Caribbean American Weekly - Issue 164

and President

Marijuana Pardon

BY LINDA NWOKE, CAW EXCLUSIVE

BY CAW EDITORIAL STAFF

City Council Member

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

Elevate Loss and Damage as Key Climate Justice Issue –CARICOM SG Argues at Yale Conference

WhileCARICOM Member States have made significant strides to address the climate crisis, they will not achieve significant moderation in climate change because they are not the source of climate change. Therefore, the systemic global and national inequities confronting small states need to be addressed to achieve climate justice, CARICOM SecretaryGeneral, Dr. Carla Barnett said on Thursday. The key to addressing the inequities, she said, is to “elevate loss and damage as a key climate justice issue” that also has the endorsement of developed countries, and to have equi table and effective access to affordable funding for mitigation adaptation.

She was at the time addressing the Fourth Annual Global Environmental Justice Conference at Yale University in the US. The theme of the Conference is ‘Re-imagining Our Collective Future: Advancing Climate Justice, Food Security and Energy Transition in an Age of Uncertainty’. Her address focused on the intersection of equitable climate action and sustainable development.

Within the context of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), loss and damage for the Caribbean Community represents the negative impacts of cli mate change to which “we either cannot adapt or have not adapted, because such adaptation requires access to funding –funding which should be provided, in the interest of justice, by developed coun tries who are responsible for the destruc tive impacts we now face”.

The Secretary-General expressed con cern that loss and damage has lagged far behind progress on mitigation and adap tation within the UNFCCC.

“To date, loss and damage has no spe cific funding stream, is not a recurring agenda item for negotiations and has been found, through subsequent reviews, to be an area where the UNFCCC has

much work to do. The question about who pays for loss and damage, or even that a loss and damage financing facility is necessary remains a burning issue. SIDS are, therefore, seeking to mitigate, adapt and respond to loss and damage in a less than propitious environment,” she told her audience.

She noted Denmark’s acknowledge ment of loss and damage as a conse quence of climate change and its offer of compensation to developing countries, and called on others to follow its lead. Pointing to the significant strides the Region has made to address the climate crisis, she said: “However, as ambitious as these steps may be, the truth is that even if we do all and everything that we can do, we will not be able to achieve significant moderation of climate change or effectively address the peculiar factors that are at the root of the climate crisis in our countries and SIDS, in general, because we are not the source of climate change,” Dr. Barnett said.

She pointed out that the climate crisis is now the “greatest collective challenge that modern humanity has confronted” which has spawned environmental, social and economic upheavals in the Caribbean.

As an example, the Secretary-General highlighted the experience of Dominica – now aiming to become the world’s first climate resilient country – which suf fered damage of about 220 per cent of GDP from Hurricane Maria five years

ago, and, just two years later, 90 per cent of GDP loss from Tropical Storm Erika. She spoke of the impacts of climate change on different communities within SIDS, including farmers, fishers and sea sonal workers whose livelihoods are affected by extreme weather events; the elderly and differently abled who do not have the flexibility of resources or able hands to both prepare for and recover from storms; indigenous and rural com munities whose connectivity with the rest of the country, as well as traditional livelihood and cultural practices are con siderably impacted through disruptions in the physical infrastructure and the nat ural ecosystem.

In addition, she drew attention to the risks the climate crisis poses to vulnera ble ecosystems, physical infrastructure, productive sectors and key foreign exchange earning sectors such as tourism and agriculture; the impacts of the COVID-19; the “very fundamental threats of food insecurity, energy insecu rity”; inadequacies of health systems in the Region; and connectivity infrastruc ture matters.

For the Caribbean, building climate resilience is critical as the 1.5 degree temperature target is unlikely to be met. In her address, the Secretary-General repeated the call for a “just metric” that will take into account the vulnerabilities and susceptibilities of SIDS to broaden access to affordable funding.l

Grenada Attends Cruise Conference with Public-Private Delegation

Apublic-private

delegation from Grenada attended the recently concluded 28th Annual FloridaCaribbean Cruise Association (FCCA) Cruise Conference in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic.

The delegation included Randall Dolland, Chairman; Petra Roach, CEO; and Nikoyan Roberts, Nautical Development and Marketing and Sales Manager from the Grenada Tourism Authority (GTA); Gail Newton,

Accountant, Grenada Ports Authority; and Anya Chow-Chung, CEO, and Sheldon Alexander, General Manager, Services Division, George F. Huggins Co. Ltd.

Over the course of the four-day confer ence, the delegation engaged FCCA rep resentatives and executives from cruise lines including Starboard Cruise Services, Royal Caribbean Group, Holland America Group and Norwegian Cruise Line. Grenada Tourism Authority

CEO, Petra Roach, stated, “Grenada is open for business and now we are lever aging the industry in an effort to ensure higher returns on the per passenger spend and exploring the developmental oppor tunities that will arise.”

Proactive efforts are also underway to have locally made goods such as honey, chocolate, rum and textiles on board vis iting cruise ships, as well as utilize local talent as part of the employment and entertainment offerings.l(ETurboNews)

Secretary General Dr Carla Barnett Editorial credit: CARICOM Press

PACC2030: Quick Wins for a USCaribbean Partnership on Climate and Energy Resilience

BY AMBASSADOR RIYAD INSANALLY AND WAZIM MOWLA

THE ATLANTIC COUNCIL

Countries in the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) are highly vulnerable to the effects of climate change and external shocks, such as Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The newly announced US-Caribbean Partnership to Address the Climate Crisis 2030 (PACC2030) has the potential to bolster the region’s response to climate change by stimulating locally driven eco nomic growth. PACC2030 represents a renewed US commitment to Caribbean Community (CARICOM) members and is expected to be the central driver of USCaribbean engagement over the next few years. If successfully implemented, PACC2030 can shape and strengthen US-Caribbean relations for the long term, facilitate US-Caribbean public-pri vate partnerships, and give impetus to regional efforts to advance climate and energy agendas.

PACC 2030’s success is crucial for CARICOM countries and the United States. Apart from the socioeconomic and security threats posed by climate change, natural disasters, and energy insecurity, there are geopolitical consid erations. Simply, if the United States cannot support the security and prosperi ty of its so-called Third Border, CARI COM members in need of short-term solutions to energy challenges and cli mate financing are likely to look to coun tries like China, Russia, and Venezuela for assistance. The agreement needs to

deliver in the short term to generate con fidence that the United States is commit ted to a sustainable partnership.

This report outlines three quick wins the United States and CARICOM should pursue: finding quick access to financing for CARICOM countries to invest in cli mate and energy resilience, involving and increasing the role of the US private sector in PACC2030’s implementation, and ensuring that the expertise and tech nologies brought to the region by the framework are taught, and not just given. The United States has all the tools and expertise—and now, the will—to support climate and energy resilience in CARI COM countries. But timely implementa tion is needed over the next few months to show the region that US support and promises are not empty gestures, and instead come with action. This report offers clear next steps towards imple menting this ambitious partnership and strengthening US-Caribbean relations in years to come.l

Download the full report at www.cawnyc.com

AM Jenifer Rajkumar Pushes for Diwali to be a Public Sc hool Holiday

Whenmy parents immigrated to the United States with just $300 and a suitcase, they never would've imagined that I'd be standing here as your state assembly woman. Today, South Asian and IndoCaribbean families like mine all over this city have made incredible contributions. And today, I'm proud to say, our time has come. The time has come to recognize over 200,000 New Yorkers of the Hindu, Buddhist, Sikh and Jain faiths who cele brate Diwali, the Festival of Lights. That is why today I stand with New York City Mayor Eric Adams and our school's chan cellor, David Banks, to light the way for ward to make Diwali once and for all, a school holiday in the City of New York. This week I introduced legislation in our state capital that makes room for Diwali in our school calendar. My legislation removes Anniversary Day, an obscure

and antiquated day created in the 1800s so that it can be replaced with Diwali, celebrated by a growing number of New Yorkers.

