Caribbean American Weekly - Issue 181

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ISSUE 181 VOLUME 23

June 15-30, 2023

SERVING THE CARIBBEAN AND HISPANIC COMMUNITIES!

BY SIR RONALD SANDERS

T

he relationship between the United States of America (US) and the 14-member independent member states of CARICOM as well as the Dominican Republic has entered a new phase of cooperation after 7 years of neglect between 2015 and 2022.

Renewed US interest in the Caribbean region as whole, as distinct from a preoccupation with Cuba and Haiti, began at

VP Kamala Harris Editorial credit: Daniel Hernandez-Salazar / Shutterstock.com

the Summit of the Americas in Los Angeles, hosted by President Joe Biden in June 2022. At that meeting, many Caribbean leaders insisted on a collective meeting with the US President to place serious issues of concern before him.

Prior to the Los Angeles meeting, no engagement between Caribbean leaders collectively and a US President had taken place since Barack Obama held a fleeting encounter with them in Jamaica in 2015.

Donald Trump had no engagement of any continued on page 4

Editorial credit: Ron Adar / Shutterstock.comm

Strengthening the USCaribbean Relationship: A Work in Progress

Mayor Adams: Summer Streets is Coming to All Five Boroughs ....2

DACA: 11 Years Later, Dreamers Still Face Deportation Threat ....13

CARICOM Celebrates Golden Jubilee in New York with Flag-Raising Ceremony

Health and Social Development Top of the Agenda ....17

BY LINDA NWOKE

C

ARICOM flag-raising and celebration hold great importance for several reasons. National flags are compelling symbols of identity, representing a nation's history, culture, and ambitions. They evoke a sense of pride and unity among citizens.

Raising the flag goes beyond individual national flags, as it symbolizes the continued on page 5

Members and staff of the NY CARICOM Consul Corps, Honorable Vindhya Persaud, Minister of Human Services and Social Security of Guyana, Honorable Kenneth Bryan, Chairman of the CaribbeanTourism Association and other officials. Photo courtesy: Barbados Consulate.

New York City and Ranked Choice Voting ....22

10 Ways to Be More Romantic in Your Relationship ....18

It’s Summertime: Booze, Barbecues and Accidents ....9

Start a Podcast for Your Business or Non Profit ....21

Her Land. Her Rights" - The OECS Releases Video Documentary on Women in Farming in SVG ....2

Grenada Makes Impressive Showing at Annual Caribbean Week in New York ....20

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CARIBBEAN SPECIAL REPORT Caribbean Consulates Anguilla 845 Third Avenue New York, N.Y. 10022 Tel: 212-745-0200 Antigua & Barbuda 305 East 47th Street, Suite 6A New York, N.Y. 10020 Tel: 212-541-4117 The Bahamas 231 East 46th Street New York, N.Y. 10017 Tel: 212-421-6420 Barbados 820 Second Avenue, 5th Floor New York, N.Y. 10017 Tel: 212-551-4325 Belize 675 Third Avenue, Suite 1911 New York, N.Y. 10017 Tel: 212-593-0999 Dominica 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 555 5th Ave 3rd Floor New York, NY 10017 Tel: 212-697-9767 Jamaica 767 Third Avenue, 2nd Floor New York, N.Y. 10017 Tel: 212-935-9000 Martinique 444 Madison Avenue, 16th Floor New York, N.Y. 10022 Tel: 212-838-6887 Montserrat 845 Third Avenue New York, N.Y. 10022 Tel: 212-745-0200 Panama 1212 Avenue of the Americas, 20th Floor New York, N.Y. 10036 Tel: 212-840-2450 St. Kitts & Nevis 414 East 75th Street, 5th Floor New York, N.Y. 10021 Tel: 212-535-5521 St. Lucia 630 Third Avenue, 7th Floor New York, N.Y. 10017 Tel: 212-697-9360 St. Maarten 675 Third Avenue, Suite 1807 New York, N.Y. 10017 Tel: 800-786-2278 St. Vincent & The Grenadines 801 Second Avenue, 4th Floor New York, N.Y. 10017 Tel: 212-687-4981 Trinidad & Tobago 125 Maiden Lane, 4th Floor New York, N.Y. 10038 Tel: 212-682-7272 For more Consulate information go to www.cawnyc.com/directory

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CARICOM as a Voice of Reason in a Fractured OAS

BY SIR RONALD SANDERS

O

n May 31, the Organization of American States (OAS) faced a prolonged and contentious debate that lasted from 2:30 in the afternoon until well past midnight. This episode, marked by acrimony and political undercurrents, was webcast publicly and instantly to the world. It is likely to be revisited during the upcoming OAS General Assembly from June 21 to 23 in Washington, D.C., the headquarters of the OAS. The discussion on May 31, was officially about the Budget of the Organization, but there were many hidden motives in the contentious debate.

Among them were antagonistic attitudes by a few countries toward the OAS Secretary-General that were unreasonably morphed into hostility to the OAS as an institution.

At the end of the debate, which was characterized by classic filibustering techniques by representatives of 4 countries, a ceiling for the Budget, proposed

by Antigua and Barbuda on behalf of all 14 CARICOM countries, was adopted by 25 of the 32 active member states of the Organization, with 5 countries against and 2 abstentions. The 5 countries that opposed were: Bolivia, Chile, Costa Rica, Colombia and Mexico, and the abstaining countries were El Salvador and Honduras.

The current estimated cost for the Organization to fulfil its mandates is $115 to $120 million, but its real Budget for 2023 is a mere $82.8 million. This had led to a severe reduction in staff and many of the beneficial programs in development, security, functional cooperation, technical assistance and even in human rights monitoring. The proposal

by CARICOM countries for a Budget ceiling was $92.1 million, woefully short by as much as $28 million of actual costs but, nonetheless, an attempt to keep the Organization from ineffectiveness and inefficiency. Yet, resistance persisted.

The OAS has been in a financial crisis for many years. Over the last 7 years, there has been no increase in the contributions of the member states to the Organization, except by 14 countries

since 2021. The quota increase for the 14 countries was occasioned by a decision of the U.S. Congress to limit the U.S. share of the Budget to no more than 49.9 percent. It fell to 14 countries to fill the gap; among them were 9 CARICOM countries whose quotas increased by 33.33 percent per annum for three years 2021-2023 or a total of 100 percent over the period.

At no time did the 14 affected countries threaten or seek to disrupt the functioning of the Organization by refusing to pay the increased burden that fell upon them.

Yet, a few countries, faced with an increase in their quotas for the year 2024, of approximately 36 per cent at the highest end, strenuously objected to the Budget ceiling proposed by CARICOM countries.

The OAS is the only regional or international organization in which there is no penalty if member states never pay their assessed contributions. Hence, there are member states that have not paid for years, affecting both the actual money available to the Organization and its cash flow.

The truth is the organization is limping along, a shattered shadow of its former self.

The External Audit Committee of the OAS has officially warned the member states that “For over a decade, the in-year budget is dramatically insufficient to meet the programmatic and administrative requirements of the OAS.” It repeated 5 recommendations to improve the dire situation.

But no action has been taken as the OAS drifts relentlessly into paralysis.

Ministers and Ambassadors of the 32 active member states of the OAS will gather from June 21 to 23 for the OAS General Assembly with little prospect of revitalizing and rejuvenating the OAS whose ancient Charter and outdated rules desperately require change to save the Organization from being strangled. The Charter has not been amended since 1993 and it is not fit for purpose in a world where events in one nation affects conditions in all.

So why should CARICOM countries care? The answer is that, properly functioning, the Organization has the capacity to maintain peace and security in the Hemisphere, which is crucial to trade and investment, political stability and economic growth. The OAS also provides valuable mechanisms for functional cooperation between states on a range of issues such as combating crime; drug abuse control; advancing the interests of women; and education.

Further, the OAS is the only hemispheric organization in which small states have a voice and a vote equal to the larger states, like Argentina, Brazil, Canada, Mexico and the US. It is in the OAS that CARICOM countries can influence decisions and advance ideas in the Americas that redound to the benefit of their peoples. That is why CARICOM’s role in the work of the OAS, including at the General Assembly from June 21 to 23, should be that of an honest broker, providing a bridge to narrow differences between others, and a voice of reason when reasonableness can be of the greatest benefit to all.l

"Her Land. Her Rights" - The OECS Releases Video Documentary on Women in Farming in SVG

O

ECS: “Women are major actors in the global efforts to reduce and reverse land degradation.

However, in the vast majority of countries, women have unequal and limited access to and control over land.” That’s according to Ibrahim Thiaw, the continued on page 3

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3

THOUGHTS

Summer Streets is Coming to All Five Boroughs

BY MAYOR ERIC ADAMS

I

n New York City, our streets aren’t just streets. They are where we walk, eat, play, and come together as one city. As mayor, I am committed to reclaiming our streets for everyone to enjoy safely. New Yorkers shouldn’t have to travel to Europe to experience open summer streets. We have them right here in our own backyard. And this summer we are expanding Summer Streets to all five boroughs.

On five Saturdays in July and August, from 7am to 1pm, select streets will be open to pedestrians citywide. New Yorkers will be able to enjoy outdoor activities with their neighbors, all car free. And now they can enjoy Summer Streets in their own borough for the first time.

Last year, we added two miles, brought the program to East Harlem, and brought back the third Saturday of Summer Streets. This year, we are bringing Summer Streets to all five boroughs and doubling the overall size of the program to 20 miles of streets citywide. And we’re continuing to grow in Manhattan, bringing Summer Streets all the way up to 125th Street in Harlem for the first time.

We are opening major corridors like Eastern Parkway and Grand Concourse even further with this bold approach.

Summer Streets will take place in Queens on July 29th, on Vernon Boulevard between 44 Drive and 30 Drive.

Staten Islanders can also enjoy Summer Streets on July 29th, along Richmond Women in Farming/ continued from page 2 Executive Secretary of the United Nations (UN) Convention to Combat Desertification. The UN observes World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought on June 17, 2023.

