Caribbean American Weekly - Issue 138

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ISSUE 138 VOLUME 22

Nov 19, 2021

SERVING THE CARIBBEAN AND HISPANIC COMMUNITIES!

The Criminalization and Exoneration of Marcus Garvey processes of enslavement and colonialism.

In his travels he had seen the problems of African people worldwide with no representation at the level of governments and international institutions and being always at the bottom in areas of human endeavor.

He had studied and read widely knowing of world history and the past glories of African Civilization.

He saw history as cyclical and had the epiphany that it was his mission to return

BY JULIUS W. GARVEY, MD SPECIAL TO CAW

M

arcus Garvey after traveling throughout the Caribbean, Central America, Britain and Europe came back to Jamaica in 1914 and formed the Universal Negro Improvement Association and African Communities League.

The purpose was to unite Africans worldwide for the Redemption of Africa.

Redemption meaning to regain possession of what had been lost by the

Hon. Marcus Mosiah Garvey

Barbados CG Hon Mackie Holder: Transitioning – A Fresh Start ....8

continued on page 4

What to Know About COVID-19 Vaccine Boosters ....9 GET TO KNOW NICKI MINAJ’S MOM

Knowledge is Power when you use it!

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Ask the Lawyer:

An Exclusive Chat With Carol Maraj

BY VICTORIA FALK SPECIAL TO CAW

Call 855-768-8845

T

rinidadian-born, Carol Maraj, is the mother of world-renowned rap artist Onika Tanya Maraj– Petty, most known as Nicki Minaj.

Although Ms. Maraj is more easily recognizable when seen in public beside her famous daughter, she has indeed developed a name for herself, in her own right. Ms. Carol Maraj is an accomplished woman. She is a singer, songwriter, playwright, author, motiva-

Four Secrets to Keeping Your Man Happy ....21

Investing in Guyana: What You Need to Know ....2

Carol Maraj

continued on page 18

Bob Marley Listed Among Top 1980s Artists of All Time ....15

Brian Figeroux, Esq., Member, American Immigration Lawyers Association

Elder Fraud: Are Your Parents and Grandparents at Risk? ....17

AG James Issues Warning Against Marketing Schemes ....11

Louison is Dead. The Devastation of His Fraud Lives On....13

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CARIBBEAN SPECIAL REPORT Caribbean Consulates Anguilla 845 Third Avenue New York, N.Y. 10022 Tel: 212-745-0200 Antigua & Barbuda 305 East 47th Street, Suite 6A New York, N.Y. 10020 Tel: 212-541-4117 The Bahamas 231 East 46th Street New York, N.Y. 10017 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: 212-593-0999 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: 212-599-8478 Grenada 685 Third Avenue, Suite 1101 New York, N.Y. 10017 Tel: 212-599-0301 Guyana 308 West 38th Street New York, N.Y. 10018 Tel: 212-947-5119 Haiti 815 Second Avenue,6th Floor New York, N.Y. 10017 Tel: 212-697-9767 Jamaica 767 Third Avenue, 2nd Floor New York, N.Y. 10017 Tel: 212-935-9000 Martinique 444 Madison Avenue, 16th Floor New York, N.Y. 10022 Tel: 212-838-6887 Montserrat 845 Third Avenue New York, N.Y. 10022 Tel: 212-745-0200 Panama 1212 Avenue of the Americas, 20th 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 630 Third Avenue, 7th Floor New York, N.Y. 10017 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, 4th Floor New York, N.Y. 10038 Tel: 212-682-7272 For more Consulate information go to www.cawnyc.com/directory

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Investing in Guyana: What You Need to Know

BY LINDA NWOKE, SPECIAL TO CAW

D

escribed as a mysterious land, Guyana has a rich culture with a varied and luscious landscape. It is home to the world's largest and most powerful single-drop waterfall, the Kaieteur Falls, one of the most powerful waterfalls globally, with an average water flow rate of over 660 cubic meters per second.

The country has a unique composition of people with descendants from East India and Africa. It remains as a country with a massive number of untapped resources in natural material and potentials. Given its dense rainforest, it is a scientific haven for scientists worldwide, not to mention the largely untapped gold mines.

Guyana remains a fascinating destination to visit and see structures like the floating bridges. It enjoys its hospitality by tasting its famous 'El Dorado' rum for spirit lovers.

Why Guyana Besides travels, as the world gradually unfolds and businesses open postCOVID-19 pandemic, Guyana presents itself as an excellent location for investors from its citizens — Guyanese in the Diaspora, and the rest of the world, who wants to expand their investment portfolio.

In an exclusive interview with Caribbean American Weekly, the Advisor for the Investment and Diaspora Affairs Initiatives for the Guyana Consulate in New York, Mr. Joe Youssef, we explored the industry, his mandate, and the benefits of doing business in Guyana.

Yussuff's role in the initiative is to provide advisory services to investors who want to invest in Guyana, ensure proper guidance and information. He also seeks to enable them to succeed and limit the level of frustration that can arise from exploring this new frontier.

Investment and Diaspora Affairs Initiatives The Investment and Diaspora Affairs Initiatives serve primarily as a resource for information, networking, and smooth transition into Guyana. Guyana's President Irfaan Ali endorsed the role within the Consulate. "So, in my position, my responsibility is to make myself readily available to meet with the Guyanese Diaspora, whether it's on a one-on-one basis, whether it's a meeting or a large forum. That is what my role is.

And I do that every day, going to churches, mosques, and otherwise, to meet with our folks."

Besides providing advisory services on the ideas and investment opportunities — agriculture, oil, and gas; he can give feedback on viable innovative business opportunities in Guyana. "Come up with something creative or innovative, that

the awakening oil sector, attractive tourism, and hospitality economy, not to mention the untapped manufacturing goldmine.

In particular, Guyana is on the trajectory of becoming a prosperous nation with the discovery and move towards becoming one of the top oil-producing nations, which opens the country up to new opportunities.

The awakening hospitality sector follows Listen to an exclusive interview with Mr Yussuff this. Investors consider at www.pppradio.nyc or on Caribbean American expanding into Guyana Weekly’s YouTube channel by building hotels given the brimming possibilities. Tourism remains a signifiyou feel this is something that you wantcant area for investment and huge ed to do lifelong, then come and talk to returns. With many untapped and yet to us about it. It doesn't have to be one of be discovered resources, it remains a those things that are on the list on our haven for the curious-minded serial website." entrepreneur cum investor. "As I said, No idea is off-limits, and investors are tourism before is going to be a huge encouraged to be creative in considering thing. There's a lot of unknown about some of the needs in the country besides Guyana, in the natural aspect like birdapparent sectors. "I had someone who I watching, etc. So, tourism is going to be met with recently, and he is not from a huge part."

Guyana. He is from Bangladesh.

Likewise, Guyana's agricultural sector, Because he heard so much about which has remained a significant part of Guyana, he wants to go back and proits economy, creates an untapped opporduce frozen roti in Guyana and export to tunity for anyone interested in manufacNew York. So, in my meeting with him, turing. According to Mr. Youssef, "The I gave him all of the guidelines to be folclimate is right, the government is willlowed regarding going to Guyana, geting to work with you, we've actually set ting to know Guyana a little bit - getting up a lot of streamlining, and it is a userto know the people, before he even friendly environment right now for busijumps into it. But that's just one examness people to go back and do that." ple. Healthcare is a huge thing that we need in Guyana. Also, as foreigners go to Accessing the Resource Guyana, healthcare is essential to them".

The Consulate's website remains an excellent resource for more information Incentives for Investors on doing business in Guyana: There are numerous incentives for www.guyanaconsulatenewyork.org. So investors in Guyana, ranging from tax is a personalized, face-to-face meeting exemption to migration incentives and with any interested investor, which is a beyond, which are decided based on the call away. "Do not hesitate. Call me. I nature of the investment. However, will answer you. Because when you call investors must follow formal procedures my office number, it comes directly to such as preparing and submitting an my cell phone. So, there will never be an investment package to "Go Invest' in excuse that you call me, and you don't Guyana. After a review, they will invite get an answer. Call me anytime, and I the investor to discuss the proposal and will come to your office. I will meet you possible incentives. "That is where the wherever is convenient for you to meet," 'Go Invest' will meet with you and tell says Mr. Youssef. you what you are entitled to receive. So, With the assurance of a speedy and perit's not just carte blanche. It's not a onesonable response, investing in Guyana is size-fits-all. No, it depends on the busiworth investigating.