When this is done, the New York City Department of Education will be able to institute the Diwali holiday on the school calendar. People have said that there's simply not enough room in the New York City School calendar to have a Diwali school holiday. Well, my legislation makes the room. In the words of the great Shirley Chisholm, "If they don't give you a seat at the table, bring a folding chair."

I have brought this bill to the table so that all South Asian and Indo-Caribbean New Yorkers will have a seat at the table. State Education Law Section 3604 mandates that there be a minimum of 180 days of school instruction. If we're going to meet this 180 day minimum requirement, we cannot institute any more holidays. But in removing the antiquated Anniversary

Day school holiday that is observed by no one, my legislation makes the room for Diwali to be a school holiday while also meeting the 180 day minimum requirement for days of school instruc tion.

I am so proud to have the mayor's sup port. Through our city-state partnership, we will finally realize the goal of Diwali becoming a school holiday in New York City. This is the first time in the history of our city a mayor has committed to mak ing Diwali a school holiday, and for that I thank you, Mayor Adams. For over two decades South Asians and IndoCaribbeans in New York have been fight ing for the Diwali school holiday. I stand on the shoulders of those advocates. And now we are finally going to realize that goal. We have a mayor that supports us and has committed to making it happen.l

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those convictions determined under other state or local laws.

Hence, Americans who were convicted of the possession of marijuana under fed eral laws will no longer be classified as criminals. A development appraised as a big win, especially for many people of color who have been disproportionately affected by the law more than others. Furthermore, the President encouraged the states to consider adopting the law since many marijuana cases are predom inantly state-based offenses and 'posses sion' cases.

In his speech, he acknowledged that people's lives could become upturned when convicted because of their posses sion or usage of marijuana. However, it is reported that there is no one in federal prison on a single charge of possession of marijuana. However, the pardon will help many convicts overcome obstacles to finding a job, renting a home, and get ting their lives together.

President Biden explained that many people with prior Federal convictions for marijuana possession might be denied housing, employment, or educational opportunities. As a result, "My action will help relieve the collateral conse quences arising from these convictions," he said

Advocacy groups like the Drug Policy Alliance, whose leader, Kassandra Frederique, expressed excitement at the announcement, said it is long overdue. Frederique agrees with the President that people should not be saddled with a criminal record that prevents them from accessing important life opportunities. Especially for an act that has become legal in almost twenty states (19 states and D.C.) and is no longer a criminal offense in over 30 states.

These states have legalized the medical use of cannabis to different levels. Each structure has its criteria for determining the conditions for prescribing cannabis, amounts, and the process for issuing medical marijuana licenses.

Another prominent figure, Reverend Al Sharpton, leader of the National Action Network, said the action would give many Americans their lives back. However, he quickly mentioned, "The United States will never justly legalize marijuana until it reckons with outdated

policies. The ones that equated many young Black men with hardened drug pushers."

The But

However, despite the good news, the proclamation has apparent limitations.

For instance, the pardon is limited to marijuana, leaving out possession and charges relating to the production or intent to distribute.

Most noteworthy is that the order leaves out noncitizens, predominantly undocu mented immigrants, in possession at the time of their arrest, which often affects Black and Latino people.

In a statement, the Senior Policy attor ney for an advocacy group called The Immigrant Defense Project, Ms. Jane Shim, applauded Mr. President's pardon. However, she quickly pointed out their disappointment towards the Administration's somewhat deliberate exclusion of undocumented immigrants, who constitute a substantial number of the offenders.

According to her, "It is extremely dis appointing that the Administration excluded undocumented immigrants. Furthermore, some pardoned immigrants may remain at risk of detention and deportation because of a marijuana offense due to punitive immigration laws."

Shim encouraged President Biden to ensure that marijuana possession convic tions should not threaten an individual's immigration status. Noting that Federal immigration authorities have in the past, and presently, deny citizenship and green card applications based on convictions from possession of marijuana posses sion."

She explained that Immigration and Customs Enforcement had deported many people for marijuana possession.

Beyond the perceived opportunities cre ated by the pardon, many families who are often at risk of being separated due to deportation must be protected from mar ijuana usage and possession convictions.

She aligns with Rev. Al Sharpton's view that immigration laws need to change to ensure that activities related to marijuana do not result in detention and deporta tion.

Therefore, the federal government's move seems in line with similar actions in places like New York City. Such cities have already made progress toward decriminalizing low-level marijuana arrests, but factions remain in this move ment.

Effect of Federal Law On Immigration

Without an effective change in the law, there remains a substantial immigration risk involved in using, growing, possess ing, or selling marijuana or even visiting marijuana dispensaries. The violation and conviction of any of the laws relating to controlled substances, including mari juana, can be considered a basis for denying visa applications, entering into the U.S, revoking a visa stamp, denying applications for naturalization or perma nent residency, subjection to mandatory detention, and in some cases, even deportation.

Marijuana as a Basis for Deportation

As the law stands for noncitizens, you can be deported for a marijuana-related conviction on controlled substance grounds. Those seeking to become American citizens can become disquali fied and barred if they cannot establish good moral character.

Deductively

For now, cannabis or marijuana posses sion remains a deportable offense for noncitizens.

An immigration officer can deny an immigrant re-entry if they have used, possessed, or sold marijuana, even in states where it is legal. Their citizenship application can also be rejected, or they can be deported.

Green card holders can lose their law ful permanent resident status and deport for a cannabis-related conviction.

Deportation of over 44,000 people nationwide took place between 2003 to 2018 for possession of marijuana; thus, many undocumented and noncitizens in the U.S remains at risk.

Although there is hope that President Biden's announcement serves as the first step toward decriminalization of the drug, however, until the call becomes law, immigrants should endeavor to:

•Talk to a lawyer first if they require cannabis for medicinal reasons

•Please stay away from cannabis/ mari juana until they become a U.S. citizen

•Avoid carrying marijuana or keeping a medical card at any point in time

•Seek a lawyer (askthelawyer.us) if mar ijuana was used or if they worked in the industry before applying for immigration status or citizenship adjustment.

Deportation Defense

Brian Figeroux, Esq., of the Law Firm of Figeroux & Associates, who has been practicing immigration law for over 25 years, explained, "In a state like New York, the offense remains a deportable offense even if the state joins others in the complete legalization of marijuana. The best defense against deportation is to become a U.S. citizen."

Experts argue that someone convicted of cannabis under New York law should n't form a basis for the deportation of any of the over 4.5 million immigrants whose home is in New York. Yet, racial profil ing is possible emanating from cannabis legalization for recreational usage. For instance, law enforcement officers can stop immigrants based on racial profil ing, ask questions, or conduct a back ground check on their legal status.

Such police officers violate people's constitutional rights and pridefully enforce white nationality. They will stop and question anyone that looks like an immigrant and prosecute them if they have more than 30 grams of weed.

These arrests will cause immigration authorities to place these immigrants in removal proceedings. Thus, decriminal ization does not stop non-criminal depor tation.l

Biden’s Marijuana Pardon/

President Biden. Editorial credit: Evan El-Amin / Shutterstock.com

The Secrets to Selling Your Home above the Asking Price

Weall want to sell our homes at above asking price, but what is it that makes a seller succeed at this? Here's our expert advice on how you can sell your home above the asking price.

Ask For Less

You may be surprised, but pricing your home lower than market value can have an extremely positive effect on the offers you receive. This is because a low-priced listing will stand out and will draw more attention, which boosts your chance of a bidding war.

By attracting more buyers to come and look at your home, you will find more buyers who are willing to make an offer on your property. When they view your home they will see its true market value, and are then more likely to make a higher offer in hopes of outbidding others. It's all about creating hype, and a low asking price will do just that.