The theme for this year's observance is “Her land, Her rights,” which according to the UN, “emphasizes that investing in women’s equal access to land and associated assets is a direct investment in their future and the future of humanity. It's time for women and girls to be at the forefront of global land restoration and

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

Pearl Phillip Legal Advisor Brian Figeroux, Esq. Graphic & Website Designers Praim Samsoondar Kenrick Williams Editorial credit: 5D Media / Shutterstock.com

Terrace, between York Avenue and Bard Avenue.

Manhattan will see three weekends of Summer Streets, on August 5th, 12th & 19th, from Brooklyn Bridge to West 125 Street.

In Brooklyn, New Yorkers can enjoy Summer Streets on the 26th of August, along Eastern Parkway between Grand Army Plaza and Buffalo Avenue.

And Summer Streets in the boogie down Bronx will also take place on the 26th of August, along Grand Concourse, between East Tremont Avenue and Mosholu Parkway.

We also want to hear from organizations and performers who may be interested in being featured as part of the program this summer. Organizations can visit https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/XS957 NZ and fill out a survey to be part of Summer Streets.

We are bringing joy back to New York City streets. New Yorkers can also enjoy expanded Open Streets at nearly 160 locations across the city, as well as

400,000 square feet of new, permanent pedestrian space that we have added over the past year. That’s in addition to the new public spaces we are building every day and in every borough. And we are making history by opening up new street space to pedestrians. In December, we opened 5th Avenue to people for the first time in more than 50 years. And I am proud that we are making history once again by bringing Summer Streets to New Yorkers in every borough.

Summer is a time for everyone — no matter where you live, how old you are, or how much money you make — to come together and relax. On Summer Streets, you can walk, run, play, dance, ride a bike, cool off in mists and sprinklers, paint a picture, get a temporary tattoo, appreciate art, join a dance party, or just take a selfie. It will be lots of fun — and we will be reducing traffic congestion, greenhouse gases and air pollution at the same time.

Happy summer, and I look forward to seeing you on a Summer Street. l

drought resilience efforts.”

The OECS joins the UN in recognizing World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought through the release of a short video documentary on Women in Farming in St. Vincent and the Grenadines. A Gender Inequality and Cost of Inaction Study completed in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines in 2020 revealed that approximately 3,300 women farmers are heavily involved in crop production, livestock rearing, as well as agro-processing activities.

Women play a significant role in farming, and their farming practices contribute not only to the economy but to the

conservation of biodiversity on the island.

The OECS is currently executing two major projects that seek to preserve marine and terrestrial biodiversity in the region – The Integrated Landscape Management Project, (ILM) which seeks to conserve and manage terrestrial biodiversity, and the BioSPACE Project, which seeks to conserve and manage marine and coastal biodiversity. Both projects are funded by the European Union. The European is a strong partner of the OECS and remains committed to the development of the region and its people. l

Feature Writers Linda Nwoke Victoria Falk Contributors Jennine Estes Tarsha Gibbons Janet Howard Mary Campbell JR Holguin Chris Tobias Email info@myiqinc.com Telephone 718-771-0988 Website www.cawnyc.com July is designated as Bebe Moore Campbell National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month.

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SPECIAL CARIBBEAN REPORT

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Caribbean-US Relations/ continued from page 1 kind with Caribbean leaders collectively.

In March 2019, Trump held what many political commentators regarded as a divisive meeting with leaders of 5 Caribbean countries at his personal estate, Mar-a-Lago, in Florida. That perfunctory meeting with the heads of Government of The Bahamas, Haiti, the Dominican Republic, Jamaica and St Lucia (only the head of Government of Jamaica is still in office), was not in the least bit substantial.

Trump was encouraged to hold it by his political advisers as a gesture of appreciation to the 5 leaders who joined him in recognizing Juan Guaidó as the President of Venezuela – a decision which continues to have adverse consequences in the Hemisphere and in hemispheric bodies, such as the Organization of American States (OAS).

Eighteen months of President Biden’s administration elapsed before he – and his policy making team – widened their Caribbean attention beyond Cuba and Haiti. On Cuba, the Biden team had largely continued the hard-line policies inherited from Trump, and, regarding Haiti, the principal concern was stemming the constant flood of refugees, fleeing to the US to escape a humanitarian crisis.

The game changer was the meeting in Los Angeles in the margins of the 2022 Summit of the Americas where Caribbean leaders were persuasive in setting forth the crucial interests shared by the US and the Caribbean. There were, perhaps, two underlining but unspoken issues that helped to re-ignite US interest in the Caribbean. The first was the growing economy. Political and diplomatic presence in China in the Caribbean and

President Joe Biden Editorial credit: lev radin / Shutterstock.com

Latin America, and the other was a new assertiveness by the leftist groups in Latin America who were being elected to government, challenging the traditional US sway over the area.

What the US sees as great value in the Caribbean is that, with the exception of Haiti, the 14 CARICOM countries and the DR are relatively stable democracies, the majority of which are motivated by their development needs and not by ideologies. Strengthening relations with this group was certainly in the interest of the US. Regarding China, realization had dawned on US policy makers that China is filling a vacuum that the US had left in the provision of financing for development Consequently, China has become a serious rival in the what the US had traditionally regarded as its sphere of influence.

The wheels of a new cooperation were set in motion in Los Angeles through the establishment of three joint committees to pursue energy security, food security, and access to financing. While no dra-

matic results appear to have been achieved by these Committees, at the very least the US has re-engaged in the region. On June 8, 2023, US Vice President Kamala Harris met Caribbean leaders in The Bahamas in furtherance of enhancing the US-Caribbean relationship.

It was clear from the US State Department’s read out of the meeting and the statement issued by the CARICOM Secretariat, on behalf of the Caribbean leaders, that apart from the usefulness of the meeting to ventilate concerns, matters had not progressed in ways that could cause Caribbean leaders to describe it other than as “a useful platform for productive discussions”.

Similarly, the US State Department did not describe outcomes beyond stating that among the issues “discussed” were cooperation to address the climate crisis and the transition to clean energy; ways to strengthen energy security and enhance resilience; and adaptive capacity to withstand the impacts of climate change and extreme weather events.

Still, the US is maintaining a dialogue.

So far, it has not delivered results with the immediacy that the Caribbean might like, but this may be due to difficulties of coordination and implementation on both the Caribbean and US side that require fixing. It is in the Caribbean’s interest to establish a single, focused mechanism, much like the original Regional Negotiating Machinery which was given the authority under Heads of Government guidance to negotiate the region’s trade and investment relationship with the European Union.

On the same day that Vice President Harris was meeting Caribbean leaders in The Bahamas, three influential members of the US House of Representatives announced the introduction of the “USCaribbean Strategic Engagement Act of 2023”, which they describe as “a comprehensive roadmap to modernize U.S. engagement with Caribbean nations”.

The US Congress holds the strings to the purse of US monies and the authority to set priorities and instruct on the release of funds. Therefore, this initiative by Joaquin Castro (Texas), María Elvira Salazar (Florida), and Adriano Espaillat (New York) should be bolstered by Caribbean endorsement and support. It requires work and a coordinated Caribbean effort, which could well be placed in the hands of the same single, focused mechanism described earlier in this Commentary. l Sir Ronald Michael Sanders KCMG KCN AM is currently Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to the United States of America and the Organization of American States (since 2015). Before taking up this appointment in 2015, he was a Senior Research Fellow at the Institute of Commonwealth Studies, University of London in the UK.

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CARICOM FLAG-RAISING CEREMONY Flag-Raising/ continued from page 1 collective strength and solidarity of the member countries, emphasizing their shared values and goals and promoting unity and cooperation among nations facing similar challenges.

CARICOM strengthens regional integration through these celebrations and encourages collaboration and mutual respect among its diverse member states.

The event becomes a testament to the shared history and aspirations of the Caribbean people and a reminder of the strength of diversity.

Overview of the 2023 CARICOM Flag Raising Ceremony in New York City The occasion brought together Caribbean communities and dignitaries to celebrate unity, diversity, and the shared heritage of the Caribbean region. The event was held in a vibrant atmosphere on Thursday, June 15. The ceremony commenced with the grand display of national flags from the 15 Caricom member countries. The sight of the colorful flags fluttering against the New York skyline created a powerful symbol of pride and solidarity among the Caribbean diasporas downtown Manhattan at the historic Bowling Green.

Government officials and dignitaries from CARICOM member countries attended the event, highlighting the occasion's significance. Their presence demonstrated the commitment of the Caribbean nations to strengthening regional ties and promoting their collec-

Camille Joseph Varlack, Chief of Staff, to the Mayor.

tive interests.

Mayor Eric Adams, Chairman Kenneth Bryan of the Caribbean Tourism Organization, and other officials delivered speeches to honor the occasion, joined by esteemed guests such as Minister Vindhya Persaud from Guyana and members of the Caribbean diplomatic corps in New York City.

Chairman Bryan highlighted the unwavering spirit of the Caribbean people. He emphasized the deep ties between the United States and the Caribbean, acknowledging the significant contributions of Caribbean Americans to the nation's fabric.

"This community of Caribbean states represents the unwavering spirit of the Caribbean people. It is therefore fitting that this historic occasion is being held in conjunction with the observance of Caribbean-American Heritage Month,

which recognizes the contributions and achievements of our brothers and sisters of Caribbean origins, who call the United States of America' home," said Chairman Bryan.

The event also celebrates CaribbeanAmerican Heritage Month and acknowledges CARICOM's role in the region's development and symbiotic relationship with the United States.

The event strengthens the bonds between CARICOM member countries and the Diaspora and is a reminder of the collective strength that emerges when Caribbean nations come together. It reinstates the determination to promote regional integration, cooperation, and the well-being of the Caribbean people.

Caribbean Pride at the NYC 2023 CARICOM Flag Raising In a speech by Camille Joseph Varlack,

5 Chief of Staff, to the Mayor, she expressed her gratitude for the event. She explained the significance of the tripartite collaboration between the United States, New York City, and the CARICOM member states.

"This moment is significant because it underscores the collaboration between the United States, New York City, and the CARICOM member and associate member states," said Ms. Varlack.

As someone originally from Trinidad and Tobago, Varlack proudly spoke of her background as an immigrant, highlighting the hard work and determination that characterize the Caribbean community.

She acknowledged the diversity and highlighted the exceptional Caribbean cuisine and the strong work ethic of its people.