There is no time like ness you're opening in Guyana, dependthe moment to explore the possibilities ing on what you're going to do. And based on promises of sound advice. "I that's where they will tell you what the will give you the information that is necincentives that you will be entitled to essary that you need to have to go and receive." invest. And no investment is too small for us. I want to make that explicitly Top Reasons to Invest in Guyana clear. People think that you have to have For those searching for reasons to invest lots and lots of money to go back and in Guyana besides a conducive, friendly, invest in Guyana. But it's not that. Even and welcoming environment supported the tiny investors are welcome."l by the government, various factors like

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3

THOUGHTS

Supporting the Meaningful Immigration Provisions in the BBB Legislative Package

BY AMERICA’S VOICE

W

ashington, DC: The House approved the Build Back Better (BBB) bill with immigration reform provisions intact. We are close to delivering long overdue relief for millions of undocumented immigrants who have lived and worked in the U.S. for decades. While the bill does not include the path to citizenship that America’s immigrants have earned, it does represent a major step forward. Not only will it protect 7.1 million undocumented immigrants with work permits and deportation protections, we believe it will propel us forward in our quest for a path to citizenship for the 11 million undocumented immigrants who are Americans in all but paperwork.

Below we highlight key points: •The immigration provisions of BBB would provide meaningful relief for 7.1 million undocumented immigrants who have lived in the U.S. for an average of 20 years.

•The provisions are specifically designed to pass muster with the Senate Parliamentarian.

•The American public strongly supports reform and relief for undocumented immigrants.

The immigration reform provisions of BBB would provide meaningful relief for undocumented immigrants who have lived in the U.S. for an average of 20 years The core immigration reform component in BBB would grant work permits, protection against deportation and international travel authorization to an estimated 7.1 million undocumented immigrants for a period of 10 years (the window for budget reconciliation measures).

Immigrants who arrived in the U.S. prior to January 1, 2011 and pass a background check are eligible – including an estimated 1.6 million Dreamers, 360,000 TPS holders, 1 million farm workers, and 2.6 million other essential workers. New research from FWD.us estimates that more than 17 million people live in households with at least one individual

who could benefit from the immigration relief provisions – including some 8.5 million U.S. citizens of which nearly 5 million are U.S. citizen minor children.

The population eligible for relief has lived in the U.S. an average of 20 years.

They have worked, supported their families, and paid taxes, and have been mostly excluded from safety net benefits. Those who receive the immigration permits in the House-passed bill would be eligible for a restricted set of benefits that exist in current law (see more here).

Enacting these reforms would allow millions to live without fear of deportation, work without fear of exploitation caused by their lack of immigration status, and be eligible to receive permission to travel abroad to see loved ones from whom they have been separated for decades. It is not the direct path to citizenship that Americans support and immigrants have earned, but it nevertheless represents a meaningful step forward and, we believe, a meaningful step towards achieving our goal of citizenship for all.

The provisions are specifically designed to pass muster with the Senate Parliamentarian Under the arcane rules of the budget reconciliation process, the Senate Parliamentarian has ruled twice against path to citizenship proposals. We, along with many legal observers, think the Parliamentarian got it wrong in her past rulings. Nonetheless, the immigration permit proposal in BBB is designed specifically to meet her concerns. Those throwing cold water on the prospects of the latest immigration provisions should take a closer look.

This is from a House Judiciary Committee summary: “As many of our nation’s top economists have confirmed, the economic benefits of immigration are substantial and uncontroverted. We are confident that the budgetary effects of this new provision substantially outweigh the policy implications and we anticipate a ruling from the Parliamentarian on this provision in the near future.”

Now that the immigration provisions

have passed the House, Senate leaders must move forward and make their case to the Parliamentarian. Senator Durbin (D-IL) and the four Latino Democratic Senators – Sens. Menendez (NJ), Lujan (NM), Cortez-Masto (NV) and Padilla (CA) – have provided outstanding leadership in shepherding the immigration proposal through the process. They will be instrumental in defending the legislation from efforts by the Parliamentarian or the Republicans to change or water down what has passed the House.

The American public strongly supports reform and relief for undocumented immigrants A new poll of likely midterm voters in frontline congressional districts shows overwhelming public support – 81-17% – for work permits, the core immigration reform provision in the Build Back Better bill. Global Strategy Group and GarinHart-Yang surveyed likely 2022 midterm voters in more than 30 congressional districts across the country on behalf of FWD.us, Emerson Collective and America’s Voice. By 81-17%, these swing district voters support work permits for undocumented immigrants, the core immigration reform provision in BBB. Support for the work permits proposal is high across party lines, with 96% of Democrats, 81% of independents, and 65% of Republicans supporting the work permits proposal.

A November 2021 poll from Data for Progress similarly found 75-20% support for relief targeted at long-settled undocumented immigrants, with Democrats (887%); Independents (81-16%); and Republicans (58-39%) each in support of “a proposal that provides Dreamers and other undocumented immigrants who pass a background check and have been in this country for 20 years on average the ability to earn a work permit and protection from deportation.”

These margins are broadly consistent with a host of other recent polls that show near 3:1 and bipartisan support for immigration reform and relief targeted at longsettled immigrants (see here for a poll roundup). Despite years of relentless

TEAM My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge. —Hosea 4:6 ublisher I.Q. INC. Managing Editor & Editor-in-Chief

Pearl Phillip Legal Advisor Brian Figeroux, Esq. Graphic & Website Designers Praim Samsoondar Kenrick Williams Feature Writers Linda Nwoke Victoria Falk Contributors Jennine Estes Tarsha Gibbons Janet Howard Mary Campbell Travis Morales Chris Tobias Email info@myiqinc.com Telephone 718-771-0988 Website www.cawnyc.com attacks on immigrants and immigration

by Republicans, especially during the previous four years, the American people’s support of relief for undocumented immigrants remains at or near historic highs.

Bottom Line At a time when our economic recovery depends on the hard work and contributions of all in America, it is imperative that the legislative package aimed at pulling America out of the pandemic includes immigrant workers and their families, many of whom are on the frontlines of dealing with the pandemic.

After 35 years of fighting for reform, it is our view that work permits and deportation protections in the House-passed bill will benefit millions of immigrants who are Americans in all but paperwork. Let’s get this done this year, and let’s continue the fight in the coming years until we win citizenship for all.l

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4

JUSTICE FOR GARVEY Hon. Marcus Garvey/ continued from page 1 Africa to its proper seat at the table of nations.

He had read Booker T. Washington’s, “Up from Slavery” and had corresponded with him, determined that the Tuskegee Model of skills training and education was the way to participate in the Industrial Revolution as the basis for the economic development of Africa.

He came to the United States in 1916 to gain first-hand knowledge of Tuskegee as well as to gain funds for the development of a similar institution in Jamaica.

He spent a year traveling through 38 states and gathering first-hand information on the living conditions and aspirations of African Americans.

He was encouraged to stay in America as membership in the organization grew rapidly and by 1918 he shifted the head office of the organization to Harlem, New York, U.S.A. This was the period of World War I, 1914-1918 and its aftermath.

From 1915-1925 over 1 million African Americans moved north from the agricultural south to New York, Chicago, Cleveland, Detroit, and Philadelphia to participated in the lower levels of the industrialization process as laborers, factory workers and domestic help.

Despite thousands of Black men fighting and dying on the battlefields of Europe for democracy, many returned home and were lynched in their uniforms.

Between 1877 and 1950, more than

Listen to an exclusive interview with Dr Julius Garvey at: www.cawnyc.com www.pppradio.nyc Also available at Caribbean American Weekly’s YouTube channel and Facebook page: @cawnyc Share your thoughts.

Support the movement.

4,000 Black men, women and children were lynched, vey often with body parts distributed as souvenirs.

One of the bloodiest race riots was in East St. Louis, Illinois in 1917 as many as 100 Blacks were killed, others maimed, and property destroyed, and 6,000 Africans Americans had been driven from their homes.

The Red Summer was in 1919 was when riots broken out in Chicago, Detroit, Philadelphia, and other northern cities.

In 1921 a mob of 2,000 white men and women demolished the Greenwood Section of Tulsa Oklahoma, killing 300 people, burning 35 blocks of homes and thriving businesses rendering 10,000 people homeless.

Between 1877 and 1950 more than 4,000 Black men and women and children were lynched by mobs or the Ku Klux Klan.

Dr Julius W, Garvey

Such were the conditions in the first half of the 20th century.

Marcus Garvey and the UNIA created the conditions for self-identity selfdependence, community development and the unity of all African people with the ultimate prospect or repossession of Africa as the homeland for all Africans, those at home and those abroad.

The organization grew by leaps and bounds with a multitude of businesses employing more than 1,000 people in New York alone, with over 1,000 branches in 42 countries and by 1923 an estimated membership of 6 million.

In 1920 there was the first major convention the African peoples of the world, with 2,000 delegates from all over.

Opening night was at Madison Square Garden with an overflow crowd of over 25,000 people.

The delegates deliberated for the month of August and signed the Declaration of

the Rights of the Negro Peoples of the World.

This much power and determination to break free of colonialism, white racist supremacy and voracious capitalism was too much for the status quo to tolerate without retaliation.

J. Edgar Hoover of the F.B.I. had marked Garvey for attack in an internal memo in 1919. He employed the first of four Black F.B.I. agents to infiltrate the UNIA, disrupt it internally and report back to him about internal affairs.