Wait It Out

While it may be tempting to accept the first offer that comes along, it is usually better to wait and see what other offers come in. If you accept the first offer on your property you have closed the door to

competition, and competing offers are what spark bidding wars which, ultimate ly, are what will lead you to receive more than asking.

Consider Who You're Selling To Is your home better suited towards tradi tional buyers, or is it a valuable property for investors? If your home could easily be renovated and flipped, has high poten tial as an income property, or is in an upand-coming neighborhood, it may be bet ter marketed as an incredible investment property.

Investors expect a return on the money that they spend so are often more willing to make a higher offer - they know those funds will come right back to them.

Rock Your Renos

There are several simple renovations that can add a huge amount of value to your home. The return on investment for a few small upgrades is often very worthwhile when your goal is to receive more than asking price.

Make sure the flooring, kitchen, and bathrooms in your home are updated and appealing, and if not, consider upgrading these areas first. If you're targeting investors, adding an income suite to your property may be the best investment you can make. Consider which kind of buyer you're targeting and what areas of your home need the most TLC, and choose accordingly.

Guidance

Speak with a trusted real estate agent today to learn more techniques to suc cessfully sell your home for above the asking price. We will be happy to meet with you and share our guidance. Schedule an appointment today. Call us at 888-670-6791.l

Call Equity Smart Realty at 888-670-6791 for a consultation.

Broadcast Commission of Jamaica Imposes Ban on Music and Television Broadcasts It Believes Glorify Violence

BY STAFF WRITER, JAMAICANS.COM

Weall want to sell our homes at above asking price, but what is it that makes a seller succeed at this? Here's our expert advice on how you can sell your home above the asking price.

The Broadcasting Commission of Jamaica has banned all music and televi sion broadcasts that it has determined glorify or promote violence, use of drugs, scamming, weapons, and criminal activi ty. According to the Jamaican govern ment regulatory authority, its ban is designed to reduce material that “could give the wrong impression that criminali ty is an accepted feature of Jamaican cul ture and society.” This includes program ming that includes “urban slang” associ ated with making money or acquiring wealth. The ban states that channels should avoid any urban slang terms that refer in any way to making money, wire transfers, lavish lifestyles, or getting rich. Some of the words and phrases specifi cally banned include “bank/foreign account,” “food,” “wallet,” “purse,”

“burner phone,” and “client.”

The move has been strongly criticized by Jamaican artists who say it will not be effective in stopping crime and will remove the populations most impacted by rising gun violence from any conversa tion about the issue.

According to Jamaican music producer and singer Stephen McGregor, a Grammy award winner known professionally as Di GENIUS, the music banned by the

Broadcasting Commission reflects what is really happening in the country. “Art imitates life,” he said, noting that regula tors are trying to eliminate it because it does not mesh with what they believe the “moral mold” of Jamaica should look like. McGregor and other artists view the ban as a matter of free speech and believe that if the government really wanted to stop the violence it would address its root causes, including the economic crisis resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic that has had a negative effect on the coun try.

The Broadcasting Commission of Jamaica implemented the ban following efforts by authorities to put an end to the nation’s high levels of gun violence. In 2021, research by Insight Crime found that Jamaica had the highest murder rate among the countries of Latin America and the Caribbean. The Commission stat ed that the music and videos now banned from public broadcasts normalized crimi nality “among vulnerable and impres sionable youth,” McGregor noted that the ban would have a minimal practical effect on young people as most use the stream

ing platforms like YouTube and Spotify to get their media.

The Commission has provided no details concerning what consequences would accrue to those violating the ban and also did not respond to requests for comment on criticism directed against the ban. It did ask the public to report any alleged violations, however.

Jamaica has imposed similar bans in the past, most recently in 2009, and McGregor said that his music has been banned from broadcast in the country throughout his career due to its mentions of guns and sex, but the restrictions did not last.

McGregor, who believes the ban is a way for the government to use artists as scapegoats for its own large failures to address endemic problems and discon tent. He said artists cannot be forced to create a happy “feel good” picture of the country when that situation is not a real ity. He has been joined in his criticism of the ban by other Jamaican artists includ ing Rvssian, NotNice, and Romeich who have all criticized the measure on social media.l

Senator Bob Menendez (DN.J.), a senior member of the Senate Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs Committee, joined advo cates and victims in reiterating his call to the big banks who own Zelle and the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) to do more to protect consumers from fraud and scams conducted using instant digital payment networks like Zelle. The Senator recently called on the CFPB to hold banks accountable by updating and clarifying its rules and guidance for peer-to-peer payments regarding fraudulently induced transac tions.

“The big banks are racking up billions of dollars in profits every year and all we are asking is that they treat their con sumers fairly – that means taking proac tive streps to prevent fraud and scams on their platform and then making it right when fraudsters or scammers slip through the cracks,” said Sen. Menendez. “It is time for the banks to revise their existing policies, end the confusion, and make consumers whole when they are defrauded on the banks’ own platform.

We also need the CFPB to take swift action on Zelle-related scams.”

Nearly 18 million Americans were vic tims of scams involving Zelle and other instant payment applications in 2020 and the institutions that participate in the net work do not appear to have provided suf ficient protection or recourse to their cus tomers for fraudulently induced transac tions. Over the past several months, Sen. Menendez and several of his colleagues have led efforts to hold Zelle’s network operator, Early Warning Services LLC., and the seven banks that own it account

able, including Bank of America, Capital One, Chase, PNC Bank, Truist, U.S. Bank, and Wells Fargo.

"Rising inflation. the COVID 19 pan demic and other economic challenges have left low-and moderate-income New Jerseyans much less resilient when they fall victim to financial scams and fraud," said Beverly Brown Ruggia, Financial Program Director for New Jersey Citizen Action. "The banks that own Zelle, who have made huge profits in recent years, have an obligation to implement robust measures to protect consumers using

payment app scams

their digital payment networks. We applaud Senator Menendez for his lead ership in pressing these banks, his fellow members of Congress and the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau to take action on this issue, and for his efforts to hold financial institutions accountable for the millions of scams that have been perpetrated through their networks. We urge lawmakers and officials at every level to take whatever actions needed to protect consumers from these online predators."

New Jersey residents who were vic tims of Zelle scams joined the Senator and New Jersey Citizen Action to share their stories. Alex Carrazana, of Westwood, recounted how he was scammed out of nearly $600 in a Zelle scam when trying to purchase Buffalo Bills tickets for his son and a friend who had lost his dad to COVID-19. Mary Powell, of East Orange, shared how she was scammed out of $3500 by a profes sional scammer who had told her he would help her refund an unauthorized Amazon purchase. Neither of their banks assisted with refunding their stolen funds.l

Domestic Abuse: Teach Your Boys to Become Real Men

BY JANET HOWARD

Themales in your life: your sons, grandsons, nephews, or younger brothers, are constantly influ enced by factors of the outside world. Everything they see and do impacts the type of men they will become. Their friends, community, the Internet, and the kind of music they listen to all profound ly impact their psyche. They hear varying opinions of what it means to be a man, and it puts into their heads that men are always in control and tough. They are brainwashed into the mindset that women need to be controlled.

Be sure to give the boys in your life the gift of your time. Boys need to learn how to act around girls and women. By spending time with you, whether you are male or female, boys can be taught how to relate to those of the opposite gender. The earlier this teaching is implemented, the better for everyone concerned. Teach the boys in your life from the time they are infants that violence is not part of a healthy relationship. Teach them these lessons every chance you get.

When

It’s never too early to talk to the boys in

your life about violence. Teach toddlers not to hit or lash out at others. Help them learn to manage their anger and frustra tion. Teach them what behaviors are unacceptable and teach them to share, be fair and how treat others with kindness and respect. Teach them to display good traits and be empathetic and sympathetic toward their peers and others.

