentage of minority-owned businesses getting contracts with both the state and the city.

Public infrastructure is falling apart; getting these fixed will open up businesses for the state and the cities. So this has to take priority for jobs and minority- owned businesses. A single public healthcare plan will be administratively more efficient here in the state of New York and will save the state some $28 billion a year; this will allow us to bargain with the drug companies where we can get the drugs at rates that are much lower. We need to allocate the resources in the budget for that public plan so we can give to the hospitals and clinics so that they can effectively serve the people.”

Hawkins is calling on New Yorkers to support him in the upcoming November gubernatorial elections, so that he and his team can provide adequate leadership to the State of New York, and to address the pressing issues that will benefit New Yorkers in one way or the other.l

VOTE 2014: CARIBBEAN STAR

Double Victories: Bichotte Shines Bright Like a Diamond

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BY SMITH GEORGES

istrict Leader, Rodneyse Bichotte, a Haitian-American, won both Democratic primary election seats that she was seeking.

Bichotte, a former investor banker, has been re-elected to her District Leader/State Committeewoman position that she has been holding for more than 8 years, and she also won the seat for Assemblywoman in the 42nd Assembly District a seat that had been vacated by retiring Assemblywoman Rhoda Jacob after 36 years. Bichotte grabbed 51% of the votes (2,669 votes) and defeated three other opponents in the September 2014 Democratic primary: Rickie Tulloch with 30% of the votes (1,592 votes), and Michele Adolphe, another Haitian-American candidate, who garnered 15% of the votes (800 votes), and Victor Jordan with 5.7% of the votes (306 votes). Tullock was endorsed by outgoing veteran politician, Jacob, but that was not enough to push him to the finish line.

Occupying both seats is legal. But Bichote will have to be in Albany and also be present in her local district in Brooklyn as well and functioning as Assemblywoman and District Leader at

the same time. She will have a very busy schedule.

District Leader/State Committee Woman Rodneyse Bichotte’s impressive performance and maturity on the political stage were boosted by some powerful endorsers, such as Congresswoman Yvette Clarke, Congressman Hakeem Jeffreis, Mayor Bill de Blasio, Public Advocate Letitia James, Comptroller Scott Stringer, Councilmember Jumaane

D. Williams, 1199 SEIU and several other unions — just to name a few endorsers.

Bichotte deserves high praise for her consistency and dedication. Bichotte’s political career has matured before our eyes. A product of the community where she was raised, she has been omnipresent in community events.

Bichotte is an outspoken voice on education, immigration, affordable housing,

7

health care, senior citizen care, LGBTQ and several other issues affecting her constituents.

We are endorsing Rodneyse Bichotte in the November 2014 general election.

During an interview with us, we welcomed Assemblywoman-Elect and District Leader/State Committee Woman Rodneyse Bichotte to our studio. The interview was broadcast on RadioDiaspora.com and simulcast live on TeleHaiti thanks to the work of Architect Martin Joseph, the Executive Director and founder of TeleHaiti.

“Thank you Smith Georges for having me here today to address the world, TeleHaiti and Radio Diaspora.com. It is such a pleasure to be here again. … remember when I ran in 2012 and lost. I won the silver, but not the gold, but now I won the silver and the gold,” said Bichotte (she was referring to the fact that she won the September 2014 Democratic primary Assemblywoman seat in the 42nd District in Brooklyn, as well as being re-elected as District Leader/State Committeewoman ) “Now you are shining brightly like a diamond. Do you feel that way?” asked Smith Georges. “Yes, I do,” replied Assemblywoman-Elect Bichotte…”l

8

MONEY MATTERS

Saving Your American Dream

A

BY VICTORIA BRITT

merica is a nation of consumption. A highly paid army of persuaders surrounds us with thousands of seductive messages each day that say “buy buy buy.” Plus, credit makes living beyond our means easy and resisting the siren sounds of the advertisers difficult. However, we are also told that if we fail to pay for it all, right on time, we are miserable deadbeats. In short, much of the American economic life is built on a contradiction.

