Kathy Hochul on September 5, announced that New York State will establish a Caribbean trade office to support and encourage new economic opportunities for New York businesses. This new for eign office will assist New York State companies with international sales and exporting their products and services to the region. The Governor
Caribbean
“This action ensures fair and humane
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has announced a final rule on the public charge ground of inadmissibility that will help reduce fear and confusion among immigrants and U.S. citizens and ensure fair and consistent adjudi cations for those seeking admission at ports of entry or adjustment of status to lawful permanent resident inside the United States.
Editorial credit: lev radin / Shutterstock.com Shutterstock.com/radinlevcredit:Editorial
continued on page 6 Governor
Gov. Hochul Announces Plans to Establish Caribbean Trade Office to Strengthen Economic Ties With NY State Businesses Kathy Hochu
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Governor
Minister
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• Co-Founder of AfroChampions, Dr Edem Adzogenu,
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•CEO of 1871, Elizabeth Ziegler, President and Executive Director of Covela Foundation, Rhea Yaw Ching,
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of Education, Technological and Vocational Training, Kay McConney, wants to see Barbados and its Caribbean neighbours embracing Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) and the Arts, amid growing opportunities in these areas.
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“Investors are showing a high level of confidence and interest in St Lucia’s eco nomic prospects. This is evident by the level of tourism investments which have been recorded for the period January to August 2022, Prime Minister Phillip J
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She expressed the view during the pres entation of approximately 500 experi mental kits, called Learning Lunchboxes, to campers of the national summer camp and summer nutrition camp programs by Centre of Science and Industry (COSI), which is based in the United States of America. This event was held last Friday at Queen’s Park, Constitution Road, St. Michael.Noting that there were several careers emerging within STEM fields, Minister McConney said it was important that children be introduced to these subjects at an early age.
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Organization of the Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) will partner again to host the 2nd OECS USAID UNICEF CEO Breakfast on September 14th 2022 in Grenada. While the event will continue with the theme ’’Re-Imagining the OECS: Discover Opportunities and Innovate Forward’’, the discussions will focus this time on Social Development, particularly in areas such as youth innovation, innova tive health, digital education and trans formational youth justice . UNICEF has been announced as an official partner for theTheevent.CEO Breakfast will create a space
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•Associate Professor of Criminology, Dr Bahiyyah Muhammad, OECS Director General, Dr. Didacus Jules
Clinton D. White and many others. Representatives of civil society organi sations, development partners, social entrepreneurs, academia, youth leaders, and government agencies are expected to attend.Theevent underscores the aspiration of the OECS Commission, USAID, and UNICEF to amplify their relationship by advancing cooperation initiatives that are dynamic, agile, innovative, and that pro mote the co-creation of sustainable solu tions that will reinforce efforts in the OECS region to cultivate an environment where people thrive, the natural environ ment is resilient and economies are rein vented but malleable enough to be recal ibrated during times of crisis.l
Barbados Education Minister Urges Embracing of STEM Subjects
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tency to grow and do well in those areas where jobs are emerging in the next sev eral years, as you grow into adults,” the Education Minister stated, as she lauded the partnership between her Ministry and COSI.Meanwhile, President and Chief Executive Officer of COSI, Dr. Frederic Bertley, said he was hopeful that the kits would ignite the children’s interest in sci ence, as he recalled that his was sparked by his childhood curiosity to find an effi cient power source for his battery pow ered handheld video game. Dr. Bertley
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“It is important for us that you not only have fun but that you develop the compe
also announced that Barbados, the birth place of his mother, was the first Caribbean country to receive the Learning Lunchboxes, which were creat ed in conjunction with the National Aeronautics and Space Administration. The kits have also been distributed throughout the USA, Canada, Dubai, and London.TheLearning Lunchboxes initiative of the Centre of Science and Industry focus es on distributing hands-on STEM kits, with the goal of inspiring youth and fam ilies towards these areas.l
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St. Lucia government says it is anticipating investment in the tourism industry to surpass EC$320 million as a result of negotia tions with various investors during the first 8 months of this year.
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2CARIBBEAN NEWS ROUNDUP
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that brings together the region’s innova tors , international voices and partners for development to co-create, scale and sustain solutions related to mutually agreed development challenges. The star-studded line up of panelists for the event includes:
Tourism officials said visitor expendi ture post Covid-19 had exceeded EC$560 million last year and hotels and other properties collectively made in excess of EC$303 million.l
Grenada to Host 2nd OECS USAID UNICEF CEO Breakfast
Pierre told the 58th annual general meet ing of the St. Lucia Hotel and Tourism Association.Hesaid during that period Cabinet approved 20 projects for tourism incen tives “amounting to projected invest ments of EC$326.6 million”.
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Saint Lucia Approves Incentives for 20 New Tourism Projects
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CARICOM Congratulates T&T on 60th Independence Anniversary
Governments of countries of the two regions. The First CARICOM-Africa Summit held virtually in September last year, under the theme “Unity Across Continents and Oceans – Opportunity for Deepening Integration” served to give impetus to our relationship. This is evi denced by today’s celebration, 7 September, as CARICOM-Africa Day, one of the historic decisions made by that Summit.Asafurther concrete demonstration of our strengthening ties, allow to me to make mention of our blossoming trade and economic relations which are given expression through various initiatives aimed at deepening relations between the African continent and CARICOM. Just last week in Bridgetown, Barbados, the first AfriCaribbean Trade and Investment Forum (ACTIF) 2022 was held. At that event, representatives of both regions advanced discussions on the ways and means to promote trade and investment. The Caribbean Community looks for ward to a strengthened trade and eco nomic partnership with Africa in the years ahead.
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It is my distinct honor in my capacity as Chairman of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), to address the people and governments of CARICOM and Africa on the occasion of the obser vance of the First ever CARICOMAfrica Day.
Here is the Secretary-General’s mes continued on page 5
Dr Carla Barnett
Photo courtesy: CARICOM
Legal Advisor Brian Figeroux, Esq.
My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge. —Hosea 4:6
In her congratulatory message, the Secretary-General said the “people of
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Moreover, our relationship has been bolstered by recent engagements between Heads of State and
Trinidad and Tobago should be proud of their outstanding achievements, and of the indelible contributions to the Caribbean region and the world. The nation’s citizens have a record of excel lence in the creative arts, academia, diplomacy, and sports.”
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Chair of the Conference of Heads of Government, His Excellency Chandrikapersad Santokhi, President of Suriname Photo courtesy: CARICOM Press
The historical and friendly relations between CARICOM and African coun tries have strengthened in recent years. Our relationship has been bolstered at the bilateral level, and within the framework of multilateral organizations such as the United Nations, the Commonwealth and the Organization of African, Caribbean and Pacific States (OACPS). In this regard, the Leaders of CARICOM had the opportunity to engage with His Excellency Georges Pinto Chikoti, Secretary-General of the OACPS, in the margins of the 43rd Regular Meeting of the Conference of the Community in Paramaribo, Suriname, earlier this year, where we discussed a range of issues that are of strategic importance to the Caribbean and Africa.
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March of this year, Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley suggested that Africa-CARICOM Day should be celebrated on September 7, in recogni tion of the first-ever Africa-Caribbean Summit aimed at forging stronger social and economic ties between the two glob al communities. Ms Mottley was speak ing during Ghana’s 65th Independence Anniversary celebrations at the Cape CoastHereStadium.isthestatement
In these times, marked by various unprecedented challenges, we are com pelled to strengthen cooperation across a range of fora to tackle issues on the glob al agenda and take coordinated positions and action in areas that matter most, including climate change, resilience, adaptation and natural disasters, the glob al financial system an issues relating to development financing, de-risking and ‘black-listing, migration, and the equi table and sustainable economic and social recovery from the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. One of the best ways to do so is to speak with one voice in international fora where those issues areAsdiscussed.wecommemorate this milestone in our history, I take this opportunity to extend, on behalf of the Caribbean Community, my best wishes for the wellbeing and prosperity of the Governments and People of Africa. I reiterate CARICOM’s commitment to the further strengthening and enhancement of the historical bonds of friendship, coopera tion and solidarity which unite us.l
Observing CARICOM-Africa Day
In
Secretary-General, Dr. Carla Barnett, has extended “hearty congratulations” to the government and people of Trinidad and Tobago on the occasion of that country’s 60th independence anniversary on Wednesday, August 31.
by His Excellency Chandrikapersad Santokhi, President of Suriname, Chair of CARICOM, marking CARICOM-Africa Day on September 7:
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Adams on Tuesday prom ised a “thorough report” on how his administration han dled the discovery of tests showing arsenic in the water at a Lower East Side public housing development.
