Caribbean American Weekly Issue 43

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ISSUE 43 VOLUME 8

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What Is Happening to Our Children?

Jamaica Gets Rude Awakening In Surge of Promiscuity in Pre-teen Children

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INGSTON, Jamaica: According to the news website, Caribbean 360.com, the Center for the Investigation of Sexual Offences and Child Abuse (CISOCA) says it is concerned about an increase in cases of underage sex between young children, with over 30 cases reported in a single week.

"When I say children having sex with children, I am talking about a four-yearold having sex with a six-year-old, eight and nine, 10 and 11, 12 and 12, 13 and 13, 14 and 14 [year olds]," CISOCA's head, Superintendent Gladys Brown, said.

Speaking at the launch of the Child Abuse Reporting System (CARS) at the

Mona Visitors' Lodge at the University of the West Indies, Brown said that her team had been tackling the sexual abuse of children by adults as a priority area, but recent revelations have forced them to rethink their focus.

"We have been wearing blinkers in one direction because we thought we knew what the problem was, and suddenly we got a rude awakening – 32 cases in seven days," she revealed.

"This is not something I am prepared to keep to myself. I had a case yesterday where a brother and sister were having both vaginal and anal sex and then the cousin joined the group and the party became bigger," Brown disclosed.

"We are looking at a case of a 10-year-old

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girl willingly participating with her brother and cousin, who are both 12, and she goes to a prominent preparatory school in Jamaica. These are not some country children or some illiterate children who have no clue. They go to prominent prep schools," she added.

"What is happening to our children?" she asked.

According to the CISOCA head, reports of children having sex with children have been flooding her office over the past two weeks, with 32 cases reported in the second week of July alone.

She said, moreover, that the police have difficulty dealing with the cases as the

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DIASPORA ISSUES:

enior pastor Dupeola Ajayi of Mountain of Fire and Deliverance Ministry, stated that the words of the prophet Isaiah: “This is the kind of fasting I want: Free.

Those who are wrongly imprisoned, lighten the burden of those who work for you. Let the oppressed go free, and remove the chains that bind people,” forms the foundation of his Ministry here in Brooklyn. He stressed that God has called his church to fulfill Isaiah’s message of deliverance, hence, the name: “Mountain of Fire Deliverance Ministry.”

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Caribbean Consulates

Anguilla 845 Third Avenue New York, N.Y. 10022 Tel: 212-745-0277

Antigua & Barbuda 610 Fifth Avenue, Suite 311 New York, N.Y. 10020 Tel: 212-541-4117

The Bahamas 231 East 46th Street New York, N.Y. 10020 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: 212-949-1240

Dominica 800 Second Avenue, Suite 400H New York, N.Y. 10017 Tel: 212-949-0853

Dominican Republic 1500 Broadway, Suite 410 New York, N.Y. 10036 Tel: 212-768-2480

Grenada 800 Second Avenue, Suite 400K New York, N.Y. 10017 Tel: 212-599-0301

Guyana 370 Seventh Avenue, 4th Floor New York, N.Y. 10001 Tel: 212- 947-5110

Haiti 271 Madison Avenue, 17th Floor New York, N.Y. 10016 Tel: 212-697-9767

Jamaica 767 Third Avenue 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, 6th 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 800 Second Avenue, 9th Floor New York, N.Y. 10007 Tel: 212-697-9360

IN THE NEWS Electricity Protests Still Boiling in Guyana

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he standoff between the Guyana government and the villagers of Linden continues to gain momentum despite the government putting off its proposed hike in the tariff for electricity.

Now, ordinary citizens and even the church are standing by the protestors in the volatile mining community, long regarded as a primary gateway to the hinterland and farther afield in South America.

According to media reports, congregants at a church service donated a large quantity of money to assist in the struggle for their demands.

After Pastor Selwyn Sills called on the congregation to make donations, there was a sudden surge of congregants to a bag where they offered as little as GUY$20 to their cause. Even an armed uniformed soldier went forward and made a donation, stated the Demerara Waves.