Time

Spend time with the boys in your life.

This is crucial if you wish them to grow up to be caring individuals. You don’t have to spend money to be together. Go for a walk, go to the park, read a book together, listen to music, or play a board

game. Take an interest in their hobbies and encourage them to have good com munication skills.

Be a Good Listener

Let the boys in your life know that you are there to love and support them in all things. Assure them they can talk to you about anything, and be a good listener when they talk. Also, listen to what the boys in your life talk about with their friends and say about girls. Ask them if any of their friends are in abusive rela tionships. Don’t freak out if they say yes. Instead, coach them in proper behavior and explain to them why domestic vio lence is wrong.

Dealing with Anger and Frustration

Teach the boys in your life how to deal with anger and frustration. Explain to them that holding anger inside will cause them to do things they will regret. Let them know that there’s never a time when violence is acceptable. Teach them to talk about their feelings; if they become angry or frustrated, they can jog it off, walk it off, talk it off, or go into a room where they can be alone to calm down. Assure the boys in your life that they can come to you for help and sup port if they feel things are getting out of control. Give them examples of situa tions that could go out of control and turn violent. Teach them how to avoid such situations.

How to Deal with Females

Whether you are male or female, boys will never come to you for advice on how to treat girls or women. Watch tele vision with them and share time listening to their favorite music. If you hear or see anything that is inappropriately directed toward women, share your thoughts on the subject and explain why it is wrong. Speak out against sports figures, actors, jokes, music, and video or computer continued on page 10

Power & Politics (PPP) chatted with Ms. Joseph (CMJ) about her first few months as a City Council member.

PPP: What has been your experience as a City Council member for the first few months? What are your plans for the rest of 2022?

CMJ: I've really enjoyed being a Council Member! Before joining the Council, I was a public school teacher for 22 years, so my job title is very different from what it was previously. At the same time, the work I'm doing as a Council Member is the same as what I've been doing for decades. Whether it's organiz ing backpack giveaways and community events, advocating for policy change, or connecting people with government resources, this new job of Council Member is what I was doing long before I got the fancy title. The biggest differ ence now that I'm a Council Member is that when I'm causing good trouble now, the powers have no choice but to listen to me!

PPP: You represent the 40th District, which is very diverse with a large immi grant population, particularly Haitians. As an immigrant, what are your thoughts on migrants sent to New York by Republican Governors? What are you doing to protect the immigrants in the 40th District?

CMJ: Xenophobic Republic Governors sending migrants to New York City are motivated by racism. I was elected to speak truth to power, so I will call it what it is. It's so disgusting that elected offi cials who were voted into office to help people instead use real human beings as political props. I'm so proud of New York City for standing with the migrants and embracing them with open arms. These people deserve to be treated with dignity and respect, and I think, as a city, we've made it clear that we won't accept the bigotry that the Governors of Texas and Florida are offering.

Regarding how I'm working on behalf of immigrants: we've done a lot already! I'm proud that my office organized a community ID NYC event where we were able to distribute IDs to the public. If you're unfamiliar, IDNYC is a card for all New Yorkers from all backgrounds and five boroughs. Your immigration sta tus does not matter. The free municipal identification card for New York City residents ages ten and up provides access

to a wide variety of services and pro grams offered by the City. IDNYC card holders enjoy benefits and discounts offered by businesses and cultural institu tions across the five boroughs.

My office also allocated significant funding to diverse organizations serving immigrant communities.

Lastly, I've also been trying to pass leg islation benefiting immigrant communi ties! The Council just passed a bill; that I helped to introduce alongside my col league, Council Member Sandra Ung, that requires the Department of Information Technology and Telecommunications to publicly report on wait times for when 311 connects callers to an interpreter. Non-native English speakers often have to deal with unfairly long wait times to get the assis tance they need, and the passage of this bill will go a long way to bring some much-needed transparency and reform toward cutting down wait times. This bill is a positive step towards the more com prehensive language justice we need to see more broadly in NYC.

PPP: Health parity is another issue that was a priority, in particular, maternal health. What strides have you made in this regard and health generally?

CMJ: For the first time in the history of the Council, the majority-women Council passed a package of legislation addressing significant disparities in maternal health, mortality, and morbidity. While about 30 women in New York City die each year of a pregnancy-related cause, statistics indicate that approxi mately 3,000 women "almost die," or experience morbidity, during childbirth, with the majority of cases being people of color. In New York City, Black women are eight times more likely than white women to die from a pregnancy-related cause and nearly three times more likely to experience severe maternal morbidity

than white women. To address this national maternal health crisis that impacts New York City, the Council passed a package of bills to expand maternal health services and address sys temic inequities that affect women. This package has many bills, but I want to highlight Intro. 472, which would require the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene to establish a program to train doulas and provide services to residents of marginalized neighborhoods in all five boroughs at no cost to the resident. Doulas will be trained in birth equity, trauma-informed care, perinatal mood, and anxiety disorders, navigating the hospital environment, and support serv ices available to low-income women and their families.

PPP: Before being elected, you had always been a community activist and proud union member. As a City Council member, how are you continuing to advocate for immigrant and non-union workers vulnerable to wage theft and unsafe working conditions?

CMJ: I'm thrilled you brought that up because, to my knowledge, I'm the only member of the City Council that's been part of not one, but two unions. As a teacher, I was a member of the UFT but also part of RWDSU way back in the day!

I'm a proud co-sponsor of Intro. 617, which would expand the Earned Safe and Sick Time Act (the Act) to extend the Act's benefits to independent contractors who are not currently covered by the law.

I'm also a co-sponsor of a bill calling on the state to raise the minimum wage annually by a percentage based on the inflation rate. Prices are going up, but wages aren't. That's not right, and it needs to change. The truth is that $15 an hour just isn't cutting it anymore.

PPP: You were recently elected, and with redistricting, you have new elec tions in about two years. How can one support your campaign?

CMJ: Go to ritajoseph.com and sign up for our email list! You can follow me on social media at @ritajosephnyc to stay in the loop on volunteer opportunities. Feel free to donate $10 our way too! New York City has a matching funds program, so every $10 you donate is matched 8 to 1 by the City. Your $10 donation will actually be worth $90! l

This article was edited. Listen to the full interview at pppradio.nyc

games that portray domestic violence or the abuse of women. Doing this will pre pare them for the time when they start dating. They will know how to treat women and girls with the utmost respect.

Role Models

Try to ensure that the boys in your life have good role models. Be aware that the men in the boys’ lives reach them, direct ly or indirectly, regarding how to treat the females they’re close to. Fathers, Boy Scout leaders, coaches, teachers, uncles, and all other men in your boys’ lives should teach them to respect women through actions and words. Boys learn about respect by observing how the men in their lives treat women. Boys con stantly watch what the men around them do and say when interacting with women, and they pick up both good and bad behavior. Let the boys in your life know that they must always treat girls and women well to maintain good rela tionships.

Talking to Boys

Don’t think your job is done after you have had “the” talk with the boys in your life. Be sure to talk to them often and assure them that you will be there for them should any relationship problems rear their ugly heads. Take every oppor tunity to reinforce the knowledge that domestic abuse and relationship vio lence, including verbal abuse, are wrong. By spending time with the boys in your life, you will teach them how to treat women and girls positively. Yes, you will help them to grow into real men instead of abusive husbands and fathers.l

CM Rita Joseph/ continued from

Teach Your Boys/ continued from

The Council just passed a MASSIVE childcare package. Photo: Rita Joseph Facebook.

Putting Stolen Wages Back in Workers Hands

Earlier this month, the Office NYC Comptroller's Brad Lander gath ered with Attorney General Letitia James and workers with 32BJ SEIU to announce a settlement to return more than $723,000 in unpaid wages and ben efits to 24 workers, as well as $1.8 mil lion in penalties to the city and state.

