Caribbean American Weekly - Issue 147

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ISSUE 147 VOLUME 22

March 24, 2022

SERVING THE CARIBBEAN AND HISPANIC COMMUNITIES!

Help for Immigrants: Reviving The Violence Against Women Act

BY LINDA NWOKE, SPECIAL TO CAW

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everal misconceptions exist on the issue of violence against women.

However, key facts about violence against women are that it can be physical, psychological, or sexual and takes place in private and public spaces like the victims' homes, the streets, or during the war. Secondly, violence against women and girls is a violation of human rights. In the United States, in a minute, over 15 women and men are physically abused by an intimate partner, with an continued on page 9

The International Order Is Broken – Where Are the Enlightened Leaders to Remake It? ....2

Arleigh Louison is Dead. The Devastation of His Fraud Lives On ....10 COMPREHENSIVE IMMIGRATION REFORM

The Democrats Title 42 Dilemma: With God Or With the Devil

BY MARIBEL HASTINGS AND DAVID TORRES, AMERICA’S VOICE

continued on page 15

Maya Wiley Set to Lead the Nation’s Largest Civil Rights Organization ....5

Political sign with with religious tone at a pro-immigration rally in USA

Remembering Professor Selwyn Ryan ....17

Three Tips for Moving in with Your Significant Other....22

Hon. Mia Mottley: Leader, Trailblazer, Visionary, Phenomenal Woman ....page 8

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T

he administration of President Joe Biden is facing a moral dilemma, and also a political one, when it comes to demands to eliminate the disastrous Title 42. The situation is relevant due to the very nature of this policy, established by Donald

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Honoring T&T’s 1964 Olympic Bronze Medalists ....18

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

Personal Injury Guide: What You Need to Know ....11-14

Invest in Jamaica Forum ....4

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SPECIAL CARIBBEAN REPORT OP-ED 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 685 Third Avenue, 11th Floor 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, 4th 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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The International Order Is Broken – Where Are the Enlightened Leaders to Remake It?

BY SIR RONALD SANDERS

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he international order, which has existed, although shakily, since the end of World War II and the establishment of the Charter of the United Nations, is now severely broken.

Whether the pieces can be reassembled and strengthened to guarantee a peaceful world is uncertain. What is certain is that the world is now in a dangerous place and urgently needs visionary leadership to try to pull it back from its current perilous circumstances and to set it on a path of peace and cooperation between nations.

Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, threats of nuclear confrontation, unprecedented economic sanctions, high oil prices with the prospect of more increases, shortages of food supplies and attendant high costs, are the prevailing order of the day. No nation has been spared and the situation might well worsen in the coming weeks, with developing countries and small economies suffering the most, since they have the least capacity for resilience.

Every country and region will experience disruption in projected economic growth this year. The European Union has already announced that it expects much less than the 4% growth that it had expected for its 27 nations collectively.

The United Nations Security Council (UNSC), which was conceived as the forum for guaranteeing peace by ensuring that nations would uphold and respect international law and the principles of the UN Charter, has only been effective when the vested individual interest of the five permanent members was not involved. Once any of the five – Britain, China, France, Russia and the United States (US) – were affected, each of them used their anachronistic veto power to block UNSC action – the only international instrument binding on every nation.

The absurdity of the world being subjected to the veto power of one of five nations was brought into sharp focus throughout the UNSC’s deliberations on Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Not only did Russia make it clear that it would veto any decision it disliked, but it also presided over the proceedings as the rotating President. This unrepresentative and gravely flawed system has proved impossible to change, and it now seems set to harden.

The UNSC’s role has departed from the original concept enshrined in the UN Charter, specifically articles 39 to 51 of Chapter VII, titled “Action with respect to threats to the peace, breaches of the peace and acts of aggression”. This chapter established a framework for collective security based on the use of military forces and gave the UNSC authority for enforcement.

But, since 1947, the political and mili-

Editorial credit: YES Market Media / Shutterstock.com

tary ambitions of the nations of the East and West put this chapter into abeyance.

It has remained there ever since. Over the years, a more limited role described as “peace keeping” has emerged. While this role has been beneficial when it has been activated, it has been fraught with difficulties.

For instance, peacekeeping can only be launched after a conflict has broken out; a mandate from the UNSC is required, and this depends on agreement by all 5 Permanent members of the Council (which seldom happens); no automatic or obligatory mechanism for financing peacekeeping exists, financing depends on the voluntary contributions of rich countries; and peacekeepers cannot pressure combatants to withdraw from occupied territory or to resolve the conflict in general.

In summary, the UNSC, and, consequently, the UN Charter have proven to be paralyzed and ineffective, particularly when permanent members have a vested interest, either directly or indirectly.

Since the end of 1990s, and an initial détente between the nations of the West and East, the nations of the West and Russia have developed different and contradictory approaches to peace-making.

Ostensibly, the Western approach is to resolve armed conflicts through inclusive peace processes and liberal state transformation including democratization, human rights, political freedoms and good governance. Although, it has to be said that there is more than a little hypocrisy in that stand, as was seen in the US military intervention in Iraq and Afghanistan, and the US accommodation of Israeli settlements in occupied Palestinian territory.

For its part, Russia has argued for the primacy of sovereignty, the need for strong states and political order, and the rights of government to suppress internal conflict using any means necessary.

This was Russia’s stance, for instance, in relation to the conflict in Syria. There is a clear pattern of rigid differences between Russia on the one hand, and the US, UK, and France on the other, with China claiming neutrality.

Russia has now taken the differences a

leap further by invading a sovereign nation in pursuit of its own interests, with scant or no regard for the UN Security Council or the 141 members of the UN that voted in a Special Session of the UN General Assembly to condemn the invasion of Ukraine. Only 5 nations voted against, all of them headed by tyrants.

Thirty-five countries abstained, including China, India, and South Africa.

Many of the countries that voted in favor were fearful of being invaded themselves or recognized that, in their own interest, they had to condemn violation of international law. Those nations that voted against might have been contemplating following the Russian action as a basis for their own use of force in their territorial ambitions. The motivation of the abstaining nations was rooted in what they considered to be their own national interest. For a few, that included not offending Russia on which they depend for political support and military equipment.

In short, humanity now exists in a troubled world which, even before the invasion of Ukraine, faced major crises such as managing the impact of Climate Change, increasing pandemics, widening economic inequality between developed and developing nations, and restructuring the global financial architecture. All of these issues require the involvement of all countries; none can be tackled by any one nation or group of nations.

Humanity’s need for enlightened global action, with cooperation at its centre, is now more urgent than ever. It is such international cooperation that should now invigorate the world’s peoples, making it clear that invasions and war are no answers. Might is not right.

Leadership based on ethics, morality, fairness, and justice is needed. Small Caribbean states must demand it, and give it, principally by insisting on respect and adherence to international law by all.l Sir Ronald Sanders is currently Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to the United States and the Organization of American States.

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3

THOUGHTS

As Cases Rise in Other Regions, the Americas Must Focus on Vaccines to Protect the Most Vulnerable

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ashington D.C., March 16, (PAHO): As COVID-19 vaccination continues to expand in the Americas, countries must continue to focus on the protection of the most vulnerable, such as the elderly, the immunocompromised, health care workers and other high-risk groups, Pan American Health Organization Assistant Director Jarbas Barbosa said today.

“COVID-19 infections and deaths are declining in most of our region, but there are still too many cases and deaths being reported every day – a clear indication that transmission is not yet under control,” Dr. Barbosa said in a media briefing.

Since the virus arrived in the Americas two years ago, 149 million cases of COVID-19 have been reported and 2.6 million people have died.

The Assistant Director also warned that the current rise in cases in other regions of the world should serve as “a cautionary tale” for the Americas.

New infections have increased by 28.9% in the Western Pacific Region, 12.3% in the African region, and almost 2% in the European region.

“The virus puts us all at risk,” he added.

“That’s why we must continue our efforts to close the equity gap and protect the most vulnerable with COVID-19 vaccines.”

Dr. Barbosa said that while many countries and territories are on track to reach the WHO 70% COVID-19 vaccination target, and eight have vaccinated more than 80% of their population, 21 have yet to vaccinate half of their population.

“We still have a lot of work ahead to improve our resilience to COVID-19,” he said.

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Dr. Barbosa highlighted that pandemic response has left routine immunization programs decades behind – with coverage against polio and measles dropping to 1994 levels.

“COVID-19 showed us, once again, that vaccines are the most important tool to control infectious disease and save lives,” he said. “Yet in just two years, we’ve rolled back nearly three decades of progress on polio and measles.”

Vaccine coverage for other childhood diseases has also fallen further behind, with diphtheria and yellow fever threatening to resurge unless countries take urgent action, the Assistant Director warned.

HPV vaccination, which prevents cervical cancer in young women and girls, has also stalled across the region due to school disruptions.