The Black Star Line was the major economic venture of the organization, and this was the venue to discredit Marcus Garvey and destroy the organization.

Marcus Garvey and 4 members of the UNIA were charged in 1923 with conspiracy to use the U.S. mail service to defraud the public.

Marcus Garvey was indicted and convicted of conspiracy to use the mail system to defraud.

10 Reasons to Exonerate Marcus Garvey 1.No conspiracy was proven. The other four defendants were released. The innocence of one proves the innocent of all and vice versa.

2.There was no fraud proven as there was no way for Marcus Garvey to profit, different from any other investor.

3. There was no evidence that Marcus Garvey sent misleading information to the public. The evidence offered was an empty envelope with no content, presentcontinued on page 5

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5

JUSTICE FOR GARVEY Hon. Marcus Garvey/ continued from page 4 ed by a witness who couldn’t remember what was in the envelope.

4. The witness who was supposed to have mailed the letter could not show that he worked for the UNIA, and admitted that the prosecuting attorney had coached him in lying.

5. The prosecuting attorney suborned the main witness.

6. The presiding Judge should have recused himself as requested and lied when he denied being a member of a rival organization to the UNIA. 7. His rulings were prejudicial to a fair trial and were very often unsolicited 8. The prosecuting attorney made frequent derogatory remarks in reference to Marcus Garvey without once being reprimanded by the Judge. This clearly prejudiced the jury.

9. It was an all-white jury, not a jury of his peers.

10. No crime was committed. The business credibility of the Black Star Line was impugned by the charges brought by the District Attorney’s Office.

Clearing Garvey’s Name It was clear that the trial was political theatre to destroy a legitimate business venture, the Black Star Line and to damage the credibility of Marcus Garvey, who was at that time the major spokesman for the freedom and development of African people worldwide.

JUSTICE FOR GARVEY! TAKE ACTION!

Please join with us to clear the name of Marcus Garvey. It is only in the United States that he is regarded as a criminal.

He is Jamaica’s First National Hero, and he is a hero of the Organization of American States. The United States is one of the 33 members.

This says something about the American system of justice. l About Dr. Julius Garvey, Son of Marcus

Garvey: Julius W. Garvey, M.D., FACS, FRCS, is a board certified Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgeon who practices in New York. He is affiliated with Northwell Health System and is Clinical Associate Professor of Surgery at Albert Einstein College of Medicine. He has been on several educational and medical missions to Ghana, Senegal, Uganda, Mali, Sierra Leone, Jamaica, Haiti, South Sudan and

Ethiopia.

He has been internationally schooled in England, Canada, Jamaica and the United States. He lectures on the life and legacy of his father, The Honorable Marcus Mosiah Garvey. Recently, he delivered the 10th Annual Robert Sobukwe Lecture at Fort Hare University at Eastern Cape, South Africa jointly sponsored by the Steve Biko Foundation.

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EDUCATION

6

Settlement to Give Black and Latino Students More Access to NYC High School Sports Teams

BY ALEX ZIMMERMAN, CHALKBEAT

N

ew York City will expand access to sports teams in the wake of a lawsuit that claimed Black and Latino students were systematically denied access to the same athletic opportunities as students of other races.

Under a preliminary settlement agreement announced Wednesday, the education department will group certain nearby high schools so they can share access to Public School Athletic League (PSAL) sports teams. In addition, the city will create 200 new sports teams by spring 2024.

The agreement is a significant victory for students and advocates who have argued that unequal access to sports teams can have significant effects on students’ physical and mental health and their ability to earn college scholarships for athletes.

“It’s a complete restructuring of how small, highly-segregated schools get access to PSAL sports,” said Caroline Soussloff, an attorney at New York Lawyers for the Public Interest, one of

Lisa Parks and Matthew Diaz are part of a class action lawsuit claiming the city denies Black and Latino students equal access to school sports teams. Christina Veiga/Chalkbeat the legal organizations involved in bringing the class action lawsuit. “This is pretty monumental.”

The lawsuit was filed in state court in 2018 by student athletes who were denied access to sports teams as well as

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IntegrateNYC, a youth-led group that pushes for desegregation and equal resources in city schools. The suit argued the athletic team disparities violated the city’s human rights law.

The lack of sports teams at many high schools can be traced in part to a Bloomberg administration-era policy that closed many large high schools that were considered low-performing and replaced them with smaller schools that could offer a more personalized experience. That policy has created academic benefits, research has shown, but those small schools often don’t enroll enough students to field a wide array of extracurricular activities including sports.

The limited offerings at smaller high schools, especially those that predominantly serve students of color, have led to stark inequities, Soussloff said. Black and Latino students attend schools with about 10 fewer teams on average compared to students of other races, according to the lawsuit.

Schools that serve higher shares of Black and Latino students were five times more likely to have their application for a team denied, the city spent less money on sports for Black and Latino students compared with students of other races, and about 17,000 Black and Latino students attended schools with no sports teams whatsoever, the lawsuit claimed.

It was not immediately clear exactly how many Black and Latino students would gain access to sports teams under the agreement, which will phase in through the spring of 2024. But it will either create or expand “shared access programs” in which students from different schools can join each other’s sports teams. Nineteen of the city’s 32 geographic school districts will see such arrangements, according to the agreement, including five districts that have already begun piloting it.

The agreement will also allow individual students with access to fewer than six PSAL teams — and whose schools don’t have formal partnerships with other campuses — to join teams at other schools.

The settlement must still be approved by a judge before it’s finalized.

“We are so proud that the success of our shared-access pilot program will serve as a foundation to increase student access to sports citywide,” education department spokesperson Nathaniel Styer said in a statement. “We are excited to add over 200 new teams over the next three years and ensure for the first time that every student in this city can participate in sports.” l This story was originally published by Chalkbeat, a nonprofit news organization covering public education. Republished

by The CITY on November 18, 2021.

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FAMILY MATTERS

7

Why Communication is Key in Your Relationship

BY MARY CAMPBELL

Know Your Truth, and Speak It Nobody should ever have to feel as though they have to walk on eggshells to try to keep arguments and bickering at bay. Talk about how you truly feel, and keep it real at all times, speaking from the heart and using your words to convey the thoughts on your mind. Honesty is the best policy, especially when you want to have a meaningful, long-lasting relationship that is filled with viable communication.

I

f your goal is a successful relationship, it is important that both parties involved understand proper communication skills, which includes the language of love. You might be able to remember at least one time when you and your partner ended up getting into an argument simply because one of you did not understand what the other was trying to say. Communication, or lack thereof, can truly make or break any kind of relationship. There are, however, things you both can do to better communicate with each other while sharpening skills that will be valuable to you throughout your relationship.

Be an Active Listener Communication has to be a two-way process, although some people find it can be just as difficult to listen as it is to speak. You need to work on being an active listener, which means focusing your attention on your partner, being receptive in your body language, and also keeping good eye contact. Listening objectively, speaking in turn with precision and clarity, and working to understand your partner will be extremely

helpful for both of you.

Small Talk is Good No matter the topic at hand, any thoughts you have could be turned into a nice conversation with your other half. Small talk can sometimes lead to meaningful, deep discussions of your feelings, life goals, past experience, fears, and so much more. Whenever your partner is talking to you about the day that they had, or reminiscing about a past experience, never shy away from interacting. Ask for details and show you are interested in whatever they are talking about.

Speak in Person There is nothing worse than letting the age of technology take over when you are trying to communicate with your partner. While it is nice to send the occasional text or leave a nice voicemail, you should be talking in person as much as you possibly can. There is always the possibility that something said via text is misinterpreted, thereby leading to an unnecessary argument. Emotions and real feelings will often get lost through technology, so make the time to talk in person. Failing to do so can be unhealthy for your relationship as a whole.

Final Words of Wisdom According to world-renowned Dr. John Gottman, known for his work on marital stability and divorce prediction, posing questions that require no more than a yes or no can kill a conversation. Whereas open-ended questions such as “What did you like best about the movie?” require a more resounding response that can enhance a conversation.

While each couple is unique, everyone is similar in that they have to keep the lines of communication open at all times. It would be best to find a decent balance, wherein both of you have a voice and know how to hear one another. Go ahead and start communicating!l

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ISLAND FOCUS: BARBADOS

8

Transitioning – A Fresh Start

BY HON MACKIE HOLDER

F

ellow Barbadians and Friends of Barbados: A necessary historic moment will illuminate the milestone and celebration of our nation’s 55th anniversary of Independence.

This year, at a minute past midnight on 30 November, Barbados becomes a Republic. This next step in our nationhood, which began in 1950 with the right of Barbadians to vote under Barbados’ first native leader, National Hero the Rt. Excellent Sir Grantley Adams — Father of our Nation — will remove the last vestiges of British official traditions that were left intact after Independence.

While, practically, the decision to become a republic will not fundamentally change Barbados or any of the treasured aspects of our country, the symbolism, in the midst of the ongoing Covid19 pandemic, underscores and reinforces that Barbados is the small country than can.