Residents at the Jacob Riis Houses weren’t informed about tests showing arsenic levels in the water exceeding what the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) deems acceptable until late on Friday evening, hours after THE CITY began asking about them and more than two days after NYCHA was aware of those Adamsresults.—who showed up at the Riis Houses late Friday night to hand out bot tled water, in an event that had been
A Jacob Riis Houses tenant brings water home after city officials handed it out because arsenic was found in tap water there, Sept. 6, 2022.Ben Fractenberg/THE CITY
Mayor Adams Promises ‘Thorough’ Look at How His Team Handled Riis Arsenic Discovery
continued on page 5
By Wednesday, NYCHA was aware that five of the six tested positive for unacceptable levels of arsenic. The sam ples were apparently retested, and LiquiTech issued a report with the find
“We’re going to be extremely transpar ent,” he told reporters, after refusing to take off-topic questions at a press confer ence about public safety. “We’re going to do a thorough report of what we’re doing, to make sure that people are safe.”
“I found out Friday,” Adams told the paper. “We’re doing a review to find out when (DEP) was aware because there should have been a natural step of notifi cation …. We’re going to be transparent on the flow of what happened.”
what the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) deems acceptable until late on Friday evening, hours after THE CITY began asking about them and more than two days after NYCHA was aware of those Adamsresults.—who showed up at the Riis Houses late Friday night to hand out bot tled water, in an event that had been
On Aug. 30, an environmental firm hired by NYCHA, LiquiTech, collected water samples at six locations in two sep arate buildings at Riis. That included tap water from kitchens in three apartments, and three more locations listed as “point(s) of entry” to the two buildings, 465 E. 10th St. and 466 E. 10th St.
added to his schedule less than an hour beforehand and with no mention of arsenic — told the Daily News on Monday that he had concerns about the days it took from word of the test results to make their way from NYCHA and the city Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to the mayor.
BY GREG B. SMITH AND KATIE HONAN THE CITY
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parent,” he told reporters, after refusing to take off-topic questions at a press con ference about public safety. “We’re going to do a thorough report of what we’re doing, to make sure that people are safe.”Residents at the Jacob Riis Houses weren’t informed about tests showing arsenic levels in the water exceeding
Mayor
The People of Trinidad and Tobago should be proud of their outstanding achievements, and of the indelible contri butions to the Caribbean region and the world. The nation’s citizens have a record of excellence in the creative arts, academia, diplomacy and sports.
The health department continues to
The city’s Department of Health and Mental Hygiene became involved in the issue at some point last week, DOHMH Commissioner Ashwin Vasan told THE CITY on Tuesday.
CARICOM Congratulates T &T continued from page 3
Honorable Prime Minister, your leader ship in the Quasi-Cabinet of CARICOM Heads of Government with responsibility for regional security and energy issues has been most valuable. Indeed, your col laborative support on the range of critical issues facing the Community underlines the importance of the leadership role of Trinidad and Tobago as an original signa tory to the Treaty of Chaguaramas, and a founding member of the Caribbean Community.Asthecountry celebrates its Diamond Jubilee under the theme “#together60”, CARICOM pledges its support to the Government and People of Trinidad and Tobago in their continuing quest for sus tainable development and for the realiza tion of their aspirations.l
Arsenic Discovery/ continued from page 4 ings on PriorThursday.tothose tests, and following months of resident complaints about cloudy water, DEP had declared the water at Riis drinkable on Aug. 16, after conducting tests that did not include checking for arsenic. For reasons not yet explained, NYCHA then expanded the scope of testing to include looking for arsenic.TheDEP has conducted more tests at Riis since Saturday, all of which have found no trace of arsenic, the mayor’s office said on Tuesday. Also on Tuesday, the mayor promised the testing would continue throughout the development that houses 2,600 tenants in 13 buildings hard by the FDR Drive.
This story was published on Sept 6, 2022 by THE CITY.
The Caribbean Community (CARI COM) extends hearty congratulations to the Government and People of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago on the occasion of the country’s Sixtieth Anniversary of Independence on 31 August 2022.
“As soon as NYCHA informed us, we were involved in discussions [with] DEP and NYCHA,” he said, explaining that the health department’s role is mostly to offer “scientific and technical advice.”
“We interpret the EPA guidance, we interpret the health risks, we try to pro vide clear explanations for ‘do not drink’ orders and the like, so that’s what my team has been doing since last week.”
sage to Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago, Dr. the Hon. Keith Rowley:
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“It’s infuriating,” she added. “I feel like they’re treating us like a second-class cit izen. It’s not right what they’re doing.”l
On Tuesday Diane Struzzi, a spokesper son for the city Department of Investigation (DOI), told THE CITY that “DOI is aware of this matter and declines further comment.”
Riis Houses resident Teresa Pedroza says residents started complaining back in January about the water quality, Sept. 6, 2022.Ben Fractenberg/THE CITY
advise tenants at Riis not to drink or cook with the water until the system can be thoroughly flushed, which involves run ning the taps for three to four hours in each apartment. Tenants can still bathe in the water, according to the Department’s advice.OnSaturday, the federal monitor that oversees NYCHA initiated an investiga tion, and ordered NYCHA to preserve all documents related to the discovery of arsenic in the water.
As residents continued to pick up bot tled water at tents set up by the city on Tuesday, tenant Teresa Pedroza noted that water problems at Riis are nothing new.“People have been complaining about cloudy water since January,” she said. “That makes you wonder if they’ve been lying to us all this time, that people are covering it up.”
However, with vaccines in short supply and no effective treatment for monkey pox, Dr. Etienne urged countries to “intensify efforts to prevent the spread of theThisvirus.”includes effective communication campaigns, using pragmatic, honest, tar geted messages “so that everyone knows how monkeypox is spread, how to identi fy specific symptoms and when to seek medical attention.”
The PAHO Director also called for increasing and decentralizing testing capacity, particularly for high-risk popu lations, and ensuring that healthcare workers are trained to identify symptoms
“Yet countries have scaled back their public health measures while millions remainWhileunvaccinated.”mostvaccines delivered in the Americas are for boosters, 10 countries and territories have yet to fully vaccinate even 40% of their populations and some people have yet to receive a single vac cine
K. Michelle Grajales is an Attorney, Division of Financial Practices
The Caribbean is a growing market for New York State businesses and commu nities, and New York is expanding its network of global office coverage to meet the additional demand. Qualifying New York State businesses interested in exporting can leverage the State's foreign offices for customized market intelli gence and for assistance identifying potential sales partners or distributors in selectThecountries.newoffice will be established
probably already heard about the new government plan that will forgive some federal student loans, once it’s up and running. Also in the news: the federal student loan payment pause has been extended to December 31, 2022. But scammers are watching the news, too, so know this: you don’t need to do anything or pay anybody to sign up for the new pro gram — or the pause. Nobody can get you in early, help you jump the line, or guarantee eligibility. And anybody who says they can — or tries to charge you — is (1) a liar, and (2) a scammer.
through Empire State Development's Global NY division, which helps New York businesses launch or expand their presence in the global marketplace and promotes access to international trade opportunities and resources. Other for eign offices include Africa, Canada, China, Europe, India, Israel, Mexico and South America. l
Washington D.C., Sept 7
with men, although at least 145 cases have been reported in women and 54 among people under the age of 18.
made the announcement at the West Indian American Day Carnival Association Breakfast.
Empire State Development President, CEO and Commissioner Hope Knight, said,"The new Global NY office in the Caribbean will help New York State busi nesses realize their full potential in accessing new international markets for their goods and services. Expanding international export opportunities sup ports business growth that in turn boosts the economy and creates more good-pay ing jobs for New Yorkers."
Caribbean Trade Office/ continued from page 1 time to make a career choice that will
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Despite a decrease in COVID-19 cases, hospitalizations and deaths in the Americas, “hundreds of people are still dying every day from COVID-19 across our region,” Dr Etienne said during a media briefing today.
“An effective public health response requires us to be decisive, to act fast and prioritize support for the most vulnerable in our region.” l
WANTED:AGENTSESTATEREAL APPLYNOW! It's
Following a request from Member States during a special session of the PAHO Directing Council in August, PAHO secured a deal with the manufac turer of the monkeypox vaccine to make this available to countries in the region.
Right now, the Department of Education is working hard on the details of the new plan: who’s eligible and how to apply to get your student loan debt cancelled. It won’t happen overnight, and they’ll announce it widely when the program opens up for debt forgiveness.
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forgiveness after you have 120 qualify ing payments. And until October 31, 2022, the limited waiver offers addi tional credit for time that previously didn’tAndcount.remember: don’t pay anybody who promises you early or special access, or guaranteed eligibility. Those are scams. If you spot one, tell us at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.l
6DIASPORA CONCERNS
"Today we are taking important steps to expand trade opportunities for New York State businesses in the Caribbean,"Governor Hochul said."This vibrant commercial region will help New York companies broaden and develop new partnerships as we begin a new and exciting chapter in our economic devel opment relationship with this market."