While many countries restarted campaigns against measles, rubella, and polio in 2021, and at least eight countries are planning to do follow-up measles campaigns this year, sustaining high coverage is “essential to securing our children’s future and allowing our region to flourish,” he said.

The Assistant Director called for strong

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political and technical leadership at national and local levels to raise routine vaccination coverage and urged countries to leverage COVID-19 vaccination efforts to rapidly roll out other essential vaccines, including the influenza vaccine.

“We cannot waste time,” Dr Barbosa said. “We have the experience, tools, and know-how to catch up on missed vaccinations, prevent diseases, and protect our families today and in the future.”

PAHO “will work with countries across the Region to run coordinated national campaigns during Vaccination Week in the Americas,” and the PAHO Revolving Fund stands ready to “continue to support countries with purchases of routine vaccines,” he added.

Turning to the COVID-19 situation in the region, Dr Barbosa reported that cases in the Americas reached 901,000, a 19% decrease from the previous week.

However, hikes in cases were seen in Caribbean and Atlantic Ocean Islands, where cases increased by 56.6% Deaths fell by 18.4% to 15,523, with all subregions reporting declines – from a 6.9% drop in the Caribbean to a 27.9% decrease in Central America.l

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ISLAND FOCUS: JAMAICA

Jamaica’s Consulate General, New York partners with the Jamaica Stock Exchange in hosting its 2nd Investing in Jamaica Virtual Forum

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he Consulate General of Jamaica, New York, and the Jamaica Stock Exchange (JSE) held the Second staging of the “Investing in Jamaica” Virtual Forum on March 23rd and 24th, 2022.

According to Jamaica’s Consul General in New York, Mrs. Alsion Wilson, OD, “This informative Forum aimed to raise awareness about the numerous rewarding investment opportunities in Jamaica and the United States. It will sensitize potential investors within the Diaspora and friends of Jamaica to the investment climate in both countries; explore and promote opportunities on the equity and bond market for potential investors within the Diaspora and friends of Jamaica; and lay the foundation for increased flow of investments into Jamaica, with an emphasis on growing the number of Diasporans and friends of Jamaica, investing in Jamaica.”

CG Wilson noted, “Leading Financial experts from the financial sectors in both countries shared key information for

anyone interested in investing and useful tips on navigating the changing economic climate.”

The Consul General shared, “Following the success of the first staging held in 2021, the forum is becoming a highly anticipated annual event for the Consulate General of Jamaica, New York & the Jamaica Stock Exchange.”

For this reason, through her extraordinary network of investment bankers and financial experts, the Consul General ensured the assembly of an impressive list of presenters from top Financial Institutions in the United States and Jamaica.

Some of the many valuable topics discussed at the virtual Forum included Navigating Jamaica’s Stock Market to Create Wealth; Long-term Loan Programs for Jamaican Business Investments; Trends in the Capital Market, Funding Opportunities for Minority-Owned Businesses, Debt Management; and the Jamaica Changing Financial Space, Towards a Cashless

Jamaica.

Senator the Honorable Aubyn Hill, Minister of Industry, Investment and Commerce, Jamaica, was among the distinguished presenters. Other presenters included: •Dr. Michael Papaioannou, Expert Advisor, International Monetary Fund •Mr. Ferris Jackson, Senior Portfolio Manager, Global Equities, Barita Investments Ltd. •Mr. Dylan Coke, Deputy General Manager, Investment Banking & Sales, JN Fund Managers Ltd. Ms. Tameika Ricketts, Assistant Manager, Registrar Services, JSE Mr. Greg Fisher, Managing Director, Jefferies Group LLC •Mr. Brett Silvers, President and CEO, World Business Capital Inc. •Ms. Diane Edwards, President, JAMPRO •Mr. Vernon James, CEO Lynk, NCB Financial Group •Ms. Nora Blake, Manager, Jamaica

Hon Wilson. Photo courtesy: Jamaica Consulate of NY

Social Stock Exchange •Mrs. Denise Marshall, VM Wealth Management Limited •Mr. David Stinfil, Managing Director, Siebert Williams Shank & Co., LLC For more information, visit linktr.ee/CGNYJM l

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WOMEN’S HISTORY MONTH: AT WORK

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Maya Wiley Set to Lead the Nation’s Largest Civil Rights Organization

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ASHINGTON: The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights announced on March 8, 2022 that it and its sister organization, The Leadership Conference Education Fund, have selected civil rights attorney and activist, and NBC News and MSNBC Legal Analyst Maya Wiley to assume the leadership of both organizations. The chairs of the two organizations’ boards made the announcement after a joint board meeting to ratify the consensus recommendation of a 15-member joint board search committee. Wiley will hold the titles of president and CEO of both organizations and officially assume the roles on May 2, 2022.

“We cannot be more thrilled to welcome Maya Wiley to her new role,” said Judith Lichtman, chair of The Leadership Conference board. “She will bring passion, experience, and the leadership skills needed to tackle the challenges for the future. She brings a deep understanding and historical perspective of where we have been and a recognition for the painful times we live in. As we looked for a new president, we wanted someone who understood the excruciating problems of the moment that cry out for leadership for the future – and we have found that in Maya.”

Wiley. Photo courtesy: Maya for Mayor Campaign

Wiley, currently an NBC News and MSNBC legal analyst, will succeed Wade Henderson, who has served as interim president and CEO since January 2021. Henderson previously served as president and CEO from June 1996 through June 2017. Henderson was succeeded by Vanita Gupta, who is currently serving as the Associate Attorney General at the U.S. Department of Justice.

James Rucker, chair of The Leadership Conference Education Fund board, described Wiley, 58, as “precisely the kind of leader we need, both for this moment, and as we confront the challenges and opportunities of the future.”

“From her upbringing as the daughter of a civil rights leader, to the roles she has played a civil rights lawyer, to leading efforts and organizations focused on democracy and dignity for all, to serving as a educator and communicator—Maya has an acute understanding of where we are, how we’ve gotten here, and where we need to go, in service of the ideals of The Leadership Conference and The Education Fund. And she has the demonstrated leadership to help us collectively get there,” Rucker said. “We are also forever indebted to Wade Henderson, for helping us get to this moment, and for returning to the helm during a period of transition. For that, we are deeply grateful.”

Maya Wiley is a nationally respected civil rights attorney and activist who has dedicated her life to fighting for justice, equality, and fairness. The daughter of a leader in the civil rights and economic justice movements, Wiley has held key positions both inside and outside of government. Early in her career, she focused on multiple racial justice issues as a staff

member of the ACLU and then the NAACP Legal Defense & Educational Fund, Inc. She has also worked in the Civil Division of the U.S Attorney for the Southern District of New York.

Wiley also co-founded the nonprofit Center for Social Inclusion, a policy organization dedicated to ending racial inequity through structural reform. She was also a senior advisor on race and poverty at the Open Society Foundations.

“The Leadership Conference and the coalition are the epicenter of the ongoing fight for civil and human rights that endures and has become more urgent, with the rise of hate, the attack on history, and the challenges of voting in our democracy. It has been at the forefront of American history and remains a fierce force fighting to define our future,” said Wiley. “The Education Fund provides the critical analysis and information we need to change hearts and minds, and to bring about much needed change. I am humbled and hyped to lead these organizations that are committed to making the promise of a more perfect union a reality for all people.”

“Wade Henderson and Vanita Gupta are two leaders I deeply respect and who were outstanding leaders of the organizations. I am honored to follow in their footsteps.”l

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WOMEN’S HISTORY MONTH: WELLNESS

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People With Endometriosis and PCOS Wait Years for a Diagnosis – Attitudes to Women’s Pain May Be to Blame

Black women are less likely to be diagnosed with endometriosis than white women. They’re also more likely to develop uterine fibroids and are significantly more likely to have debilitating symptoms because of them. Black women may also be more disproportionately affected

by PCOS.

BY ANNE-MARIE BOYLAN, ANNALISE WECKESSER AND SHARON DIXON THE CONVERSATION

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ormer Miss Ireland, Chelsea Farrell, recently shared the story of how she ended up in the emergency room in severe pain with a twisted ovarian cyst.

After over two-and-a-half years of symptoms, Farrell found out she had endometriosis, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and an ovarian cyst. She had suffered pain, irregular periods, bloating and pain during sex, but thought this was normal.

Farrell’s story isn’t unique. Many women face difficulties getting diagnoses, care and treatment for such conditions – with some women even reportedly waiting up to 12 years for help.

There are many complex reasons behind why women with these conditions wait so long for proper help and treatment. But part of it comes down to how women’s pain is often normalised and dismissed in healthcare settings – and even society more widely.

In 2020, an Oxford school caused controversy after suggesting girls should not miss school because of period pain. It reportedly stated: “Learning to deal with a monthly inconvenience is all part of being a woman.”