The Bureau of Labor Law at the Comptroller's Office sets and enforces prevailing wages for employees working on City public projects in construction, such as renovating public schools or building service contracts, including security guard and custodial work.

The investigation found that luxury res idential property developer Heatherwood Properties (LLC) received tax exemp tions on two properties in Queens and Brooklyn under the 421-a program — but failed to pay required prevailing wages and benefits to building service employ ees.

Not only did Heatherwood reap tax ben efits under false pretenses, but they also denied hard-working New Yorkers the compensation they were due for their labor. Listen to Elizabeth Hernandez, new mom to an 11-month-old, talk about why she organized with fellow workers to demand what they were owed.

This is what collaboration in govern ment is all about. 32BJ blew the whistle

on Heatherwood's cheating, and AG James and the Comptroller's Office part nered to put money back in workers' hands, with interest.

After identifying bad actors and enforc ing the law, the Bureau of Labor Law attempts to find workers who are owed wages from their settlements. Sometimes workers can be hard to find because they've moved or we just don't have con tact information for them. Currently, more than 1300 workers are entitled to payments totaling nearly $3 million from

prevailing wage settlements with several companies that worked on City-funded projects.

Workers employed on City-funded worksites like public schools, subway stations, City streets, and parks who believe that the Comptroller's office has collected prevailing wages from their employers should check the Comptroller's unclaimed wages website, www.comptroller.nyc.gov or send inquiries via email to laborlaw@comp troller.nyc.gov.l

make

will

NYC Comptroller Brad Lander, NY Attorney General Letitia James, and 32BJ President Kyle Bragg together with workers and 32BJ members hold a check for prevailing wages. Photo courtesy: NYC Comptroller’s Office

Once Again, Undocumented Youth Find Themselves in Legal Limbo After Court Decisions

BY AMERICAN IMMIGRATION COUNCIL STAFF

Aftermonths of waiting for deci sions on the future of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program, hundreds of thousands of undocumented youth are back to where they started—waiting for a legislative fix to their ongoing legal limbo.

The Biden administration and the states suing to end DACA continue to fight it out in court. But the Biden administra tion doesn’t seem to be fighting as hard as some immigrant advocates might like.

What is the latest in the DACA litigation?

After the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals issued a decision finding the 2012 ver sion of DACA to be illegal, it once again sent the case back to Texas federal dis trict court Judge Andrew Hanen. Then last Friday, the federal government agreed with the states that the Texas court’s 2021 injunction halting DHS

from enrolling new people in DACA would cover the new rule announced in August, which was set to take effect on October 31, 2022.

The Biden administration did not explain why it conceded that the Texas federal district court’s 2021 order applies to the new DACA regulation that the administration issued after that ruling. But there are several reasons it might have done so. Despite being over 450

pages, the new rule changes little about the eligibility criteria or operation of DACA. And Judge Hanen already found the similar 2012 version of DACA to be substantively unlawful for a variety of reasons. The chance of changing his mind about the new rule was low.

Perhaps most importantly, Judge Hanen’s partial pause of his 2021 order and the decision from a federal district court in New York in favor of DACA recipients mean that the status quo will continue.

What does this mean for undocument ed youth in the U.S.?

The recent orders mean that people who are currently enrolled in DACA can con tinue to request renewals of their grants and work authorization. But U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) still cannot grant DACA to undocumented youth who want to apply for the first time, even if they otherwise meet the eligibility criteria. The Biden administration has also decided to pre clude people whose DACA expired more than a year ago from renewing their pro tections. Instead, they’ll be classified as “initial applicants,” meaning that they also cannot be granted DACA under the current legal framework.

First-time applicants should also keep in mind that the dueling court orders has resulted in a bureaucratic quagmire. USCIS is obligated under the New York court order to accept initial applications for DACA and work permits from people who do not currently have DACA. But the applications can’t move forward from

on page 13

there. That’s because the Texas court pro hibits USCIS from actually granting any of those applications as long as Judge Hanen’s order remains in effect. That means the $495 fee that initial applicants for DACA must pay for biometrics and work authorization will remain in USCIS’ coffers, without any guarantee their applications will ever be decided.

What’s next?

Unfortunately, Judge Hanen’s order will likely be in effect for a long time. And there may be worse to come as the Texas case winds its way back through the appeals court and to a Supreme Court that is consistently voting against immi grant rights. While the case may be pro ceeding too slowly to make it to the high court this term, there is little doubt that it will end up there soon, possibly in the 2023-2024 term.

If the case reaches the Supreme Court, the Court will likely decide the legality of DACA under our immigration laws. Unlike the first time DACA was in front of the Court in 2016—when the justices affirmed the Fifth Circuit’s rejection of a proposed expansion to DACA—and its last trip to the Supreme Court in 2020 when the Court decided that the Trump administration had not ended DACA in a procedurally correct way, this time it will face a more fundamental existential

threat. Given the current nine justices, the third time in front of the Supreme Court is unlikely to be a charm for DACA and the undocumented youth it seeks to protect.

For now, the question of DACA’s future continues to ping-pong between the Executive branch and the judiciary in the absence of a congressional solution. It is long past time for Congress to take action. Undocumented youth should have the opportunity to permanently remain with their families and communi ties without worrying about whether the next election or anti-immigrant lawsuit will lead to their deportation.l

Editorial credit: Rena Schild / Shutterstock.com

Bes t Online Paralegal Program

Therise in popularity of online education programs means that it is easier than ever to find the right one for you. Deciding on the best parale gal online program requires research and time. By weeding out the level mills and sub-standard institutions, you can earn a quality certificate at an affordable price.

When researching online paralegal pro grams, you will want to consider several factors: cost and institution reputation are the most important. With this in mind, one program rises above the rest.

The Chamber Coalition, which compris es the New American Chamber of Commerce (NACC), the African American International Chamber of Commerce (AAICC), and the Hispanic American International Chamber of Commerce (HAICC), offers the best online Paralegal Studies program. The competitive tuition rate, coupled with the impeccable reputation of the Coalition, makes this an obvious choice for anyone serious about their education. While no online program is ABA-approved, this one still maintains the highest standards.

Requirements

To be admitted to the Chamber's

Paralegal Certificate program, you must be at least eighteen years old, have strong computer skills, and have a high school diploma. If these qualifications fit you, you can continue the admission process. Applications are accepted online anytime during the year. A mandatory orientation describes your upcoming classes, guide lines, and expectations.

The tuition for this respected program is very competitive with other online paralegal degrees. It costs less than $1000 for the entire program. The aver age student can finish the degree in any

where from six to twelve months. Books are extra and will run around a few hun dred dollars for everything. If you want the best paralegal online program at the best price, the Chamber Coalition Paralegal Certificate Program is the answer. The program is excellent for aspiring and current paralegals, individu als who plan to attend law school, com munity advocates, persons who want to understand the law and their rights, and prospective political candidates.

Is Being a Paralegal Worth It?

Yes. The Bureau of Labor Statistics proj ects a 10% job growth between now and 2029. The median salary nationwide in 2019 was $51,740, and the average mean wage was $61,810. It truly is a presti gious and significant profession. Simply put, paralegals help people. They help their employers be more efficient in their jobs, increase a firm's revenue and pro ductivity, and help the clients.

A career as a paralegal can be reward ing professionally and personally and offers a unique opportunity to help oth ers; options vary, depending on the para legal's practice area. Ready to take the leap, the next step? Visit www.freepara legal.org to complete your registration which includes payment. l

Looking to make extra cash? A side hustle?

We are looking for persons to sell advertisements. Experience in advertising

is needed and preferably experience or a sincere interest in marketing.