Adding to this contradiction is the system of high interest rates and penalties that are imposed by most credit card companies that cause our debt to soar. In many cases, the interest rates are so high that the companies involved would have been prosecuted for loan sharking in the not-too distant past – before the credit card industry systematically lobbied to do away with usury laws or to create exceptions to those laws for credit card interest rates.

Credit card companies keep this system working by encouraging us to make the minimum payment, which motivates us to make even more credit card purchases and as a result, we get entangled a web of debt load far beyond our ability to ever pay them off. We now all owe our souls to the company store. We should not feel guilty about being caught in this deliberately contrived economic trap. It’s nonsense.

There is much more to life than an A+ credit rating and paying your bills, especially those owed to the credit card companies.

Unfortunately, it has been recognized that debts can get the better of even the most conscientious among us. From biblical times to the present, sane societies have discouraged debtors from falling on their swords and have provided sensible ways for debt-oppressed people to start new economic lives. In the United States, this is done through bankruptcy. Even the Bible talks about the releasing of debts in Deutromony Chapter 15:5.

Understanding Bankruptcy Bankruptcy can be your personal bailout from mounting debts. You can also delay or avoid the foreclosure of your home by seeking bankruptcy protection. Here are some ways that filing for bankruptcy can help you.There are two types of bankruptcy: Chapter 7 and Chapter 13. The most common is Chapter 7.

How Chapter 7 Bankruptcy Can Help It may be that you'll have to give up your home no matter what. In that case, filing for Chapter 7 bankruptcy will at least stall the sale and give you two or three more months to work things out with your lender. It will also help you save up some money during the process and cancel debt secured by your home.

During a Chapter 7 bankruptcy, you can live in your home for free during at least some of the months while your bankruptcy is pending—and perhaps several more after your case is closed. You can then use that money to help secure new shelter.

In regards to canceling debts, Chapter 7 bankruptcy will also cancel all the debt that is secured by your home, including the mortgage, as well as any second mortgages and home equity loans. Thanks to a new law, you no longer face tax liability for losses your mortgage or homeimprovement lender incurs as a result of your default, whether you file for bankruptcy or not. This new law applies to the

2007 tax year and the following two years. This is where Chapter 7 bankruptcy helps. It will exempt you from tax liability on losses the lender incurs if you default on these other loans.

Bankruptcy & Self-Respect Until very recently, filing bankruptcy was a dignified way to achieve a fresh start in a world filled with economic uncertainty.

The law presumed that bankruptcy filers were honest citizens seeking to get rid of their debt and start over, sadder but wiser.

Unfortunately thanks to provisions written primarily by the credit card industry, the new bankruptcy law turns this presumption on its head and views each debtor as a potential bankruptcy cheat.

While this change in attitude would not prevent you from achieving a bankruptcy discharge in most cases because you like most other filers are in fact honest, it does have the potential to make you feel bad about yourself. Please don’t fall into this trap. Bankruptcy is a truly worthy part of our legal system, based as it is on forgiveness rather than retribution. Certainly, it gives people a fresh start in our increasingly volatile economy helps keep families together, reduces suicide rates, and keeps the ranks of the homeless from growing even larger. So, don’t let the word bankruptcy get you down. It’s an opportunity for a fresh start. Take it and save your financial future today. l

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The Law Offices of Figeroux & Associates, 26 Court Street, Suite 701, Brooklyn, NY. Visit www.figeroux.com

9

FAMILY MATTERS

How Can Spirituality Affect Your Family Life?

C

REVIEWED BY STEVEN DOWSHEN, MD

an spirituality promote a healthier physical life for your family?

Recent medical studies indicate that spiritual people exhibit fewer selfdestructive behaviors (suicide, smoking, and drug and alcohol abuse, for example), less stress, and a greater total life satisfaction.

Much of the research linking spiritual and physical health has involved elderly patients; however, the data offer a glimpse into a possible tie between a spiritual life and good health for people of all ages.

Although spirituality has been shown to reduce depression, improve blood pressure, and boost the immune system, religious beliefs should not interfere with the medical care kids receive.

So what exactly is spirituality, and how can it enhance your family's health?