Not only does this show a lack of understanding of how debilitating menstrual pain can be, but also how girls are taught early on to endure pain rather than to seek help or medical advice.

This could also mean girls living with possible signs of endometriosis or PCOS won’t seek the help that they need. In fact, many women with PCOS or endometriosis report they felt expected not to to complain and “get on with it”, and to accept that “it’s a woman’s lot to suffer.”

This attitude means that women are often not involved in their own care and that their complaints are often dismissed as “women’s problems”. This “arrogant culture” of not taking women’s concerns seriously has even led to decades of medical scandals, avoidable patient harm, and needless suffering.

Unnecessary wait For the last decade, the average wait for an endometriosis diagnosis in the UK is eight years. Patients often have up to ten doctor visits before being diagnosed.

For PCOS, it can often take more than two years and appointments with around three doctors for a diagnosis. Both endometriosis and PCOS are complex conditions with symptoms that may vary widely and also resemble other conditions. So, the diagnostic process is also complex, which explains to some extent why diagnosis is slow.

But complexity around diagnosis is not just about symptoms. The UK government’s recent Women’s Health Survey captured how women continue to be dismissed and ignored when seeking care. It can be difficult for them to put their pain into words and they report not always being believed.

Having their pain dismissed leads many women on a quest for “credibility” in the hopes of being believed that symptoms are not just “in their head”. But when your experiences aren’t believed by healthcare professionals, it can lead to lower self esteem and even depression.

Gender health gap The struggles that many women experience when trying to receive a diagnosis for these types of conditions is part of a larger problem when it comes to women’s health. Historically, women

have experienced inequality in the kind of healthcare and treatment they have received – which is known as the gender health gap.

The gender health gap may explain why women are more likely to suffer poorer outcomes when treated by male doctors.

It may also be why women are more likely to die from heart attacks, as their symptoms can be different from men’s, whose symptoms still dominate medical textbooks and messaging around first aid.

Women’s pain is treated less aggressively than men’s even when they rate it more severely, it lasts longer or occurs more often.

The gender health gap is even wider for black women living in the US and UK. Black women are less likely to be diagnosed with endometriosis than white women. They’re also more likely to develop uterine fibroids and are significantly more likely to have debilitating symptoms because of them.

Black women may also be more disproportionately affected by PCOS. Though the reasons for this aren’t fully understood, it might partly be due to poorer access to healthcare.

While problems with women’s health are increasingly being recognised, repeated calls in the past to raise awareness and education for girls, women, and healthcare professionals haven’t led to much-needed change. It’s essential that

better, evidence-based resources are developed for both women and health professionals to ensure that every woman – no matter her health needs or experiences – can receive the right care.

But it’s simplistic to assume that the difficulties women face in accessing equitable healthcare and the right diagnosis will be solved by more information alone.

We must also address the larger societal issues of stigmatising and de-prioritising women’s health, the inadequate funding for women’s health research and the implicit gender and racial biases that underpin current health inequalities.

It’s unlikely that significant changes in the way women’s healthcare is delivered will happen anytime soon. So for now, it will be important that women continue to advocate for their own health.

If you suspect you may have endometriosis or PCOS, continue to seek help. Consider keeping track of your pain and symptoms so you can discuss them with your GP. Remember, pain is not something you have to put up with.l Anne-Marie Boylan is the Departmental Lecturer & Senior Research Fellow, University of Oxford. Annalise Weckesser is the Senior Research Fellow, Medical Anthropology, Birmingham City University. Sharon Dixon is the Researcher, Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford

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A woman’s future is as important as her history.

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WOMEN’S HISTORY MONTH: LEADERSHIP

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Hon. Mia Mottley: Leader, Trailblazer, Visionary, Phenomenal Woman

BY VICTORIA FALK, SPECIAL TO CAW

D

uring this Women’s History Month, Caribbean American Weekly recognizes Hon. Mia Mottley, for her exceptional leadership and accomplishments.

Mottley, a Barbadian born on Barbados Island in Barbados in 1965, has proven herself time and time again, both as an attorney and throughout her political career. She has held different positions where she was the youngest person to hold that position and other positions where she was the only woman to be in that position. She has made great strides for her homeland, Barbados, and is recognized worldwide for her leadership abilities.

When Ms. Mottley was 29 years old, she was the youngest Queen’s Counsel in Barbados.

Mia Mottley was the first female Attorney General and the first female leader of the Barbados Labour Party. She is the eighth person to hold the position of Prime Minister for Barbados, and when she first assumed that position in 2018, she became the first female to hold that position. In addition to her role as

New York, NY - September 12, 2019: Prime Minister of Barbados Hon. Mia Mottley Editorial credit: lev radin / Shutterstock.com

Prime Minister, she is also the Minister of Finance, Economic Affairs, and Investment.

Ms. Mandeep Rai, Contributor for Forbes Women, interviewed Mia Mottley for International Women’s Day, described her as an “inspirational woman,” and said she’s “learned so much from her.” Ms. Rai asked Ms. Mottley about her views on female leadership and what kind of role model she feels she’s been for women. Ms. Mottley responded,

“I don’t focus on the gender angle…I know it’s there, but I have so much to do.” Rai added that Ms. Mottley “… doesn’t dwell on being a woman as a handicap or hurdle.

Her gender isn’t an area of focus, and this enables her to get on with as wide an agenda as possible in life.”

Last year, Mia Mottley rose to international fame during discussions with global leaders about climate change. She boldly shared her views about global warming and saw this as a significant concern for Barbados. Of particular concern to Barbados was last year’s hurricane and volcanic ash falls.

Mottley also drew attention when she led Barbados in a break from the Queen of England as Head of State and elevated world-renowned entertainer and entrepreneur Rihanna as a national hero of the island. Despite the challenges Barbados faced when Mottley assumed the position of Prime Minister in 2018 and the challenges that persisted when she was reelected as Prime Minister for a second term, Barbadians continue to have confidence in her leadership. Her decisive victory over her opponent in the recent reelections evidenced that confidence.

Mia Mottley has stated publicly that her goals for Barbados are to “lead the country first to safety and then to prosperity.”

Barbados lost a considerable percentage of its tourism dollars during the Covid-19 pandemic and experienced a rise in cases with Barbadians being infected. She plans to “…prepare Barbados for the challenges of the next 10 to 15 years.” In addition to climate change and recovery from the pandemic, Ms. Mia Mottley plans to address the issue of Barbados’ aging population by attracting “digital nomads” to the island and luring “…back the Bajan diaspora.”

Barbadians and other Caribbean people have confidence in Mottley’s ability to keep moving Barbados towards progress.

In an open letter to the press, Denise Murray said, I don’t agree with all that Prime Minister Mia Mottley did, have done, presently is doing, or will do in Barbados. However, I am convinced that she has shown the Caribbean that she is a leader who could ‘work it’ in the midst of many crises (not so in Guyana). If you are a parliamentary leader, a business leader, an NGO, or a spiritual leader – read the ‘tea leaves’ on what the Honorable Mia Mottley did.”l

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DIASPORA CONCERNS

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Help for Immigrants/ continued from page 1 average of over 10 million adults experiencing domestic violence per year.

Generally, more women experience violence than men from their intimate partner during their lifetime.

Impact of Violence Against Women Beyond the emotional, psychological, and physical effects of violence, which sometimes results in death, there is a substantial economic impact. Domestic violence affects the economy. It causes financial complexities that keep the survivors trapped in poverty and subsequent abusive relationships. Examples include preventing them from finding work, keeping a job, or using their wages to establish greater economic independence and safety. Thus, resulting in a devastating cost that transcends generations and a lifetime.

What Is the Violence Against Women Act? The Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) creates and supports comprehensive, cost-effective responses to domestic violence, sexual assault, dating violence, and stalking. Since its enactment, VAWA programs, administered by the U.S. Departments of Justice (DOJ) and Health and Human Services (HHS), have dramatically improved federal, tribal, state, and local responses to these crimes. Under the VAWA, convicted domestic violence spouses are not allowed to own firearms. The legislation also requires the federal government to notify state and local authorities if anyone convicted of domestic abuse attempts to purchase a gun and is dishonest about their conviction during the background check.

Origin of the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) President Joe Biden sponsored the original bill on VAWA. As a Senator, he stood against any abuse of power. His advocacy led to VAWA, which was passed in 1994 by Congress to recognize domestic violence-related crimes, including stalking and sexual assault.

In the beginning, VAWA was more of a criminal justice instrument to improve the way law enforcement and the court system treat domestic violence cases, misconceived initially as a personal issue between partners. Then, it provided the justice system with the necessary support – policies, resources, and training required to respond to cases. However, the bill's passage became a significant achievement and instrument for protecting the rights to safety, autonomy, and justice for domestic and sexual violence.