Meanwhile, check on your federal loan servicer: be sure you know who they are, and that they have your most recent contact info. That will help you get the latest on the cancellation and pause.Also, remember that there’s a whole separate program you might be eligible for: the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSFL) program. If you’re eligible, you’ll get federal student loan
With the Americas Facing COVID19 and Monkeypox, Prevention is Key to Tackling Outbreaks and Protecting Public Health, PAHO
you
“Stigma has no place in public health,” she said. “If we aren’t proactive in over coming these barriers, monkeypox will spread in silence.”
Most cases are concentrated in the United States, Brazil, Peru and Canada, and primarily among men who have sex
“As we saw with the global COVID-19 response, access to resources and sus tained collaboration are key to stopping a virus,” Dr. Etienne said.
Turning to the monkeypox outbreak, the PAHO Director highlighted that over 30,000 cases have been reported in the region – making the Americas the global epicenter of the pandemic.
and provide high-quality, respectful care.
Did You Hear About the Student Loan ScammersAnnouncements?Did,Too
BY K. MICHELLE GRAJALES, FTC
You’ve
PAHO is currently working with coun tries to prioritize limited vaccine doses for high-risk groups and to strengthen testing. It has also developed guidance and workshops to support country efforts to engage affected communities.
“Wedose.must not and cannot be compla cent, because this virus is still circulat ing, still evolving, and new variants can still emerge,” Dr. Etienne said, calling on countries to prioritize those who remain unprotected, including children who return to school this month.
(PAHO): With the Americas now accounting for highest numbers of monkeypox cases in the world, and COVID-19 remaining a “sig nificant threat” to the region, prevention is key to avoiding infection and protect ing peoples’ health, the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) Director, Dr. Carissa F. Etienne said.
The PAHO Director also called on countries to address stigma surrounding the disease as this prevents those at risk from accessing information, getting test ed, or seeking medical attention.
Factor In Costs During the Sales Process
The first question you will need to answer is whether your home is ready to sell. Unless your house is relatively new, it will likely need repairs and mainte nance. Depending on the age and condi tion of your home, you may also decide to invest in a full home inspection. Having a professional inspector look things over is a good investment – espe cially if they find problem areas that require immediate attention.
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Finally, don't forget to factor in the cost of moving to your new home. Many fam ilies fail to budget for moving expenses, which can be significant if you are mov ing out of a large home with a lot of fur niture.As you can see, selling a home is a major financial transaction and one that should be led by an experienced profes sional. When you are ready to begin the process of selling your home, give us a call. Our team of real estate professionals can advise you of local market condi tions and ensure that you receive top dol lar when you sell.
Are you thinking about selling your house? Before you decide to list your home up for sale, it is helpful to get a clear picture of how much it's going to cost. Whether you are sprucing things up with a fresh coat of paint, replacing the roof membrane or just covering your taxes, there will be a few bills to pay. Let's take a quick look at some of the true costs that you'll incur when selling your home.
To get the best price for your home, you will need to be represented by a great real
Is Your Home Ready to Sell?
What Are the True Costs of Selling a Home? Let's Take a Look
The selling process will also have its costs. From lawyers' fees to excise taxes, there is no shortage of small costs that
Invest In a Good Real Estate Agent (And Their Commission)
Moving Out Will Cost You Too
If you have more in-depth questions, or want advice on selling your home, talk to your trusted real estate agent at Equity Smart Realty Inc. We would be happy to offer guidance. Call 888-670-6791. l
26 Court Street, Suite 701, Downtown Brooklyn Call 888-670-6791 Call Equity Smart Realty consulfor888-670-6791ataFREEtation.
estate agent. Of course, they are not going to work for free. Once the home sells, the agent is compensated with a percentage of the sale price, which is known as a commission. In some cases, the home seller also pays the commission for the buyer's real estate agent as well.
can start to add up. You may decide to invest a bit in your open houses to make them more welcoming. Or you might need to close out your mortgage. Whatever the case, be sure to leave some space in your budget for these costs.
Today, as we celebrate, I believe that some citizens feel, within themselves, a growing sense of ownership of our soci ety, and they are part of a rapidly mod ernizing space, called Trinidad and Tobago.That feeling of solidarity and owner ship must be nurtured and encouraged to become more widespread. This Independence moment calls for a gen uine effort towards quieting down, one of tolerance in which we stimulate a spiritu al compassion of brotherhood/sister
Through careful economic policy and planning in the 1970s, our citizens, led then by the indefatigable, Professor Ken Julien, with supporting teams — com prising familiar faces you normally pass on the streets — developed and today continue to manage a world-class, com petitive energy sector.
On
Overall, we must extend our apprecia tion to our athletes, Christopher Forde “Mr. Universe” in 1964, and Michael Hercules in bodybuilding; in netball, the 1979 joint World Champions; world box ing champions, Claude Noel and Leslie Stewart; former world-record holder, George Bovell in swimming; our football team in the FIFA World Cup in 2006, the outstanding Dwight Yorke, and, of course, the Cricketing world’s greatest batsman, twice record holder, our Brian Charles Lara — a name and face known across the globe. Our achievements have been diverse — in netball, football, cricket, swimming, boxing, bodybuild ing, and continues."
Call to Action from the Citizens of Trinidad & Tobago Fellow citizens, 60 years is a time to look at ourselves, deeply, a time for some introspection. We boast of our individual rights, but with too little talk of our responsibilities. The individual responsi bilities of citizens must come into nation al Asfocus.Prime Minister, I have some con cerns, which I call a citizens’ agenda: the rising crime surge, as a National
As a small nation, we also hosted both the World Netball championship and the 2001 FIFA Under-17 World Championship, and our eyes are now on the Commonwealth Youth Games next year.
At 60, we are also enjoying today, heady “Moments of Excellence” in Sport thanks to the Gold, Silver and Bronze medals given to us recently by our cyclists, Nicholas Paul, and Teniel Campbell, and 200 sprinter, Jereem Richards.Onreflection, our athletes have brought us many such moments, over the past 60 years, and even before Independence from the Silver and Bronze medals of the great featherweight lifter Rodney Adolphus Wilkes in the 1948-52 Olympics.Weare ever grateful for our Olympic medals — three Gold, five Silver and eleven Bronze – the regal memories of the sporting giants we created, their suc cesses and world records.
At 60, our roll call cites Hasely Crawford, our first Olympic Gold, track; the world-record relay 4x400 team in 1966 with the outstanding Wendell Mottley, Edwin Roberts, Ken Bernard, Lennox Yearwood, followed by Olympic Gold-medal track team of 2008, Richard Thompson, Keston Bledman, Emmanuel Callender, Marc Burns, Aaron Armstrong, and the Gold in 2012 of Keshorn Walcott in the Javelin field event, and, of course, we must cite the enduring, Olympic successes of Ato Boldon.Andin Paralympics, Rachael Marshall, Akeem Stewart and Nyoshia Cain and others have to be acknowledged, and praised for giving us, as a nation, such “Moments”.
Tribute to Dr Eric Williams
Achievements in Sports
“On August 31st, 1962, a country will be free, a miniature state will be established, but a society and a nation will have to be formed. After August 31, 1962, the peo ple of Trinidad and Tobago will face the fiercest test in their history – whether they can invest with flesh and blood the bare bones skeleton of their National Anthem, ‘here ev’ry creed and race find and equal place’. That is their chal lenge.”Around the same time, our literary giant, C.L.R. James also inspired us, alerting that we were part of the Caribbean, which was “pregnant with a form of parliamentary democracy, which could easily and rapidly be the highest reached by that political form”.
Dr Williams’ vision of a downstream gas industry materialized in the Point Lisas Industrial Estate, Couva — a model recognized globally, as a successful example of how natural gas could be used effectively to develop downstream industries. Many citizens still do not real ize that the revenues from Point Lisas have up-graded and maintains the quality of their daily lives from classroom to hospital to dining table and vacation experiences.At60,this
Wednesday, August 31, the Republic of Trinidad & Tobago celebrated its Diamond Jubilee of Independence. Here is the message from T&T’s Prime Minister, Hon. Dr KeithTrinidadRowley:and Tobago a nation at 60! Look across the globe, let’s place our selves on the world canvas, Trinidad and Tobago is “a baby” still, yet it has not only survived, but we have made and continue to make our mark across decades of progress and challenges.
Fellow citizens, at the birth of our Republic, our Founding Father, Dr Eric Eustace Williams gave us the classic gift, the book, “History of the People of Trinidad and Tobago”, which ends, in part, with a charge to all citizens:
In our 60 years, we have made vast strides in our development. We have moved from an a largely under agrarian, underdeveloped economy to a highlyindustrialized status, with an educated workforce, supporting a sophisticated, specialized services sector and a trader in the complex international economy.
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Our land, our people. We are a worldclass achievement! Colonialism is gone, a nation was born and we are called upon to keep building it.