Spirituality and Physical Health Doctors and scientists once avoided the study of spirituality in connection to medicine, but findings within the past 10 years have made some take a second look. Studies show that religion and faith can help to promote good health and fight disease by: •Offering additional social supports, such as religious outreach groups •Improving coping skills through prayer and a philosophy that all things have a purpose Although research on kids hasn't been

done, many studies focusing on adults point to the positive effects of spirituality on medical outcome: •In a 7-year study of senior citizens, religious involvement was associated with less physical disability and less depression. Death rates were lower than expected before an important religious holiday, which suggested to researchers that faith might have postponed death in these cases.

•Elderly people who regularly attended religious services had healthier immune systems than those who didn't. They were also more likely to have consistently lower blood pressure.

•Patients undergoing open-heart surgery who received strength and comfort from their religion, were three times more likely to survive than those who had no religious ties.

Spirituality and Mental Health Religious and spiritual beliefs are an important part of how many people deal with life's joys and hardships. Faith can provide people with a sense of purpose and guidelines for living.

When families face tough situations, including health problems, their religious beliefs and practices can help them fight feelings of helplessness, restore meaning and order to life situations, and promote regaining a sense of control. For some families, spirituality can be a powerful and important source of strength.

Medical studies have confirmed that

Studies

show that

religion and faith can help to

promote

good health and fight

disease... spirituality can have a profound effect on mental states. In a study of men who were hospitalized, nearly half rated religion as helpful in coping with their illnesses. A second study showed that the more religious patients were, the more quickly they recovered from some disorders. A third study revealed that high levels of hope and optimism, key factors in fighting depression, were found among those who strictly practiced their religion.

Can Spiritual Beliefs Enhance Parenting?

Attending organized religious services may help some families connect with their spiritual values, but it's not the only way. Less traditional paths also can help

kids and parents find spiritual meaning.

To foster spirituality within your own family, you may want to examine your own values. Ask yourself: What is important to me? How well do my daily activities mirror my values? Do I neglect issues that matter to me because I'm busy spending time on things that matter less?

This search can be conducted on your own or as part of a larger group — a religious community, friends, or your own family. Making a spiritual journey might help you and your family live a healthier life, both emotionally and physically.l © 1995-2014.

The Foundation/KidsHealth®. with permission.

Family Law Practice Summarized

Nemours Reprinted

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nDIVORCE nSEPARATION nSUPPORT nCUSTODY The lawyer you hire, does make a difference!

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10

OBAMA ADMINISTRATION

Obama’s Proposed Amnesty to Expand DACA?

I

Jeh Johnson to identify by summer's end, the actions the administration legally can take "to do what Congress refuses to do and fix as much of our immigration system as we can" and vowed he would "adopt those recommendations without further delay."

After numerous closed-door meetings, the timeline for presidential action is expected to be early to mid-September, although there already are rumblings that the President should push the decision until after Election Day.

BY DAN NOWICKI & DANIEL GONZALEZ, THE REPUBLIC VIA NATIONAL INSTITUTE FOR LATINO POLICY

mmigrant advocates are pushing President Barack Obama to "go big and go bold" when he wields his executive authority in the coming weeks to shield potentially millions of undocumented immigrants from deportation.

But no matter what independent action Obama takes on immigration, big or small, it could scramble U.S. politics just weeks before the Nov. 4 congressional midterm elections and reverberate into the 2016 presidential election.

Obama's unilateral move to provide deportation relief risks hurting the reelection campaigns of some fellow Democrats in the Senate and House by angering Republicans voters and spurring them to the polls.

A political backlash could help Republicans retake the Senate in the coming November elections if Obama's action drives more angry Republican voters to the polls than Democrats who would want to reward him.

Obama also risks alienating Republican allies of immigration reform, such as Sen. John McCain, (R-Ariz), who was the lead GOP negotiator on last year's

bipartisan reform bill — which passed the Senate in 2013 — and is warning Obama not to overreach on his own.

Still, Obama's presidential legacy on immigration is at stake and he may be ready to "go big" despite the political ramifications.

"I think the people want the President to be bold," said Petra Falcon, Executive Director of Promise Arizona, an immigration advocacy group. "They want the president to be a leader. He needs to be a problem solver."

sis, bypassing Congress to help some of the children at the border and other illegal immigrants avoid deportation. The President has taken flak from both sides on immigration reform. He has been criticized by reformers for the record number of deportations during his administration. He has been frustrated by Republicans in the House, who declined to take up the Senate-passed bipartisan reform package.