This has been evident since the late 1930s when the journey to self-determination began out of the 1937 Riots, leading to the formation of the first political party, the Barbados Labor Party, (BLP); the establishment of the first workers’ organization, the Barbados Workers Union, (BWI), both of which remain

functioning institutions; adult suffrage; Independence, under National Hero the Rt. Excellent Errol Barrow; and, throughout the decades, the development of a highly regarded nation marked by the strength of its leadership, education and health foundation, sound economic management, and resilience of its people.

When President Sandra Mason swears a new oath, it will not be to the Queen and her heirs, but to Barbados; and this will complete a process of Barbados independent journey that has included the establishment of the National Cultural Foundation, (NCF), to foster

Barbados heritage and talents; the instituting of National Heroes and erection of statues; and the acceptance of the Caribbean Court of Justice — all benchmarks on our passage to self-determination that inspire and flavor the essence of our collective psyche that make our people unique — Barbadian.

But there is more to Barbados becoming a Republic than just a change of Governor-General to President, the Royal Barbados Police Force to the Barbados Police Service, and the like.

Just as the right to vote and Independence heralded new eras of change for Barbados, so, too, will the move to being a Republic.

Be in no doubt that Barbados’ system of Government will remain unchanged, and the principles that have laid the foundation for our remarkable progress thus far will remain intact. But the world, and the juncture we are at on our progression, informs that as we transition, Barbados has to bring freshness to important aspects of our country.

If there was any doubt, the Covid-19 pandemic demolished it.

Indeed, Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley, herself a historic pointer in our journey, has, from the outset, even before assuming the office as the first female leader of our country, sought to pivot with enhancements such as a new governance model with more transparency, proclaimed in the BLP’s Covenant of Hope.

Since becoming Barbados leader in 2018, that refinement has included a push in the digital sphere and creating new opportunities for younger people in worldwide growth areas of the metaverse; renewed engagement on the Caribbean front through CARICOM and a crusading approach to international engagement that, in a no-nonsense approach mandated by the stark reality of surviving, constantly calls to the court of humanity leaders of the world.

The freshness of Mottley’s approach in calling out the unnecessary inequities that are condemning much of the world to pain and suffering – vaccine discrimination, the need for resilient funding, climate change – has resonated worldwide, generating renewed pride and energy among Barbadian and Caribbean people.

Other aspects of the transitioning include

Listen to an exclusive interview with Consul General Mackie at www.cawnyc.com moving Government to digitization; building out Wi-Fi connectivity; a comprehensive repositioning of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, an ongoing project that includes the establishment of new missions in Ghana, Kenya, the UAE and Panama and the establishment of the first metaverse embassy as well as increased engagement with the Diaspora.

The Diaspora has always been an important aspect of Barbados’ development. The past year has once more highlighted their important contributions to the economic and social development of our country, with their support of numerous initiatives.

None has been as praiseworthy as the mission to Barbados of nurses out of NY to assist in the fight against Covid-19.

The Government and people of Barbados will always be grateful for their commitment to country.

In a sense, the mission, in response to a direct call from the Prime Minister, succinctly encapsulates all that reflects Barbados and is inherent in the transition to a Republic: rallying around country, unity of purpose, devotion to country, self-help and a practical approach to issues.

All of these have defined our country through the years and the transition to a Republic will further instill them in all Barbadians as we expand our worldview while holding fast to all that has brought us safely thus far.

And in the same way, Independence inspired a generation to new heights of pride and industry; the transition to a Republic, with a Barbados stripped of all aspects of colonialism, should inspire all to build on the wonderful legacy of achievement of our country.

In the spirit of celebration of another turning point reached in the Barbados journey, that I wish fellow Barbadians a memorable 55th Anniversary of Independence and God’s continued blessings. l Hon Mackie Holder is the Consul General for the Consulate of Barbados in New York.

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DIASPORA CONCERNS

What to Know About COVID-19 Vaccine Boosters

BY DR. DAVE A. CHOKSHI

R

ecently, important updates about the COVID-19 vaccine were announced—that certain people are now eligible for a “booster” dose.

Since the beginning of COVID-19, our scientific understanding of the virus has constantly evolved, and many New Yorkers understandably have questions about this new development.

I would like to provide the “who, why, and where” about boosters.

Who should get a booster? All three brands of booster shots are available for many New Yorkers—Pfizer, Moderna, and Johnson & Johnson—and “mixing and matching” of the vaccines is safe.

But who is eligible for a booster depends on the vaccine you originally received.

At this time, the Pfizer and Moderna boosters are approved for certain people vaccinated at least six months ago— specifically, people who are aged 65 or older, adults with underlying medical conditions (like diabetes), and adults at higher risk of exposure due to their job (like health care workers) or due to where they live (like nursing home residents).

The Johnson & Johnson booster is approved for anyone ages 18 or older who received at least two months ago— as I did. Since “mixing and matching” is now authorized, Johnson & Johnson recipients can get a booster of any of the three authorized vaccines (Moderna, Pfizer, or Johnson & Johnson). There is limited data showing that Moderna or Pfizer vaccines could result in higher antibody levels.

Why get a booster? The science continues to show that all three of the authorized COVID-19 vaccines are safe and

save lives. That’s why getting more New Yorkers vaccinated with their first and second doses remains the most important thing. The booster adds another layer of protection—it is meant to “boost” your immunity. This is particularly important for people who are most at risk for severe illness.

Where can New Yorkers get a booster?

In New York City, booster shots are available at sites in all five boroughs, and for in-home vaccination. To find a location near you, go to nyc.gov/vaccinefinder. The vaccines are free at City sites to all New Yorkers, regardless of immigration status.

Already, over 250,000 New Yorkers have received a booster shot. That means thousands of New Yorkers will have stronger protection from COVID-19.

They will be able to gather with friends, family and loved ones more safely. And for any New Yorkers who are still unvaccinated, I urge you to take the first step today—join 6 million other New Yorkers and get vaccinated. It is our single best way out of this pandemic and a return to normal life again.l Dr. Chokshi is New York City’s Health Commissioner

9 NYC Vaccine Updates

I

t has never been easier to get a COVID19 vaccination in New York City. New Yorkers 12 years and older can now get the COVID-19 vaccine at sites across the five boroughs. To find out where to get vaccinated and to make an appointment, visit nyc.gov/vaccinefinder or you can also call 877-VAX-4NYC (877-829-4692).

Booster Shots The following people are now eligible for a booster shot of the Pfizer vaccine: •People 65 or older •People 18 to 64 and either have an underlying medical condition or a higher risk of COVID-19 exposure due to their job (for example, health care workers) or where they live or frequently visit (for example, a homeless shelter) •People living in a nursing home or other long-term care facility You will only be able to get a Pfizer booster shot if you received a second Pfizer dose at least six months ago.

Third Doses for People with Weakened Immune System Separate from booster shots, people who are moderately to severely immunocompromised (meaning they have a weakened immune system) are eligible for a third dose of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine, as part of their initial vaccination series. They can get a third dose 28 days after their second shot.l

FALSE: COVID-19 VACCINES CAUSE INFERTILITY. TRUE: These claims have no scientific evidence supporting them. In fact, thousands of people have safely become pregnant after getting their COVID-19 vaccine. Doctors recommend that all people who are pregnant or may want to have a child in the future get a COVID-19 vaccine.

COVID-19 VACCINES SAVE LIVES. GET VACCINATED. FOR MORE INFORMATION, VISIT NYC.GOV/COVIDVACCINE.

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KNOW YOUR RIGHTS

10

Common Problems When Dealing with a Workers' Compensation Claim ered. In many cases, medical benefits are granted before a ruling is even made on the claim.

Secondly, you have non-medical benefits, which are not quite as immediate.

These benefits often become available after your claim is granted and you fill out some additional paperwork, which means that it can take weeks or even months to start receiving non-medical benefits.

BY JARED RICHARDSON

W

orkers' compensation can be incredibly helpful if you were injured on the job, but that is only when it works out in your favor.

Some claims are rejected, while others are accepted, yet not every successful claim results in the injured party getting the benefits that they need and deserve.

If you are considering a workers' comp claim and are worried about possible problems that you may encounter during the process, here are several common questions and answers: What if your claim is rejected?

Many individuals worry about what would happen if their claim were rejected, but there is fortunately a system in place that can assist with that. There is an appeal process that allows individuals to strengthen their cases and ask for approval again, which means that you will be able to include any details that you may have missed the first time around.

Furthermore, the denial of your claim should be accompanied by specific rea-

soning as to what went wrong and what you might be able to do in the appeal to change the ruling. If you feel that your claim was rejected unfairly, then it might be time to get some legal help and hire an employment lawyer to assist you.

What if you don't get your benefits in a timely fashion?