"Like many immigrants, my mother and I immigrated to the United States so that she could pursue her dreams and give her children opportunities. Her tireless work ethic shows the characteristics of the people that make up our community," she said.

As an immigrant, Varlack takes pride in representing Caribbean individuals within the administration, including Chief Advisor Ingrid Lewis-Martin and First Deputy Mayor Sheena Wright. She acknowledged the countless immigrants who have sought a better life in the United States, particularly in New York City. She assured the audience that their voices and interests would always be valued and represented within the adminiscontinued on page 7

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CARICOM FLAG-RAISING CEREMONY

Remarks by Hon. Mackie Holder Chair, CARICOM Consul Corps Mayor Eric Adams Honorable Vindhya Persaud, Minister of Human Services and Social Security of Guyana Honorable Kenneth Bryan - Minister of Tourism - Cayman Islands & Chair of the Caribbean Tourism Organization, (CTO) Fellow Consul Generals, Commissioners in the Mayor’s office Consuls and staff of Consulates Caribbean Goodwill Ambassador Michelle Henderson Caribbean People

I

t is fitting that, against the background of June being designated as Caribbean American Heritage Month, we gather here to raise the CARICOM flag, the symbol of the unity and greatness of, collectively, the world’s smallest region.

We do so in recognition of the significant milestone of a half century of progress by our home countries.

We do so in recognition of the vision of the four founding fathers and the debt owed to them.

We do so in recognition of the dedica-

tion of leaders, Secretaries Generals and staff of the many organs of the Caribbean Community, which has seen membership move from Jamaica, Guyana, Trinidad and Tobago and Barbados to include 20 countries, 15 full members and five associate members.

And we do so in recognition of the history and impact of the Caribbean on these United States, the longstanding partnerships between the US and the region, and the indelible ongoing contributions of our people.

In a relatively short time, CARICOM, among other things, has established a single market and economy facilitating the movement of workers; undertaken numerous important negotiations and has established critical regional agencies in charge of disaster mitigation and response, (CEDEMA) and health, (CARPHA) and has been a voice of reason in a world of ongoing chaos.

On its own, as the oldest surviving integration movement in the developing world, and through its work individually with Member States, CARICOM has helped propel our people to new level of

Chair Hon. Mackie Holder. Photo: PP/IQInc

achievements in America and throughout the world.

It is an indisputable fact that no area of such a small size as the Caribbean has contributed as much, and continue to do so, to New York; indeed, the United States.

The examples of excellence abounds from Founding Father Alexander Hamilton of St. Kitts and Nevis, to National Hero of Jamaica Marcus Garvey, to Shirley Chisholm, to National Hero of Barbados Robyn Rihanna Fenty and hundreds in between – in medicine, education, sports, cuisine, entertainment, in every single aspect of American life.

And in our thousands, every day, exuding the combination of an unbeatable work ethic and humanity, we reflect and reinforce Caribbean values and win respect and friends for our countries.

It is not by accident that New York is considered the Caribbean capital of the world. Our people represent 20 per cent of the 3.3 million immigrants in NYC, with Jamaica, Guyana, Haiti and Trinidad and Tobago being the largest groups. If you go to Crown Heights Flatbush, you know you are in the Caribbean.

So, in every respect, we are an important group and in the spirit of Caribbean American Heritage Month, we should demand and get the same respect as other groupings.

I commend Mayor Adams for recognizing this, for the diversity of his team, which includes Barbadian Hon. Sylvia Hinds Radix as Corporation Counsel, Trinidadian/Barbadian Ingrid LewisMartin as chief advisor, and others of Caribbean descent; for launching the Caribbean Advisory Council initiative; chaired by Barbadian Lamona Worrell, and for, generally, seeking to embrace Caribbean people from his days as Brooklyn Borough President.

But I look forward to the day when the marking of Caribbean American Heritage Month is etched in the mainstream and all media, and Caribbean people are parading through Manhattan, like so many other nationalities, proudly showing our culture.

It would have been great if today we could be also celebrating the passage of The New York For All Act, which is aimed at restricting collaboration to aid the deportation of immigrants, a problem

facing the Caribbean.

This law has 62 co-sponsors in the New York State Assembly and 32 co-sponsors in the New York State Senate, and is widely supported otherwise, but is still not passed.

It is up to us, Caribbean people, to make these things happen. Let us assert ourselves and settle for no less.

Finally, in 1783 at this very site, Americans removed the British flag and hoisted the American Flag. Today we will hoist both the American Flag and the flag of CARICOM. There is sovereignty and freedom captured in the raising of the CARICOM flag today. And I say to my fellow Caribbean people who call America home, let us always, mindful of our history, guard our hard won rights; continue to exhibit the best attributes of our diverse cultures and be ambassadors for all that is relevant to you here and the Caribbean, whether climate change or gun trafficking.

As representatives of our Governments and as people residing in America, we must, in understanding our history, guard against repeating it.

We must not now, having progressed thus far, exchange one set of masters for another, whether political or public institution.

We must see ourselves as, and be determined to be, equal partners, who have more than earned our right to be here, and not assume subservient roles in discourse or partnerships.

Together, the Mayor Adams and his office, Caribbean Government representatives, the many organisations devoted to protecting, integrating and advancing Caribbean people, and all our citizens – together we can continue to weave the beautiful tapestry of Caribbean American people that contributes to making New York, New York.

To my diverse, beautiful, uniquely cultural Caribbean people, I say, in the spirit of CARICOM, keep on! Keep on achieving, uniting, guarding and raising the image of the region and demonstrating excellence in everything we do.

Let everyone know we come from the best area in the world!

I thank you. l Hon Mackie Holder is also the Consul General of Barbados in New York.

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CARICOM FLAG-RAISING CEREMONY Flag-Raising/ continued from page 5 tration.

NYC Mayor Eric Adams Address: Highlighting the Caribbean Experience and Symbolism of CARICOM Flag Raising Ceremony Delivering a speech at the Bowling Green Park, Manhattan, ceremony, the Mayor focused on celebrating the Caribbean Diaspora's contributions to America, particularly in New York City.

The Mayor recognized the presence and achievements of Caribbean communities in the city.

He spoke about the spirit of the Caribbean experience based on his journey, reflecting on growing up in Jamaica, Queens, and how it shaped his understanding of the Caribbean experience.

The Mayor recognized the diverse representation within his administration, highlighting the contributions of individuals with Caribbean backgrounds, like his First Deputy Mayor, Chief of Staff, Chief Advisor, and Deputy Mayor of Human Services.

"And it's not because we're trying to check the box; it's because we clearly identified a unique characteristic that personifies the Caribbean experience," he said.

Mayor Adams praised the Caribbean Diaspora for their strong work ethic and perseverance, recognizing their excellent performance in balancing full-time jobs and education or starting from scratch yet achieving remarkable success. He highlighted the importance of faith and the power of prayer within the Caribbean Diaspora, emphasizing its role in overcoming challenges.

"But more than that, what I really admire about my Caribbean Diaspora is your belief in faith, your trust in God, your confidence in the power of prayer, your belief that we don't overcome anything if we don't have our lives rooted in faith, and that is something that is shown throughout the Caribbean Diaspora," said the Mayor.

Furthermore, he recognized and expressed gratitude for the immense contributions of the Caribbean community, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, in various sectors, like healthcare, education, law enforcement, and public services. He reiterated that the Caribbean Diaspora's dedication, resilience, and commitment have contributed immensely to the well-being of New Yorkers. In his view, they exemplify the values of

Top left: Mayor Eric Adams presents proclamation to Chair Mackie Holder. Top right: CARICOM and US flags hoisted. Bottom left: Commissioner Manuel Castro, Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs. Bottom right: Kenneth Bryan, Chairman of the Caribbean Tourism Organization and Minister of Tourism and Ports for the Cayman Islands. Photos: PP/IQINC family, small businesses, public safety, and justice.

Symbolism and Unity According to Mayor Adams, raising the CARICOM flag is a symbolic gesture that affirms his administration's recognition and support for the Caribbean community. For him, the flag-raising represents his administration's commitment to substantive actions and demonstrates the city's acknowledgment of the community's presence and contributions, focusing on the unity and strength that emerge when the Caribbean Diaspora comes together.

In addition, CARICOM's golden anniversary serves as an opportunity to express the administration's commitment to strengthening bonds between the Caribbean and New York City. The Mayor commended the CARICOM

counselor corps and pledged to work closely with the Caribbean Advisory Board. He assured them of working to uplift and empower the Caribbean Diaspora toward a brighter, more inclusive, and more prosperous future for all.

About CARICOM The Caribbean Community (CARICOM) is an intergovernmental organization comprised of 15 Member States and five Associate Member states in the Caribbean region. Established five decades ago, CARICOM promotes economic integration, social cohesion, and political cooperation among its member countries. Additionally, it plays a crucial role in addressing common challenges and advancing the interests of Caribbean nations on the global stage. Ultimately, the institution serves as a platform for

regional collaboration, fostering unity, and facilitating joint trade, security, health, and climate change efforts.

Thus, the Caricom flag-raising and celebration is a symbolic event that highlights member states' collective identity, promotes solidarity, and showcases the rich cultural diversity of the Caribbean.

The main accomplishments of the group include establishing regional security, the Caribbean Single Market and Economy (CSME), disaster management, climate change adaptation, and advocacy for small island developing states.l Visit YouTube.com/@inceptionfmradio for speeches and messages!

Read more stories at www.cawnyc.com

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BE EQUITY SMART

8

3 Credit Mistakes to Avoid If You're Trying to Secure a Mortgage Loan

BY EQUITY SMART REALTY INC

T

he mortgage application process can be fraught with a lot of stress on its own, but if you've experienced issues with your credit in the past it can be even more taxing. While there may be a lot of things you may not be aware of when it comes to their impact on your credit, here are some things to watch out for if you're planning to purchase a home in the short-term future.

Applying For Extra Credit Whether you've just been offered a great new deal by a department store or you're not even thinking about it, new credit cards can pop up with deals that are quite enticing in the moment. Unfortunately, applying for new credit can signal to lenders that you've run out of credit on your other cards. Not only that, it will also have an adverse impact on your credit score each time you apply for new credit. If you're considering a mortgage soon, it's a good idea to hold off on any additions to your wallet.