On June 30, Obama signaled that he would try to fix as much of the nation's broken immigration system as he could unilaterally.

He directed Attorney General Eric Holder and Homeland Security Secretary

Using executive authority By using his executive authority as president, Obama would try to reshape policy without going to Congress. But whatever he does would not carry the weight of a law and he could provoke a legal challenge if he tries to legislate on his own.

Some of the recommendations Obama may be considering are: •Expanding his Deferred Action for Arrivals (DACA) program. The program is currently limited to young undocumented immigrants brought to the U.S. as minors. Some advocates are recommending that Obama expand the program to include undocumented parents and

ALL IMMIGRATION MATTERS lGET THE FACTS

Plenty of criticism President Obama may soon make an executive move on the immigration cri-

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uAppeals to the Board of Immigration Appeals

uLawsuits involving Eligibility and Processing for Citizenship

continued on the next page

CALL 718-834-0190 26 Court Street, Suite 701 Brooklyn, NY 11242

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Visit our website at: www.figeroux.com

FAITH IN THE COMMUNITY

Obama’s Proposed Amnesty to Expand DACA? continued from previous page

siblings of immigrants already approved.

•Expanding the use of "parole in place" to include undocumented immigrants already in the U.S. who are eligible for green cards. That would allow them to get green cards without having to first return to their country and wait 10 years.

•Allow some family members who have been deported to return to the U.S. to reunite with relatives in the U.S. who are citizens through the expanded use of "humanitarian parole."

•Allow immigrants who receive deferred action, temporary protected status, asylum or refugee status to join the military and, after serving five years, be eligible for citizenship. Immigrants without permanent residency are currently barred from the military.

There also are indications Obama could make concessions to business interests such as the high-tech industry in hopes of softening opposition to the other policy changes.

By using his executive authority as President, Obama would try to reshape policy without going to Congress. But whatever he does would not carry the weight of a law and he could provoke a legal challenge if he tries to legislate on his own.

Arizonans weigh in Rep. Raúl Grijalva, (D-Ariz.), said Obama must take action on his own because it is now clear that Congress is not going to act before his second term as President ends. He also argues that Obama is bound to receive criticism from Republicans for taking even limited action on immigration so why not use his authority to protect as many people as possible from deportation?

Grijalva dismisses McCain's claim that Obama will destroy chances for passing an immigration bill if he takes action on his own.

"If the president does something big, it is going to build momentum, maybe not during his time in office, but I guarantee you, whoever runs for president in 2016 will have question Number 1 to answer on the issue of immigration reform," Grijalva said. "The question will be: Are you going to extend (Obama's) executive actions on immigration?"

After immigration-reform efforts fell apart in the House, Falcon's organization, Promise Arizona, shifted its attention to push Obama to take action to protect as many undocumented immigrants as possible from deportation and allow them to have work permits.

"What we want him to do is bring relief to as many of the 11 million undocumented (in the country) as possible," Falcon said.l

FREE Consultations on Obama’s Proposed Amnesty.

Call 718-222-3155 to schedule an appointment

A Close Look at Dr. Bishop Nicolas/continued from page 1

munity, Bishop Nicolas said "We elected the first Haitian-American to the New York City Council, not by ourselves, but with the help of others from the Caribbean community." He then continued "Haitians should not fight for the same position. Rodneyse Bichotte and Michele Adolphe should not have run for the same position because the community will become fragmented. HaitianAmerican politicains must learn to collaborate."

When asked if it is his friendship with Haiti President Michel Martelly that has led to the president using his church to meet the Haitian community on Friday, September 26, 2014, "No, it is not friendship. You know, if the Haitian Consul General asked me if he can use my church for a community gathering between President Martelly and the Diaspora, you think I should refuse him?

Should I say no and go use a Jamaican church or a Jewish Synagogue instead," he replied.

Throughout his illustrious career, Dr. Nicolas has been responsible for building the first Haitian church in New York. He was the founder and director of the first Haitian regular radio station WYGG. He was also the founder and director of Christian Institute of Science and Foreign Language, Inc., a program for kindergarten to eight grade children.