Interested?

your resume to

Orientation is Monday,

us

Let’s Go to PiCH: NYC’s Newest Caribbean Cuisine Restaurant

BY SHAQUILLE BAIRD

Kitchen Corner

Authentic Chicken Madras

Tossed

in honey garlic sauce, gar nished with signature herbs, and spices & served in a waffle cone, Salmon Bites, is one of the many delica cies you’ll enjoy at PiCH Restaurant, Bar & Lounge.

Located at 774 Flatbush Avenue, PiCH is an emblem for People of Caribbean Heritage. The newly opened restaurant offers a familiar assortment of Caribbean cuisines with a modern twist. Part owner and co-founder Calvin Mason attributed PiCH’s unique style to the team, especial ly Nicole Thomas, PiCH’s Head Chef.

“We have a real sassy chef. She knows how to manage her kitchen. She knows how to manage her workers. She knows how to make sure the food tastes the same all the time. Not a different taste. Same taste. Ingredients on point.”

Among the team, Godfrey Lewis and Calvin Collins, known as DJ Spice, are also part owners and co-founders. Calvin Mason shared how much the stars aligned for him as the trio met one night at an event. As the old adage goes, “the rest was history.”

“We all met at a party. Like we literally went to the same party, not knowing we were all going to be there, but when we connected, we had the same vision, ener gy, and motive. It was just on point when we started talking. And that’s when we just broke it down and said we’re going to follow our dreams. Make it happen. We all had the same common denomina tor: get a restaurant and make people happy.”

From a critiquing point of view, menu items at PiCH certainly make people happy. With eccentric names like the Forbidden Apple and a Touch of Spice, drinks feature a smooth blend of whiskey, vodka, citrus, tropical fruits, and spices. Food items feature meals we love; Grilled Salmon, Spiced Pepper Shrimp, and New York Ribeye are just a few. In a fine-dining style, both appetizers and entrees come equipped with signature sauces and an outstanding blend of herbs

that ensure a delectable taste.

Visually, both food and drink items at PiCH are a delight. While that is fantastic, it’s even more impressive just how plentiful and afford able the meals tend to be.

Added to the splendid menu and affordable prices, the atmosphere at PiCH most certainly represents Caribbean Heritage. Staff members are friendly and engaging. Upon entering, you are embraced with warm smiles and, as “Caribbeaners” say, “Good Vibes.” As you’re seated, whether at the bar or a table, you’ll begin to rock away to the songs of soca, hip-hop & reggae, both old and new.

For Calvin Collins (DJ Spice), a DJ of 40 years and the founder of Team Soca, a network of Caribbean & US-based soca DJs, the atmos phere of PiCH is very important.

“PiCH is really team soca. So, the vibes have to be right. You’ll hear soca, reggae, and some hip-hop on any night. You’ll be seeing DJs fly ing in. The best of the Caribbean, New York, the best of the world.”

Godfrey Lewis, the administrator of the trio, also chimed in on the atmosphere of PiCH and alluded to it becoming the franchise of the Caribbean.

“We want to have a PiCH in Miami, a PiCH in Canada, a PiCH in Trinidad, a PiCH in Grenada. We definitely want to expand and bring PiCH’s flavor to other countries all over the world.

Bringing that Caribbean food, Caribbean vibe, and Caribbean people back to the essence of it all.”

There

is nothing quite like authentic Indian food pre pared using a traditional recipe. This authentic chicken Madras dish is a must for those of you who enjoy a good old curry. You can cook this curry in the morning and leave it to infuse throughout the day to make it even more delicious.

—Myree, AllRecipes.com

Ingredients

5 tablespoons cooking oil

3 whole cloves

2 cardamom pods

2 large onions, finely chopped

3 green chile peppers, with seeds, chopped

1 (1 inch) piece ginger, minced

4 cloves garlic, crushed

1 teaspoon ground red chili pepper, or to taste

1 teaspoon ground turmeric

½ teaspoon ground cumin

½ teaspoon ground coriander salt to taste

1 ½ pounds skinless, boneless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces

¼ cup water

½ (14 ounce) can tomato puree

1 teaspoon ground nutmeg

½ cup chopped fresh cilantro, or more to taste

1 teaspoon garam masala

Directions

Step 1

Heat oil in a large nonstick pan

over medium heat. Add cloves and car damom pods and wait until they sizzle, about 1 minute. Add onions and fry until dark brown, 7 to 10 minutes. Add chile peppers, ginger, and garlic; cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add ground chile pepper, turmeric, cumin, coriander, and salt. Cook, stirring frequently, until blended in, about 1 minute more.

Step 2

Stir chicken and water into the pan with the spice mixture. Cook, while stirring, until water is incorporated, 2 to 3 min utes. Add tomato puree and nutmeg and cover the pan with a lid. Cook until chicken is tender over medium heat, about 20 minutes. When ready to serve, sprinkle with garam masala and cilantro.

Nutrition Facts

Per serving: 423 calories; total fat 22g; saturated fat 4g; cholesterol 97mg; sodi um 335mg; total carbohydrate 18g; dietary fiber 4g; total sugars 8g; protein 38g; vitamin c 96mg; calcium 75mg; iron 4mg; potassium 824mg.l

Prep Time: 20 mins

Cook Time: 35 mins

Total Time: 55 mins

Photo: Shaquille Baird/IQ Inc

Barbados & The Bahamas Talk Sports

BY FABIAN BELGRAVE

GIS

Anyeffort by The Bahamas to learn more about Barbados’ sports programs will be support ed. Minister of Youth, Sports and Community Empowerment, Charles Griffith, gave this assurance to High Commissioner of The Bahamas to Barbados, Leslia Miller-Brice, when she paid a courtesy call to the Ministry at Haggatt Hall, St. Michael, recently.

Mrs. Miller-Brice, a former CARIFTA Athlete and basketball player, made note of Barbados’ various sporting programs, including Sport for Life, the National Summer Camps program, Baje Fit and the Elderly Swim program started by the National Sports Council. She commend ed Barbados on its programs and expressed interest in learning more about them.

The High Commissioner also stated: “With everything that is happening around the world with our young people just becoming disillusioned and not interested, and finding other ways to get themselves into trouble, the world has shown us that through sports, anything is possible to change the mindset of any

human being.”

Minister Griffith indicated that his Ministry would be amenable to providing assistance to the Bahamas in any capacity it could, especially in the area of summer camps.

“One of our signature programs here is our summer camps. This is a time period where we provide a structured environ ment…maybe you would want to look at an exchange where 20-30 students come to Barbados. We can put on a program, catered specifically for you; it would be like a study tour for your officials, and you can come and see what is happening. You will have a visual and a template to see how the camp works,” the Minister of

Sports stated.

The two officials also discussed sports, specifically women’s cricket, road ten nis, beach football and the Sports Development Policy. They also spoke about urban renewal programs, safe spaces for youth and the Scholastic Assessment Test program.

Others in attendance were Director of Youth Affairs, Cleviston Hunte; Director of Sports, Stephen Rowe; Director of the National Sports Council, Neil Murrell; Honorary Consul of The Bahamas to Barbados, Selwyn Smith; Aide to the High Commissioner, Livingston Leonard Barr, and Foreign Service Officer, Antonio Butler Jr.l

Minister of Youth, Sports and Community Empowerment, Charles Griffith, and High Commissioner of The Bahamas to Barbados, Leslia Miller-Brice, pose for a photograph following their recent courtesy call. (Ministry of Youth, Sports and Community Empowerment)

Figeroux,

5 Tips for Dealing with Anxiety and Relationship Doubts

BY ESTES THERAPY

Whenit comes to anxiety and relationships, it can be tough to know what’s normal and what’s not. It’s common to experience doubts and worries in a relationship, but if those doubts start to take over your life, they can become a serious problem.

If you’re struggling with anxiety and relationship doubts, here are some tips that can help.

1. Talk to a Professional About Your Anxiety and Relationship Doubts

If you’re struggling with anxiety and relationship doubts, it’s helpful to seek professional assistance. A therapist can help you understand and manage your anxiety and provide support and guid ance in dealing with your relationship doubts.