Not Paying Your Bills It may seem straightforward enough that not paying your bills is going to land you in hot water with your credit score, but

many people think paying the minimum at any time will do. The truth is that if you want to keep your credit in line and improve your odds, it's important to pay your minimum before the due date and always pay your bills. The only thing deferring payments will do is add marks against your credit, and this will be damaging come application time.

Don't Avoid Your Credit Report Many people who have a poor credit history are aware of the situation, but they're also unwilling to address it. While it may be difficult to approach your credit report if you've had some hiccups in the past, it's important to know what point you're

working forward from so you can move beyond it. Instead of ignoring it, get a copy of your credit report, and review the numbers. Not only will this enable you to address any errors, it means you'll be facing your issues head on.

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

Guidance There are several factors that can adversely affect your mortgage application, but by avoiding new credit and paying your bills on time you can have a positive impact on the result. If you're currently on the market for a new home, you may want to contact one of our professionals for more information. Call 888-670-6791.l

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June 2023

1

SPONSORED INSERT: Personal Injury

Law Firm of Figeroux & Associates Personal Injury Guide: Car Accidents

Addressing Personal Injury from Car Accidents in New York

BY LINDA NWOKE

A

cross the United States, vehicle accidents are the leading cause of personal injury claims. In a year, an average of 4.5 million people seek medical treatment for car accidents.

These injuries range from minor bruises and scrapes to permanent disability and death. If you or someone in your family has been injured or killed in a car accident in New York City, you should consult with the Law Firm of Figeroux & Associates. We are a law firm wellknown for our track record of litigation success in car accident cases. Our experienced personal injury attorneys have won large settlements for victims of car injuries.

Numerous examples of settlements on personal injury cases from vehicle accident lawsuits exist. For instance, there is a case against the City of New York for failing to repair a flooded roadway, which caused the motorist's accident and resulted in brain injuries.

A 35-year-old driver struck by another car that needed surgery filed a case for compensation for the treatment of injuries to her lumbar spine. Similarly, a 45-yearold passenger in her lane who stopped at a traffic light was hit from the rear. She required surgery on her neck and back.

Car accidents are commonplace in New York City, sometimes leading to traffic jams. They are more frequent during the weekday, especially around rush hours— lunchtime and evening commute leading to several crashes. Overall, thousands of vehicle crashes in New York State, with an average of 30 hits per hour around the Empire state.

Car Accident Statistics by Borough The statistics of vehicle-rated accidents across the five boroughs in New York City show that Brooklyn (Kings County)

QUEENS, NEW YORK - JULY 2: Car wreck on Vernon Boulevard Taken July 2, 2014 in Queens, NY. Editorial credit: eddtoro / Shutterstock.com

and Queens have the highest traffic-related deaths. Bronx county records slightly higher deaths than New York County. At the same time, Staten Island has the least number and is considered the least dangerous place. Interestingly most hospitalizations and death occur among pedestrians, while the vehicle occupants often end up seeking emergency treatment.

Types of Accidents in New York City The frequently seen type of accident in New City is collisions between passenger vehicles. The most occurring factors are violating traffic laws and distracted driving. Another common accident in the city is pedestrian accidents, which have been traced to speeding, distracted driving, failing to see pedestrians, or yielding to someone in a crosswalk. Car-bicycle collisions are also a significant cause of death in the city. An average of 3,800 bicycle-vehicle crashes in 2019 resulted in injuries or death to bicyclists.

What to Do After a Car Accident Most vehicle collisions are unexpected and brutal, with most victims feeling confused in the event's aftermath. Hence, the actions taken afterward can have both financial and health-related repercussions.

Most personal injury cases from car

accidents in New York are settled out of court. In contrast, some cases go to trial and are heard by a jury or judge. In cases where the driver was negligent, the victim may receive compensation for their experience of pain and suffering. However, many factors considered in passing judgment include providing irrefutable evidence that the injury was caused by accident and that the victim suffered a significant loss due to the accident.

Types of Personal Injury Occurring from Car Crash In general, life for many car accident victims is never the same. While the impact can range from mild to severe, victims sometimes must endure long-term medical treatments, including physical and psychological therapy. Some of the injuries caused by car accidents include soft tissue and bone injuries and traumatic brain injuries.

Some of these injuries are life-changing because they can take a long time before healing and is beside the unimaginable effect these accidents have on the victim's family members. However, the state of New York has laws that address some of the victims of personal injury from car accidents.

No-fault' Insurance In New York The No-fault insurance, also referred to as "Personal Injury Protection" (PIP) insurance, was approved by the state's lawmakers in the 70s. Car insurance lowers the cost of auto insurance by settling small claims outside the courts. The insurance companies handle paying the cost of up to $50,000 on behalf of their policyholders to victims. This will cover simple items like minor injuries, lost earnings, and medical bills, irrespective of who caused the accident. However, some conditions can make a person ineligible for a no-fault benefit. They include driving under the influence, intentional accidents, committing a felony, getting injured while riding in a stolen vehicle, and having an uninsured vehicle.

However, under New York State laws, a legal settlement can still be pursued over the victim's pain and suffering, injuries, and loss of personal property.

New York's Statute of Limitations It is worth noting that when an individual sustains a personal injury from an accident, there is a three-year gap to file a case before the state of New York.

Therefore, when an individual is seriously injured in a vehicle accident, the amount of time they must file a claim after a car accident is up to three years from the date of the accident. It is expedient for the injured person to seek medical treatment soon after the accident and legal advice from a car accident lawyer to review their case.

Factors that Affect a Car Accident Settlement's Value There is no uniform agreement or guideline on settling car accident settlements cases. Sometimes out-of-court settlements from accidents can be reached with the attorney. In the case that goes to trial, continued on page 2

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June 2023

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2

SPONSORED INSERT: Personal Injury

The Most Common Car Crash Injuries in New York

V

arious reports from the New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH) shows that car accidents cause the second-most common injury among New York residents.

Traffic accidents cause more injuries and deaths, leading to a high number of hospitalizations and a high number of visits to the emergency department visits. More than 1,900 New York residents die each year from fatal injuries caused by traffic accidents. Among them are many pedestrians (over 300), drivers and passengers (over 290), motorcyclists (over 100), bicyclists (over 30), and many unspecified persons.

Concerning hospitalizations from traffic-related injuries, more than 12,000 New Yorkers become patients each year, with the most significant number of drivers and passengers (6000+) as victims.

Many pedestrians (3000+) and motorcyclists (1500+) make up most of the victims. More than 136,000 New York State Residents are reportedly treated and released from an emergency department each year due to traffic-related injuries, with the occupants making up the highest number of patients.

The Most Prevalent Car Crash Injuries in New York Accidents have various types and levels of impact on drivers, passengers, and beyond. For vehicle occupants, some of the most common injuries among victims of a car crash in New York are bonerelated, internal, and psychological injuries. Referencing the data by the National Highway Safety Administration (NHSA), some of the frequently occurring injuries are: Bone Injuries: Neck, Knee, Back, Hip, Wrist, and other forms of broken bones in the body.

Broken Bones: A common, severe, and long-term type of injury sustained from car accidents in New York. It results from the strain against the seatbelt, blunt force trauma, and the crush between the car components and the surrounding environment. The arms and legs are often broken as they are least protected during a crash.

Whiplash/ Neck injuries: This is another common injury from accidents in New York. Upon impact, the head is forced to bend and thrash around differently, causing muscles and ligaments to tear along the neck.

Back or Spine Injuries: The back muscles are often torn, and victims experience dislocated discs due to the jolt to the body during the crash. This is because the spine experiences severe strain and stress.

Knee Injuries: This is a common injury found among drivers and front-side passengers who are slammed into the dashboard, glove box, or steering wheel, causing severe injuries to the surrounding bones, ligaments, and the knee's patella.

Hip Injuries: The hip bone gets injured when the victims are hit from the side of the car during a crash, especially in a Tbone or side-swiping accident. Often, the upper body is thrashed and bends to one side, causing dislocation or ruptured areas of the hip.

Accidents from Head-on Collisions: These accidents also result in hip injuries. In this case, the victim's weight suddenly shifts forward, putting a strain on the lower part of the seat belt across the lap, causing severe hip injuries.

Soft Tissue Injuries: Although not typically life-threatening, soft tissue injuries which affect the eyes, mouth, skin, and other soft tissue are among the most painful and long-term injuries obtained from traffic accidents in New York.

Stomach Injuries: The injuries to the stomach are caused by the seatbelt. They are mostly experienced as internal bleeding in the gut. They are not easily detected because the pain from these can be delayed for an extended period.

Nerve Damage: When the deep tissues are affected by blunt force trauma during an accident, the nerves can be damaged by debris, or exposed components, leading to partial or total loss of function in affected areas, either temporarily or permanently.

Chest Pain: Chest pains indicate many injuries following the car crash. The injuries are in the form of panic or heart attacks, rib cage or abdominal bruises, or more. These pains can also be delayed and arise afterward, depending on the type of injury causing the pain.

Emotional Suffering: Some emotional pain caused by traffic accidents result in anger, depression, and fear. Mood changes indicate traumatic brain trauma injuries from a car accident.

Psychological Trauma: Psychological trauma often occurs among the survivors of car accidents, and it is not related to the accident's severity. Victims often develop post-traumatic stress and other forms of association between driving and pain, fear, and sadness.

What Causes Car Accidents in New York?

Several factors lead to a car accident.

However, in New York, car crashes are linked to two significant factors, Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) and Drowsy Driving.

Driving While Intoxicated Drunk driving is a significant offense

among New York drivers, and many accidents have been attributed to drunk driving. In 2018, official data from New York State government reported that over 8,900 casualties were linked to alcohol intake. The amount of alcoholic content in a driver's blood impairs the ability to stay alert, focused, and attentive while driving. In New York State, the blood alcohol percentage (BAC) allowed is up to 0.18% while going, which is the equivalent of one drink.

Anything above that number attracts a fine of over $1000, a one-year jail sentence, or license revocation in some instances. This is ultimately one of the leading causes of pedestrian injuries in New York.