Furthermore, coordinated community response has proven to be the most effective response in addressing domestic and sexual violence that goes beyond the justice system across the nation.

The cordinated community responses are in various forms. Examples include the Sexual Assault Response Teams (SARTs), which has improved the quality of forensic evidence collection and healthcare for sexual assault victims and has also increased prosecution rates;

Another example is the Violence Fatality Review Teams, which helps to identify the role of system deficiencies contributing to the circumstances surrounding domestic violence homicides fatalities.

In recognition of these realities, over the years, Congress reauthorized three revisions to support VAWA. Thus, the revisions in 2000, 2005, and 2013 strengthened legal protections, creating civil solutions and general growth for all victims, irrespective of demographic factors like age, race, ethnicity, gender identity, immigration status, or sexual orientation. These amendments have led to the significant decline of incidents of Domestic Violence and sexual assault.

VAWA was the first federal legislation acknowledging domestic violence and sexual assault act crimes and providing federal funds to encourage communitybased strategies to combat violence.

According to reports by The Times, the majority leader, Sen. Chuck Schumer, called VAWA "an important law passed

by Congress in the last 30 years." He explained, "The expiration of VAWA three years ago put many lives in jeopardy," said the report. However, recently, under Biden's administration, the House of Representatives voted to renew funding for the lapsed law, which expired in 2019 under Trump's administration.

Funding for the programs formed part of the Bidens administration over a $1.4 trillion spending package. It provided investigations into people who commit violence against women and rape crisis centers. Sen. Schumer responded by saying, "It is such good news that it is finally being reauthorized."

Support from Stakeholders Before the 2022 VAW Reauthorization Act, members of the Democratic Party tried to get the extension of some prescriptions beyond spouses to convicted domestic abuse 'dating partners.' Still, they had to relent to get the bill passed.

According to a report by The Times, some advocates wanted the expansion.

For instance, Shannon Watts, the founder of Moms Demand Action, says," Married women aren't the only victims of domestic violence." She also explained, "We must close the dating partner loophole that puts so many unprotected women and children at risk."

On the other hand, some gun control groups wanted the President to use executive action to pass some of the revisions that the Democrats couldn't achieve while applauding the new modifications.

According to The Times report, John Feinblatt, the President of Everytown for Gun Safety, said, "Federal authorities will, at last, be required to let local law

enforcement know when a domestic abuser or other convicted criminal tries to buy a gun illegally." He explains, "which is a huge red flag for potential gun violence."

What is Covered by the VAWA Reauthorization Act of 2022?

On March 16, 2022, President Biden signed bipartisan legislation that expands access to safety and support for all survivors of domestic violence. They include prevention efforts and the response to gender-based violence in whatever form or wherever it happens.

In a press release by the White House, the 2022 reauthorization of VAWA strengthens this landmark law, including by: •Reauthorizing all current VAWA grant programs until 2027 and, in many cases, increasing authorization levels.

•Expanding special criminal jurisdiction of Tribal courts to cover non-Native perpetrators of sexual assault, child abuse,

stalking, sex trafficking, and assaults on tribal law enforcement officers on tribal lands; and supporting the development of a pilot project to enhance access to safety for survivors in Alaska Native villages.

•Increasing services and support for survivors from underserved and marginalized communities—including for LGBTQ+ survivors of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault and stalking; funding survivor-centered, community-based restorative practice services; and increasing support for culturally specific services and services in rural communities.

•Establishing a federal civil cause of action for individuals whose intimate visual images are disclosed without their consent, allowing a victim to recover damages and legal fees; creating a new National Resource Center on Cybercrimes Against Individuals; and supporting State, Tribal, and local government efforts to prevent and prosecute cybercrimes, including cyberstalking and the nonconsensual distribution of intimate images.

•Improving prevention and response to sexual violence, including through increased support for the Rape Prevention and Education Program and Sexual Assault Services Program; expansion of prevention education for students in institutions of higher education; and enactment of the Fairness for Rape Kit Backlog Survivors Act, which requires continued on page 10

GREEN CARD SLAVERY?

Don’t put up with ABUSE anymore! Whether married or not, whether your spouse is a U.S. citizen or Green Card Holder, we can get a Green Card for you and your children PLUS a divorce.

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ENOUGH IS ENOUGH!

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DIASPORA CONCERNS

10

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 case evaluation. ASK THE LAWYER – call 855768-8845.l

Help for Immigrants/ continued from page 9 state victim compensation programs to allow sexual assault survivors to file for compensation without being unfairly penalized due to rape kit backlogs.

•Strengthening the application of evidence-based practices by law enforcement in responding to gender-based violence, including by promoting the use of trauma-informed, victim-centered training and improving homicide reduction initiatives.

•Improving the healthcare system's response to domestic violence and sexual assault, including through enhanced training for sexual assault forensic examiners.

•Updating the SMART Prevention Program and the CHOOSE Youth Program to reduce dating violence, help children who have been exposed to domestic violence, and engage men in preventing violence.

•Enacting the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) Denial Notification Act to help state law enforcement investigate and prosecute cases against individuals legally prohibited from purchasing firearms who try to do so.

•The initiation of the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) Denial Notification Act to aid and prosecute cases against individuals legally prohibited from purchasing firearms.l

IN TROUBLE WITH THE LAW? Are you under investigation or accused of a felony or misdemeanor?

Get legal advice from the law firm you can trust: Figeroux & Associates.

We handle: nDUI (Driving Under the Influence) nCourt Order Violations nPossession of Drugs (with or without Intent to Distribute) nCrimes with Impact for Deportation with Non-Citizens nFraud nCrimes of Economics

PUT YOUR FUTURE IN OUR HANDS. WE CAN HELP. CALL NOW. 718-222-3155.

Remember: The lawyer you hire, does make a difference!

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March 2022

1

SPONSORED INSERT: Personal Injury

Law Firm of Figeroux & Associates Personal Injury Guide: What You Need to Know

Public Transportation and Bus Accidents

BY LINDA NWOKE

N

ew York City has one of the most complex and extensive public transportation systems across the country, serving over 15 million people. In a large and congested city like New York, most people don't use private vehicles to move around. Instead, for convenience, affordability, and swift movement, residents and tourists alike rely predominantly on public transport and transit for getting around to their various destinations. Data shows that 54% of households in New York City do not own a car and often rely on the public transport system comprising a network that encompasses buses, trains, ferries, and subways.

The City's public transportation network is managed by the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) and New York City Transit. The operators of the services are required to undergo training and acquire knowledge about the rules and regulations of the industry for the protection of the passengers.

Breakdown of Public Transport Usage in New York Among New York City commuters, over 35% use the subway, 11% take the bus, 7% travel by commuter rail, 22% drive alone, 9% walk to work, and 4% carpool. The number of people using taxis, cycling, or traveling by ferry remains comparatively minimal.

In 2019, over 2 million riders took the bus daily, with 678 million rides annually by January 2020. NYC has around 5900 buses, plying along 234 local, 20 Select Bus Service, and 73 express bus routes within the five boroughs. Manhattan has one of the busiest routes, followed by Bronx and Brooklyn. The longest local bus route

is on Staten Island's S78 between the St George Ferry Terminal and the Bricktown Mall in Charleston.

Bus Accidents in New York City As expected, with such a vast operation and complex service, managing thousands of buses daily by the Metropolitan Transportation Authority in the City, it is inevitable that accidents will occur. However, it becomes a source of concern when accidents become frequent. Various factors, ranging from inadequate training, reckless driving by MTA drivers, laxity in MTA's supervision, fatigue, poor weather conditions, careless pedestrians, can contribute to serious bus accidents in and around the City, causing injuries or death.

An article from the New York Post reports that available statistics over the past three years, MTA buses were involved in more than 21,000 crashes, at an average of 23 bus accidents per day. More than ten people died within the timeframe, and over 2,500 people were injured in bus accidents.

Considering the size and capacity of an MTA bus, any negligence on the part of the bus operator or the bus company can cause serious injuries, including spinal, head injury, burns, internal organ damage, amputation,

disfigurement, and death of the injured victim.

The impact is often devastating, as in the case of Lance Margolin. He lost his life from the accident on April 8th, 2021, along Eastern Parkway, when an MTA bus struck a traffic camera pole that fell on him leading to his unprecedented death. The force from the weight of the camera pole caused him massive internal injuries and skull fractures.

Inside the bus, there have been cases of people being injured while riding on a bus operated by New York City Transit. In some instances, bus passengers may be injured due to a driver's negligence, such as a driver failing to make a complete stop for a passenger's safe disembarking or onboarding.

Other accidents can happen when a bus strikes another vehicle or a pedestrian or bicyclist. They can also malfunction due to defective equipment or poor maintenance. Thus, transit bus accidents fall into organizational Public Transport Related causes and passenger-related causes.