It is difficult to see things clearly when we are anxious or doubting ourselves. A therapist can provide an objective per spective and help you develop a plan to address your anxiety and relationship doubts. They can also help you (and your partner) understand the root of your anx

iety and doubts, which oftentimes do not come from where you think they are coming from.

Bringing in a professional for couples counseling helps you to pinpoint the source of these anxious and negative feelings, work through them, and under stand how to prevent them from running your life and your relationship.

2. Identify Your Triggers

One of the best ways to manage anxiety and relationship doubts is to identify your

triggers. What situations or circum stances tend to make you feel anxious or doubtful? Once you know your triggers, you can begin to develop a plan to avoid or cope with them.

Triggers can look different for every one. For some, anxiety may be triggered by certain people or situations. For oth ers, it may be triggered by intrusive thoughts or physical sensations.

In relationships, anxiety and doubts can be triggered by arguments, conflict, or feeling like you are not good enough

(which can also be triggered by relation ships or events from your past). No mat ter what your triggers are, it’s essential to be aware of them to begin managing your anxiety.

3. Maintain Open and Clear Communication

When you’re feeling anxious or are hav ing doubts about yourself or your rela tionship, it can be challenging to express what you’re feeling. However, open and transparent communication is key to managing anxiety and relationship doubts.

Talk to your partner about your feelings and why you’re feeling them. If you’re feeling anxious, let them know and explain what is making you feel that way.

If you’re having doubts about your rela tionship, share those with your partner as well. Clear communication will help you and your partner understand each other better and can also help to reduce anxiety and relationship doubts.

If you feel uncomfortable communicat ing with your partner, seek a third party, such as a counselor or therapist, to guide

continued on page 18

you through it and help you and your

new ways of communicat ing and feel comfortable doing it.

will pay off immensely in the

4. Develop a Healthy Routine for Yourself

This is one of the most underrated and vital things you can do to manage anxi ety and relationship doubts. Our minds and bodies feel more stable and secure when we have a healthy routine.

This sense of stability can help to reduce anxiety and relationship doubts and make you feel more comfortable and confident in yourself and your relation ships.

The role that food, exercise, and sleep play in our overall health cannot be understated. It affects the way we think, the way we feel, and the way we behave. For so long, we viewed mental health as separate from physical health, but we now know they are very much connect ed.

A healthy routine looks different for everyone, but should generally include healthy eating habits, regular exercise, adequate sleep, and relaxation time.

When you are feeling anxious, doubt ful, or triggered, you can also practice

meditation or deep breathing exercises that help to calm the mind and body. It’s crucial to find a routine that works for you and that you can stick to.

5. Identify Your Anxious Thoughts or Doubts and Question Them

Being aware of your anxious thoughts or doubts is an important step in managing them. Once you are aware of them, you can begin to question them. Why am I feeling this way? What evidence do I have to support this thought or belief?

Anxious thoughts and doubts often arise from our insecurities or past experi ences. They are not always based on real ity or rational thought. By questioning your anxious thoughts and doubts, you can begin to see them for what they are and start to let them go.

So, what would this look like?

If you are feeling anxious or doubting your relationship for one reason or anoth er, take a step back and ask yourself why. Do you have any evidence to support your anxiety or doubts?

Is your anxiety or doubt based on any thing that has happened recently, or is it coming from a place of insecurity or past experiences?

Answering these questions can help you to see your anxiety or doubt more clearly and identify what you need to do to feel better. You may conclude that you need to communicate with your partner about something specific to help you feel more secure. You may realize that the root of this anxiety or doubt came from a rough day at work and a lack of sleep. Identifying your anxious thoughts and

doubts is an essential step in managing them because it allows you to see them for what they are and start to let them go.

To Wrap Things Up

It’s important to understand that there is no one-size-fits-all answer when it comes to these issues. What works for someone else may not work for you, so be sure to experiment until you find something that helps. You can get the guidance you need for your couple and anxiety therapy.

It’s essential to keep in mind that your feelings are valid. Even if your partner doesn’t share your concerns or doubts about the relationship, that doesn’t mean they’re not real to you. Don’t hesitate to reach out for help if you need it. Talking to a therapist or counselor can be incred ibly helpful in managing anxiety and relationship doubts.l

Here at Estes Therapy we like to put our minds together and collaborate on pieces in order to get the best content for our readers. So when you see an article by “Estes Therapy” it means we all worked together to provide even more well rounded information on these topics from the differing experiences and view points of the team! Reprinted with the kind permission of Estestherapy.com

Read more stories at cawnyc.com

GREEN

Don’t

Anxiety and Relationship Doubts/

A Pandemic Lesson: Older Adults Need to Go Back to Their Doctor and Make Preventive Care a Top Priority

BY LAURIE ARCHBALD-PANNONE THE CONVERSATION

Older people have borne a higher burden of illness and death from COVID-19, with people 65 and older experiencing higher rates of hospi talization and death. That’s only part of the sad story, however. In many instances, older people stopped seeing their doctors, and standard clinical care for their chronic medical conditions and preventive care was postponed.

When medical clinics reopened, after initial shutdowns in the spring of 2020, many patients didn’t return. National sur veys and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have shown that nearly a third, or about 32%, of U.S. adults report ed delaying routine care because of the pandemic from March to July 2020. In fact, a national survey from the Harvard School of Public Health, the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and NPR found that one in five U.S. households had trouble getting medical care when they needed it during the coronavirus out

break. That was most often because of challenges getting an appointment, which resulted in poor health outcomes in more than half, or 57%, of the cases.

While care for medical emergencies is critical, preventive care is also important to optimize health, especially among older adults. As a geriatrician and profes sor of medicine, I think one of the best things the U.S. health care system could now is focus on preventive care, particu larly for older adults.

Care beyond COVID-19 vaccines

Because of their vulnerability to COVID19, older Americans were first in line for COVID-19 vaccines as they became available to the public. That aligned per fectly with public health prevention strategies. Vaccination for older adults, including those for influenza, shingles and pneumonia, is a key component of preventive care.

For older adults, though, there’s more to preventive care than vaccination.

Preventive care is an important piece of health care, in keeping with the patient’s other medical conditions and goals of care.

Preventive screening in older adults should be based on a personalized pre vention plan between the patient and their doctor. Preventive screenings ideal ly identify issues before problems occur – talking about living alone, change in memory, any falls and who is around to help out when needed.

For people over 65 years old who have Medicare Part B for 12 months, Medicare allows for an annual wellness visit once every 12 months, often at no cost.

The Medicare annual wellness visit dif fers from a regular follow-up appoint ment for chronic medical conditions. This visit is fully focused on health risk and prevention. With the changes from the COVID-19 pandemic, your doctor or health care provider can even do it as a telemedicine video visit.

The focus of this visit is on preventive care and health. It includes:

got the flu vaccine

…not the flu ‘‘

When Do I Update My Will?

BY MARY CAMPBELL

A Pandemic Lession/ continued from page 19

•A review of your medical and family history

Awill

is your ironclad way to dis perse your assets to loved ones as you wish. Here are a few of the top reasons you may need to update this important document:

Change in Marital Status

If you get married after a will is already in place, it’s important to update your beneficiaries to include a spouse. Most states have laws in place where a spouse will receive the estate if you die without a will, but the process can be more diffi cult and lengthier.

A divorce would be another change in marital status that requires a will to be doctored. You will need to address their status as beneficiary, estate executor and sometimes as guardian to your children.

If you have remarried but have children from a previous marriage, you can also update your document to include the kids and new spouse. A financial advisor is a great resource who can help you create a strategy to leave behind something for everyone.