Drowsy Driving In 2018, New York State Traffic Safety Statistical Repository (TSSR) reported that over 4,000 drivers fell asleep behind the wheel, especially in late-night crashes. It is considered even more dangerous than driving while intoxicated. Some of the effects of drowsy driving are impaired decision-making, slow reactionary time, and lowered attention to other road users. Hence driving becomes a danger to both self and other road users.

Settling Car Accident Injuries in New York It is common practice for cases relating to a car accident to be settled in New York without trial. Many insurance companies will offer to resolve accident cases quickly. These settlements are much smaller than the amount a victim can receive post legal representation and compensation in court. Some typical settlements determined by courts include car repair costs, medical bills (past and future), lost wages, and time away from work.

However, suppose there is no injury from the collision. In that case, New York Law will not allow the victim to file a lawsuit against another person, even if the victim's car was damaged.

In delayed injuries, the victim can file a lawsuit for delayed damages even if they have passed the standard limit established by the statute of limitations but with a solid legal representation.

Different car accidents create higher risks of sustaining specific injuries and can be used to determine the person at fault during a collision.

Legal Assistance If you're being sued after a car accident, you need the services of an effective defense attorney who will help you build a solid chance to prove that you were at minimal fault for the accident. Contact the experienced Personal Injury Law Firm of Figeroux & Associates which can also help you prevent the issue from reaching the payout stage. Call 855-7688845 l

Personal Injury from Car Accidents/continued from page 1

ments from accidents can be reached with the attorney. In the case that goes to trial, the jury considers all aspects of damages — economic, non-economic, and punitive, especially in accidents caused by distracted driving and recklessness.

The amount of settlement awarded in New York State is determined by percentage. For instance, it can be agreed that the driver is 80% at fault. At the same time, the other such as occupants, etc., is 20% at fault, otherwise known as pure comparative negligence. They are determining the cost of medical treatment. All the documentation associated with the medical expenses during or after the accident must be considered for claims.

In determining the severity of personal injuries, settlements are largely determined by the level of the injury and seriousness of the damage. A minor damage will receive less money than a permanent, chronic, or severe injury.

Furthermore, the jury also reviews other factors during a trial, such as the worth of the other party's insurance, i.e., how much the other party's insurance policy carries. To determine if the person who caused the presenting situation that led to the car accident doesn't take high-value insurance coverage. All these require an expert view to help determine alternatives to obtaining an insurance claim or other revenue sources that will enable the defendant to provide a payout.

Therefore, some factors that influence compensation after a car accident are the law of shared fault and negligence, the number of economic damages, the severity of injuries, and the auto insurance policy limits. Most cases need legal support and expert advice, especially from personal injury attorneys.

Legal Assistance A personal injury attorney specializes in helping victims obtain settlements by providing legal assistance and advice after a car crash. The attorneys at the Personal Injury Law Firm of Figeroux & Associates possess a wide range of experience and the expertise needed to advocate for victims who have been placed in vulnerable positions from a car accident.

Call us at 855-768-8845 or schedule an appointment at www.askthelawyer.us l

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June 2023

3

SPONSORED INSERT: Personal Injury

Do I Need a Lawyer After Being Injured in a Car Accident?

BY CHRIS TOBIAS

A

fter being injured in a car accident that was caused by the carelessness and negligence of somebody else, you might ask whether it's in your best interests to retain a car accident lawyer to represent you. In most cases, the answer is yes, you should.

That's because it's inevitable that disagreements will arise with the opposing insurance company during the processing of your claim. They're likely to involve issues on liability, damages, or how much money the insurer should pay to compensate you for your injuries and damages fully. An experienced and effective car accident lawyer at the Law Firm of Figeroux & Associates will know how to respond to any such disagreements while preserving and protecting your rights during the claim or litigation process.

The Opposing Insurer Will Try to Devalue Your Case Auto Insurance companies make money by depositing premium payments made by their customers and investing that

money to make even more money. Then, when liability claims are made against their customers, they search for ways to minimize the sums they'll need to pay accident victims or even not pay them anything. An accomplished car accident lawyer can help prevent such tactics while protecting their client's right to full compensation.

You're Likely to Make Mistakes When Representing Yourself Every car insurance company has its teams of trained adjusters and defense lawyers who seem threatening and intimidating to victims who are continuing to recover from their injuries. The last thing you want to do during your recovery is to argue with an opposing adjuster and chase around for records, bills, and

reports from your healthcare providers or other entities. You might even be on prescription medication when the opposing insurer's adjuster phones you and requests more information. Your attorney can attend to any calls or chasing for you.

They know when to put an end to it, too.

Don't Give a Statement of Any Kind It's not uncommon for a car accident victim to be contacted by an insurance company's adjuster before they are even capable of consulting with an attorney.

The adjuster might ask for a recorded statement from the victim for purported purposes of wrapping up the claim and getting rid of it.

Giving such a statement is often the biggest mistake an unrepresented accident victim can make. The law doesn't

require the victim to do that without an attorney being present on their behalf. No matter how pressured you might feel, never give any written or recorded statement to an opposing insurance company without an attorney being present on your behalf. That adjuster already knows what happened. They have already spoken with the person who caused your accident and even have a copy of the police accident report in front of them when phoning you.

Even the most successful car accident lawyers offer prospective new clients free consultations and case reviews. They also take cases on a contingency fee basis, so no out-of-pocket money must be paid for them to represent you.

Consulting with and retaining such an attorney as soon as possible after a car accident caused by somebody else will assure that your right to compensation for the injuries and damages you suffered will be preserved, protected, and asserted. Contact the Law Firm of Figeroux & Associates at 855-768-8845 or www.askthelawyer.us before the opposing insurer contacts you.l

Creditors’ Harassments!

Lawsuits! Foreclosures!

Get the legal help you need NOW! Call 718-222-3155!

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

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

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

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

Call 718-222-3155 for a consultation today!

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

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June 2023

4

SPONSORED INSERT: Personal Injury

Children & Car Accidents: Reducing the Risks!

Reducing the risk to child passengers can be done by taking the following steps: 1.Always ensure that the child is safely secured in the vehicle.

2.Discourage risky activities and play while on board a car.

3.Avoid any showmanship and road rage as you drive because this will set a poor example for the children in your vehicle.

4.Train the children on safety while on board a vehicle.

BY CHRIS TOBIAS

A

ccording to statistics, car accidents are among the leading cause of deaths among children in the USA. About 45% of deaths among children are because of car accidents.

What can you do if there is a car accident involving your child? During this difficult time, you need a strong advocate on your side like the attorneys at the Personal Injury Law Firm of Figeroux & Associates.

How can we deal with the greater risks that children face when it comes to car accidents? Child victims in car accidents can be placed in two categories. There are those who are passengers and there are those who are pedestrians. It is important to realize that a lack of precautionary measures has been the main reason for child victims of car accidents in both scenarios. Children need keen supervision whenever they are walking along the road, crossing a road or in any other situation where they are interacting with traffic. Further, they need to be looked after when in transit aboard a vehicle and the necessary precautions

While these measures will not eliminate child victims of car accidents, they will greatly reduce the risk children face while traveling along the roads or when in a car. taken so as to ensure they remain safe under any circumstances.

For child pedestrians the following measures can help reduce the risk of accidents among children.

1.Close supervision of children at all times when near a road.

2.Training of children in road safety and teaching them safe road use.

3.Educating drivers and other road users on “Child safe road use.”

What Can You Do? A personal injury attorney specializes in helping victims obtain settlements by providing legal assistance and advice after a car crash. The attorneys at the Personal Injury Law Firm of Figeroux & Associates possess a wide range of experience and the expertise needed to advocate for children who have been in car accidents. Call us at 855-768-8845 or schedule an appointment at www.askthelawyer.usl

Mistakes to Avoid

I

f you or a loved one were in a car accident, please avoid the following mistakes:

Delaying or neglecting to seek medical treatment A common mistake personal injury victims make is failing to see a doctor as soon as possible.

Making untruthful statements about your injuries One of the biggest mistakes a victim can make in a personal injury case is to lie about or exaggerate the extent of their injuries.

Failure to secure legal representation That's one of the biggest mistakes you can make. It will cost you big time.

Speaking with insurance companies without legal representation Insurance companies are mainly concerned with protecting their interests, meaning minimizing the compensation they pay out for personal injury claims.

When one talks directly with an insurance company, they may inadvertently provide information that the insurance company can use to deny or reduce the value of their claim. Statements can be taken out of context or used against you in court.l

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13

IMMIGRATION

The Uncertain Fate of DACA: 11 Years Later, Dreamers Still Face Deportation Threat

BY JR HOLGUIN

The Legal Battle Texas v. United States is being decided in the Southern District of Texas by Judge Hanen, the same judge that ruled President Barack Obama's memorandum illegal. After that verdict in 2021, the Biden administration updated the program and sent it back to Hanen.

Editorial credit: Christopher Penler / Shutterstock.com

E

leven years since the creation of DACA, Dreamers continue facing the uncertainty of deportation due to the 2021 ruling by a Texas judge declaring it illegal, barring new recipients from applying and leaving the fate of DACA uncertain.

The ruling by U.S. District Judge Andrew Hanen declared the program illegal, halting all new applications from an estimated 400,000 eligible Dreamers, as DACA recipients are known, but allowing those with existing DACA status to continue applying until a final verdict is reached.

Now nine states are suing DACA, claiming that the program has caused financial harm by spending millions of dollars providing benefits such as health care and education to Dreamers. The states are Texas, Alabama, Arkansas, Louisiana, Nebraska, South Carolina, West Virginia, Kansas, and Mississippi.

Lawyers for the Biden administration and the Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund are defending

DACA and arguing that the program is legal and that there is no proof of financial harm.

Hanen has yet to rule and said he would have one "as soon as possible." Experts said they expected the case to return to the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals and possibly reach the U.S. Supreme Court.

The estimated time for a conclusion˜ is uncertain.

Economic and Social Implications According to FDW.us, "the end of DACA will impact over 600,000 DACA recipients — resulting in an average of 5,000 DACA recipients falling out of status and losing work authorization every single week over the next two years," with economic consequences concentrated in 12 states across the nation where most Dreamers live.