The heightened atmosphere has reached a point where a planned visited by President

Donald Ramotar had to be put off amidst safety concerns.

The electricity tariff protests started out peacefully on July 18, but escalated into unrest, leaving three persons dead and several others seriously injured, in addition to the destruction of several buildings by fire.

Reports on the chaos state that Lindeners continue to burn tires and are blocking the Amelia's Ward Road; scores of protestors also formed a human barricade across the road, and began singing hymns. Among those reportedly on the frontline were women and children.

The Joint Services called into service a frontend loader to clear the rubble used to blockade the roads. The Government Information Agency (GINA) also reported that the Joint Services Heads at the scene of the impasse apprised the president of their several failed attempts at controlling protesters who obstructed the Kara Kara access bridge to Linden.

TCL Cement Prices Drop after Strike Curtailed

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he cost of building in Trinidad and Tobago could become cheaper as the major cement manufacturer, Trinidad Cement Limited (TCL), has promised to drop its prices in the coming weeks.

In a recently issued press release, TCL general manager, Satnarine Bachew, announced that the temporary surcharge imposed on bagged cement has been

removed and prices would drop as a result of the court-ordered break in the industrial action by trade unionists against TCL. Bachew said a 42.5 kilogram bag of cement was increased by TT$13 during the recent industrial relations impasse. He said the company was forced to increase prices two weeks after workers began strike action on February 27.l

Bajan Striker Makes History with Race Discimination Case

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ENT, England: Former Barbados international player Mark McCammon has not only proved his point, but has made history by winning the first race victimization case brought by a footballer in a public forum in England.

McCammon, 33, won the landmark case after an employment tribunal ruled he was racially victimised at his former club.

The 6ft 2in striker took legal action against the Gillingham FC after being dismissed for alleged misconduct last year.

McCammon’s claim for race discrimination – which is thought to be the first by a professional footballer – and unfair dismissal was brought against the League Two side and its chairman, Paul Scally.l

The Office of the President, in a recently issued release, said the postponement of the president’s planned visit was deeply regretted, particularly by those stakeholders who had already assembled at Watooka House for the public meeting and consultations with the president and his delegation.

The situation also caused the bauxite company operated by Bosai to close its doors, and has significantly affected Toucan Connections, a call-center in Linden which employs almost 150 persons.

President Ramotar has since ordered a Commission of Inquiry to examine the circumstances that led to the loss of lives, and agreed with the opposition to draft the Terms of Reference for the constitution of the Commission to be concluded not later than August 2.l For full story visit www.caribbean360.com

Surge in Promiscuity Among Jamaican Pre-Teen Children continued from page 1

law prohibits them from holding children under 12 years old personally accountable for their actions.

"A child under 12 cannot be charged for anything, and it is even worse when they are related to each other," she indicated.

Brown went on to make a heartfelt appeal for civil society to curb this incestuous promiscuity among the country’s children.

"Jamaica has to help. I am not going to lie in my bed at nights and can't sleep,” she declared.

"Adults can do what they want, but children must be guided and protected. They need counseling, and I am here to beg, to plead and seek assistance from those who can do something; let us do something."

The CISOCA chief also blamed adults for this situation and said it pointed to a lack of proper parenting skills and supervision.

She urged parents and guardians to be more vigilant about keeping an eye on children under their care, noting that the issue is especially worrisome now that children are on their summer school break and have a lot of time on their hands.

"This is not like when we were growing up in the country playing 'dollie-house'. This 'dollie-house' is serious and is bigger. You have boys and girls having anal and vaginal sex, then you have the boys turning on one another and it is all fun. They have lost their direction and some of you have to come and help," Brown urged.l

The editors of this publication are pleading with the Diaspora to reach out and help. Please contact the Jamaican Consulate at 212-935-9000.