If your claim was granted, but your benefits aren't arriving as quickly as they should, then you may need to take legal

action to speed up the process. However, benefits are divided into two separate categories, so it's important to understand how they are different and how that might affect the problems that you are experiencing.

Firstly, you have medical benefits, which should be granted immediately.

As long as you have properly documented the entire process and filled out a workers' comp claim as early as possible, your medical bills should be cov-

How can you maximize your chances of getting a successful claim?

Ultimately, your best course of action is going to be to talk to a lawyer that is specialized in the field. Not only can they help you understand the law and what you are required to do in a workers' comp claim, but they can also help you get a better idea of just how strong your case is and how much you stand to win.

If you aren't sure that you want to commit to a lawyer and the fees that such a course of action would entail, then you can probably get a free consultation to determine the best course of action and whether you even need serious legal aid in the first place.l

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MONEY MATTERS

11

AG James Issues Warning Against Marketing Schemes Aimed at Trapping Consumers into Recurring Payments

N

EW YORK: New York Attorney General Letitia James issued an alert to New Yorkers reminding them to take precaution when presented with deceptive marketing offers that may unwittingly result in recurring charges.

This kind of marketing, known as negative option marketing, comes in several forms. Each contains a term or condition under which a seller interprets a consumer’s silence or failure to take affirmative action to reject a good or service or to cancel the agreement as acceptance or continuing acceptance of the offer.

“Consumers should never be tricked into paying recurring charges for goods and services that they are not aware of and did not authorize,” said Attorney General James. “As consumers continue to suffer the financial harms of COVID19, the last thing companies should be doing is making it harder for consumers to end a service. We encourage any consumer who has been unwittingly trapped by these offers to file a complaint with our office, as we will do everything in

our power to protect New Yorkers’ wallets.”

One example of negative option marketing involves a so-called “free” or lowpriced trial offer, where consumers are offered a trial period of a product or service. To receive the trial, consumers are required to submit their payment information, such as a credit or debit card number. However, the trial has additional terms and conditions — which may not be clearly or conspicuously disclosed to the consumer — stating that unless consumers cancel the goods or services by a certain date they are agreeing to continue to receive and pay for them. Often, once consumers discover that they have been unwittingly charged, many companies make it difficult to cancel, resulting in consumers incurring additional charges until they succeed or give up trying.

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) recently issued guidance on this topic, which provides consumers and businesses with the FTC’s interpretations of federal laws and regulations in this area.

Earlier this year, New York’s Automatic Renewal Statute, GBL § 527-a, became effective, which provides important consumer protections and adds to the tools available to the Office of the Attorney General (OAG) to combat problems with this type of marketing.

Under both federal guidance and New York’s laws, businesses engaged in these negative option marketing tactics must follow three key requirements: Clear and Conspicuous Disclosures Material terms of the offer must include, among other notices: •That consumers will be charged for the good or service and how much, •That those charges will increase after any applicable trial period ends, •That the charges will be made on a recurring basis, unless the consumer timely takes steps to prevent or stop such charges in a timely manner, if applicable, and •How to prevent or stop such charges.

Informed Consent •The consumer’s acceptance of the negative option offer should be obtained separately from any other portion of the entire transaction and should not include any information that interferes with, detracts from, contradicts, or otherwise undermines the consent process.

•A “pre-checked box” does not constitute affirmative consent.

Simple Cancellation Processes •It must be just as easy to cancel as it was to sign up.

•Consumers should be allowed, at minimum, to cancel using the same method they used to enroll, i.e. if consumers accept an offer online, they should be able to cancel online.

•Consumers should not be subject to new offers or attempts to “save the sale” that impose unreasonable delays on the cancellation effort.

•New York requires most industries that allow consumers to purchase goods or services via online enrollment to allow consumers to cancel online as well.l

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12

IMMIGRATION

Here Are the Immigration Cases Before the Supreme Court This Term

BY KAROLINA WALTERS

T

he United States Supreme Court will face challenging questions impacting immigration law as it begins considering cases in its October 2021 term. The Court’s decisions on these cases will impact access to: 1.Federal court review over certain immigration judge decisions.

2.Bond hearings for certain noncitizens who have spent months in detention.

3. Personal liability and damages for federal officers’ unconstitutional actions.

4. The Court also will consider whether states can defend immigration policies that the federal government will no longer defend.

Here is a run-down on some of the immigration-related cases we know will be before the Court this term: Patel v. Garland On December 6, the Court will hear argument in Patel v. Garland.

In Patel, the Supreme Court will decide whether federal courts can review an immigration judge’s discretionary decision about whether a noncitizen is eligible for certain types of immigration relief, such as adjustment of status or

cancellation of removal. The immigration statute prohibits courts from reviewing the final discretionary decision to grant such relief. But whether someone is eligible for relief and whether someone will be granted relief are two different questions.

Charges of whether a noncitizen is removable in the first place can overlap with whether they are eligible for relief.

Because of this, if the Supreme Court sides with the government, Department of Homeland Security officials may be able to limit review of a noncitizen’s case based on the initial charging decision an officer makes.

Access to judicial review of lower court decisions is a major pillar of the United States’ commitment to due process. It should not be undermined based on potentially arbitrary charging decisions.

Johnson v. Arteaga-Martinez and Garland v. Aleman Gonzalez On January 11, the Court will hear argument in a pair of cases addressing access to bond hearings for noncitizens after six months in detention.

In Johnson v. Arteaga-Martinez and Garland v. Aleman Gonzalez, the parties disagree over whether a mandatory detention statute allows for the opportunity for a hearing about release on bond after six months.

Significantly, the Supreme Court previously ruled that mandatory detention lasting more than six months cannot be presumed “reasonable.” A hearing before a neutral judge to determine whether further detention is necessary after six months is in line with national values of fairness and due process.

Egbert v. Boule The Court will also hear Egbert v. Boule this term, which asks whether a federal officer may be held personally responsible for damages—under a case known as Bivens—when the officer violates the Constitution in an immigration-related action.

In this case, Mr. Boule argues that Border Patrol’s use of force was excessive when they attempted to raid his bed and breakfast near the Canadian border.

The federal courts generally have rejected arguments to apply Bivens to new areas of law, particularly in the immigration context. But here, Mr. Boule argues for Bivens to apply because of the specific facts of his case.

If the Supreme Court agrees, federal officers may be able to held personally liable for damages when they commit constitutional violations.

Arizona v. City and County of San Francisco, California Finally, in Arizona v. City and County of San Francisco, California, the Supreme Court will consider whether states have the right to defend a government regulation that the United States has stopped continued on page 13

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13

IMMIGRATION

Arleigh Louison is Dead. The Devastation of His Fraud Lives On.

BY MARY CAMPBELL

F

ederal law enforcement agents arrested Arleigh Louison on July 18, 2019. He was indicted in Vermont on 12 counts of making false statements and submitting over 1,800 fraudulent immigration applications to the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).

“A federal grand jury returned a 12count indictment against Arleigh Louison, 53, of Brooklyn, New York, charging him with running an immigration fraud scheme that included the filing of false statements with the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services, including over 1,800 fraudulent applications for over 1,000 petitioners within the last four years. Diplomatic Security Service (DSS) agents arrested Louison in Brooklyn, New York, and executed a federal search warrant at his office,” said the U.S. Department of Justice press release.

“The indictment charges that the false statements were made in connection with Form I-360 petitions for status adjustments under the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA). In short, the indictment charges that Louison presented or caused the presentment of adjustment of

The late “Untouchable “Louison. Photo: Facebook

status petitions containing false statements to the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services Service Center in St. Albans, Vermont claiming that the petitioners were victims of abuse. The indictment also charges that these petitioners, who paid Louison for his services, did not discuss abuse with Louison, were not abused as described in the petitions, and did not authorize the statements made in the petitions Louison submitted to USCIS. The indictment also charges that Louison fabricated fee waiver petitions on behalf of these individuals without their knowledge.”

Problems for Victims/Clients Louison has since passed. However, he has left a carnage of victims facing deportation and a myriad of immigration

issues. What does this mean? Since Arleigh Louison was arrested for immigration fraud, the files of all his clients will be reviewed by the Immigration & Customs Enforcement agents (ICE).

Additionally, every single client will be served a Notice to Appear (NTA) and be interviewed by ICE agents with the sole purpose of seeking admission to initiate deportation proceedings. The NTA is the first step taken by the American government to remove an immigrant from the country. If you were a client of Louison, it is imperative that you consult with an AILA attorney and do not meet with ICE alone. You should also seek the advice of more than one counsel. Get a FREE case evaluation. ASK THE LAWYER – call 855-768-8845.l

Immigration Cases/ continued from page 12 defending.

Specifically, the states of Arizona, Alabama, Arkansas, Indiana, Kansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Montana, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Texas, and West Virginia want to be able to defend the “public charge” regulation, even though the federal government is no longer defending it and a federal court has vacated the regulation.

The Trump administration issued the public charge regulation, which allowed the government to make it harder for immigrants to receive green cards or visas based on receiving certain public benefits.