In 2023 86% of all Dreamers participate in the labor force and contribute billions of dollars of combined taxes towards the economy. FDW.us also estimates that if DACA is fixed, it could allow eligible individuals to contribute at least $390 billion in wages and $117 billion in combined taxes over the next decade.

Heramb Mohite, a sophomore at University of Colorado Boulder, is one of tens of thousands of ‘Documented Dreamers’ who face self-deportation when they turn 21. He said in an interview with Boulder Reporting Lab, "My continued on page 14

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IMMIGRATION DACA 11 Years Later/ continued from page 13 automatic loss of legal status at 21 is a baffling rule in our immigration system.

Why would America recruit foreign talent like my father, educate kids like me at taxpayer-funded schools and then deport us just as we reach working age?

There are more than 200,000 young people like me, and nearly 90% are pursuing or plan to pursue STEM and healthcare careers. We have become known as “Documented Dreamers,” and we’ve been advocating for the America’s Children Act, a bipartisan bill introduced in Congress last month that fixes a loophole that forces American-raised and educated children to leave the country."

Texas, leading the lawsuit, has the second highest population of Dreamers behind California - with an estimated 96,000 recipients, 73% of them in the labor force and close to half with some college education. DACA recipients hold different positions in the labor force, including essential jobs, like the 30,000 healthcare workers, such as doctors and nurses.

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has assured that applicants are not a deportation priority and are following the current policy prohibiting DHS from sharing the provided information with other entities within the department, such as Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), unless specific circumstances involving fraud, national security threats, or public safety con-

14 Editorial credit: Susan Montgomery / Shutterstock.com

cerns arise.

The Dream and Promise Act In a recent interview with Congresswoman Yvette Clarke, the importance of legislation like the Dream and Promise Act became abundantly clear. This legislation, which aims to establish a pathway to citizenship for those brought to the United States as children, can potentially transform countless individuals' lives.

Representative Clarke explained, "The Dream and Promise Act is a piece of legislation passed in the House of Representatives several years ago during the Obama administration.

Unfortunately, it wasn't taken up by the Senate and has yet to become law. It's an Obama-era program that would essentially provide a pathway to citizenship for those who were brought to the United States as children and have been in a state of limbo with no status in the

United States. As a result, many who were brought here as children are now adults and have lived a life in this country, contributing to everything from our military to various aspects of our civil society. Yet they remain in the shadows simply because they lack status. The Dream and Promise Act would rectify that, giving these individuals the status, they need to continue with their lives to strengthen their families and communities. And so, eleven years ago, this legislation was put in motion, and we are bringing light to that and reintroducing the legislation once again."

"The ability to receive the earned benefit of being an American, whether it's Social Security, Medicare, healthcare services, all of those things that American citizens take for granted have been denied to these individuals," added Clarke.

Clarke passionately highlighted the immense contributions these Dreamers

have made, from serving in the military to participating in civil society actively.

Despite their valuable contributions, their lack of legal status has relegated them to the shadows. With over 580,000 recipients living in perpetual uncertainty, Congresswoman Clark emphasized the pressing need to pass this crucial legislation. Moreover, she shed light on the broader issue of comprehensive immigration reform, underscoring the importance of addressing immigrant communities' challenges.

But more is needed for Dreamers, and they deserve better.

In addition to their economic contributions, it is crucial to recognize Dreamers' emotional and inspirational journeys.

These resilient individuals have spent the majority, if not all, of their lives in the United States, with no other place to call home. They attend American schools and colleges, own small businesses, hold essential jobs, establish families, and invest in houses. Their roots are firmly planted in this country, and 11 years later have now intertwined their identities with its very fabric.

The majority of the country agrees that Congress needs to create a path to citizenship for these individuals who are a part of this country as much as anyone else simply because they were born here.

In a statement released by President Joe Biden, he says, "Dreamers are Americans," but it's time to stop calling the individuals Dreamers anything other than what they are, American. l

Orientation is Monday, June 26, 2023

Join us via Zoom at 6pm

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Stay Focused and Motivated with Positive Words of Affirmation

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s we pursue our goals, we will most likely face obstacles along the way, obstacles that can affect our confidence and leave us with selfdoubt. Filling your mind with positivity generates the energy necessary to push yourself to the next level, whether that means starting a new healthy habit, reducing stress levels, or making a career change.

Positive affirmations are words of inspiration that you can use to silence those negative thoughts. A positive affirmation is like a mini mantra that you can repeat to yourself throughout the day to stay focused, driven, and motivated.

One of the most powerful concepts in the world of self-improvement is the positive affirmation. Using positive affirmation techniques allows us to see the positive in even the direst of circumstances, and this positive outlook can, in turn, will enable us to attain our goals and achieve our most ambitious dreams.

A big part of learning positive affirmation techniques is turning a negative into a positive.

Learning to see the glass as half-full instead of half-empty can have a farranging impact on our lives, and this ability to focus on the positive is incredibly powerful.

Consider the following examples and learn to see the positive in every negative situation.

•Negative thought – I hate working around the house.

•Positive alternative – I have a beautiful home, and I want it to look its best.

•Negative thought – I pay too much in income taxes.

•Positive alternative – I have a great job that pays me a good income.

•Negative thought – I am too fat.

•Positive alternative – I have plenty of food and many healthy alternatives.

•Negative thought – I pay too much for my heat and air conditioning.

•Positive alternative – My home is warm in the wintertime and cool in the summer.

•Negative thought – I got stuck with a lousy parking spot.

•Positive alternative – I have a car, and I can walk.

The key to turning these negatives into positives is to recognize and see the negative thought from a positive perspective. Learning to examine your negative feelings and turn them into something positive may take a while, but there are many advantages.

Understanding the power of positive affirmation is well worth the time invested.

Remember always: there is power in positive thinking.l

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nHOROSCOPE

Kitchen Corner

Cucumber Salad

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his cucumber salad is refreshing and delicious! A sweet vinegar dressing is boiled, then poured over thinly sliced cucumbers to ensure the best flavor. The salad can be served chilled or at room temperature.—JSCHMAND, AllRecipes.com Ingredients These are the ingredients you’ll need to make this homemade cucumber salad recipe: •Cucumbers: Start with four thinly sliced cucumbers.

•Onion: A thinly sliced white onion lends flavor and texture.

•Vinegar: A cup of white vinegar gives the cucumber salad a bright flavor.

•Sugar: White sugar lends subtle sweetness.

Water: You’ll need ½ cup of water.

•Dill: Dried dill takes the flavor up a notch.

•¾ pound mixed salad greens How to Make a Cucumber Salad You’ll find the full, step-by-step recipe below – but here’s a brief overview of what you can expect when you make this cucumber salad: 1. Toss the cucumber and onion slices together.

2. Boil the vinegar, water, and sugar.

3. Pour the vinegar mixture over the cucumbers and onions.

4. Stir in the dill and let marinate before serving.

Tip from JSCHMAND: “For a pretty salad, peel only half of each cucumber, leaving strips of skin on each.”

Can You Make Cucumber Salad Ahead of Time?

Yes! Making the cucumber salad ahead of time will allow the ingredients to meld, resulting in a bolder flavor. You can prepare the recipe up to two days in advance – store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator until you’re ready to serve.l Nutrition Facts Per serving: Calories: 99 Fat: 0g Carbs: 25g Protein: 1g Serving: 8 Prep Time: 10 mins Cook Time: 5 mins Additional Time: 1 hours Total Time: 2 hours 15 mins How to Store Cucumber Salad While the flavor will strengthen with time, the cucumbers will lose their crispness after a few days. You can store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for four to five days.

“A delicious summertime recipe to beat the heat,” says HenClaire.”

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HEALTH

16

Food Insecurity Already Affects 12 million US Homes – and Reductions in SNAP Benefits Won’t Help

BY HILARY SELIGMAN

Of the 34 million Americans who suffer from food insecurity, 9 million are children.

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illions of Americans struggle to afford healthy meals and nutritious food. Known as “food insecurity,” this problem was already rising when Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, benefits – previously called food stamps – were cut in 35 states this spring.

SciLine interviewed Hilary Seligman, professor of medicine at the University of California, San Francisco, on rising grocery prices, the misconceptions about hunger in the U.S., and how food insecurity diminishes school and work performance.

What is food insecurity?

Hilary Seligman: Food insecurity is defined by the U.S. Department of Agriculture as the limited or uncertain access to enough food for a healthy life.

What are the trends in food insecurity rates?

Hilary Seligman: The most recent data suggests that about 1 in 10 households in the U.S. are food insecure. And this rate

is even higher among certain groups, like Black and brown households and households with children.

What factors cause food insecurity?

Hilary Seligman: Food insecurity is an inability to access enough resources for your basic needs. So it’s not having sufficient money in the household to meet a food budget. And that may be because of disability, because of unemployment,

rity is associated with behavioral problems in school, absenteeism from school and poor academic performance. And this can have lifelong consequences for children.

A similar thing plays out with adults.

Adults who are living in food-insecure households are less likely to be able to hold down a sufficient number of work hours to meet their household budget needs. They’re less likely to be able to devote a lot of hours to finding employment, because finding food takes a lot of time and a lot of energy.

How does inflation affect food insecurity rates?

Hilary Seligman: It’s clear that when food prices rise, households have to stretch a food budget even more. People have to make difficult choices about the kind of food they eat, and the amount of food they eat.

In many cases, when household budgets are stretched thin, people have to shift their purchases toward foods that are cheaper. And in the U.S., cheaper foods are almost always less healthy for you, more caloric and more deficient in vitamins and nutrients.

Are there any common misconceptions about hunger?

Hilary Seligman: One of the misconceptions is that people who are experiencing food insecurity don’t want access to a healthier diet.

In many, many cases, if not most cases, the evidence is clear that people at all income levels often want access to a healthier diet. But in a household experiencing food insecurity, a healthier diet is simply out of reach financially.

Many people living in food-insecure households will tell you they perceive fruits and vegetables to be luxury items.

They only splurge on fruits and vegetables when they have extra money in their budget. And so one of the things that we have to guard against is an assumption that people with lower incomes don’t want to eat a healthy diet.