St. Maarten 675 Third Avenue, Suite 1807 New York, N.Y. 10017 Tel: 800-786-2278

St. Vincent & The Grenadines 801 Second Avenue, 21st Floor New York, N.Y. 10017 Tel: 212-687-4981 Trinidad & Tobago 125 Maiden Lane New York, N.Y. 10038 Tel: 212-682-7272

For more Consulate information go www.cawnyc.com/directory

VISIT OUR WEBSITE WWW.CAWNYC.COM FOR MORE NEWS AND INFORMATION

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ABOUT US

CARIBBEAN AMERICAN WEEKLY TEAM

My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge. —Hosea 4:6

Publisher I.Q. INC.

Managing Editor & Editor-in-Chief Pearl Phillip

Senior Editor Colin Moore

Legal Advisor Brian Figeroux, Esq.

Assistant Editor Marilyn Silverman

Graphic & Website Designers Praim Samsoondar Samantha Rosero Lana Delgadillo

Contributors Vandell Park Ramon Jimenez Jennine Estes Ben Winograd Janet Howard

Email cariaweekly@aol.com

VISIT US AT WWW.CAW.NYC.COM

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4

Lie and Distort: The Police Response to Stop and Frisk

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BY RAMON JIMENEZ NATIONAL INSTITUTE FOR LATINO POLICY

rom reading New York dailies these past few weeks, one can only surmise that Police Commissioner Raymond Kelly, his liberal columnist friend Mike Lupica, the Daily News Editorial Board and the usual suspect, the New York Post, have begun a counterattack against those of us who have dared to criticize the stop and frisk policies of the New York City Police Department. Every shooting, knifing and other violent crime is now being blamed on the critics of stop and frisk.

How dare these 50,000 marchers who silently protested against the abuse of stop and frisk believe they know more than a decorated and much lauded police commissioner? How dare civil libertarian, community groups, political groups — such as the Freedom Party — unions and churches accuse the NYPD of racial stereotyping?

The numbers speak for themselves, or as we say in law, Res Ipsa Loquitor. The police department stopped close to 700,000 individuals last year, 87% Black and Latino. It took 1,500 stops for the police to find one gun. Only six percent were arrested.

Our lives are being saved, says sports writer Mike Lupica, as of late a defender

of Commissioner Kelly in various columns. I wonder how he would enjoy having his son stopped, forced to spread eagle against a car, and then searched.

Would he be as understanding? What if 700,000 white youths were stopped?

The statistics show that they would have more guns. Are we just confirming racial stereotypes plaguing the mentality of the NYPD? Yes, there is violence in our communities, but the answer is not to violate the rights of the majority of citizens and young people who are not involved in crime based on patently racist theories.

We all condemn the violence in our communities — but we also understand the need to protect our basic civil liberties.

Ray Kelly's accusation that we care more for stop and frisk than violence in our communities ignores the dozens of marches and demonstrations protesting violence this past year. I myself have marched at least six times in my community in the South Bronx within the past eight months. Where is the Daily News front page photo of those marches? Why aren't they getting wall-to-wall media coverage?

Everything out of Kelly's mouth are distortions and allegations that have been disproven emphatically by national studies, readily available statistics and expert testimony. Don't they know how to Google, or what a modem is? "Stop and

frisk" is the subject of dozens and dozens of statewide and federal lawsuits that will end up costing the city millions and millions of dollars. It has been blasted by Federal judges. Kelly's response is to dupe blind sycophants to parrot without objection the NYPD position in the media. I'm sure Mike Lupica knows how to use Google.

Prior to important Supreme Court decisions in the sixties and seventies, Blacks and Latinos were often subject to arbitrary, baseless stops and frisks. Are we to return to that time?

Stopping and frisking people based on racial stereotypes is not the answer. Other jurisdictions have reduced crime without misusing these tactics. Why don't we learn from those jurisdictions? During the Dinkins Administration, Commissioner Kelly himself used the strategy of Community Policing. It was this policy that began the reduction in the crime rate in New York.