Importance of New York Public Transportation and Bus Safety Public transportation is expected to improve road safety by reducing

vehicular traffic. Therefore, security in transit buses is crucial for passengers' confidence in the Public Transport and the companies that operate the services due to its farreaching effect on the economy and beyond.

Consequently, frequent bus accidents increase the cost of operation in an industry dealing with budgetary shortfalls and low revenues, leading to a decrease in service reliability, safety, and potential settlements to victims and their families.

Bus accidents can affect their opinion and usage from the passenger's perspective, requiring a campaign to raise confidence, such as the NYC Vision Zero Plan and the most recent 'Stop Let Them Cross.'

What to Do If You're Hurt on NYC Public Transportation Despite the effort, injured individuals on public transportation like a Bus in New York City can become entitled to compensation for lost wages, medical bills, pain and suffering, and other losses. The authorities behind public transport have a duty of care toward pedestrians, bicyclists, and public transport users. However, if breached, they can be found liable for negligence that caused the injuries or death.

For any injury victim, you should take the following steps to protect yourself if you need to file a claim.

•Document: Gather evidence from the scene as photographs or videos, especially for evidence in a personal injury case. You or someone can help you achieve this using the camera on your phone.

•Witnesses: If you can, try and obtain the contact information of any passerby who saw the incident. Eyewitness continued on page 4

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March 2022

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SPONSORED INSERT: Personal Injury

Should You Consult a Wrongful Death Attorney?

NEW YORK CITY - JULY 14 2015: Al Sharpton staged a press conference at National Action Network headquarters with Eric Garner's family to announce action on behalf of the anniversary of Garner's death.

Editorial credit: a katz / Shutterstock.com

BY CHRIS TOBIAS

T

here are few things that can be said to be worse than the death of a family member. If the person's death was caused by somebody else's action or inaction, it may feel even worse, especially when the person's death could have been avoided.

One way families in such situations can seek justice and closure is by filing a wrongful death claim. Is this something you should consider?

Let's look at the details of this type of legal action.

What is a Wrongful Death?

Accidents take place, and in some instances, they turn out to be fatal. In an accident, there is usually no intention to kill a person. However, the law factors in more than intentions.

Many accidents take place as a result of the negligent behavior of individuals, businesses, or corporations. For example, a defective vehicle can cause a fatal car accident, as can a drunk driver. In both of these cases, the bereaved can file a wrongful death claim.

A wrongful death claim can also be filed against an individual when there was an intention to kill. This means there will likely be a civil and criminal case against the defendant.

Should You Consult an Attorney?

It's tempting to go it alone; after all, the American legal system allows people to represent themselves in court. However, representing yourself when you don't have a legal background is an uphill battle that you can easily lose. Even when there is overwhelming evidence supporting your claim, it's important to

know how to present this evidence in a manner that convinces the court.

Additionally, it's just as important to know how to handle evidence to avoid compromising it.

Consulting with someone who has experience handling such cases is an easy step you can take to increase your odds of success. A wrongful death attorney can show you how to navigate the lawsuit, so you have a greater chance of succeeding.

Do You Have a Case?

The bereaved may feel a sense of injustice in the wake of their loved

one's death; however, this doesn't always mean that they have a case.

It's important to know whether you have sufficient grounds to file a wrongful death suit before you commit significant resources to the case.

An attorney can go through the details of your case and quickly tell you whether you have a strong case or not.

In short, if you have a strong case and are willing to work with an attorney to file it, consider starting a wrongful death claim. An attorney can give you more personalized feedback on whether you have a solid claim or not, and their initial consultation is free. So, if you are trying to make this decision, get in touch with an attorney to proceed.

Legal Assistance The lawyer you hire does make a difference. Knowledge, experience and compassion are important factors to consider. Call the Personal Injury Law Firm of Figeroux & Associates at 855-768-8845 or visit www.askthelawyer.us to schedule an appointment.p

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March 2022

3

SPONSORED INSERT: Personal Injury

Legal Rights in an Elevator Accident Personal Injury Case

M

ost people in the United States use elevators on a daily basis with little thought. Horror and suspense flicks do use elevators are backdrops for their plotlines. Nonetheless, beyond taking a look at the outrageous in Hollywood productions, most people give little thought to the fact that people are injured in elevator accidents each and every year. There are a number of commonplace types of elevator accidents that cause personal injuries and even death each year.

As a consequence, people from all walks of life need to have a basic understanding of their legal rights in an elevator accident personal injury case.

The typical elevator user takes four trips on lifts each day. There are about 325 million elevators rides daily. On average, an elevator carries over 20,000 people a year. All elevators combined on the planet carry the equivalent of the population of the planet every three days. The widespread use of elevators underscores the potential for accidents.

There are three important topics

•Traumatic brain injury •Broken bones •Internal injuries •Burns •Cuts, abrasions, stab wounds •Mental anguish and emotional distress (including post-traumatic stress disorder, or PTSD) Typically, an individual in an elevator accident suffers multiple types of injuries. that require close consideration when discussion legal rights in an elevator accident personal injury case: •Common types of elevator accidents •Frequent elevator injuries •Compensation in an elevator accident personal injury case

frequency. These include: •Defective doors •Free falls •Unbalanced leveling •Speed malfunctions Each of these four types of more commonplace elevator accidents can result in a lift passenger sustaining serious injuries, or even fatal ones.

Common Types of Elevator Accidents Elevator accidents come in many forms. With that duly noted, there are some more common types of elevator accidents that occur in the United States with a higher degree of

Frequent Elevator Accident Injuries Injuries sustained in a lift incident depend on the facts and circumstances surrounding a particular elevator accident. There are a number of elevator accident injuries that occur with greater frequency:

Compensation in an Elevator Accident Personal Injury Case In the aftermath of a any type of personal injury, finding complete justice is an elusive task. Nonetheless, following an elevator accident, receiving appropriate compensation is a key element of obtaining justice.

The compensation awarded in an elevator accident personal injury case depends on the facts and circumstances surrounding the accident itself and the nature and extent of injuries sustained by a victim of this type of grim mishap. There is an array of compensation that fairly frequently is awarded in an elevator continued on page 4

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SPONSORED INSERT: Personal Injury Elevator Accidents/ continued from page 3 accident claim or case: •Medical bills and expenses •Pain and suffering •Lost wages •Permanent disability •Permanent disfigurement •Mental anguish and emotional distress A person injured in an elevator accident is entitled not only to compensation for existing injuries, damages, and losses, but also for those that reasonably can be expected to be incurred in the future. For example, a person injured in an elevator accident is likely to need ongoing medical care and treatment for the foreseeable future. An individual hurt in an elevator accident may not be able to return to work any time soon. A person might suffer permanent disability as the result of a more catastrophic elevator accident. All of these represent the types of elevator accident injuries for which ongoing compensation may be necessary.

In a small number of cases, the action or inaction of a party or parties responsible for an elevator accident may have been particular reckless. If such conduct is deemed especially egregious, an injured person may be

Bus Accidents/ continued from page 1

entitled to what are known as punitive damages in an elevator accident personal injury lawsuit.

In the final analysis, a elevator accident personal injury case is a complicated legal matter. In addition, striving to obtain fair compensation for elevator accident personal injuries understandably can be emotionally charged. As a consequence, a person injured in an elevator accident is best served retaining the services of a skilled, experienced, tenacious personal injury attorney. In seeking legal assistance, a person injured in this type of situation is wise to identify legal counsel that has specific experience in protection the legal rights and interests of people hurt in an elevator accident.

Legal Assistance Call the Personal Injury Law Firm of Figeroux & Associates at 855-7688845 or visit www.askthelawyer.us to schedule an appointment.p

accounts and statements collected as soon as the event happened are crucial. This can be achieved with a recorded video statement. Avoid time-lapse as memories fade quickly, and recollection becomes difficult.

Call the police or ambulance: If you or the injury victim suffered an injury, an official record of the incident is essential. Official records from the police or ambulance attendant on your account of what happened must be accurately documented in a police report or ambulance report in case of a lawsuit f to recover damages.

•Seeking medical help: When an accident occurs, the body's natural response causes the victim to feel solid and ready for a fight or flight.

Adrenaline tends to run high after an accident, and it can sometimes mask the symptoms of an injury. However, injury victims start feeling pain hours or days after an accident.

That's why it's always a good idea to go to a hospital emergency department or see a private doctor after an accident.

•Get legal assistance: In seeking legal assistance, a person injured in this type of situation is wise to identify legal counsel that has specific experience in protection the legal rights and interests of people hurt in a bus accident and public transportation. Call the Personal Injury Law Firm of Figeroux & Associates at 855768-8845 or visit www.askthelawyer.us to schedule an appointment.p

Creditors’ Harassments!

Lawsuits! Foreclosures!

