AM Rajkumar Pushes For Diwali to Be A Public School Holiday

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 economic 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-private 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 considerations. Simply, if the United States cannot support the security and prosperity of its so-called Third Border, CARICOM members in need of short-term solutions to energy challenges and climate financing are likely to look to countries like China, Russia, and Venezuela for assistance. The agreement needs to deliver in the short term to generate confidence that the United States is committed 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 climate and energy resilience, involving and increasing the role of the US private sector in PACC2030’s implementation, and ensuring that the expertise and technologies 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 CARICOM countries. But timely implementation 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 implementing this ambitious partnership and strengthening US-Caribbean relations in years to come.l Download the full report at www.cawnyc.com TEAM My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge. —Hosea 4:6

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AM Jenifer Rajkumar Pushes For Diwali to Be A Public School Holiday

When my 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 assemblywoman. 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 celebrate Diwali, the Festival of Lights. That is why today I stand with New York City Mayor Eric Adams and our school's chancellor, David Banks, to light the way forward 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 instruction. I am so proud to have the mayor's support. 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 making 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 fighting 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 Website www.cawnyc.com

Biden’s Marijuana Pardon/ continued from page 1 those convictions determined under other state or local laws. Hence, Americans who were convicted of the possession of marijuana under federal 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 predominantly state-based offenses and 'possession' cases. In his speech, he acknowledged that people's lives could become upturned when convicted because of their possession 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 getting 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 consequences 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 undocumented immigrants, in possession at the time of their arrest, which often affects Black and Latino people. In a statement, the Senior Policy attorney 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 disappointing 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 convictions 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 possession."

She explained that Immigration and Customs Enforcement had deported many people for marijuana possession. Beyond the perceived opportunities created by the pardon, many families who are often at risk of being separated due to deportation must be protected from marijuana 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 deportation. 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 movement.

Effect of Federal Law On Immigration Without an effective change in the law, there remains a substantial immigration risk involved in using, growing, possessing, or selling marijuana or even visiting marijuana dispensaries. The violation and conviction of any of the laws relating to controlled substances, including marijuana, can be considered a basis for denying visa applications, entering into the U.S, revoking a visa stamp, denying applications for naturalization or permanent 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 disqualified and barred if they cannot establish good moral character.

Deductively For now, cannabis or marijuana possession 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 lawful 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/ marijuana 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 marijuana 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 shouldn't form a basis for the deportation of any of the over 4.5 million immigrants whose home is in New York. Yet, racial profiling is possible emanating from cannabis legalization for recreational usage. For instance, law enforcement officers can stop immigrants based on racial profiling, ask questions, or conduct a background 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, decriminalization does not stop non-criminal deportation.l

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

The Secrets to Selling Your Home above the Asking Price

We all 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, ultimately, are what will lead you to receive more than asking.

Consider Who You're Selling To Is your home better suited towards traditional buyers, or is it a valuable property for investors? If your home could easily be renovated and flipped, has high potential as an income property, or is in an upand-coming neighborhood, it may be better 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 successfully 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.

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