Today, our country’s socio-economic, political status may be best assessed, when one looks at the world, and how the stability of others, older and moreresourced countries is being shaken.
T&T’s 60th Independence Message from Prime Minister Hon. Dr Keith Rowley
As our roll call flows to the cultural sphere, it extends to our achievements in Pan, its music and its thousands of play ers, our calypsonians, the emergence of chutney music, to Nobel Laureate, V.S. Naipaul; our adopted sons, the Mighty Sparrow, St Lucian-born, Derek Walcott; novelist, Earl Lovelace and others; our three world-class beauty queens; our great Artists, such as, LeRoy Clarke, Glenn Roopchand and Carlisle Chang and others, some of whose works are cur rently featured, as part of our national celebrations; internationally recognized designer, Peter Minshall; Geoffrey and Boscoe Holder; artist/musician, Pat Bishop; limbo dancer, Julia Edwards; international superstar, Billy Ocean MBE; steelband leader in the U.K., Terrence Noel, MBE; international news caster, Sir Trevor McDonald; Fashion designers, Anya Ayoung Chee, Meiling, Claudia Pegus, Heather Jones; David Michael Rudder, recently awarded the Order of the Caribbean Community, and the growing number of actors/actresses on international television, and others making their marks in international spheres.
Global Recognition in the Arts & Entertainment
continued on page 9
Our democratic freedoms allow us the choice of subsuming our egos, ambitions and interests to the needs of the whole nation. That is the essence of politics and nationhood – citizens working together in furtherance of their common good.
Theflags of the US and Trinidad & Tobago flying high at Bowling Green, NYC. Mayor Eric Adams proclaimed August 31st, 2022, in the City of New York, Trinidad and Tobago Heritage Day. Photo: PP/IQ Inc
Fellow citizens, I extend warm, heart felt, emotional greetings to everyone, across our twin island State, on behalf of the Government of the Republic, my family and myself as Prime Minister.
We have met the challenge of standing proudly, with a dignified stature within the Commonwealth of Nations. We did so and continue to grow with “boundless faith in our destiny.
Both Dr Williams and CLR saw within us the potential to become a great nation, if we are tolerant of each other, and marched, collectively. They also foresaw how historic racial cleavages could be spun, by operatives, into ethnic and parochial, political flashpoints. But democracy, imperfect as its prospects may seem, is capable of evoking the best qualities, within human beings.
hood, a discipline, and readiness to remove our personal, selfish interests for the good of Trinidad and Tobago. This is not only about party politics but building a nation. We must acknowledge our suc cesses and allow them to fortify us to grapple with our failures as we make the journey of nationhood.
nation must say loudly: “Thank you, Dr Eric Eustace Williams. Thank you, Professor Ken Julien. Thank you, Frank Barsotti. Thank you, Frank Rampersad. Thank you, Dr Euric Bobb and the teams of dedicated public ser vants.”
Our economic fortunes, following glob al economic cycles, have ebbed and flowed. Good times have allowed us to develop and prosper, as a country, as peo ple. The UN and other international agencies now rank Trinidad and Tobago on their High Level of Human Development index. So, citizens, let us go beyond, the perpetual naysayers, with their self-defeating miserable bag of neg atives, that “this is not a real place.” We are a great place and our red, white, and black covers us all in every circumstance. Accept the responsibility, feel the pride.
Great is our land, Trinidad and Tobago.l
We need to rededicate to the nation’s watchwords of Discipline, Tolerance and Production, the visionary guidance iden tified for us at our birth by our founding father Dr Eric Williams."
Credit Karma touts online access to credit information and tools. To join, people must give Credit Karma personal information and agree to let it collect financial and other information about them. Credit Karma recommends finan cial products to its users and is paid by the financial product companies when users get their products.
Fellow citizens, I think, in great meas ure, we are on our way to fulfilling Dr Williams’1962 dream. Stay the course and we will all get there together.
If
Emergency requiring action from all stakeholders; the effectiveness of the national school curriculum; the continu ous review of our social welfare pro grams; a special attention, by the relevant ministry, on our youths; and placing fam ily life in Trinidad and Tobago, under our national spotlight.
you’re shopping for a credit card or loan, the only words sweeter than “You’re approved!” may be, “You’re pre-approved!” But according to the FTC, many people who got “preapproved” credit offers from Credit Karma weren’t approved for credit and, as a result, wasted time applying and saw their credit scores drop when their appli cations were denied.
An FTC lawsuit alleges that Credit Karma deceived people by claiming — falsely — that they had been “preapproved” or had “90% odds” of approval for credit cards or loans offered by banks and lenders that used Credit Karma to promote their financial prod ucts.Under a settlement, Credit Karma will pay $3 million to reimburse people who responded to its allegedly deceptive offers but were ultimately denied credit. The order also prohibits Credit Karma from making misleading claims that peo ple have been or are likely to be approved
BY SEENA GRESSIN, FTC
form of deceptive “pre-approved” credit offers from at least February 2018 through April 2021, knowing that users were more likely to respond if they believed their applications would be accepted. But, the FTC says, for many of the supposed offers, nearly a third of the people who applied were rejected by the companies whose product Credit Karma recommended, based on disqualifying financial characteristics, like bankrupt cies.What’s more, the FTC says, the compa nies’ reviews showed up as hard inquiries on the rejected applicants’ cred it reports. A “hard inquiry” indicates that you have applied for credit and can lower your credit score. People also wasted sig nificant time applying for credit cards they weren’t eligible to get, the FTC says.Concerned about your credit? There are ways to monitor and protect it without giving away your personal information.l
According to the FTC, Credit Karma sent its users recommendations in the
Giving Thanks & Praise
T&T’s Diamond Jubilee/ continued from page 8
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Think of Benjai’s “Trini”, David Rudder’s “Trini 2 De Bone”, Sundar Popo “Nana and Nani”, or the range of Rikki Jai, and local artistes, which sadly we hear only occasionally.
Today should be one of gratitude and thanksgiving—first to our Maker, then a tribute to all our Leaders who laid our foundations, and ourselves, as a people. We have so much to be thankful for, as Dr Williams wrote quoting the scripture: “For I will make you a name and a praise among all people of the earth.”
Seena Gressin is an Attorney, Division of Consumer & Business Education
FTC Orders Credit Karma to Halt Deceptive “Pre-approved” Credit Offers
for credit or loans.
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The parents must take control of their emotions and the situation by dealing with each other in a tactful manner. They can make arrangements to end their rela tionship in a cordial way by seeking legal counsel if they are married. They may also need to seek legal counsel in regards
to child custody, jointly owned property or other issues that may arise. A relation ship does not have to end in a bad way with both parties filled with anger and resentment. Such emotions do nothing but exasperate any difficulties and cause unnecessary stress for the children.
BY JANET HOWARD
Adults should remember that they can
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Ending a relationship under any circumstances is difficult, espe cially if it is a marriage or longterm relationship. However, when chil dren are involved the dissolution of a relationship should be done with tact so that the separating couple does not cause unnecessary trauma for the kids.
How to End a Relationship When Kids Are Involved
It is okay to let children know that rela tionships, including marriages, do not always last forever. Some couples will suffer through unbearable circumstances because they do not want to let the chil dren or others know that their lives are less than perfect. It is not necessary to remain in a bad relationship for the sake of family or appearances. However, it is best to be honest with children if they are old enough to understand. Sitting down with the children and explaining the situ ation is better than arguing in front of them or within earshot, and then pretend ing that everything is fine.
make a choice to remain or to leave if they are unhappy in a relationship. However, children do not always have that option. When adults can no longer live together amicably, parting ways may be the best choice. However, it is very important to remember that adult choices affect children; therefore those decisions need to be weighed carefully and han dled with kid gloves.
Children are not as naive as parents sometimes assume. The children may be fully aware of the issues between their parents and wait nervously for the next volatile eruption to take place. Children should not live like that and neither should the parents.
Relationships end for a variety of rea sons. In fact, some people are just not compatible and may not come to terms with their incompatibility for several years. When they finally recognize that their relationship is ending, the home may become a war zone, with the chil dren unwillingly being placed in the line of fire. The children may end up trying to play peacemakers because the parents may behave more immaturely than the kids. Children should not find them selves in this type of situation.
If you must end your relationship, do so peacefully, and seek legal intervention if you need it. Realize that your actions and choices affect your children as well as yourself. Children shouldn't have to live with the mistakes of their parents or other adults.l
As always, I am honored to partner with you to better serve our children. I truly believe that the best is yet to come. So, let’s get the 2022–2023 school year started!l BY DAVID C. BANKS
world.Iam
demic outcomes for students with dis abilities. Wellness and its role in student success is another priority you’ll be hear ing more about.