Federal judges in various courts blocked the public charge regulation from going into effect, and the Trump administration challenged those decisions.

Then, in March 2021, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security issued a statement saying it would no longer defend the regulation because it was “neither in the public interest nor an efficient use of limited government resources” and it was “not in keeping with our nation’s values.”

The Court’s October 2021 term runs from October 2021 through January 2022.

Although we will not know the outcomes of these cases for months, one thing is certain: the Supreme Court’s decisions are binding on courts across the nation and will impact immigration cases for years to come. l

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14

JOBS & RECESSION

5 Reasons to Become a Paralegal attorneys, opposing counsel, vendors, staff members, clients, and others. The work is varied, and each day brings new challenges.

BY THE CHAMBER COALITION

A

career as a paralegal (also known as a legal assistant) can be a wonderfully fulfilling profession. Paralegals perform legal, regulatory, and business-related research for lawyers working at their organization.

Most of the time, paralegals work for law offices, non-profits, corporations' legal departments, or courts. These professionals also provide legal support services to attorneys. They assist lawyers in filing motions, memoranda, pleadings, and briefs in various court systems and accompany lawyers to see clients and go to court. Here are five great things about being a paralegal: 1. Rise in Pay Paralegal compensation has risen steadily in the past decade. As paralegals perform a broader and more complex range of tasks (paralegals even represent clients in court in certain countries and administrative tribunals), their earnings continue to rise. The average paralegal salary hovers at around $50,000 per year, but paralegals often make more through bonuses. Overtime hours can also add significant cash to a paralegal's paycheck.

2. Explosive Employment Outlook The paralegal field is one of the fastestgrowing professions on the globe. The U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics, predicts the employment of paralegals and legal assistants by over 25 percent, much faster than the average for all occupations. Among the factors driving this growth is client demand for cheaper, more efficient delivery of legal services. Since hourly rates charged by attorneys are typically double or triple the rates of paralegals for the same task, law firm economics mandates the increased use of paralegals to minimize costs. As a result, a paralegal career is one of the hottest non-lawyer jobs in the legal industry.

3. Easy Career Entry Unlike lawyers who must complete seven years of formal education and pass the bar exam to practice law, you can become a paralegal in as little as a few months of study.

4. Intellectual Challenge Paralegal work is intellectually challenging and involves a range of high-level skills. The most successful paralegals are problem-solvers and innovative thinkers.

Paralegals must become subject matter experts in their specialty areas and master legal procedure, research, drafting, and other skills. They must stay on top of ever-changing laws and new legal trends and developments while interfacing with

5. Rising Prestige As paralegals perform more complex and challenging work, paralegal prestige is rising. Paralegals are no longer simply lawyer's assistants; they assume corporate management roles, leadership roles in law firms, and entrepreneurial roles in independent paralegal businesses. Over the years, paralegals have transcended the image of glorified legal secretaries to become respected legal team members.

Ready to Take the Leap?

A career as a paralegal can be rewarding professionally and personally and offers a unique opportunity to help others; options vary, depending on the paralegal's practice area. Paralegals in the public interest sector help poor and disadvantaged segments of the population with legal issues ranging from protection from domestic abuse to assistance preparing wills. Ready to take the leap, the next step? Call us at 718-722-9217 or visit www.freeparalegal.org to complete your registration which includes payment.l

Need Assistance? Call 718-722-9217.

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nHEALTH

nENTERTAINMENT

nRELATIONSHIPS

nRECIPES

Bob Marley Listed Among Top 1980s Artists of All Time by Planet Radio

BY STEPHANIE KORNEY JAMAICANS.COM

nSPORTS

nHOROSCOPE

Kitchen Corner

Grandma Tolli's Candied Yams

Editorial credit: Ralf Liebhold / Shutterstock.com

R

eggae music artist and legend Bob Marley has been included on the list of the top artists of the 1980s compiled by Planet Radio, a top European radio network. In the opinion of Planet Radio, the 1980s produced some of the most iconic artists and recordings of all time, giving fans the soundtrack for the most memorable times of their lives.

Jamaican singer, songwriter, and musician Bob Marley, a pioneer of the reggae genre, is included on the Planet Radio list of 28 iconic 80s recording artists. The year 1980 saw the release of three major works by Marley and The Wailers that are considered classics: “Could You Be Loved,” “Three Little Birds,” and “Redemption Song.”

Bob Marley was born in Nine Mile, Jamaica, and started his career as a professional musician in 1963, forming the group Bob Marley and The Wailers. They released their first studio album in 1965.

This was followed by 11 other studio albums and developed a signature rhythmbased approach in constructing their songs during the 1960 and 1970s, a move that coincided with Marley’s conversion to Rastafari and his relation to London. With the release of their albums “Catch a Fire” and “Burnin’” in 1973, Marley and The Wailers became a global success. The group disbanded, and Marley went on to pursue a solo career. His debut solo album

M “Natty Dread” and his next “Rastaman Vibration” in 1976 were welcomed by his growing fan base. Marley survived an attempted assassination in Jamaica in 1976, which prompted his permanent move to London, where he recorded the album “Exodus,” which combined blues, soul, and British rock elements and was a critical and commercial success. Marley was diagnosed with melanoma in 1977 and died of the disease in 1981.

The other 27 top artists of the 1980s on the Planet Radio list, in no particular order, include Cher, Cyndi Lauper, Eurythmics, Fleetwood Mac, Lionel Richie, Whitney Houston, Michael Jackson, Prince, ABBA, Madonna, Madness, Billy Joel, Phil Collins, Stevie Wonder, Belinda Carlisle, Tracy Chapman, Huey Lewis and the News, Tina Turner, The Pointer Sisters, Queen, Wham, The Police, Nick Kershaw, Alison Moyet, UB40, A-ha, and Bryan Adams.l

y grandma's candied yams are the best candied yams I have ever had! The pineapple is an awesome addition to this sweet dish.

—ntolliver213, AllRecipes.com Ingredients ¼ cup unsalted butter ½ cup pineapple juice ½ cup white sugar ½ cup brown sugar 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg 2 (29 ounce) cans cut yams, drained 1 (8 ounce) can pineapple chunks, drained 1 ½ cups miniature marshmallows Directions Step 1 Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).

Step 2 Melt butter in a saucepan over mediumlow heat. Add pineapple juice, white sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nut-

meg; stir to combine and cook until sugars have dissolved, 2 to 3 minutes.

Step 3 Meanwhile, place drained yams in a casserole dish. Add pineapple chunks.

Pour sauce over top.

Step 4 Bake in the preheated oven for 1 hour.

Add marshmallows to the top and continue to bake until golden and melted, 10 to 15 minutes more. Let stand for 15 minutes before serving so sauce can thicken.

Nutrition Facts Per Serving: 393 calories; protein 2.3g; carbohydrates 83g; fat 6.3g; cholesterol 15.3mg; sodium 106.3mg. l Prep: 5 mins Cook: 1 hr 15 mins Additional: 15 mins Total: 1 hr 35 mins Servings: 8

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16

TRAVEL & LIFESTYLE

Three Crucial Ways Taking a Vacation Will Reduce Your Stress and Extend Your Life

Party Rentals for All Occasions

BY CHRIS TOBIAS

F

or most of us, working hard is just a way of life. But the daily grind has a way of wearing us down.

That's why it's important to recharge with a relaxing vacation at least once a year.

Here are three ways that taking a vacation will reduce your stress and improve your attitude, making it vital for prolonging your life, health and happiness.

1. Being around nature improves brain functioning It's well-known that even just the sight of green trees and grass can improve all areas of our lives, from school and work performance to personal health.

Scientists have shown that exposure to nature changes brain activity, reducing the amount of activity in areas related to stress and fear and increasing it in areas related to happiness.

2. Meditating while on vacation boosts stress regulation Vacation and meditation have shockingly similar benefits to body and mind. A study from the University of California-

San Francisco found that participants who took a resort vacation demonstrated an improved immune system.

Additionally, researchers discovered an increase in participants' levels of telomerase, a protein which is theorized to protect against cellular aging. Those who meditated on the vacation enjoyed even greater benefits, reporting improved mental health benefits for 10 months longer than those who did not meditate.

3. Taking time off together strengthens relationships Members of families and couples that

spend time with one another will notice many improvements in their relations together. Taking part in leisure together has been shown to lead to increased emotional bonding. Children and teenagers especially benefit, displaying improved academic performance and lessening of behavioral problems.

Taking a vacation can be one of the healthiest things you do all year. Keep your body, mind and relationships strong by scheduling your vacation today. Do it for yourself and your loved ones.l

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17

GENERATIONS

Five Signs of Elder Fraud: Are Your Parents and Grandparents at Risk?

Financial abuse can be a devastating form of elder abuse. Does reading this make you think about an older person you know? Call or visit and ask how they’re doing.