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GET YOUR BANKRUPTCY CONSULTATION Documents Required: Save Your: *Home *Business *Car

*Health *Peace of Mind/Health *Marriage/Relationship

*List of debts *Your most recent tax returns *Correspondence from creditors *Lawsuit documents *Social Security and ID *List of assets

Filing a Chapter 7, 11 or 13 bankruptcy may be your only choice!!!

Call 718-222-3155 for a consultation today!

The Law Offices of Figeroux & Associates, 26 Court Street, Suite 701, Brooklyn, NY. Visit www.311bankruptcy.com VISIT WWW.CAWNYC.COM FOR THE LATEST CARIBBEAN NEWS, IMMIGRATION UPDATES, VIEWPOINTS, ENTERTAINMENT & MORE! LIKE US ON FACEBOOK @CAWNYC!

IMMIGRATION God or the Devil/ continued from page 1 Trump who, in the name of COVID, kept migrants from seeking asylum in the United States and, in many cases, repatriated them to the nations they fled. To do it or not seems to be the question.

And in the back and forth swinging of the pendulum of national values and political interests, thousands of migrant families have suffered unspeakably at the doors of a nation that, in its discourse, invites the world’s downtrodden and persecuted to see the United States as a safe haven, but contradicts itself when it comes down to it, locking the doors of welcome.

On the one hand, doctors, experts, and activists say that it’s time to revoke the policy that has lead thousands of immigrants who have arrived at our southern border to seek asylum to be returned to Mexico to face violence, prejudice, and all types of troubles in the border region, controlled by drug dealers and gang members. The numbers, in this sense, don’t lie: border officials have used Title 42 to expel migrants more than 1.7 million times, according to their own data.

But now, with the Russian invasion of Ukraine, and the treatment of Ukrainian refugees, it’s become clearer than ever that this is a discriminatory policy that has no reason to exist. A few days ago, a Ukrainian family, rightfully, was exempted from Title 42 upon arriving at the southern border, according to the new

15 Haitian families and those from other countries are rejected and, in many cases, deported to nations that cannot absorb them, plagued by violence and misery as they are.

DHS directive to not apply Title 42 to Ukrainians and instead process them, case by case, with a one year grant of humanitarian parole and the right to temporarily live and work in the United States legally.

However, Haitian families and those from other countries are rejected and, in many cases, deported to nations that cannot absorb them, plagued by violence and misery as they are. In that way, the contrast is all the more cruel and discriminatory, leaving a wide disadvantage for those who not only requested asylum earlier, but also due to the same reasons of extreme violence in their countries of origin. For those fleeing other countries, the conditions they face are wars not officially declared but still systematic, fueled by organized crime and local authorities steeped in corruption, not to mention the harmful influence of gangs.

On the other hand there is the political pressure, with its possible consequences on the midterm elections. In one camp, progressive and pro-immigrant groups remind Biden that he won thanks to support from communities of color who, to this day, have not seen progress on the issues they advocate and do not look kindly upon a public policy they view as racist, according to various sectors.

Some are already trying to mobilize vot-

ers of color, particularly Latinos, who realize that there has not been any immigration reform and that the main news stories are about discrimination against migrants from Latin America, Africa, the Caribbean, and other regions, especially those seeking asylum.

This indecision or lack of political courage to accomplish what they promised is a potential breeding ground for future arguments over immigration, which could even be interpreted as the typical “divide and conquer” strategy, but in this case help absolutely no one: not a single party, not migrant communities, and especially not U.S. society.

At the same time there is a third factor, more specifically at the border, as reports abound that the Biden administration fears that upon rescinding Title 42, thousands of migrants will arrive at the southern border, fueling Republican attacks that the border is “out of control” and that Democrats are “to blame.”

There is no doubt that Republican strategists have already begun to design future campaigns with the same antiimmigrant song and dance about “border security,” something that has worked well for them with some social groups while undermining their credibility with many others. Not seeing the border issue with 21st century clarity, conservatives

are trying to defend the border—as if it were the only one—at gunpoint and with the attitudes of an arrogant action-movie “hero.”

However, there are several problems with this premise about the arrival of thousands of immigrants. One is that it’s time for Democrats to stop fearing Republicans’ anti-immigrant rhetoric.

It’s time for them to confront the matter, demonstrating that they can do what’s right from a moral and humanitarian view. Another is that they should show they are capable of dealing with situations that arise along the border.

This nation has the capacity and the resources to deal with asylum seekers.

Nations like Poland, Romania, and others, who are not world powers, have absorbed more than three million Ukrainian refugees in one month. On its own Poland, the country to which a majority of refugees have been directed, is now home to more than one million Ukrainian immigrants in a nation of 38 million people. Yet the United States fears a few thousand at its border. As a country, the United States cannot demand that other nations do what is morally correct and open their arms to refugees, when at home the story is totally different.

You can't be with God and the Devil.

You can’t be all things to all people. It’s time for the Biden administration to make a decision.l

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JOBS & RECESSION

16

Being a Paralegal Is a Great Career Choice! and developments while interfacing with 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

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

Orientation is Tuesday, April 5

Join us via Zoom at 6pm

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nHEALTH

nENTERTAINMENT

nRELATIONSHIPS

nRECIPES

Remembering Prof.

Selwyn Ryan illustrating his professional, social, and personal life. He was known as a regular newspaper columnist. Many of his scholarly publications began as columns in the Trinidad Express. He began writing for the Trinidad Guardian in 1972 and switched to the Express in April 1976, where he wrote a weekly column in the Sunday Express for 41 years.

Ryan. Photo credit: The UWI

P

rofessor Selwyn Ryan passed away on Saturday, March 12, at 86. Ryan was one of Trinidad and Tobago's leading writers, researchers, and political scientists. He was born in Princes Town to a lower-middle-class Afro-Trinidadian family. His mother made sure Ryan pursued higher education. Ryan was also motivated by Trinidad and Tobago, Prime Minister, Hon. Eric Williams known as the "Father of the Nation" to elevate his education. Ryan attended many of Williams' addresses. In 2009, Ryan wrote a book about Williams titled Eric Williams: The Myth and the Man. His dissertation, The Transition to Nationhood in Trinidad and Tobago, also concentrated mainly on Eric Williams.

Education and Work He acquired a BA (Hons.) degree in History from the University of Toronto in 1960 and a Ph.D. in Political Science from Cornell University in 1966. Ryan instructed at York University in Canada, the University of Ghana, and Makerere University in Uganda. In 1973, he took a position at the University of the West Indies, St. Augustine, where he remained until his retirement in 2003.

Author Ryan composed more than twenty books, including Race and Nationalism in Trinidad and Tobago and Ryan Recalls – Selwyn Ryan: His Memoirs. The latter incorporated reflections on his life from childhood, excerpts from his writings, particularly his newspaper columns, reviews of his books, and many photos

UWI Tribute The University of the West Indies (UWI), St Augustine, paid tribute to Professor Selwyn Ryan, 86, following news of his passing. In a press release, originally appearing in Trinidad & Tobago Newsday, the University remembered the late political scientist, lecturer, and director of the Institute of Social and Economic Research, UWI St Augustine campus, for his passion for Caribbean development.

Pro vice-chancellor and St Augustine campus principal Brian Copeland reflected on Ryan's passionate wish at his last book launch that younger academic pick up where he left off and continue writing and recording the History of Trinidad & Tobago.

Copeland said, "We can pay no greater tribute to a man who has done so much for country and region than fulfilling his most earnest desire. Students and graduates of The UWI will continue – as succeeding generations have done for the last 75 years – to advance learning, create knowledge, and foster innovation for the positive and sustainable transformation of this region and, indeed, the wider world."

Legacy A giant of Caribbean political science, his passing is, without doubt, a significant national loss. Historian Bridget Brereton described Ryan as "the author of record for the nation's modern political history" and the person who had done the most to "help the nation learn about its modern history." Sociologist Anthony Maingot described Ryan as "the most prolific and influential intellectual in post-colonial Trinidad." Caribbean American Weekly offers condolences to the family, friends, and supporters of the late Selwyn Ryan, a true Caribbean star.l

nSPORTS

nHOROSCOPE

Kitchen Corner

Avocado Lime Cheesecake

I

love Mexican food, but Mexican desserts are limited. Flan is great, but not every time. This recipe has real Mexican flavor with avocados and lime.

My friends make me make it constantly.

It is unique, easy, and fabulous. You must have an ice cream maker.

By Todd, AllRecipes.com

Add lime juice and process until smooth; whisk into the cooled cream mixture.

Ingredients 1 ½ cups heavy whipping cream ¾ cup white sugar 1 ½ ripe avocados, peeled and pitted 2 (3 ounce) packages cream cheese, softened ½ cup fresh lime juice 1 (8 inch) prepared graham cracker crust

Step 4 Spoon avocado mixture into the prepared pie crust; smooth surface with a spatula.