You remembered their books. You remembered their forms. You remembered their schedules. They’re safe and reduce the risk of severe preventable illnesses, like measles, polio, and chickenpox. COVID-19 vaccines are now recommended for children 6 months and older. Talk to your child’s health care provider or visit nyc.gov/health and search “student vaccines” or call 311 for information on immunization requirements. Vaccines are required for children to stay in school and day care. Be sure to remember their vaccines.
committed to doing all of this— andMymore.team and I have spent the summer reimagining the student experience so that it better serves your children.
walls of the classroom, offering students regular visits to local museums, parks, and all the incredible resources our great city has to offer. At the same time, we are improving students’ digital learning experiences.Thisyear, we are also offering more of the learning opportunities you have requested, enhancing the way we serve all children. This includes an increase in Community Schools, Gifted & Talented programs, bilingual education programs, and programs to improve long-term aca
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I can’t write to families without recog nizing you as the lifeblood of our school communities and our true partners in your child’s education. Be on the lookout for improved ways to access the informa tion and support you need to help your children succeed. This will include expanded language access supports for families who speak languages other than English and more opportunities for us to workThanktogether.you for choosing NYC Public Schools. I know that there have been challenges, and I hope you agree that our schools stand ready to put all children on the path to the bright, bold futures they deserve. I encourage you to visit schools.nyc.gov/bts2022 to find the most up-to-date information about the new school year.
NYC Department of Education, David C. Banks. Photo courtesy DOE.
Welcome to the 2022–2023 school year! As the father of four children, I still remember the excitement of September and my kids’ jitters over what the new school year would bring. Would they like their teachers? Would it be easy to make new friends? Would they do well in their classes? I reassured them that the adults in their school would cherish them as much as I did at home.
Now, as I prepare to experience my first “first day of school” as Chancellor, I am grateful for you and for our educators, who are as excited as I am to welcome your children back. I also appreciate that in sending your children into our class rooms, you are placing great trust in us— trust that we will challenge your children intellectually so they can live out their wildest dreams. Trust that we will keep them safe and help them grow as human beings. Trust that they will graduate with a pathway to a rewarding career and enjoy long-term economic security. Trust that we will teach your children how to be a positive force for change in our
Eric AshwinMayorAdamsVasan, MD, PhD Commissioner
Literacy, which is the foundational build ing block of all learning, will be a major focus this school year. We are transform ing how we teach reading by implement ing a high-quality, phonics-based literacy program in all elementary schools. We are extending learning beyond the four
A Message to Families on the First Day of School from NYC Schools Chancellor
As paralegals perform more complex and challenging work, paralegal prestige is rising. Paralegals are no longer simply lawyer's assistants; they assume corpo rate 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, the next step? Call us at 718-722-9217 or visit www.freeparalegal.org to complete your registration which includes payment.l
Rising Prestige
Providing Legal Information
An administrative agency can allow a
paralegal to represent you at an adminis trative hearing. However, if the case is appealed to a court, you'll have to find a lawyer to represent you.
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 parale gal's practice area. Paralegals in the pub lic interest sector help poor and disad vantaged segments of the population with legal issues ranging from protection from domestic abuse to assistance preparing wills.
A paralegal can be brought in to provide some legal information to such an audi ence so they are more aware of where the law stands when it comes to certain issues or how they can go about getting
Many people who have never been to court before will be surprised at how cer tain things are handled. You could spend a day getting ready to argue your case only for proceedings to be postponed. One reason for this is court procedures. There are many procedures that courts are required to follow and paralegals can explain these to you.
legal aid if they need it.
BY THE CHAMBER COALITION
The
Paralegals can't offer legal advice to someone. However, they can provide legal information to a general audience.
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Preparation of Documents
Have you ever wondered how a lawyer is able to show up to different court cases on the same day and still have all the documents they need? This is usually because they have a team of paralegals to whom they delegate this work. Individuals in this profession are very good at preparing legal documents. From briefs and contracts to agreements, para legals have the knowledge and experi ence to get these documents ready in a short amount of time.
What Ser vices Can a Paralegal Provide?
There are many individuals around the country who are unaware of their legal rights in various situations. Employees, tenants, and other parties might be forced to endure certain conditions simply because they are unaware that the law is on their side.
Explaining Procedural Issues of Law
Representing Parties in Administrative Law Hearings
legal profession includes many individuals who are not actually lawyers. This, however, doesn't mean that they cannot do any legal work. There are plenty of services that can be provided by a paralegal, and these serv ices can make all the difference in your case.Paralegals can perform substantive legal work that has been delegated to them by a lawyer. They often have a mix of work experience, education, and pro fessional training that qualifies them for this job. Below are some of the services that you can request from a paralegal.
— and 800,000 would have been noncollege educated concentrated in sectors such as food, hospitality, elderly and child care. “We are talking about the 1.1% of the US labor force,” Peri added.
Peri spoke during a media briefing on 8/26/22 hosted by Ethnic Media Services that sounded the alarm over how the lack of immigrants is hurting the economy.
Close to 15% of job openings that employ immigrant or foreignborn workers in the U.S. are still vacant, while the legal immigration sys tem is in dire straits. From meat packing to home building to STEM professionals to nurses, the post-pandemic economy is reeling from a labor force decimated by restrictive immigration policies, which worsened under Donald Trump’s admin istration.“Fromthe middle of 2019 until the end of 2021, there has been essentially zero net immigration to the U.S,” said Giovanni Peri, Ph.D. Professor of Economics and Founder and Director of the UC Davis Global Migration Center, citing US Bureau census data.
continued on page 14
Loss of 1.7 Million Immigrants Fuels U.S. Labor Shortages and Inflation
“In the past six or seven years we have seen tremendous delays in the immigra tion processes across the country, both in the courts and also through the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS),” said Gregory Z. Chen, Senior Director of Government Relations at the American Immigration Lawyers Association. Chen noted that when President Barack Obama left office, there were about 500,000 immigration cases in the backlog compared to 1.4 million cases during the Trump administration.
These backlogs can be fixed through a comprehensive immigration reform. Although almost 70% of Americans are in favor of it, there has been no appetite in a polarized Congress to ease restric
BY JENNY MANRIQUE EMS CONTRIBUTOR
“Although in late 2021 and early 2022 these numbers started growing again, the fact that the inflow of immigrants stopped made the country lose more than 1.7 million (immigrants),” added Peri, noting that 900,000 of them would have been college educated who work in the STEM sector – doctors, computer scien tists, biomedical engineers, bio experts
Meanwhile, public discussion focuses on an estimated 2 million border crossings for the fiscal year.
The halting of immigration coincides with more and more US citizens opting to work from home in online jobs, and peo ple in their 50s and 60s opting for early
retirement. When companies are strug gling to hire people, wages go up and the rising cost of labor translates into infla tion, Peri Accordingexplained.tothe Bureau of Labor Statistics in July 2022, there were 10 mil lion unfilled jobs in the US. Before COVID, in a similar period, that figure was 6 Expertsmillion.agree that there should be a government effort to make the H1B visa program (sponsored by employers) stronger and more inclusive for all sec tors, while addressing the monstrous backlog in green cards and asylum claims.
“As of today we have about 1.6 million cases that are waiting to be heard, (each one) typically takes four to six years now,” Chen said. “Many businesses can't wait to be Meanwhile,operational.”theAutomated Export System (AES), the agency in charge of processing work permits, has increased its processing times from 180 days to up to seven months.
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PUT YOUR FUTURE IN OUR HANDS. WE CAN HELP. CALL NOW. 718-222-3155. Remember: The lawyer you hire, does make a difference! 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 Are you under investigation or accused of a felony misdemeanor?or IN WITHTROUBLETHELAW?
There are close to 194,000 open posi tions for nurses, and not enough US nurs es to fill them. Since the 80s, when hos pitals were understaffed, nurses from other countries have filled these roles. But today, annually, H1B visas are limit ed to 140,000 and family-sponsored visas are limited to 226,000.
•The noncitizen’s “age; health; family status; assets, resources, and financial status; and education and skills,” as required by the INA;
treatment of legal immigrants and their U.S. citizen family members,” said Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro N. Mayorkas. “Consistent with America’s bedrock values, we will not penalize individuals for choosing to access the health benefits and other sup plemental government services available to them.”
Under the rule, which is effective 105 days after it is published in the Federal Register, a noncitizen would be consid ered likely at any time to become a pub lic charge if DHS determines that they are likely at any time to become primari ly dependent on the government for sub sistence. This determination will be based on:
•The noncitizen’s prior or current receipt of Supplemental Security Income (SSI); cash assistance for income maintenance under Temporary Assistance for Needy
tions for even legal immigrants. Chen highlighted how President Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act—recently signed into law—originally included provisions to legalize unauthorized immigrants, a provision that had to be abandoned to gain bipartisan support.
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Since March 9, 2021, DHS has been applying the public charge ground of inadmissibility consistent with the 1999 Interim Field Guidance, the policy that was in place for two decades before the 2019 public charge final rule was imple mented. DHS removed references to the 2019 public charge final rule from the Code of Federal Regulations on March 9, 2021, after a federal court order vacating the rule went into effect.