BY JANET HOWARD

F

rom romance schemes and catfishing to scary calls supposedly from the IRS, older men and women are often the targets of scams. These scams and scheme, collectively known as elder fraud, taken many forms, but the financial devastation they leave behind is much the same.

If you have elderly loved ones, they could be at risk of elder fraud. Worse yet, you may not know the scam has happened, and by then it is probably too late for them to recover. Recognizing these five signs of elder fraud could help you ride to the rescue before it is too late.

1.A new romance, with no signs of the romantic partner Romance scams are common among the elderly, and those scams often arise online. If your mom or dad has a new romantic partner they have never actually met, it may be time to step in with some timely advice.

2. New people in their lives Meeting new people and being social can keep older people young, but sometimes those new acquaintances have nefarious

motives. Stay alert to the new people in your parents' and grandparents' lives; meet them when possible, talk to them and trust your gut instincts. If something seems wrong, it probably is.

3. Changes in behavior Older people who are victims of financial fraud may exhibit a range of new behaviors, from isolating themselves from friends and relatives to lashing out in unexpected ways. If you notice any changes in behavior, it is time to find out what is going on.

4. Unpaid bills If you see a pile of unpaid bills and late payment notices when you visit your parents or grandparents, elder fraud could be to blame. Victims of elder fraud may withdraw large sums of money to loan their new "friends," leaving them without the cash they need to live their lives.

5. Raiding investment accounts If previously dormant investment accounts are now being raided for ready cash, you need to start asking some questions. The perpetrators of elder fraud

often encourage their victims to dip into their retirement accounts, close certificates of deposit and make other unwise financial transactions.

Whether you suspect elder fraud or not, there are steps you can take to protect your loved ones and keep them from harm. If you have not already done so, registering your parents' and grandparents' phone numbers with the Do Not Call registry is a good place to start.

You can also serve as tech support for their smartphones, tablets and other electronic devices, installing regular software updates, making sure strong antivirus software is running and keeping alert for security breaches and the release of personal information. By taking a proactive approach to protection and security, you can reduce the risk of elder fraud and help your loved ones live better and more secure lives. l

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18

CARIBBEAN STAR Carol Maraj/ continued from page 1 founder of The Carol Maraj Foundation.

The month of October is recognized as Domestic Violence Awareness Month in the United States, a time to reflect on the needs of women and domestic violence issues. Ms. Carol Maraj, a domestic violence survivor, understands that the plight of domestic violence victims needs to be addressed all year round.

Ms. Maraj has spoken publicly about her experience with domestic violence.

She reportedly got married at the age of 20-years-old and emigrated to New York at the age of 24. Ms. Maraj openly shared that she experienced extensive abuse and feared for her life when her husband tried to kill her by burning down the house.

But Ms. Maraj triumphed over her past and used her story to help motivate and encourage other women who have experienced domestic violence. Ms. Maraj discussed her song and book of the same name, "Living My Pain." During an exclusive interview, she told Caribbean American Weekly that the book and song "…signify that you now understand who you are and are leaving the pain behind."

Carol Maraj wants victims of domestic violence to know that they can leave the abuse behind. "You're never in a situation too long that you can't make a change. At any given time, someone can say, I was not made for this. There is better for me," Ms. Maraj told Caribbean American Weekly. "Any time one ends an abusive

sive male partners to remember that "manhood is not based on how well you control your woman or how your woman succumb to you. A real man loves and protects his woman – he is the wind beneath her wings," she explained.

Carol Maraj shared that she "wants to give back to the country of her birth. She believes it is her calling to serve women in Trinidad and Tobago and beyond who are victims of abuse. But her advocacy work does not stop there. Carol Maraj's heart goes out to all vulnerable women, and thus, the plight of encamped Haitian women caught her attention.

"Because of the crisis in Haiti, I think about the women who are in camps.

When we have a crisis, people tend to be disordered and can be taken advantage of, especially women. Maraj Ms Maraj. Photos courtesy The Carol Maraj Foundation stressed the importance of protecting encamped Haitian women life, one can wake up and choose a suitfrom rape, sexual abuse, and sex traffickable life – a life they were created for," ing. She wants to help protect women by stated Maraj. She shared advice for helping to improve the situation in Haiti. female victims of domestic violence and She said, "I don't just want to send money advice for abusive male partners. Maraj to Haiti. I want to help the farmers grow wants women to say to themselves, "I food; help build wells." Carol Maraj statwas born for greatness. There are new ed she has contacts in Haiti who are horizons to pursue. Ms. Maraj wants abu-

Ms Maraj and her daughter Nicki Editorial credit: Kathy Hutchins / Shutterstock.com

doing groundwork with the farmers to grow food and help gain greater access to clean water because currently, Haitian have to walk a long distance to get access to clean water.

Ms. Maraj also said that she is raising funds for Haiti through a benefit concert and is collecting donations through her Foundation's website. The Foundation was created in 2012 to assist vulnerable women who have been affected by domestic violence issues to become selfsufficient. If you would like to support Carol Maraj's Haitian Relief efforts, visit the website and send a message indicating that you wish to contribute. l Website: www.thecarolmarajfoundation.org

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19

HEALTH

Could Oral Antiviral Pills be a Gamechanger for COVID-19? An Infectious Disease Physician Explains Why These Options Are Badly Needed

BY PATRICK JOHNSON THE CONVERSATION

N

early two years into the pandemic, it has become starkly clear that we need better treatments for COVID-19 for people in the earlier stages of disease.

Two new antiviral drugs could soon be the first effective oral treatments for COVID-19 to help keep people out of the hospital. An advisory committee to the Food and Drug Administration plans to review the data supporting molnupiravir – a pill made by Merck and partner Ridgeback Therapeutics – on Nov. 30, 2021.

And in early November, Pfizer released preliminary results for its antiviral pill, Paxlovid, another potentially promising tool for COVID-19 treatment. On Nov. 16, Pfizer formally requested emergency use authorization of the oral pill from the FDA. If these drugs get authorized in the

coming weeks, they could be an important new treatment option for people with COVID-19, especially for those at high risk in the early stages of infection. The ability to treat COVID-19 with a pill rather than an injection or infusion means more people can be treated faster.

As an infectious diseases physician and scientist at the University of Virginia, I have helped care for hundreds of people with COVID-19. I’ve also helped conduct clinical trials to find new treatments.

Molnupiravir and Paxlovid would fill a need that hasn’t been met by other

COVID-19 drugs, which are either difficult to administer or only suitable for patients in the hospital.

Here’s a preview of why these new antiviral drugs are important, how they work and how they could be used.

Filling a gap in treatment Researchers have so far found just a few drugs that are effective for the treatment of COVID-19. Until now, only antiviral monoclonal antibodies could be used to treat patients who are not hospitalized.

However, these antibody drugs – which

work by blocking the virus from entering cells – have to be given in a monitored setting like a doctor’s office.

And many patients who could benefit from monoclonal antibodies don’t have access because administration sites aren’t located nearby. They are also not affordable for many people outside the U.S. In the U.S., monoclonal antibodies are free to patients under emergency use authorization but could ultimately become far more expensive if and when they receive full approval by the FDA. Early data suggests that both molnupiravir and Paxlovid are effective new drugs that patients can take at home to prevent complications of COVID-19 – which could be particularly beneficial for those at high risk of severe disease. Once authorized, these pills will allow patients to be treated earlier in the course of infection, at the point when antiviral drugs are more effective. By stopping the virus from growing in the body early on, the continued on page 20

Wrong time for the flu.

Right time for a flu shot.

COVID-19 has taught us that we all need to be protected.

A flu shot helps protect you and your family.

Especially:

Childen under 5

For more information and to find a location to get your flu shot, visit nyc.gov/flu or call 311.

If you are over 65

If you are or may be pregnant

If you have other medical conditions

Bill de Blasio Mayor Dave A. Chokshi, MD MSc Commissioner

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20

HEALTH COVID-19 Pill/ continued from page 19

Although oral antiviral pills could be a major step forward in treating COVID-19, vaccines still offer the best protection from the virus

drugs can prevent the inflammation that causes severe COVID-19.

How molnupiravir and Paxlovid work Molnupiravir works by causing the virus to record inaccurate genetic information.

SARS-CoV-2 stores its instructions for making new viruses in a strand of RNA. Inside the cell, the virus makes copies of the RNA and then continues to make duplicates of those copies. When a patient takes molnupiravir, the drug masquerades as one of the key molecules in RNA and gets incorporated into the strands that the virus produces. When an RNA strand containing molnupiravir gets copied in turn, the virus makes errors in the copy. Over multiple rounds of copying, molnupiravir forces more and more mistakes until the virus is no longer able to function – a phenomenon in virology called “error catastrophe.”

Paxlovid uses a different mechanism to prevent the virus from replicating.

SARS-CoV-2 creates proteins that are needed to build new viruses as one long string, called a polyprotein. But the polyproteins have to be chopped into smaller parts by a viral enzyme called a protease in order to become active.