Freeze until solid, at least 2 hours. Let cheesecake sit at room temperature until slightly softened yet firm enough to slice before serving, 10 to 15 minutes.

Directions Step 1 Heat cream in a small saucepan until small bubbles appear around edges.

Remove from heat and stir sugar into cream until it dissolves. Transfer to a medium bowl and allow to cool.

Step 2 Combine avocado and cream cheese in a food processor and blend until smooth.

Step 3 Fill an ice cream maker with the avocado mixture, and freeze according to the manufacturer's instructions for making ice cream.

Nutrition Facts Per Serving: 470 calories; protein 4.2g; carbohydrates 39g; fat 34.8g; cholesterol 84.5mg; sodium 204.5mg.l Prep: 20 mins Cook: 5 mins Additional: 3 hrs 10 mins Total: 3 hrs 35 mins Servings: 8 Yield: 1 9-inch cheesecake

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SPORTS

‘Win Your Leg’: Honoring T&T’s 1964 Olympic Bronze Medalists

18

BY TREVOR M. MILLETT

T

he journey of every Olympian to that athletic world stage is never an easy one. There is training.

Training. Forever training. Competition after competition after competition. At times exhausted, nerves slightly frayed, but there is never any let-up. There must be consistency of form and performance.

Attitude and mindset must be just right.

One too many slip-ups will mean certain elimination from the ranks of the best the world will gather to admire and applaud every four years.

Like other Olympic Games preceding it, the 1964 Tokyo Games brought together the fastest, the strongest and the most proficient athletes of the time.

Among those pursuing glory at those games was an elite athletic group in the persons of Edwin Roberts, Edwin Skinner, Kent Bernard and Wendell Mottley from newly independent Trinidad and Tobago.

Individually and collectively, they were mighty forces of track and field. By the time they had arrived at the Tokyo venue, they had already established impressive track records and reputations. They were all world-ranked in the demanding 400meter track event. At the time, Wendell Mottley in particular was burning up the tracks indoors and out in the 400-meter event while Roberts made it clear that he was not to be trifled with in the 200meter event as well.

Indeed, Track and Field News had taken note of their capability and dared to predict that they would medal in the 4x400 meter relay.

But physical form and readiness must be harmoniously blended to produce the right result on the track. Readiness involves not only fitness of the body but also fitness of the mind and the right emotional state. For the four-star athletes from Trinidad and Tobago, maintaining their psychological and emotional wellbeing was not always easy.

They were largely responsible for their own success in upkeeping their physical condition, reaching their peak form, and getting to the tracks in Tokyo. University students at the time, all of them based in America, with little disposable income at hand and no official financial support readily available, they had to ensure, on their own, the quality of their diet and the level and kind of training they were undergoing in preparation for Tokyo.

From June to September 1964, none of them was involved in any structured training program. They worked mostly by themselves. Mottley was fortunate to have been invited to California to train but not compete with the US Olympic team stationed there. Thus, he was able to run on the best tracks before journeying to Tokyo.

But money was always a haunting problem for the athletes. A gloomy cloud of uncertainty hung over their trip from America to Tokyo. Eventually the funds

London 1964 Posing with medals. Left to right: Bernard, Roberts, Mottley and Skinner The present-day photos are of Kent Bernard and Edwin Roberts at the Consulate General in New York; and Edwin Skinner and Wendell Mottley in Port of Spain, both taken on August 6, 2021, when the Consul General hosted the Virtual Reception in their honor. The event was produced by the 56ers Cultural Legacy Committee, named in their honor. All photos courtesy the NY Trinidad & Tobago Consulate

Left to right: Skinner and Mottley

Left to right: Bernard and Roberts were made available to allow them to get to Tokyo. Nevertheless, they had pocket expenses to ensure they had Olympicmandated matching track attire in order to compete.

Then they had to deal with psychic and emotional issues. Not knowing whether they would actually make it to Tokyo, Kent Bernard suspended his training and suffered a decline in conditioning which became obvious to him when he took part in a meet in Vancouver, British Columbia, before winging his way to Tokyo.

At the Olympic venue, Bernard looked at the 80,000-packed stadium and wondered about his likely performance before such a massive international audience. He readily admits, “I lacked the confidence I had during track season.”

However, the ease with which the team won their heats boosted Bernard’s outlook. He knew then that they would do well.

Meanwhile, Edwin Skinner had his own issues. With typical humility, he acknowledged he was the slowest of the four-man relay team in Tokyo and therefore had to build his confidence and reassure himself that he could live up to expectations and meet the standard required for victory. The record holder for the 400-meter event at the time, American Adolph Plummer, had clocked a personal best in 1963 of 44.6. Skinner was running at 47 compared to the elite average of 46.8.

Roberts had his own concerns.

Disturbed by the sub-standard treatment

they were getting as athletes for Trinidad and Tobago, he had demanded that they be paid a per diem and provided with other assistance. Because of his firm stance on their treatment, he felt he had painted himself into a corner. He now felt duty-bound to run well in his events.

Roberts was concerned but not nervous.

The approving roar of stadium crowds tended to energize him. His speed always matched their excitement. He will tell you, “When I run, I run with the crowd. I run with people. The noise gives me a lot of incentive to run fast.”

With Wendell Mottley it was different.

He was basically composed, ready, willing, and able. The consensus among them was that each man had to run like rushing wind to win his leg. A goal easier set than done, because all the members of the opposing relay teams probably had the same motto: “Win your leg!” since everybody was in it to win it.

On that autumnal October day of the Tokyo Summer Olympics—October 21, 1964, to be exact—the sound of the starting pistol signaled to Edwin Skinner, running the first leg, to rise and make good the positive psychic and visualization therapy he had been practicing to medal in the 4x400 meter relay. His performance was not disappointing. Next, there was Kent Bernard, the second leg, who had banished all thoughts of failure from his mind when the time came for him to deliver. “Win your leg. Win your leg” was all that echoed in his mind.

Edwin Roberts, who captained the team, was excited by the performances of

his mates, none more so than Mottley’s.

Having received the baton safely from Bernard for the third leg, Roberts successfully passed it to Mottley. Then the unexpected happened. America’s thirdleg sprinter, Ulis Williams, stumbled and fell in front of Mottley forcing Mottley to run around him and suffer a brief but costly delay. Precious silver-earning moments were lost because of that unanticipated hindrance slowing Mottley’s take-off.

Nevertheless, Roberts kept the faith.

Pumping his tightly clenched fists above his head as he observed Mottley’s speed, he kept repeating to himself, “Silver or bronze. Bronze or silver.” Silver would prove elusive.

Even with his great speed, Mottley could not get past Henry Carr of the United States who headed the sprinters down the winning stretch, followed keenly by Robbie Brightwell of Great Britain, while Trinidad and Tobago, despite the setback, staked its claim to third place and the bronze.

Of the many benefits bestowed on the team by the Tokyo Olympics, enduring friendship has been one of them. The team spirit and camaraderie that developed among the four sprinters before and during the Tokyo Games forged permanent bonds of friendship among them.

Ever so often, they look back and fondly remember.

Bernard is the 79-year-old, Roberts and Mottley are the 80-year-olds while Skinner is the 81-year-old. They all remain close. Still lively and very active to this day.

“We knew each other from competing in Trinidad,” observes Mottley. “But there was nothing so sweet as meeting together in those Games and competing, as a small country, against the rest of the world. That’s why we are friends today.”l

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HEALTH

19

What Is the New COVID-19 Variant BA.2, and Will It Cause Another Wave of Infections in the US?

BY PRAKASH NAGARKATTI AND MITZI NAGARKATTI THE CONVERSATION

Why is it called a ‘stealth’ variant?

Some scientists have called BA.2 a “stealth” variant because, unlike the BA.1 variant, it lacks a particular genetic signature that distinguishes it from the delta variant.

While standard PCR tests are still able to detect the BA.2 variant, they might not be able to tell it apart from the delta variant.

A

new omicron subvariant of the virus that causes COVID-19, BA.2, is quickly becoming the predominant source of infections amid rising cases around the world.

Immunologists Prakash Nagarkatti and Mitzi Nagarkatti of the University of South Carolina explain what makes it different from previous variants, whether there will be another surge in the U.S. and how best to protect yourself.

What is BA.2, and how is it related to omicron?

BA.2 is the latest subvariant of omicron, the dominant strain of the SARS-CoV-2 virus that causes COVID-19. While the origin of BA.2 is still unclear, it has quickly become the dominant strain in many countries, including India, Denmark and South Africa. It is continuing to spread in Europe, Asia and many parts of the world.