How does food insecurity affect people’s health?

Hilary Seligman: Over the last couple of decades, we’ve seen that food insecurity can have a profound impact on physical health and mental health, whether children, adults or older adults.

These cheaper foods tend to be really highly processed, nutritionally poor, shelf-stable foods. And we know these foods are bad for people’s health in the long term. They predispose people toward weight gain, diabetes, cardiovascular disease and even cancer.

We also know that when you live in a food-insecure household, it makes it difficult to afford other things that are good for your health. For example, it would make it more difficult to afford your copayment to see your primary care doctor, or your medications.

What else works to reduce or eliminate food insecurity?

Hilary Seligman: The best solution for food insecurity is SNAP, which used to be called the food stamps program.

It is very, very clear that SNAP is enormously effective at supporting food security in U.S. households. And anything that reduces access to SNAP or makes it more difficult to enroll in SNAP is going to have the effect of increasing food insecurity rates in the United States.

An example of this would be the work requirements that will push people out of the SNAP program and likely increase food insecurity rates.

Things like earned income tax credits protect families against food insecurity.

Emergency stimulus checks like we saw during the COVID pandemic also protect families.l

How does food insecurity affect success at work or school?

Hilary Seligman: We know that food insecurity is associated with poor academic performance among children.

Parents are probably really familiar with the way that their children behave when they’re hungry. And those same things happen in school environments when kids show up to school having not had the opportunity to eat a healthy breakfast.

The evidence is clear that food insecu-

Hilary Seligman is a Professor of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco.

because of inadequate educational opportunities, or all of these root causes.

Take your man to the doctor!

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HEALTH

17

Health and Social Development Top of the Agenda at PAHO Director’s Meeting with Prime Minister of Barbados

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ridgetown, Barbados, June 12, 2023 (PAHO): The Prime Minister of Barbados, Hon. Mia Amor Mottley, today met with Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) Director, Dr. Jarbas Barbosa, during his official visit to the Caribbean country.

During the meeting, Dr. Barbosa and Prime Minister Mottley discussed the urgent need to protect health while promoting social and economic development in the Caribbean Region.

“As we begin to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic, I look forward to continued collaboration with Barbados, and the Caribbean as a whole, to rebuild stronger, more resilient health care systems,” he said.

Prime Minister Mottley thanked Dr. Barbosa for the Organization’s continued collaboration with the country, including in the areas of primary health care, antimicrobial resistance, non-communicable diseases (NCDs), vaccine equity and resilient health systems.

Dr. Barbosa also discussed health system resilience and recovery in the Region, as well as technical cooperation

Meet

Photo courtesy: PAHO

priorities with the Barbados Minister of Health and Wellness, Dr. Jerome Walcott, and senior officials of the Ministry.

The PAHO Director met with Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Hon. Kerrie D. Symmonds, and highlighted the importance of engaging all countries of the Americas in the debates around the

future pandemic instrument.

During his visit to the country, Dr Barbosa will participate in the Small Island Developing States (SIDS) ministerial conference on NCDs and mental health, which is taking place from 14-16 June in Bridgetown.

The meeting convenes ministers of

health and other high-level authorities from SIDS to discuss the scaling-up of multisectoral actions on NCDs and mental health, particularly given the impact of climate change on small-island states.

During the meeting, which takes place ahead of the UN General Assembly High-level meeting on Universal Health Coverage in September, participants will not only commit to increasing both national and international cooperation on mental health and NCDs but will also agree on a set of country-specific actions in to operationalize this commitment.

Dr. Barbosa will participate in the inauguration of this meeting, alongside Prime Minister Mottley and World Health Organization (WHO) Director-General, Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.

As part of his official visit, Dr. Barbosa is also due to tour the Sir Winston Scott Polyclinic, and the Best-dos Santos Public Health Laboratory, and will meet with the British High Commissioner, and the European Union Head of Delegation.l

Arely

a community health worker in Harlem "I learn something from each new family I work with, my goal is to share what I’ve learned to make parenting a little easier with each visit."

New Yorkers can access quality services at low to no cost to make pregnancy, birth, and infancy easier.

Call 311 or visit nyc.gov/health/babyhelp to find out about services, eligibility, and enrollment.

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LOVE & RELATIONSHIPS

18

10 Ways to Be More Romantic in Your Relationship and celebrations. Giving your partner gifts simply because you saw something they would love or just wanted to treat them is a great way to reinforce that you love them, and they are important to you.

BY MARY CAMPBELL

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o you find that your relationship has become stale and has lost that initial buzz you had when you first got with your husband, wife, or partner? This is sadly all too common an issue with long-term relationships. No one gets into relationships with the view of all the passion and the romance disappearing as quickly as it appeared.

If you find yourself in this position and are looking for ways to reignite your passion, you've come to the right place. In the following article, you will find some effective ways to be romantic and improve your relationship with your significant other.

Listen Attentively to Your Partner Many relationship problems often stem from one or both partners failing to listen. Listening means not interrupting and hearing your partner out, whether it's expressing what they want and desire or when they want to air their grievances or offer suggestions.

Be More Thoughtful One powerful way to improve things between yourself and your partner is actively being more thoughtful. If you know what they like for breakfast or other meals or they want a specific beverage, you could cook or prepare these before they ask for them.

Express Yourself Openly A lack of open and free expression between partners can quickly drive a wedge between you and leave you feel-

ing more distant. You can remedy this by speaking freely about your feelings, thoughts, and your future together.

Give Them Gifts (Don't Just Wait For Holidays and Celebrations) Everyone likes receiving gifts, even people who will swear they don't appreciate a thoughtful and unexpected gift. That is why, if you are trying to be more romantic with your partner, you should not wait for Valentine's Day, their birthday, your anniversary, or other special occasions

Show Physical Affection Many couples will agree that becoming complacent concerning physical affection is far too easy. While you are in the throes of passion during the first few months of a relationship, you can't take your hands off one another. This can quickly die out with time if you let it, as many couples do. Regular snuggles on the sofa at the end of every day, sneaky kisses, and other forms of physical affection are replaced with occasional snuggles in bed before you both go to sleep and the odd kiss from one day to the next.

If you find yourself in a similar situation, it is very easy to rectify these problems. To show you truly love and have affection for your partner, you could: •Make time to spend cuddling them and continued on page 19

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LOVE & RELATIONSHIPS

19 other, you should play things by ear more and go with the flow.

If you are out in the city or on a weekend break, get lost and wander around.

More Romantic/ continued from page 18 asking them how their day was •Stealing cheeky and sneaky kisses from them when they are least expecting it •Offer to brush their hair or give them a head, shoulder, back, or even leg and foot massage Buy Out Time for Your Significant Other The most basic and effective way to give your relationship a romantic boost is by actually making time for your significant other. It's very easy to become complacent when you both have jobs or are at college or university and have social lives outside of your partnership to not spend as much time together as you once did. If you are serious about making your relationship work, you must buy time for your significant other. Why do we say buy out? Show you are willing to make the time in your schedule for your partner, even if it means compromising and missing out on something else.

Give Them Surprises Who doesn't like surprises? Long-term relationships can become very predictable, and when you know what's going to happen day in, and day out, it can be not very interesting. If you want to show how much you love your partner

and keep the romantic fire burning between you, you must occasionally sweep them off their feet.

To remedy this, you must think outside the box and surprise your partner.

Whether it's turning up at their workplace (if appropriate) to take them for a picnic lunch during their break or booking a getaway, your significant other will appreciate the lengths you have gone to.

Understand the Love Language of Your Partner The only way you can be romantic towards your partner is if you understand their love language. This means the ways they prefer to receive and express their love. Just because you consider physical touch the best way to show love to your partner, it doesn't mean it's their preferred

way to receive it. Others place a high value on words of affirmation, quality time (excluding sex), acts of service, and just communication in general as the most important way to show love.

You may need to ask if you are unsure of your partner's preferred love language, but it will likely be the way they choose to show their love to you. Have an open conversation about what you both prefer, and your love life will pick up in no time!

Throw the Itinerary Out the Window Although it makes sense to plan things out properly because we all lead busy lives, it can take a lot of the spontaneous side of your relationship that you had when you were first together. Instead of having a cast-iron plan for all you will do on a special day with your significant

Do Something Different Most people find having routines gives them some stability. When you have tight schedules for work and other parts of your life, it can be good to have set times when things happen. However, after a while, in a relationship, it can become boring if you do the same things from one week to the next.

You can change that by trying to do something different with your partner.

Why not take up a new hobby, or go to a restaurant serving food you have never tried?

Summary When you are in a new relationship, everything is very exciting. As your relationship becomes a long-term thing, much of that excitement disappears.

While it's nice to be in a stable relationship, it's not so good to be in a relationship without passion. Fortunately, all is not lost. You need to work hard and look for areas where things go wrong. By putting the tips highlighted above into action, you may find that the fire that burned between you is relit and brighter and hotter than ever before.l

Have a healthy and fulfilling sex life.

Care is available for people of all gender identities, sexual orientations, and immigration statuses: STI prevention, testing, and care

LGBTQIA+ health

HIV prevention (PEP and PrEP), testing, and care

STAY FUN, FRESH, AND SEXY

Reproductive health

Information and resources

Low-to no-cost care is available at many facilities, including all City-run sites.

VISIT NYC.GOV/ SEXUALHEALTH

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20

TRAVEL & ENTERTAINMENT

Grenada Makes Impressive Showing at Annual Caribbean Week in New York

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t. George’s, Grenada W.I.: A delegation from the Grenada, including the Hon. Lennox Andrews, Minister for Economic Development, Planning, Tourism and ICT, Creative Economy, Agriculture and Lands, Fisheries and Cooperatives; Kim Frederick, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Economic Development, Planning, Tourism, ICT, Creative Economy, Agriculture and Lands, Fisheries & Cooperatives; Randall Dolland, Chairman of the Grenada Tourism Authority; and Petra Roach, CEO of the Grenada Tourism Authority, came to New York to participate in Caribbean Week. They were supported by the local team of Christine Noel-Horsford, Director of Sales, USA and Shanai St. Bernard, Manager of Sales, USA. The annual event, which is held in New York, provides councils of ministers and directors an opportunity to discuss challenges such as the current issues of sargassum and inter-regional travel, foster media engagement, promote thought leadership, and encourage networking within the tourism industry.