While Bloomberg justifies the use of stop and frisks, he has on numerous occasions reduced summer jobs for youth, cut after school programs, and eliminated money for community and youth programs. Many of us clearly understand that youth living in poverty without jobs, programs and recreation will by necessity do anything to survive. Violence is inevitable under these conditions. But instead of addressing these realities, we who live in

THOUGHTS

poor communities not involved in crime must allow our privacy rights to be violated while simultaneously being grateful for the actions of the violators — the NYPD. We need a Marshal plan for our youth that involves a serious investment of time and money. How can we have money for three new stadiums while investing almost nothing in our youth? Some of this violence will continue — with or without stop and frisk — unless the city begins a real meaningful social policy for our youths, which the Mayor repeatedly ignores.

Indeed, we need a police commissioner who will stop treating our neighborhoods like occupied territories.

Don't be fooled by Commissioner Kelly, the Daily News and the New York Post. They are part of the problem, and offer us no real solution.l Ramon Jimenez is a lifetime community activist, mentor/advisor, and writer, at various times a radio host, journalist, professor and lecturer. He has been a South Bronx litigator (and agitator), representing low-income families, injured workers, community groups and others in the poorest Congressional district in the country. He successfully fought to save Hostos Community College and achieved the rebuilding of blighted neighborhoods like Charlotte Street. A well-seasoned professional, Jimenez has also served as an administrative law judge for New York State Workers Compensation Board. He can be reached at ramonjmnzr@aol.com.

VISIT OUR WEBSITE WWW.CAWNYC.COM FOR MORE NEWS AND INFORMATION

POLITICS

Bill Thompson Says He’s in the 2013 Mayoral Race

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ormer New York City comptroller and 2009 mayoral candidate, William “Bill”Thompson, is putting speculations to rest, announcing that he will be running in 2013 to become mayor of New York City. Mr. Thompson confirmed his candidacy in an exclusive interview with Caribbean American Weekly. He declared: “In 2013, I am running again to be mayor because the issues we faced in 2009 are getting tougher every day. II will touch on a few because platforms continue to evolve. I will start with crime and public safety. We are starting to see crime creep up again. We are starting to see neighborhoods where gun violence is increasing.”

The mayoral candidate says New York City needs a mayor who will ensure economic growth and a better quality of life for the residents of the city, and he intends to fulfill that dream for New Yorkers: “The quality of life has deteriorated for middleclass New Yorkers; they are feeling the squeeze. The working middle class and poor New Yorkers feel as though they are being pushed out from the city. It is the policies that the city pursues. There is the rise in the assessments and property values, which translates into more money.

Parking tickets and fines are continuing to go up; water rates go up; people are feeling the squeeze. People feel like New York

Photo: Arthur Cajigas

BY VANDELL PARK

Mr Thompson at the Mayoral Breakfast Series with from left to right, President of the African American International Chamber of Commerce, Randall Toure, Esq., New American Chamber of Commerce Executives, President, Pearl Phillip and Founder/Chairman/CEO, Brian Figeroux, Esq.

City doesn’t want them here. One thing you want to be is to be mayor for all five boroughs. That’s the diversity and strength of New York City--all five boroughs--not part of one borough and I think that New Yorkers need a mayor who will stand up and fight for them in that regard and that is the type of mayor that I intend to be. Where is the priority right now? Where are the new ideas to be able to grow New York City? I'll be happy to help build that affordability--there are lots of ways to create that level of affordability for working class New Yorkers.”

Mr. Thompson says he intends to work with the communities on a number of initiatives, primarily education, small busi-

ness growth and affordable housing: “When I become mayor, I will get the communities involved. The reality is, communities feel disenfranchised right now. They feel ignored; they feel shut out, and yes, we have to involve them. You continue to hear right now that we want parents involved, but when parents show up they are pushed away. Parents are being treated as an afterthought and to be honest about it, we need an educator at the top of the system; we need someone who is well versed in educational policy and educational direction to work along with the mayor to make that very clear what direction we will go….