Paxlovid blocks the virus’s protease from doing this job, thereby preventing the virus from completing its life cycle.

How COVID-19 pills would be used There are currently two primary forms of treatment for COVID-19 in the U.S.: antiviral and anti-inflammatory medications. Antiviral drugs stop the virus from growing in the body and are given within the first few days of symptoms to prevent severe disease. Anti-inflammatory drugs moderate the immune response and are used to help sicker patients who need oxygen.

Molnupiravir and Paxlovid were studied in separate clinical trials with similar designs. In both studies, the drugs were tested in outpatients with risk factors for severe COVID-19 who were at an early stage in their illness. Both studies also looked at how likely patients were to either die or be hospitalized. However, neither study has yet been peer-reviewed.

Molnupiravir reduced the risk of death or hospitalization by about 50% in non-

hospitalized adult patients with mild to moderate COVID-19 when treated within five days of symptom onset. Paxlovid reduced this risk by about 89% for patients treated within three days of symptoms and 85% for patients treated within five days. Importantly, no patients who took either drug died in the studies.

Because the drugs were not studied head to head, it’s difficult to say whether one will be better than the other in the real world. In early November, Britain became the first country to approve molnupiravir for use.

Molnupiravir did not help hospitalized patients recover faster from COVID-19.

It is likely that Paxlovid would also not be useful at the point of hospitalization.

Most patients who are in the hospital with COVID-19 are sick because of unregulated inflammation and not because the virus is still replicating in

their bodies.

If and when these drugs get authorized in the U.S., they will probably be used for the same higher-risk patients who are eligible for monoclonal antibodies today.

Monoclonal antibodies may still be used, though, for pregnant people, people on dialysis and some immune-compromised patients.

The U.S. has already purchased millions of doses of both molnupiravir and Paxlovid in anticipation of their authorization. However, the pills will only be useful if people also have access to cheap, fast and accurate COVID-19 tests, which are currently in short supply. If COVID-19 is diagnosed too late, patients will already be outside the window of time when antiviral drugs can be helpful.

Other antiviral drugs are in development, including an oral form of the first COVID-19 drug, remdesivir and long acting injectable monoclonal antibodies.

Researchers are also working on repurposing existing drugs to treat COVID. Inhaled steroids like budesonide and an antidepressant called fluvoxamine are particularly promising.

While it’s exciting to see new treatments for COVID-19, prevention is still the best strategy. The COVID-19 vaccines continue to be the most effective tool for helping to end the pandemic.l Patrick Jackson is an Assistant Professor of Infectious Diseases, University of Virginia

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21

LOVE & RELATIONSHIPS

Four Secrets to Keeping Your Man Happy

BY MARY CAMPBELL

Keeping your man happy isn't about catering to him and revolving your life around him.

You can keep your man happy by accepting and appreciating who he is.

H

appiness within relationships is not easy to explain. Every relationship is different, and within each relationship, individuals define happiness in their own way. For example, some people view happiness as a peaceful, stress-free life. For others, happiness means having lots of fun, great intimacy, or plenty of laughter. Whatever happiness means to you directly reflects your expectations, desires, wants, and needs— and of course, these things can change over time.

How do we keep ourselves happy while ensuring that our significant other, that special man in our life, is kept happy? If you're dating a man, you love and want to make him happy, there are things you can do to achieve this. Men have different needs than women, so it's important that you don't treat him the same way you would a female friend. Here are four ways that you can keep your man happy.

1. Be enthusiastic for intimacy Sex and intimacy are important parts of relationships, so you want to make them both a priority and be happy about it. Life gets busy and it's easy to set these things aside because you're too tired, but this will not help your relationship and may make your man feel unwanted. Intimacy isn't just about sex. Intimacy includes

cuddling, kissing, and massages. Don't assume that your man is only interested in sex. When your man approaches you wanting intimacy and sex, don't brush him off like it doesn't matter.

2. Don't nag him Men don't like to be nagged. If you ask your man to do something, and he agrees, don't continue asking about it every five minutes. Trust him to do it in his own time and in his way. Just because a man says he will do something doesn't mean he's going to do it right that second and exactly how you would do it. When he does finally get to the task, avoid the urge to look over his shoulder and make sure he knows after that you appreciate what he did.

3. Encourage him to hang with his friends A clingy girlfriend isn't attractive to many men. Instead of trying to tag along everywhere he goes or making him stay with you encourage him to hang out with his friends. If his friends call and ask him to join them at the bar or to go play basketball, tell him to have a good time.

Everyone needs time alone and time with their own friends. Don't deny your boyfriend of his time with his friends or he may end up resenting you for it.

4. Don't try to change him If you think he needs to change or you want to mould a man into what you think he should be, you're not going to have a healthy relationship. You should be with

a man because you like who is he already and not what you think you can change him into. If you want a man who takes the lead, don't date a man who is more of a follower. You can't change anyone into your perfect man. If you're unhappy with the man you're with, it might be time to move on.

Remember Keeping your man happy isn't about catering to him and revolving your life around him. You can keep your man happy by accepting and appreciating who he is.

Hopefully, by incorporating these suggestions into your daily life, you will experience greater joy and less conflict in this important relationship.l

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22

CONVERSATIONS

What Americans Can Learn from Other Cultures About the Language of Gratitude

BY JEREMY DAVID ENGELS AND ELAINE HSIEH, THE CONVERSATION

F

amilies and friends traditionally gather to express gratitude during this time of year. Many also participate in acts of service and charity as a way of giving back to their local communities.

As communication scholars who study intercultural communication, we have studied how the many languages around the world have their own unique words and expressions for saying “thank you.”

In turn, these expressions reveal very different assumptions about how human beings relate to one another and about the world we collectively inhabit.

Not everyone says thank you Americans are known the world over for saying “thank you” in many everyday situations. Though some of these “thank yous” are undoubtedly heartfelt, many are also routine and said without much feeling. Given how often Americans say “thanks,” it might be surprising to know that in several other cultures around the world, people rarely say “thank you.”

In many cultures in South and Southeast Asia, including in India, where the

expression in Hindi is “धन्यवाद,” spelled out as “dhanyavaad” in English. A deep degree of unspoken gratitude is assumed in interpersonal relationships through this expression.

In an article in The Atlantic, author Deepak Singh, an immigrant from northern India to the United States, explains that “in the Hindi language, in everyday gestures and culture, there is an unspoken understanding of gratitude.”

In many relationships – for instance, between parents and children or between close friends – saying thank you is considered inappropriate in these countries because it introduces a sense of formality

that takes away the intimacy of the relationship. Thank you is appropriate when it is deeply and truly felt, and in situations where a person goes above and beyond the normal expectations of a relationship. Then too it is said with great solemnity, with eye contact, and perhaps even with hands at heart center in namaste position.

“Thanks, I owe you one,” “One good turn deserves another,” and “How can I ever repay you?”

Thinking of gratitude as a kind of transaction can indeed encourage people to form mutually beneficial relationships.

But it can also lead people to see their personal and impersonal relationships in economic terms – as transactions to be judged by market criteria of gain and loss.

The American language of gratitude tends to reflect the fact that many of us might see relationships as interpersonal transactions. But if we were to enter into relationships only on the premise of what benefits us personally, and potentially materially, then it can be very limiting.

This is why, we argue, it can be enlightening to look at other languages of gratitude.

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Thanking earth, sky and community Many Chinese people, for example, use the phrase “謝天,” or “xiè tiān,” which literally means “thank sky” as a way to express gratitude to all things under the sky. In a famous essay included in many high school textbooks called “Xiè Tiān,” writer Zhifan Chen noted, “Because there are too many people that we feel grateful to, let’s thank sky then.” The writer redirects individuals’ gratitude toward an all-encompassing universe, one that includes all things and all beings.

In Taiwanese, people say “感心,” or “kám-sim,” which means “feel heart,” to express gratitude. In complimenting a good deed, the word is also meant to highlight how people who witness the act but do not directly benefit from it are touched by the benevolence. It encourages people to recognize that the impact of good deeds is not limited to its direct recipients but to other members of the community as well.

To say “kám-sim” is to recognize that our actions have effects that ripple outward, potentially strengthening and solidifying the social fabric, which ultimately benefits us all.

Every time we express gratitude, we invoke a social world. Often, we invoke a world without realizing its full force.

For instance, when we use a language of gratitude characterized by economic metaphors, it can shape our view of the world and our social relationships, encouraging us to see life itself as a series of transactions. Being more conscious about our linguistic conventions and the potentials of our choices can empower us to create a world we really desire.

Learning from other languages of gratitude, perhaps we can make our “thank you” less casual and more heartfelt.l

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Jeremy David Engels is a Professor of Communication Arts and Sciences, Penn State. Elaine Hsieh is a Professor, Communication, University of Oklahoma

The economic rhetoric of gratitude In American English, many of the expressions of gratitude are couched in transactional language that involves expressions of personal indebtedness. We say, “I owe you a debt of gratitude,”

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