Labor Shortages/ continued from page 13 Charge/ continued from page 1
For Julie Collins, perfusionist and Program Director Department of Cardiopulmonary Sciences in the College of Health Sciences at Rush University, one field where the absence of immigrants is acutely felt is medical care.Working on the COVID floor of her hospital for two years, Collins saw first hand the impact of the critical shortage of nursing professionals.
“I am seeing how tired and exhausted the nurses are and how frustrated they feel like their voices aren't being heard,” Collins said.” If hospitals come up with a system so that they could keep bringing in (immigrant) nurses, they wouldn't have problems filling their open posi tions,” she concluded. l
Final Rule Overview
“The concern about the benefits immi gration provides to the country and the economy has been subsumed by the idea that it's related to border national security issues,” said Chen, who doesn’t see a major immigration reform bill happening even in 2023.
Families (TANF); State, Tribal, territori al, or local cash benefit programs for income maintenance (often called “General Assistance”); or long-term institutionalization at government expense.Most noncitizens who are eligi ble for public benefits are not subject to the public charge ground of inadmissibil ity. The final rule would generally not affect noncitizens who have already become lawful permanent residents, as they are generally not subject to public charge inadmissibility determinations. Some categories of noncitizens are exempt from the public charge ground of inadmissibility, including refugees, asylees, noncitizens applying for or reregistering for Temporary Protected Status, special immigration juveniles, T and U nonimmigrants, and self-petition ers under the Violence Against Women Act. The rule includes a list of the cate gories exempted by Congress from the public charge ground of inadmissibility.
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Additional Information DHS will develop a Policy Manual update to help USCIS officers apply this regulation fairly and consistently and to better inform the public about how the rule will be implemented. DHS will also conduct public outreach and engage ments to minimize the risk of confusion or chilling effects among both nonciti zens and U.S. citizens.l
“I was helping to cover shifts and I saw how burnt out nurses were becoming tak ing care of patients in COVID units,” she said. “As COVID began slowing down, nurses sought early retirement, some of them changed professions, and some even died of COVID. This left us with fewer nurses to fill the open positions in our Althoughunits.”
•The noncitizen’s filing of Form I-864, Affidavit of Support Under Section 213A of the INA, submitted on a noncit izen’s behalf when one is required; and
COVID floors have been essentially shut down, hospitals are short staffed and one-on-one patient care is over, she said. “Oftentimes nurses are caring for multiple patients, which is increasing their chances of creating errors and causing emotional distress,”
Background
Public
DHS received approximately 220 com ments after publishing the Notice of Proposed Rulemaking. DHS also obtained early feedback through listen ing sessions and an Advance Notice of Public Rulemaking. DHS carefully con sidered all public comments and feed back before publishing a final rule. Many of these comments emphasized the importance of limiting the previously widespread disenrollment in public ben efits by noncitizens and their family
members, even those who were not sub ject to the public charge ground of inad missibility.
Ingredients
—BDEGER,sauce.
1 pound ground beef
Bake in the preheated oven, basting with sauce every 15 minutes, until peppers are tender, about 1 hour.
Step 8
Nutrition Facts
salt and ground black pepper to taste
Meanwhile, heat oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook until evenly browned and crumbly, 7 to 9 minutes.
Arrange peppers in a baking dish with the hollowed sides facing upward.
ed controversy, represented a turning point in the career of the artist, or had other significant impacts when they were released. The magazine acknowledged that there were “too many records to choose from in any given year” and that some important recordings may not be included, but this is just an indication of the richness of the island’s musical histo ry.Commenting
1 cup cold water
½ cup uncooked long grain white rice
16 ounces tomato sauce, divided
Stuffed
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
Step 1
Hollow out bell peppers by removing and discarding the tops, seeds, and mem branes. Slice the bottoms of the peppers if necessary to make sure they stand up straight.
Step 4
¼ teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
Kitchen Corner
Rolling Stone, the American monthly magazine that reports on music, politics, and popular cul ture, honored the 60th anniversary of Jamaican independence with a listing of 60 of the greatest songs – one from each year since independence from England was achieved in 1962 – that represent the island’s extensive musical history. The magazine noted that Jamaica, a small island nation in the Caribbean has creat ed some of the most influential music styles in history, including ska, rock steady, reggae, dub, and dancehall. Jamaica is also home to an abundance of talented artists who have a prolific output of recordings. Rolling Stone selected some of the tracks for their new direction in sound, while others were listed because they spurred a movement, creat
Step 3
Rolling Stone Pays Tribute to Jamaican Music with 60 Songs
Step 5
Check out the songs at www.cawnyc.com
Per Serving: 248 calories; protein 16g; carbohydrates 25.6g; fat 9.4g; choles terol 45.9mg; sodium 563.6mg.l
BY STAFF WRITER, JAMAICANS.COM
Step 2
peppers with ground beef and rice are topped with a sea soned tomato
6 medium green bell peppers
AllRecipes.com
Directions
Step 6
Rome, Italy - February 15, 2022, detail of the album cover and cd of the Legend The Best Of Bob Marley, The Wailers album. Editorial credit: Stefano Chiacchiarini '74 / Shutterstock.com
Stuffed Peppers
Prepare filling by mixing cooked beef, cooked rice, 1/2 of the tomato sauce, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Spoon an equal amount of filling into each hol lowed pepper.
on the list, the Jamaican dancehall fusion artist, Yaksta, said he was happy that his breakout recording of “Ambition” from 2021 was included among the influential tracks. He went on to say that the inclusion of his song inspired him to continue in his musical career, noting that sometimes he gets dis couraged, but that this accomplishment will continue to inspire him. l
Step 7
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
¼ teaspoon onion powder
Bring water and rice to a boil in a cov ered saucepan. Reduce heat to low and simmer until rice is tender, about 20 min utes.
Mix remaining tomato sauce and Italian seasoning in a bowl, and pour over the stuffed peppers.
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On
continued on page 18
late August 2022, the BA.4 and BA.5 omicron subvariants are dominant worldwide. In the U.S., currently 89% of COVID-19 infections are caused by BA.5 and 11% are caused by BA.4.
Sept. 1, 2022, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention endorsed the use of updated COVID-19 booster shots that are specif ically tailored to combat the two most prevalent omicron subvariants, BA.4 and BA.5. The decision comes just a day after the Food and Drug Administration’s emergency use authorization of the shots. The CDC’s backing will enable a full roll-out of the reformulated vaccines to begin within days.
In an actual COVID-19 infection, the SARS-CoV-2 virus uses its protruding spike protein to latch onto human cells and gain entry into cells. The spike pro tein triggers the production of so-called neutralizing antibodies, which bind to the spike protein and prevent the virus from invading other cells.
But when the virus mutates, as we know that it does, the antibodies that were previously produced in response to the virus can no longer effectively bind to the newly mutated spike protein. In this respect, the SARS-CoV-2 virus acts like a chameleon – a master of disguise –by changing its body configuration and escaping recognition by the immune sys tem.
1. What is different about the updated booster shots?
2. How does a bivalent vaccine trigger an immune response?
The new booster shots – one by Moderna and another from PfizerBioNTech – come as more than 450 peo ple are still dying of COVID-19 every day in the U.S.
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COVID was tough on older New Yorkers. But you can now get back to doing the things you love by protecting yourself.
The inability of the original vaccine strains to prevent reinfection and to trig ger long-term protective immunity prompted the need for the reformulated vaccines.
Get vaccinated and stay up to date with your booster shots.
As of Aug. 31, 2022, only 48.5% of booster-eligible people in the U.S. have received their first booster shot, and just under 34% of those eligible have received their second. These low num bers may in part be influenced by people
Will Omicron-specific Booster Shots be More Effective at Combating COVID-19? 5 Questions Answered
waiting for the newer versions of the vac cines to provide better protection. But booster shots have proven to be an essen tial layer of protection against COVID19.
BY PRAKASH NAGARKATTI & MITZI NAGARKATTI THE CONVERSATION
between the original COVID-19 shots and the new “bivalent” version is that the latter consists of a mixture of mRNA that encodes the spike proteins of both the original SARS-CoV-2 virus and the more recent omicron subvariants, BA.4 and BA.5.Asof
The newly authorized shots are the first updates to the original COVID-19 vac cines that were introduced in late 2020. They use the same mRNA technology as the original vaccines. The key difference
The concept of bivalent vaccines aimed at protecting against two different strains of a virus is not new. For instance, Cervarix is an FDA-approved bivalent vaccine that provides protection against two different types of human papillo maviruses that cause cancer.