While I have a platform, things I hear from people, when I talk with developers large

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and small, as well as community residents who talk about the need for change, I say listen, how can we better serve you? ...That changes the agenda and helps to shape my campaign. And so as I talk with people throughout the next months leading up to the primaries and even through the mayoral elections, the issues raised by people will become the focus of my campaign. One thing you wouldn’t want to do as an elected official or someone running for office, is to stop talking to people and listening to the public. The minute you stop talking to people and listening to them is to believe that you know everything and you lose touch with people. So part of my platform is to be out there and continue to be in contact with the people and listen to their advice.”

Mr. Thompson says currently many residents do not feel safe living in New York City due to the recent spike in crime but as mayor he will guarantee them safety by implementing new policies and boosting police presence in the streets: “The economy continues to be difficult. New York City just doesn’t have jobs for everyone due to the economic situation. Look at the black and Hispanic communities; the unemployment rate is staggering, particularly among young people. But it is not just the economy; you have the shortage of police officers because of cuts over a period of time.

We need to bring strategies to the table and continued on page 11

CALL US: 718-771-0988 Email: orders@gbsnyc.com

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6 NEWS

Financial Bliss After 'I Do'

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edding season is here. It's estimated that more than two million couples will be married in the United States this year. As couples young and old unite their hearts and lives, they will also face the challenging task of uniting their finances.

The truth of the matter is, financial bliss is only partially connected to the size of one's bank account. Especially for newlyweds, financial satisfaction and contentment is often found in the uniting of partners' financial values and goals.

These values, or life priorities if you prefer, can range from security, to service, to status. Alternatively, they might encompass areas such as independence, financial wealth, meaningful work, faith and family or excellence.

Once newlyweds have identified their top values — and have seen the values identified by their mate — they can use this knowledge to create shared goals.

What if He Values Money and She Values Friendship? Is Conflict Sure to Follow?

There is "give and take" in every relationship, including a couple's financial priorities. Once each partner understands the values of his or her mate, it becomes easier to set shared short- and long-term goals. At a minimum, it helps couples understand what drives the other's thinking.

DIASPORA CONCERNS

Here are 10 basic steps that newlyweds can take to launch their new financial lives: 1. Identify your core values.

2. Establish your shared needs and short- and long-term goals.

3. Create a budget.

4. Reduce and eliminate consumer debt or other loans.

5. Start or increase an emergency fund.

6. Insure your health, property, income and life through appropriate insurance.

7. Save for your retirement.

8. Educate yourself about financial issues.

9. Meet with a financial professional to help you stay on task.

10. Talk regularly about your financial goals and performance.

Following the steps above will not address the "who, what and how" related to paying bills or balancing checkbooks. Frankly, there is no one right formula for determining who does what. Newlyweds will need to invest time, conversation and experimentation into finding the right fit for their unique circumstances and personalities.

Establishing a regular "money date," where you set aside uninterrupted time to

discuss your finances and measure them against your goals can be a fun way of addressing something otherwise considered "work." This date need not be costly or even away from home, but it must be a time without distractions from television, phone calls or friends. This is truly "your time" to study and learn about your finances as a couple.

After "I do," the work of establishing your new life together begins. By giving regular attention to your values and financial goals, you can enhance the likelihood of living "happily ever after" from a financial viewpoint. (ARA) l

VISIT OUR WEBSITE WWW.CAWNYC.COM FOR MORE NEWS AND INFORMATION

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FAMILY MATTERS

How to Deal with Being a Step-Parent

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BY JENNINE ESTES

o you have fallen madly in love with an amazing person. You are vivacious and feel as if the world is at your fingertips. You spend amazingly wonderful quality time with your new love and things are moving in the right direction. You are ready for the next step because for the first time in your life...you are happy. This is the one you were meant to be with, but there is a kicker...he/she has kids. Talk about a complete 180. Your new love and new life as you know it will change forever. You will go from being a single woman or man, to a bonafide step parent dealing with the same issues any birth parent deals with on a regular basis.