As a biblical scholar, he was ordained in the Church of God in Christ at an early age, which led to serving as the

11

Executive Minister and President of evangelical Crusade Church, and as the Executive Director of Crusade MultiService Center and Associate Minister of the Haitian Evangelical Church of Christ.

As a dedicated community leader, Bishop Nicolas has been responsible for establishing at Evangelical crusade of Fishers of Men, Inc, a food pantry, an English as a Second Language program, a Haitian Refugee Resettlement program, as well as an Immigration Education program among other outstanding initiatives.

Bishop Nicolas is a member of the Haitian American Citizen Society, a member of the Executive Council of the National Council of Churches, Chairman of the West Indian American Citizen Federation, Chairman of the Metropolitan Disciples Union, Chairman of the Haitian Centers Council, Inc., and a trustee of the Northeastern Christian Church, as well as Chairman of the Haitian Evangelical Clergy Association.

Evangelical Crusade of Fishers of Men, Inc Church is located at 557 East 31st Street, Brooklyn, NY 11210 with a capacity of 1,200, but two services are conducted, so a total of 2,400 faithful can attend services in one day. l

12

SMALL BUSINESS

Haitian Chamber Creating Business Opportunities for Haitian Community

T

BY VANDELL PARK

he newly launched Haitian American International Chamber of Commerce (HAICC), has embarked on a key initiative that may provide tremendous health relief to the people of Haiti. The Chamber is expected to create a business opportunity for Haiti that will provide safe drinking water for the country, thus stemming the recent cholera epidemic that plagued the Caribbean Nation. President of the HAICC, Smith Georges, says, his Chamber is currently in talks with a Company from Belgium called LifeFilta Water Purification Company that engages in what is called Nano filtration of water, thus providing pure drinking water.

According to the HAICC President, some 10 officials of the company will be traveling from Belgium to the United States during the third week in September 2014, to join their United States representative Mr. Robert Weissman, for a meeting with HAICC representatives and government officials from the Haitian Consulate in New York to concretize the business partnership.

Mr. Georges says once a memorandum of understanding is finalized, officials from

Attendees at the pre-launch in May 2014

his chamber and the Belgium water company will travel to Haiti to launch a pilot program for the business venture. The project, he says, is likely to commence by the end of 2014.

Meanwhile, the HAICC which was officially launched on June 19, 2014 at the annual New American Chamber of Commerce (NACC), Multicultural Expo at the Marriott Hotel, downtown Brooklyn, is also making significant progress in building partnership with the Haitian business community both here in

the United States Diaspora and in Haiti.

Another key initiative of the Chamber will be the launching of its own publication, that will be distributed monthly throughout the Haitian community in the Tri-state area. Mr. Georges speaks about the new Haitian Chamber newspaper: “This publication will focus on activities of the chamber, communicating to both members of the chamber and the wider community, the various initiatives of the chamber, its plans and other information that will keep people up to date about

what we are doing at the chamber. The publication will also be used as an educational forum to encourage people to become entrepreneurs, and will highlight the various programs the chamber will offer. It will also give businesses and other individual an opportunity to know how important it is to become a member of the chamber.�

Mr. Georges says the chamber will conduct training sessions in a number of businesses related areas such as, minority business certification for New York City, business proposal preparation, application preparation for New York City businesses licenses and a host of other entrepreneurial initiatives.

According to Smith Georges, the Chamber’s membership is constantly growing since the launch. He noted that businesses that are not Haitian-owned are also joining the Chamber with the hope of establishing business connections with Haiti. He says currently, individuals who are interesting in becoming members of the Chamber, can log on to www.chambercolaition.org/haicc or call 718-7229217 ext 834.