Based on available evidence from the previous COVID-19 vaccines, we believe it is very likely that the new boosters will continue to offer strong protection from severe COVID-19 lead
The new bivalent vaccines contain a lower dose of mRNA, and as such are meant to be used only as boosters and not in people who have never received a COVID-19 vaccination.
Omicron-specific Booster Shots/ continued
4. Will it only be a booster shot?
The bivalent vaccines can only be used as a booster shot at least two months after the completion of the primary series – or initial required shots – or following a pre vious booster shot. The Moderna bivalent vaccine is authorized for use in people 18 years of age, while the Pfizer bivalent vaccine is authorized for those 12 years of age and older.
5. Will the new shots protect against future variants?
Based on those results, in spring 2022 the FDA rejected the BA.1 bivalent boosters because the agency felt the boosters may fall short of providing suf ficient protection against the newest strains, BA.4 and BA.5, which were by then spreading quickly throughout the U.S. and the world. So the FDA asked Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna to devel op bivalent vaccines specifically target ing BA.4 and BA.5, instead of BA.1.
If it is a minor mutation or set of muta tions when compared to the original strain or to omicron variants BA.4 and BA.5, the new shots will provide good protection. However, if a hypothetical new strain were to possess highly unique mutations in its spike protein, then it’s likely that it could once again dodge immune protection.
This article has been updated to reflect the CDC’s endorsement of the reformu lated Prakashshots.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
Booster shots have proven to be an essential layer of protection against COVID-19.
There are as of yet no human studies on the efficacy of the new bivalent vaccine at preventing reinfections and providing long-term immune protection.
Are you looking to get into the health business?wellness&
ing to hospitalization and death. But whether they will protect against reinfec tion and breakthrough infections remains to be seen.
The new booster shots –one by Moderna and another from Pfizer-BioNTech – come as more than 450 people are still dying of COVID-19 every day in the U.S.
Stacy Young Board Certified Holistic Health Tel: 917-459-8431
This decision has stirred up controversy over whether it is appropriate for the FDA to approve a booster without direct
Because of the superiority of the biva lent vaccines, the FDA has also removed the use authorization for the original monovalent Moderna and Pfizer COVID19 vaccines for booster purposes in indi viduals 18 years of age and older and 12 years of age and older, respectively.
However, in human clinical trials and laboratory studies, both Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna found that their initial ver sion of the bivalent vaccine, which was directed against the original SARS-CoV2 virus and an earlier omicron strain, BA.1, induced a strong immune response and longer protection against both the original strain and the BA.1 variant. In addition, the companies reported that the same early combination generated a sig nificant antibody response against the newest omicron subvariants, BA.4 and BA.5, though this antibody response was lower than that seen against subvariant BA.1.
On the flip side, the successful develop ment of the updated vaccines demon strates that the mRNA vaccine technolo gy is nimble and innovative enough that – within a couple of months of the emer gence of a new variant – it is now likely possible to develop and distribute new vaccines that are tailor-made to fight an emerging variant.l
from page 17
How well the bivalent vaccines will per form in the face of new variants that might arise will depend on the nature of future spike protein mutations.
The ongoing viral mutations are why antibodies produced in response to the original vaccine strains have over time become less effective at fending off infections by new variants.
3. How protective will the new shots be against infection?
Because clinical trials are time-con suming, the FDA was willing to consider animal studies and other laboratory find ings, such as the ability of antibodies to neutralize the virus, to decide whether to authorize the bivalent boosters.
human data to support it. However, the FDA has stated that millions of people have safely received the mRNA vaccines – which were originally tested in humans – and that the changes in the mRNA sequences in the vaccines do not affect vaccine safety. Thus, it concluded that the bivalent vaccines are safe and that there is no need to wait for human clini cal trials.
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It is also noteworthy that influenza vac cines are introduced each year based on prediction of the strain that is likely to be dominant, and such formulations do not undergo new clinical trials.
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GENERATIONS
Stay Active: Physical activity increases blood flow to the brain and can also help improve mood and overall wellbeing.
Stay Connected:Social interaction and maintaining an active social life are very
Eat Well: Adopt a low-fat diet high on fruits and veggies, like strawberries, blueberries, and broccoli. Take daily vitamins. Limit intake of red meats, fried and processed foods, salt, and sugar. In general, foods that are “heart healthy” are also “brain healthy.”
Brisk walking benefits brain health, while aerobics can boost your heart rate, and weight training builds strength and flexibility.
The Alzheimer’s Foundation of America (AFA) is offering 10 steps to promote healthy aging and good brain health during September and throughout the year.
“Lifestyle choices play a vital role in healthy aging and brain health, and it’s never too soon to start,” said Charles J. Fuschillo, Jr., AFA’s President & CEO. “Eating right, exercising the body and mind, getting proper sleep, and being socially active all contribute to healthy aging and good brain health, and can potentially reduce the risk of developing a dementia-related illness.”
AFA offers the following 10 steps for healthy aging:
Mind Your Meds : Medication can affect everyone differently, especially as you age. When getting a new medication or something you have not taken in a while (whether over the counter or pre scription), talk to your doctor or local pharmacist.
Get a Memory Screening: Our brains need regular checkups, just as other parts of our bodies do. Memory screen ings are quick, noninvasive exams for our brains. You can talk to your doctor about getting a screening as part of your annual wellness exam.l
Know Your Blood Pressure: Blood pressure can impact your cognitive functioning. Visit your physician regu larly to check your blood pressure and make sure it is in normal range.
See Your Doctor: Maintain checkups. Health screenings are key to managing chronic illnesses, such as diabetes, car diovascular disease, and obesity, all of which can impact brain health. Speak with your physician about any concerns or questions you have about your health.
Learn New Things: Challenge your brain by starting a new hobby like play ing tennis, learning to speak a foreign language, trying a cooking class, or something you have not done before.
your teeth with your non-dominant hand stimulates the brain by forcing it to think outside of its normal routine. Get Enough Sleep: Getting a consistent sleep every night is key; at least seven to nine hours is ideal. Having a good sleep environment is also helpful. Insomnia or sleep apnea can have serious physical effects and negatively affect memory and thinking.
Even something as simple as brushing
important for brain health, cognitive stimulation and mood. Invite friends and family over for a meal, board games, or just to hang out. Engaging in your com munity and participating in group activ ities is also beneficial.
Stop Smoking and Limit Alcohol: Smoking can increase the risk of other serious illnesses, while too much alco hol can impair judgment and cause acci dents, including falls, broken bones, and car crashes.
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September is Healthy A ging Month: Follow These 10 Steps to Promote Healthy A ging and Good Brain Health
Skipping the nuptials
continued on page 21
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Marriage doesn't always mean healthy Being married does not guarantee that you have a healthy relationship. You can have a great relationship without being married. In fact, you may be able to enjoy a better relationship that's more
Some people don't get married because they just don't want to. They don't feel that being married is necessary to their relationship, and they don't feel any pres
honest and open if you don't get married. Being married can be a hindrance to hav ing a healthy relationship. It can make you feel trapped, and it can make you feel like you're stuck in a situation that you don't want to be in. One of the main reasons marriage is not a prerequisite for a healthy relationship is the myth of the "happily ever after." Many people want to get married because they believe that marriage will solve all their problems. But the fact is, that's the wrong reason to get married. Marriage should not be viewed as a cure for relationship prob lems. It should be entered into with the full knowledge of the commitment to share the good and the bad.
BY MARY CAMPBELL
Whether you're single or in a relationship, everyone has dif ferent views and opinions on marriage. Some people believe that mar riage is an essential part of a healthy rela tionship. Others think it's an outdated rit ual that isn't necessary these days. While some see marriage as a necessary step towards commitment, others see it as an unnecessary encumbrance, or something that could end your relationship if things don't work out. This article will explore various perspectives on marriage and relationships, including why some peo ple choose not to get married and whether marriage is necessary for a healthy relationship.
Is Marriage Necessary for a Healthy Relationship?
sure to go down the path of marriage. If both people in a relationship agree that they don't feel the need to be married, there's no reason they shouldn't be together. They should go into their rela tionship with that mindset. If you're in a relationship where one person wants to be married and the other person doesn't, that's a recipe for disaster. It's a sure-fire
Be honest
way to create resentment in your rela tionship, and it could lead to a breakup.
Marriage can be a good thing. But mar riage is a promise that you're making to another person for the rest of your life. It's a grand gesture, and it's something that shouldn't be taken lightly. It's a bind
•Insulting your parenting or threatening to harm or take away your children or pets.
be present. Common signs of abusive behavior in a partner include:
Multiple forms of abuse are usually present at the same time in abusive situa tions, and it’s essential to understand how these behaviors interact so you know what to look for. When we know what relationship looks like and means, we can then take steps to get help for our selves as well as better support others who are experiencing abuse.
Source:National Domestic Violence Hotline. Visit www.thehotline.org
At the start of a new relationship, it’s not always easy to tell if it will later become abusive. In fact, many abusive people appear like ideal partners in the early stages of a relationship. Domestic vio lence warning signs don’t always appear overnight and may emerge and intensify as the relationship grows.