Are you ready for it? Can you handle the task at hand?

Here are some tips for you and your spouse on how to deal with theups and downs of being a step-parent. My hope is to give you both the tools needed to be able to communicate with each other freely with regards to your children and how to discipline, etc.

Communicate with Your Partner Communication is key. In any relationship, communicating is the single most important thing one can do. As a new step-parent, make sure you and your spouse have discussed their comfort level with you taking the parental role. Lay down the expectations with them in the very beginning. Have a conversation and

discuss with your spouse what you want as the stepparent. If that’s taking a role in disciplining the children, or having some alone time with them so that you can bond, make sure you talk to your spouse first. If the both of you are on the same page, then everything can fall in to place nicely.

Be Engaging The best characteristic a step-parent can have is being engaging. Play with your step-children at the park. Help them with their homework. Take them to the movies or a ball game.

Engage in their daily activities so that they feel as if you are interested in them as well, and not just their mom or dad. When the children are pubescent it may get a little more difficult, so be patient. If the other parent is still remotely in the picture, and the child is a teenager, the idea of a “happy-go-lucky” family may not always be the case. But that certainly does not mean it cannot happen. It just means that you will have to be a little more patient and tolerant of certain things, at the same time, letting them know that you are here to stay and that’s that!

No Matter What, Remain the Adult As easy as it may be to run around the playground and play all day with the kiddos, you have to remember that you are the adult.

The next tip discusses how to engage with the children as that is very important, but always remember that you are the adult. Children have a way of manipulating the situation to cater their needs.

Whether its intentional on their part or

not, it still happens. What children need is direction, stability and structure. Find the right times to stay and play and know when it’s time to lay down the law as any parent would.

Entering a marriage with children can seem overwhelming. Or for some it may seem easy. But no matter what one expects, I can guarantee the outcome will be the complete opposite. Regardless of birthing your children, sharing the same DNA, or marrying into a Brady family, the fact still remains the same... You are now a parent. Your spouse and your new children need to respect the fact that a new person is in their lives. You demand the same level of respect that their father or mother would expect. So don’t ever forget that. And simply revel in the fact that you are now a parent. Enjoy your time with them and remember to always communicate. If things do not seem to go as planned, call in your reinforcements and schedule a therapy session either for yourself, or for the entire family. Sometimes family mediation just might be the answer.l

Jennine Estes is a licensed marriage counselor and family therapist living in San Diego, CA. She has appeared in both local and national media, such as Redbook, Today and Whole Living magazines, Social Worker and Fox 5 News. She specializes in all areas of relationships: singlehood, dating issues, conflicting couples, affairs, communication struggles, etc. For more information, please visit www.estestherapy.com

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OBAMA ADMINISTRATION

Administration Releases Details on Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals

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matively applied. Under a November 2011 memo, such immigrants will only be placed in removal proceedings if they engaged in fraud during the application process; have been convicted of an offense making them removable from the United States, or are under investigation or have been arrested for an “egregious public safety” criminal offense; or pose a threat to national security.

BY BEN WINOGRAD

he Department of Homeland Security on August 3, 2012 released details on its plan to grant “deferred action” to immigrant youths who were brought to the country as children. The announcement, which was accompanied by an updated FAQ and other materials on how to apply, comes eight weeks after DHS Secretary Janet Napolitano revealed the initiative, which could immediately benefit more than 900,000 immigrants. The new guidance from DHS addresses many questions about the application process.

Who will be eligible for deferred action under the initiative?

Immigrants may apply for deferred action if they have no valid immigration status; entered the United States before age 16; were 30 or younger as of June 15, 2012; have lived continuously in the United States since June 15, 2007; have not been convicted of specified criminal offenses (see more details below) or otherwise pose a threat to public safety; and are in school on the date the application is filed, have graduated from high school or earned a GED, or served in the military. Applications will only be considered for immigrants who are currently 15 or older, unless they are currently in removal proceedings or have a final order of removal or voluntary departure.