The Haitian American International Chamber of Commerce is an affiliate of the New American Chamber of Commerce. l

SMALL BUSINESS

How HAICC’s Small Business Solutions Can Help Your Business

A

BY MARILYN SILVERMAN

re you an entrepreneur who is frustrated and perplexed and simply overwhelmed by the plethora of rules and regulations out there and are just at your wit’s end since you don’t have the foggiest idea who you can turn to for help? You took a huge step and exited the world of 9-5 and are now anxious to attach that “Open for Business” sign on your retail establishment. But before you climb that ladder you must make an appointment with the Haitian-American Chamber of Commerce (HAICC) Small Business Solutions. HAICC’s Small Business Solutions consultations are facilitated through the Law Firm of Figeroux & Associates. We have the answers. We have the expertise. We have the knowledge. We have the experience. And we have compassion and respect for the small business owner who wants to achieve the American Dream of business ownership. Here’s how we can help: If you are running a home-based business, which incidentally, is a very popular business genre today—your office can be but a few steps away in your kitchen, bedroom, basement, attic or wherever —you might just qualify for

home business tax deductions. You just started your business and already, we’re saving you money.

If you are operating a business, you will need an accountant to help you pay your taxes every year; all those pages and pages with the tiny print, are time-consuming. Who has the time?

If you are a savvy entrepreneur, you will most certainly want to avoid the unpleasant and scary experience of being audited. Who wants to meet with the IRS? If you are in business with a colleague, you will need a partnership or shareholders agreement. A handshake is not enough, even if your business partner is

your spouse. You should be knowledgeable about the most preferred legal structure for your business, e.g., sole proprietorship, corporation or LLC. You should formulate a business plan, which is an absolute prerequisite for every single business owner—this is needed when you are hunting for funding sources; e.g., banks or venture capitalists.

You certainly are not going to dip into your pocket for cash.

You should decide what type of accounting software would be most appropriate for your business. Is QuickBooks the right choice?

You should either handle your bookkeeping and accounting in-house or out-

13

source it; the latter is a cost-effective strategy since you won’t have to hire fulltime staff to perform this vital function.

You should make a determination as to who should control your business’s checkbooks. You should be aware of your sales tax responsibilities.

You should have an expert review your franchise agreement in the event you are interested in exploring opportunities in the exciting and lucrative world of franchising.

In summation—under one roof, Small Business Solutions incorporates the expertise and experience of a Legal Department, a Tax Preparation and Audits Department, an Accounting and Bookkeeping Department, a Franchising Department and a Collections Department—all of the departments that will enable you to focus all your energy on attracting customers and watching your business grow. Just imagine, you are a small business and yet, you will enjoy personalized attention from departments that are an integral component of Big Business. That’s how HAICC’s Small Business Solutions can help your business.

To set up an appointment for a Small Business Solutions consultation, call 718-834-0910.l

14

Cancer, Sex and Sexuality

W

hen you first learned you had cancer, you probably thought mostly of survival. But after a while other questions may have started coming up. You might be wondering “How ‘normal’ can my life be, even if the cancer is under control?” Or even “How will cancer affect my sex life?” It’s important to know that you can get help if you are having sexual problems after cancer treatment. There are many good treatments available.

Sex and sexuality are important parts of everyday life. The difference between sex and sexuality is that sex is thought of as an activity— something you do with a partner. Sexuality is more about the way you feel about yourself as a woman, and is linked to intimacy or your need for caring, closeness, and touch.

Feelings about sexuality affect our zest for living, our self-image, and our relationships with others. Yet patients and doctors often do not talk about the effects of cancer treatment on a woman’s sex life or how she can address problems she’s having. Why? A person may feel uneasy talking about sex with a professional like a doctor or even with a close sex partner.

Many people feel awkward and exposed when talking about sex.

This information is for all women who have or have had cancer — regardless of their sexual orientation. We cannot

need to know how your treatment will affect nutrition, pain, and your ability to return to work. You also have the right to know how your treatment could affect your sexual function.

answer every question, but we’ll try to give you enough information to help you and your partner have open, honest talks about intimacy and sex. We will also share some ideas about talking with your doctor and your cancer care team.

Keep in mind that sensual/sexual touching between you and your partner is always possible, no matter what kinds of cancer treatment you’ve had. This might surprise you, especially if you are feeling down or have not had any sexual touching or activity for a while. But it’s true.

The ability to feel pleasure from touch almost always remains.

The first step is to bring up the topic of your sex life with your doctor or another member of your health care team. You

What is a normal sex life?