Changes in Financial Situation

There may come a time where you decide to increase or decrease the inheritance you are leaving behind for loved ones. For instance, if you receive a large sum

of money, it’s possible to alter your will to add a new beneficiary or make an increase towards those currently on your list.

On the other hand, if you experience financial misfortune, it’s necessary to adjust the document to pay out less and ensure your estate’s obligations can still be met.

Changes in Tax Laws

It can be hard to stay up-to-date on con stantly changing tax laws, but it’s neces sary to keep your final document in good legal standing. Especially if your will

takes actions to address estate tax issues, it’s a good idea to receive periodic reviews by an attorney.

Ask for Advice

Don’t be afraid to ask your legal expert, the Law Firm of Figeroux & Associates (www.askthelawyer.us) or call 855-7688845 for advice on other moments that may benefit your last will and testament. Remember, this document is incredibly important to keep accurate, as it articu lates your vision and solidifies your lega cy.l

•Development or updating of a list of cur rent providers and prescriptions

•Height, weight, blood pressure and other routine measurements

• Detection of any cognitive impairment

• Personalized health advice

•Assessment of risk factors and treatment options

• Advance care planning

• A schedule or checklist for appropriate preventive services, such as screenings and vaccines

There’s no need to worry if you didn’t see your doctor in the past year. I’m sure they’d be happy to hear from you and work to keep you healthy. So, call your doctor or health care provider today to schedule an appointment, and ask whether you are eligible to schedule a Medicare annual wellness visit. As the nation begins to move past the highest case numbers and mortality of the COVID-19 era, the health care system and patients need to focus on optimizing health.

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Laurie Archbald-Pannone is an Associate Professor of Medicine and Geriatrics, University of Virginia

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Cholera’s Resurgence in Haiti a Reminder of How Quickly Diseases Spread

WashingtonD.C: The Director of the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), Dr. Carissa F. Etienne, said the recent cholera outbreak in Haiti, a steady increase in monkeypox cases, ongoing COVID-19 infections and low polio vac cination rates heighten the need for health emergency preparedness in the region of the Americas.

“Parallel health emergencies and frag ile social, political and natural environ ments illustrate the importance of invest ing in and strengthening health systems,” the Director said during a media briefing.

“We do not have the time to recover and prepare between health crises,” she added. After more than three years, Haiti last week reported a cholera outbreak just as the country was on the verge of being declared cholera-free.

As of October 9, national authorities confirmed 32 cases and 18 deaths, as well as over 260 suspected cases in the area surrounding the capital Port-auPrince.

“Cholera has arrived amid serious ongoing social and political unrest,” Dr. Etienne said, which “complicate efforts

to provide humanitarian assistance and to respond the outbreak.”

She added that cases are likely much higher than reported numbers, as escalat ing street violence and criminal activity limit access to the affected areas.

PAHO is supporting Haitian authorities and international partners in setting up cholera treatment centers. The Organization has donated two tons of medical supplies and is assisting the Ministry of Health in surveillance efforts and in the management of cases.

“We also stand ready to help the gov ernment quickly access vaccines sup plies,” the PAHO Director added.

Turning to monkeypox, Dr. Etienne said that the Americas now report over 45,000 cases, accounting for 63% of the global total. Around 95% of these are among men.

And while the spread of the virus seems to be slowing down, more than 2,300 new monkeypox cases were reported in the Americas last week – the majority in the United States, but hundreds also in Brazil, Colombia and Mexico.

PAHO has started to deliver monkey pox vaccines in the region, Dr. Etienne said, with Brazil and Chile being the first countries among those that requested doses receiving a first batch last week.

“We know how to track this disease. We know who is most at risk. And we know how to keep people safe from infection,” Dr. Etienne said, urging coun tries to use this knowledge to drive down cases and end monkeypox transmission.

The PAHO Director said falling COVID-19 trends globally, including in the Americas, show “we may be transi tioning from the acute phase of the pan

demic into a phase of sustained control.” But she warned this will only be possible with continued testing and increased vac cination. Just last week, the Americas reported 178,000 new COVID-19 cases. While over 70% of people in Latin America and the Caribbean have now been fully vaccinated against the virus, many countries remain short of that tar get, with 10 countries and territories yet to reach the 40% mark.

The Director also made a renewed call for countries to act on polio by increasing vaccination coverage and surveillance. She said four countries in the regionBrazil, the Dominican Republic, Haiti and Peru—are at “very high risk” of polio transmission, and another eight being considered high risk.

Polio, a disease for which there is no cure or treatment, must stay in the past, Dr. Etienne urged. “With effective vac cines and decades of immunization expe rience, we have the power to keep it there.”

“Our Region is under pressure,” the PAHO Director concluded. “We must work quickly with the tools we have at hand to control these four health emer gencies unfolding in the Americas.” l

The boosters are stronger now.

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Eric

RIGHTS

Head-On Collisions: The Deadliest Crashes

BY CHRIS TOBIAS

•Facial and dental injuries and disfigurement

Ahead-on

collision happens so quickly that there isn't any time to try and avoid the impact. Maybe the other driver was talking or texting on a cell phone and took their eyes off of the road. Maybe they were intoxicated, on drugs, or both. Maybe the other driver simply fell asleep at the wheel. One thing is certain, though, and that's the fact that head-on collisions cause severe injuries or fatalities.

Hitting a Brick Wall at 100 MPH

When two cars traveling in opposite directions at 50 mph collide, it's like hit ting a 12-inch wide-concrete wall at 100 mph. That's more than enough force to buckle and frighteningly misshape the front end of a passenger car. Mechanical parts from under the hood are forcefully and violently thrown into the passenger compartment through the car's firewall, causing multiple life-threatening person al injuries or even death. Shrapnel-like glass shards from the windshield fly towards victims at a high velocity and often cause deep facial lacerations.

Improvements in Crashworthiness

About 50 years ago, the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration concluded that head-on

crashes resulted in more fatalities than any other motor vehicle crash configura tion. Tests with crash dummies revealed front-end crashworthiness at poor to mar ginal levels. That led to the implementa tion of safety regulations that were tar geted at head-on collision crashworthi ness improvement. As a result, the safety features of all new cars on the road were enhanced. Those crashworthiness studies fostered the development of seat safety harnesses and airbags.

Head-On Overlap Collisions

When a head-on overlap collision occurs, the force of the crash is applied outward from a vehicle's longitudinal frame. For example, the left front of an oncoming vehicle that crossed the center line of the road might impact the left front of your vehicle. These types of crashes account

for a significant percentage of all headon collisions. They also account for a significant percentage of head-on colli sions with severe injuries. Occupant pro tection is decreased in these types of crashes because impacts a few feet from the center of the vehicles don't trigger a car's full front-end protective system. As a result, displacement and ejection of automobile parts and components can still lead to serious injuries to one or both lower extremities.

Other Common Head-On Collision Injuries

Aside from lower extremity injuries, other serious trauma can occur in a headon crash. They can include but not be limited to the following:

•Closed or open brain injuries

•Neck and spinal cord injuries

•Multiple fractures above the waist.

•Damage to vital organs with internal bleeding

•Wrongful death

The Importance of Wearing a Seat Belt

The chances of severe injuries or death increase drastically when the occupant of a car that is involved in a head-on colli sion fails to wear a seat belt. If a driver or passenger is unsecured, the likelihood of an impact causing ejection from the vehi cle increases substantially.

Legal Help

If you were seriously injured in a headon collision, or if you lost a loved one in such a crash, you'll want to arrange for a consultation with an experienced and effective car accident lawyer. If you were seriously injured in a head-on collision, or if you lost a loved one in such a crash, you'll want to arrange for a consultation with an experienced and effective car accident lawyer, like the Law Firm of Figeroux & Associates (www.ask thelawyer.us) or by calling 855-7688845. Remember there is a statute of lim itations on car accident cases. Preserve and protect your rights by getting that consultation as soon as you can.l