“Tourism is a major economic driver for Grenada and from the conversations and announcements made while at

From L to R: Kim Frederick, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Economic Development, Planning, Tourism, ICT, Creative Economy, Agriculture and Lands, Fisheries & Cooperatives, Petra Roach, CEO, Grenada Tourism Authority and Hon. Lennox J. Andrews, Minister for Economic Development, Planning, Tourism, ICT, Creative Economy, Agriculture and Lands, Fisheries & Cooperatives at Caribbean Media Marketplace. Photo courtesy: Pure Grenada.

Caribbean Week in New York, I am pleased at the positive direction our country is heading,” said Hon. Lennox Andrews, Minister for Economic Development, Planning, Tourism and ICT, Creative Economy, Agriculture and Lands, Fisheries and Cooperatives. “It’s clear the creativity and timeliness of the experiences we are developing, the hotel developments on the horizon and the increased capacity to welcome new visitors, we are on the right path in our efforts to showcase Grenada as a leading

tourism and sustainable destination in the Caribbean.”

To kick off the week, the Grenada Tourism Authority held an intimate cocktail party for trade and consumer media to launch a new culinary initiative with James Beard Award-winning chef, restaurateur, author, and culinary activist, Alexander Smalls. The partnership, which is aimed at raising the profile of Grenada as a leading culinary destination, is slated to involve a Master Class with local chefs, recipe development

showcasing the destination’s spices and cacao, a Tastemaker event featuring celebrity and influential chefs, a Fireside Chat with Grenada’s leaders in food security, agriculture and sustainability, and the Spice Replanting Program.

The Grenadian delegation also participated in Caribbean Media Marketplace, an interactive experience for CTO member governments to engage with journalists from travel trade and consumer press. Minister Andrews, P.S. Frederick and GTA CEO Petra Roach participated in over 20 interviews where they discussed new developments in Grenada, its flourishing tourist industry, and the strategy for continuing its upward growth trajectory.

“Participation in Caribbean Week is always a marquee moment for our neighboring nations to come together to share and learn from one another,” said Petra Roach, CEO of the Grenada Tourism Authority. “Our team left inspired for the future. While the hard work continues, the foundation is solid and we’re building an unbeatable tourism product that will ensure our visitors leave our shores with a lifetime of memories and a yearning for the creation of more.”l

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21

BUSINESS MATTERS

The Benefits of Starting a Podcast for Your Business or Non-Profit

BY NYC MEDIA TRAINING

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he growth of podcasting has created great opportunities for businesses of all sizes. Sharing useful and entertaining information through a podcast is the perfect way to keep your marketing efforts relevant in today’s marketplace. Here are a few of the best benefits that your business will experience when you start a podcast.

Increase Brand Awareness Most markets today are highly competitive, even for businesses that operate in small niches. This makes it critical for your small business to have a memorable brand that will stand out in the crowd.

Podcasting offers your business a way to keep your brand fresh in the minds of your customers over long periods of time, especially as the number of podcast episodes you make available increases.

Low Start-Up Costs The equipment needed to create a podcast is not complex. With a basic setup that includes a quality microphone and editing software, you can create a podcast that has a level of quality which will reflect well on your business. This only continues to become truer as advancements in technology make podcasting even simpler, more accessible and affordable, making it the perfect marketing solution for a small business with a limited budget.

The Growth of Mobile Platforms More people than ever before are using mobile devices such as cell phones and tablets to find the information and products they need. Since the growth of mobile platforms won’t be slowing down any time soon, it’s important that your business can meet today’s consumers where they are. Podcasts are the perfect way to do just that.

Understand Your Customers Interacting with the people who listen to your podcast is one of the most beneficial parts of podcasting. There’s no better way to get a deep understanding of what your customers desire than to simply communicate with them. Podcasts create the perfect environment in which this can happen, especially when your podcast can be shared through social media platforms that will generate comments and

shares from your existing listeners, as well as those who are new to your podcast.

These are just a few of the many benefits your business can experience when you succeed at podcasting. When done right, your podcast will help to increase brand awareness, keep your business relevant in today’s mobile marketplace and help you to better understand the needs and desires of your customer base.l

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NYC POLITICS

22

New York City and Ranked Choice Voting

BY LINDA NWOKE

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ew York City conducted the first ranked-choice voting on February 2, 2021. The City employed the voting system during Council District 24's special municipal election in Queens.

Again, at the primary elections for the city council members, public advocate, borough president, comptroller, and mayoral elections. The last two election cycles since 2019 used this method. It was the year of approval for the voting method for all Special Elections after January 1, 2021.

Elections for the country's President, Governor, and Senate are not subject to ranked-choice voting as this applies just to NYC elections and other select states at this time.

Under ranked-choice voting, voters can order as many as five candidates in order of preference or choose to select only one candidate as their first choice.

Suppose no candidate receives a majority of first-choice votes. In that case, there is an elimination of the person with the lowest number of votes, and the redistributed to the remaining candidates based on the participants' second choice. The process will continue until a candidate receives a majority of the votes.

I nterestingly in just two years, the relatively new voting system has gradually gained acceptance despite initial pushback by several entities.

Initially, New Yorkers raised numerous concerns about implementing the voting system in New York City. One of the main concerns was the possibility of creating confusion among voters. However, the New York City Board of Elections took steps to educate voters about the new system, including sending out instructional materials and holding information sessions. Furthermore, they also developed a website and hotline where voters could gather more information and assistance. Another concern was the possibility of promoting negative campaigning as candidates sought to undermine their opponents' support, but research findings proved this wrong.

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Value of Ranked Choice Voting (RVC) The voting process is quite valuable. It allows voters to rate their candidate in order of preference instead of simply selecting one, increasing the chances of more diverse and representative candidates. Under the traditional voting system, popular candidates with a narrow edge in the electorate can win elections even if they are not the preferred candidate of the majority.

Secondly, the process encourages robust and civil campaigning by candidates to appeal to a broader range of voters to win. Implicitly, some candidates considered non-viable under the traditional system, such as candidates of color or with unconventional platforms, have a better chance of winning.

Moreover, in the New York City elections, there were fewer attack advertisements and more positive messaging than in previous elections. Unlike previous traditional elections, it also reduced the need for time-consuming and expensive runoff elections. When there is no candidate with a majority of the votes, they sometimes conduct a runoff election between the two leading candidates with the most votes. The runoff polls can be expensive and time-consuming, resulting in lower voter turnout. With rankedchoice voting, there is no need for a runoff election to redistribute the votes to the highest-polling candidate who receives the most votes.

Challenges to Ranked Choice Voting Overall, ranked-choice voting in New York City has been successful despite initial concerns about the possibility of negative campaigning and confusion.

Evidence shows that all the elections conducted with the process have been smooth and civil.

Although the process encountered some technical issues during the vote-counting process, most were quickly resolved. The process has supported the primary goal of any democratic system by allowing the participation of more diverse and representative candidates, significantly often marginalized groups.

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Despite the primarily positive result, there are still some challenges to increasing the effectiveness of ranked-choice voting, such as increasing voter education and diverse candidacy.

On the issue of inadequate voter education, while the Board of Elections succeeded in educating voters about the new system, some voters needed clarification, and others needed to understand how to rank their choices fully. This challenge requires more education and outreach to ensure all voters are fully informed about voting.

Hence in collaboration with RankedVote, the Civic Engagement Commission (CEC) has launched a multilingual, interactive online app like the NYC ballot. It aims at helping New Yorkers better understand how RCV works before they go to the polls.

The interactive ballot is in at least 15 languages like Chinese, Spanish, Bengali, Polish, Yiddish, Greek, Haitian Creole, Russian, Korean, Urdu, Polish, French, Arabic, Italian, Albanian, and Hindi has spoken by eligible voters who do not speak English as their first language and have low proficiency.

The team works directly with community-based organizations to distribute customizable ballots in different languages. Additionally, there is a need for more diverse and representative candidates to participate. While the process can help promote diversity, it is not an automatic solution. Other systemic challenges include structural difficulties in running for office and money's political influence.

Using Ranked Choice Voting (RCV) in the 2023 Election On June 27, 2023, the RCV, often used for municipal elections and non-state offices, will be employed for the district attorney races. Thus, District Attorneys will be on the ballot for voters in three boroughs- Queens, the Bronx, and Staten Island.

Critical Facts about Ranked Choice Voting Generally, voters rank up to five candidates in each race instead of the traditional act of choosing only one favorite candidate.

The candidate that gets more than 50%

of the first-place votes wins. However, if no candidate reaches that majority, the ranked-choice method sorts out the bestpreferred candidate by a majority, canceling a runoff election between the top two vote-getters.

Additionally, eliminated candidates based on the fewest first-choice votes are removed from the race. The voters' second-choice picks are counted and continue, with one candidate removed on each round until the identification of a candidate with more than half of the first-place votes.

While a voter can choose up to five candidates, it is not required. Furthermore, only the first ranking will count if a voter ranks their preferred candidate more than once. After eliminating the top-choice candidate, the vote will count toward the next highest-rated candidate.

Key Effects of Ranked Choice Voting in New York City's Politics Overall, the system of RCV favors popular candidates supported by the electorate, as evidenced in New York City's political landscape. Although complicated, the voting system allows voters to select candidates representing their preferences more precisely than previous first-to-make-it ballots. Instead, it supports the candidate who will obtain more than half the total vote.

In addition, it contributed significantly to a decrease in the chances of negative campaigns and wasteful use of resources to conduct rerun elections.

The last city elections also witnessed an increase in diverse participation, especially of more women and women of color, thus ensuring that the elected officials are more representative of their communities and a true reflection of the City's true nature.

Ultimately, voters must remember that the system allows them to choose whom they want to win through ranking. When a voter ranks multiple candidates, they can still support the election of their preferred candidate, even if their top choice fails.

Ranking multiple candidates ensures that one's vote will go toward other candidates upon eliminating their top choice, giving you more say in determining the ultimate winner.l

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The lawyer you hire, does make a difference!

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