People vary a great deal in their sexual attitudes and practices. This makes it hard to define “normal.” Some couples like to have sex every day. For others, once a month is enough. Many people see oral sex (using the mouth or tongue) as a normal part of sex, but some believe it’s not OK. “Normal” for you and your partner is whatever gives you pleasure together. Both partners should agree on what makes their sex life enjoyable.

It’s common for people coping with cancer to lose interest in or desire for sexual activity at times. Doubts and fears, along with cancer and cancer treatment effects, can make you feel less than your best. Sometimes concerns about your health may be much greater than your interest in sexual activity. But as you get back to your usual routines, your desire for intimacy may return, too.

It’s OK to be interested in sex throughout your life. There are some who think sex is only for the young, and that older people lose both their desire for sex and/or their ability to “perform.” Those beliefs are largely myths. Many men and

HEALTH women can and do stay sexually active until the end of life. (See the “To learn more” section for more on sex and aging.) Still, it is true that sexual response and function may change over time with age. For example, more than half of men over age 40 have at least a little trouble with erections. For some of these men the problem is severe. Many women also notice changes as they get older, sometimes even before menopause begins. A decrease in sexual desire and problems with vaginal dryness may increase during and after menopause.

Sometimes, sexual problems center around anxiety, tension, or other problems in a relationship. Other times, they may be the result of a physical condition, a medical condition, or medicines that cause or worsen sexual difficulties. But most symptoms can be treated. We now have medicines, therapy, surgery, and other treatments that can help people deal with most kinds of problems they may have. If you want to keep your sex life active, you can likely do so.

If you’re in a relationship and one of you has a sexual difficulty, it affects both of you. If you are working on sexual problems, it works best when your partner can be part of the solution.l Source:www.cancer.org

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ENOUGH IS ENOUGH!

15

KNOW YOUR RIGHTS

Local Chambers Offer FREE Paralegal Certificate Program

A

BY JANET HOWARD

joint effort by the New American Chamber of Commerce (NACC), the African American International Chamber of Commerce (AAICC), and the Haitian American International Chamber of Commerce (HAICC) offers to residents of the tristate community an opportunity no one should allow to pass by—that of participating in free paralegal courses.

Chamber Ambassador Anthony “Tony” Herbert, says the three-month course will be an ongoing program open to as many individuals as possible: ble: “This is a means of giving back to the community.

Pretty much anyone from the tri-state area has access to the program. It is for all individuals who are at a cross- roads in life to engage in where they want to find other employment opportunities or if they want to change their career. We have people from the Caribbean, Hispanics; we have people from India, people from China. We have people who believe that this is a great opportunity for them to learn new skills.”

Herbert says the program covers a number of key subject areas within the legal profession, such as legal writing, criminal law, the American judicial sys-

tem, the big three categories of law, bankruptcy and immigration law among other subjects that are adept enough to enable one to function effectively as a trained paralegal: “This program is a conduit for members of the community to equip themselves with the tools necessary to obtain jobs. Being a paralegal is a gateway to getting into a legal office, therefore, this course allows community members to prepare themselves to work as a paralegal in any legal office, a city agency or even do work at a not for profit organization. It is a great opportunity for individuals who are unemployed to develop a career and make themselves marketable.”

With the job market being somewhat slow and crowded now due to the recent downturn in the economy, taking advantage of opportunities like this is certainly a viable option for anyone adventurous enough to embark on different career paths. According to Herbert, the legal profession always has openings; therefore, equipping one’s self with additional knowledge only augurs well for their future. He noted that the paralegal profession is one of the fastest-growing careers in the United States. A certified paralegal professional he says, has unlimited scope since they can land part-

Paralegal Certificate Program Graduating Class of 2014

time jobs; they can freelance as well as secure a position in any of the thousands of law firms in the tri-state area or anywhere else in the United States.

Currently, paralegals can earn upward of $40,000 a year.

Participants of the program are required to complete at least eight of the subject areas and pass a written test before they receive the NACC Paralegal Certificate.

The program is the brain child of NACC

Founder/Chairman/CEO Brian Figeroux.

Students at the end of the three-month course will receive a certificate from NACC. Classes are two-hour sessions held on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays.

Information about the course can be accessed on the NACC ‘s website: www. mynacc.org or via telephone number 718-722-9217.l