Domestic violence doesn’t discrimi nate. People of any race, age, gender, sexuality, religion, education level, or economic status can be a victim — or perpetrator — of domestic violence. That includes behaviors that physically harm, intimidate, manipulate or control a part ner, or otherwise force them to behave in ways they don’t want to, including through physical violence, threats, emo tional abuse, or financial control.
• Showing extreme jealousy of your friends or time spent away from them.
•Intimidating you through threatening looks or actions.
•Insulting, demeaning, or shaming you, especially in front of other people.
•Pressuring you to use drugs or alcohol.
Even one or two of these behaviors in a relationship is a red flag that abuse may
•Preventing or discouraging you from spending time with friends, family mem bers, or peers.
•Controlling finances in the household without discussion, including taking your money or refusing to provide money for necessary expenses.
Domestic violence (also referred to as intimate partner violence (IPV), dating abuse, or relationship abuse) is a pattern of behaviors used by one partner to main tain power and control over another part ner in an intimate relationship.
Every relationship is different and domestic violence doesn’t always look the same. One feature shared by most abusive relationships is that the abusive partner tries to establish or gain power and control through many different meth ods, at different moments.
•Destroying your belongings or your home.Remember:
no one deserves to experi ence abuse of any kind—for any reason.l
Legal Assistance
•Telling you that you never do anything right.
The Bottom Line
Focus on the relationship, not the sta tus
We're
Any victim of domestic violence — regardless of immigration or citizenship status — can seek help. An immigrant victim of domestic violence may also be eligible for immigration-related protec tions. If you are experiencing domestic violence in your home, you are not alone.
continued from page 20
may persist or even increase due to the pressure of marital commitment. Later, they sweep the problems under the rug because the stigma of divorce is so big that they don't want to address the issue and get a divorce.
•Preventing you from making your own decisions, including about working or attending school.
ing contract between two people that shouldn't be entered into without careful consideration. If you're in a relationship and you want to get married, make sure that both of you are ready for such a big commitment. The last thing you want to do is rush into marriage as a way to "fix" your relationship or out of fear that it may end. That could lead to regret and resentment down the road. Be honest with each other and yourself. You may believe you want to get married, but give it more consideration if you have the slightest doubt.
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A specialized immigration attorney should always be your first point of con tact regarding immigration questions and concerns. You can also listen to Ask the Lawyer Radio Program on WVIP 93.5FM on Thursdays, 10pm-11pm, and Sundays, 11pm to 12am. The program provides excellent information and an opportunity for a confidential, legal con sultation. The number to call is 855-7688845. You can also visit www.ask thelawyer.us l
Warning Signs of Abuse
all affected by the issue of domestic violence. To under stand relationship abuse, we must recognize that it is more than phys ical violence. Ending the harm and stig ma of domestic violence requires a nuanced understanding of the behaviors that define it, as well as examples of healthy relationships to inform your deci sions and interactions moving forward.
Some people get married believing their relationship will always be good because they took vows. But it's not that simple. Many people get married and at the same time, neglect to work on their relation ship. They focus on the status of their relationship rather than the relationship itself. If you have issues in your relation ship, you need to address them, and you need to address them while you're single. You cannot wait until you're married to deal with problems that may exist in your relationship. Unfortunately, a lot of peo ple do just that. They get married because they believe it will strengthen their relationship. However, problems
If you're in a relationship that's meant to be long-lasting, you don't have to be married to each other to have a healthy relationship. You just need to be honest with each other. Work on your issues, and love each other for who you are. If you want to get married, make sure you're both choosing marriage for the right reasons and at the right time. Marriage does not guarantee a perfect relationship. However, it is a pact between two people to build the best life possible while navigating life's positive and negative aspects together. l
•Intimidating you with weapons like guns, knives, bats, or mace.
Is Marriage Necessary?/
Abuse Defined
•Pressuring you to have sex or perform sexual acts you’re not comfortable with.
RelationshipUnderstand Abuse
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ing stormwater systems, $200 million for wastewater infrastructure, $500 million for zero-emissions school buses and $1.5 billion for climate mitigation such as wetland protection and renewable energy projects.Elizabeth Moran, an Albany-based pol icy advocate at EarthJustice, said the bond act is a good start, but the state will “need to invest far more when it comes to addressing the climate crisis.”
BY RACHEL HOLLIDAY SMITH, THE CITY
New York City voters also will have four proposals to decide on: a statewide proposal that would boost spending in Albany on future environ ment-related projects plus three city pro posals to create a “statement of values” for the government, form a racial equity office, and define how the cost of living is calculated.Ifapproved, the four ballot questions — one that pertains to the state and three to the city — would each take effect right away.Based on history, it’s more likely than not that voters will approve them. According to the nonprofit Ballotpedia, New York State voters have approved just over 70% statewide ballot measures since 1985 — 39 of 55 total.
New York NY/USA-November 5, 2019 A voter wears her "I Voted" sticker on Election Day in New York Editorial credit: rblfmr Shutterstock.com
This proposal would allow New York State to borrow $4.2 billion through a bond issuance for specific environmentrelated projects and policy efforts.
This measure would create a mission statement of sorts for New York’s gov ernment by adding a preamble to the city charter that includes a statement of “val ues and vision,” the ballot proposal says, that aims to create a “just and equitable city for all.”
“The first step towards accountability and healing is telling the truth,” the com mission wrote.
The idea for the Bond Act has been around for several years, but first took form when then-governor Andrew Cuomo introduced it in his 2020 State of the State address as a $3 billion bond issuance. It might have gone to voters that year, but was ultimately cut from the state government priority list due to over lapping financial concerns as the COVID-19 crisis unfolded.
Proposal 3: Racial Equity Plans and Office
Andrew Rein at the Citizens Budget Commission said there is “logic for the measure” and it “might very well be use ful,” but cautioned that it may need to be moreForspecific.example, he asked, if all housing subsidies should be removed from the calculation, “Are you saying that you should figure out what the housing mar ket would be in New York without NYCHA supporting it? Or rent-stabilized apartments?”“There’sreally a lot of complexity,” he said. “What is outlined here is a good start, but really, it would probably be much better if it were refined.” l
The proposal, like proposals three and four, was born from former mayor Bill de Blasio’s Racial Justice Commission (RJC). The mayor convened the RJC in 2021 following the widespread protests of systemic racism and police violence in 2020.In the RJC’s final report, it recom mended a preamble that “acknowledges and speaks to historical wrongs” in order to “reconstruct, revise and reimagine our city’s foundations, structures, institu tions, and laws to promote justice and equity for all New Yorkers.”
This measure would bring three new requirements to the city charter: mandat ing that all city agencies create “racial equity plans” every two years, establish ing a new Office of Racial Equity to coordinate racial equity planning across city government and creating a Commission on Racial Equity. That com mission would identify and propose pri orities for racial equity planning, and review the racial equity plans for each city agency.
Proposal 1: Environmental Bond Act of 2022
Gov. Kathy Hochul revived the concept
That includes $250 million for improv
In its report, the RJC said it heard input from “dozens of speakers” as it took pub lic testimony “about the need for a cen tralized body within city government tasked with ensuring that the city inten tionally works toward undoing the lega cy of structural racism.”
The 4 Ballot Questions Up for a Vote in New York in November
The RJC advocated for this change, it said, because it concluded that current poverty measures are not accurate for New York City’s needs or policy deci sions.Acommonly used federal poverty meas ure developed decades ago does not take regional costs into consideration, it said. To combat that, New York created its own measure — called the NYCgov Poverty Measure — but “it still calcu lates public assistance as income,” which skews the economic picture, says the reportInstead, the proposed “true cost” meas ure would be based on “actual household income required to meet the essential needs of people living in New York City,” the commission said. It would include costs related to housing, child care, food, transportation, healthcare, clothing and shoes, hygiene products, household items, and telephone and internet services, among other things.
This would be the first environmental bond act enacted for 26 years in New York, according to the Rockefeller Institute of Government.
last fall, adding another $1.2 billion to the total. The state legislature approved the measure as part of this year’s budget package, sending it to voters as a November ballot proposal.
This story was published on September 1, 2022 by THE CITY.
“We would get a boost should voters approve this. The state will get a boost from the recently passed Inflation Reduction Act. But we know that a lot more is going to be needed,” Moran said.
racial equity, we cannot get to our goal of a city where race is no longer determina tive of economic, political, social, or psy chological outcomes,” the report says.
Proposal 4: True Cost of Living
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“We heard that without a clear focus on
Proposal 2: Statement of Values for City Government
There will be more than just candi dates on your ballot in November.
This measure would mandate that the city government use a new method to calculate the “true cost of living” in the city without taking into account public, private or informal assistance a person or household may receive.
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