The omicron variant, officially known as B.1.1.529, of SARS-CoV-2 has three main subvariants in its lineage: BA.1, BA.2 and BA.3. The earliest omicron subvariant to be detected, BA.1, was first reported in November 2021 in South Africa. While scientists believe that all the subvariants may have emerged around the same time, BA.1 was predominantly responsible for the winter surge of infections in the Northern Hemisphere in 2021.The first omicron subvariant, BA.1, is unique in the number of alterations it has compared to the original version of the virus – it has over 30 mutations in the spike protein that helps it

enter cells. Spike protein mutations are of high concern to scientists and public health officials because they affect how infectious a particular variant is and whether it is able to escape the protective antibodies that the body produces after vaccination or a prior COVID-19 infection.

BA.2 has eight unique mutations not found in BA.1, and lacks 13 mutations that BA.1 does have. BA.2 does, however, share around 30 mutations with BA.1.

Because of its relative genetic similarity, it is considered a subvariant of omicron as opposed to a completely new variant.

Is it more infectious and lethal than other variants?

BA.2 is considered to be more transmissible but not more virulant than BA.1.

This means that while BA.2 can spread faster than BA.1, it might not make people sicker.

It is worth noting that while BA.1 has dominated case numbers around the world, it causes less severe disease compared to the delta variant. Recent studies from the U.K. and Denmark suggest that BA.2 may pose a similar risk of hospitalization as BA.1. continued on page 20

Be a

Vaccine Hero.

Get Vaccinated!

Vaccinated!

Heroes are protectors.

Vaccination is the best way to protect against COVID-19 and save lives.

For more information on COVID-19 vaccine, visit nyc.gov/covidvaccine or call 212-COVID19.

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20

HEALTH New COVID-19 Variant BA.2/ continued from page 19 Does previous infection with BA.1 provide protection against BA.2?

Yes! A recent study suggested that people previously infected with the original BA.1 subvariant have robust protection against BA.2.

Because BA.1 caused widespread infections across the world, it is likely that a significant percentage of the population has protective immunity against BA.2.

This is why some scientists predict that BA.2 will be less likely to cause another major wave However, while the natural immunity gained after COVID-19 infection may provide strong protection against reinfection from earlier variants, it weakens against omicron.

How effective are vaccines against BA.2?

A recent preliminary study that has not yet been peer reviewed of over 1 million individuals in Qatar suggests that two doses of either the Pfizer–BioNTech or Moderna COVID-19 vaccines protect against symptomatic infection from BA.1 and BA.2 for several months before waning to around 10%. A booster shot, however, was able to elevate protection again close to original levels.

Importantly, both vaccines were 70% to 80% effective at preventing hospitalization or death, and this effectiveness

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increased to over 90% after a booster dose.

How worried does the US need to be about BA.2?

The rise in BA.2 in certain parts of the world is most likely due to a combination of its higher transmissibility, people’s waning immunity and relaxation of COVID-19 restrictions.

CDC data suggests that BA.2 cases are rising steadily, making up 23% of all cases in the U.S. as of early March.

Scientists are still debating whether BA.2 will cause another surge in the U.S. Though there may be an uptick of BA.2 infections in the coming months, protective immunity from vaccination or previous infection provides defense against severe disease. This may make it less likely that BA.2 will cause a significant increase in hospitalization and deaths.

The U.S., however, lags behind other countries when it comes to vaccination, and falls even further behind on boosters.

Whether there will be another devastating surge depends on how many people are vaccinated or have been previously infected with BA.1. It’s safer to generate immunity from a vaccine, however, than from getting an infection. Getting vaccinated and boosted and taking precautions like wearing an N95 mask and social distancing are the best ways to protect yourself from BA.2 and other variants.l Prakash Nagarkatti is a Professor of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology, University of South Carolina. Mitzi Nagarkatti is a Professor of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology, University of South Carolina.

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21

CONVERSATIONS

Taking Care of Yourself and Others When It’s All Bad News (or Seems Like It) working with children or older adults.

Let them know they’re safe and there are people who care about them,” Gheith said. “Don’t make promises unless you can keep them.”

Encourage appropriate professional help. “They should seek help if needed!” he said. “Young adults can be especially vulnerable if they have preexisting conditions such as depression or anxiety.”

BY MENTAL HEALTH AID

I

f you’ve ever felt tense or anxious after watching the news, you’re not alone — especially when our news feeds are filled with images of war and disease. Current events can be scary and contentious, and the 24/7 news cycle that’s ingrained in our culture (and our smart phones) brings all of it closer to home.

New York City-based clinical psychologist Julie Feldman, Psy.D., says the news – especially the war in Ukraine – can be traumatizing or even retraumatizing for people of all ages, including those who experienced the Cold War or 9/11.

“As much as possible, limit news and social media consumption. Set some rules for yourself about when and how often you check your news feed,” she says.

“Our nervous systems have been high alert for two years because of the COVID-19 pandemic,” she adds. “For me, and a lot of the people I work with, slowing your breathing is very effective to calm your nervous system. And it’s something you can do anywhere – even in a meeting or on the subway.”

Another way to feel better is to connect

with family and friends. In fact, Feldman warns against the tendency to worry alone. “It’s important not to hold this stuff in! Talk to a therapist or friends.

Getting together with friends is very lifeaffirming.”

Your self-care routine can also include helping other people, according to Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) National Trainer Ali Gheith, director of the Graduate Emergency Management Program at Metropolitan College of New York. “You may feel better by reaching out to help others. Look for organizations that support children in need or war refugees, for example. Being of use may ease the feelings of helplessness that arise during crises,” he says.

Youth are among the most impacted people during conflicts and war, he notes. “Even young adults need to know

they’re protected by an adult, that they have an adult who gives them a sense of security. Distress can impact education, physical health and future mental health.”

To provide a sense of security, try practicing the 5-Step MHFA Action Plan (ALGEE): Assess for risks. You may need to move them to a safer place, provide basic needs or to shield them from news if the person has lost a loved one because of the event.

Listening nonjudgmentally is extremely important. Be honest and give them as much of a sense of safety and security as possible. Let them know it’s OK not to be OK. Give information and reassurance. “Be as honest as possible, whether you’re

Encourage self-help. Self-help – and self-care – can soothe the person.

Encourage them to eat healthfully and to get plenty of sleep and water. Images from warring areas, such as Ukraine, can be graphic and disturbing, so limit news and social media.

Consider sharing your self-care action plan and helping them create one as well.

Build the plan around activities they enjoy, keeping these goals in mind: •Take care of physical and psychological health.

•Manage and reduce stress.

•Recognize emotional and spiritual needs.

•Foster and sustain relationships.

•Achieve balance in different areas of life.l

You may be eligible for COVID-19 Treatment People who have tested positive for COVID-19 may be able to receive outpatient treatment to help symptoms and avoid hospitalization. Treatment works best if you begin it soon after you start feeling symptoms, so get tested right away.

Monoclonal antibody treatment is a one-time IV or injection to help fight COVID-19 while your immune system produces its own antibodies.

Oral antiviral pills are taken for five days and helps stop the virus and keeps it from replicating, which reduces the amount of virus in your body.

There are currently two authorized pills - paxlovid and molunpiravir.

Both monoclonal antibody and oral antiviral treatments can reduce your risk of becoming sick from COVID-19 and avoid hospitalization.

COVID-19 treatments are not a substitute for vaccination. COVID-19 vaccination and booster shots remain the best protection against getting severely sick due to COVID-19.

If you have COVID-19 symptoms, or if you have tested positive, talk to your doctor, or call 212-COVID19 (212-268-4319).

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22

LOVE & RELATIONSHIPS

Three Tips for Moving in with Your Significant Other

BY MARY CAMPBELL

Y

our relationship is going strong and you and your significant other are ready to move in together. The decision can be both exciting and overwhelming. Read on for three tips on making the transition less stressful.

Find a Neutral Space When possible, move into a neutral space so that the space feels new to both of you. People often feel uncomfortable when they move into someone else's space. If you are able to, rent an apartment that you can split equally. In the event that this is not possible, and someone is moving into an existing space, help them make it feel like theirs. Make a special space for their items and divide up the dresser and closet space for their clothes.

Communicate The learning curve of living together can certainly be steep if you're not used to spending night and day together. Maybe you notice how loudly your significant other chews their food or how much time they spend playing video games throughout the day. He or she will learn all about

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A side hustle? your quirks too. Be honest when you find something irritating. When your significant other does something that upsets you, gently bring it to their attention. A good partner will be receptive to feedback and willing to make adjustments.

Be Patient Living with a significant other requires patience. Unless the two of you are completely similar, you're likely to have many disagreements in your future.

Disagreements can range from what music to listen to while making dinner to what to cook. You should be open to

compromise and willing to listen to your partner.

Make Time for Dates It's good to get out of the house and experience something new. When you are feeling frustrated, this can help you reconnect. You can also use it as a neutral space for honest communication.

Relationships require effort. Give yourselves time to adjust, but don't ignore issues you cannot look past long-term.

As long as you are willing to put in the work, living together can be a rewarding experience. l

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