How and when can applicants apply?

Starting August 15, qualified immigrants may

apply for deferred action by submitting a form, which has not yet been released, to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).

How much will the application cost?

There will be no fee associated with the deferred action application itself. However, all applicants will have to pay an $85 biometrics fee associated with a background check.

In addition, unless falling under certain exemptions for impoverished individuals, recipients of deferred action who want a work permit will have to pay the standard $380 fee to obtain an Employment Authorization Document (EAD). More information on fee exemptions will be made available on August 15.

What evidence must be submitted with the application?

Among other evidence, applicants may submit financial, medical, school, employment,

or military records to demonstrate their eligibility. School records include, but are not limited to, GED certificates, report cards, and school transcripts. Additional information will be made available on August 15.

Will information in the application be kept confidential?

According to DHS, any information provided in the application, including information relating to applicants’ family members or legal guardians, will not be used for immigration enforcement proceedings, unless the applicant meets the existing criteria for referral to ICE or issuance of a Notice to Appear (NTA) in immigration court.

Will applicants who are denied deferred action be placed in removal proceedings?

According to DHS, the administration will follow existing policies regarding the initiation of removal proceedings for immigrants who are denied benefits for which they affir-

What criminal convictions will make applicants ineligible for deferred action?

Applicants will not be eligible for deferred action if they have been convicted of (1) a felony, defined as any crime punishable by more than one year in prison, (2) a “significant” misdemeanor or (3) three or more other misdemeanors for which they were sentenced to more than five days in jail, not including minor traffic offenses.

Will deferred action recipients be permitted to travel outside the country?

Yes, but only if they first apply for and receive a special travel document known as “advance parole.” By departing the country, however, immigrants who were previously unlawfully present in the United States for more than six months after their eighteenth birthday could face legal obstacles re-entering the country or applying for a green card in the future.l FREE Consultations for DREAMers. Call 718-243-9431 now for your free legal consultation. Also, please visit www.ijlef.org.

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9

IMMIGRATION

Grounds of Deportability: When Legal U.S. Residents Can Be Removed

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BY JANET HOWARD

colleague once said that “ a Green Card is a glorified visa.” While it is obviously much better to have a Green Card than to be without, it is important to know that this is a privilege, not a right. Certain situations as well as committing certain acts or crimes can make a person deportable from the U.S. The U.S. Immigration and Nationality Act (I.N.A.) sets forth numerous grounds upon which a non-citizen may be deported (removed) back to the person’s home country.

These grounds apply to anyone already legally living within the United States, perhaps with a nonimmigrant (temporary) visa or a green card (lawful permanent residence). The law also mentions that people who are in the U.S. without legal permission shall be deported.

Only after an immigrant has successfully become a U.S. citizen, is he or she protected from the grounds of deportability. U.S. citizens cannot be removed unless they used fraud to gain their green card or citizenship. When an individual becomes a U.S. citizen, his/her children 17 years and under derives citizenship from them, thus they too are protected from deportation or being “dipped and dissed” as in Jamaican slang.

Generally, one may be deportable from the U.S. if he or she:

•Was inadmissible at the time of U.S. entry or of adjustment of status, or violates the terms of his or her visa, green card, or other status.

•Was a conditional permanent resident status (applicable to certain spouses, sons, and daughters of U.S. citizens as well as investor/entrepreneurs, with their spouses, and children) but had this status terminated.

•Before, during, or within five years of the date of any U.S. entry, knowingly helped smuggle any other alien trying to enter the United States.

•Committed marriage fraud.

•Got married less than two years before getting a U.S. green card on that basis, then has the marriage annulled or terminated within the following two years, unless the immigrant can prove that the marriage was not a fraud, meant to evade any provision of the immigration laws.

•Is convicted of a crime involving moral turpitude that was committed within five years) after the date of U.S. admission (or ten years if the person received a green card as a criminal informant and is punishable by a sentence of at least one year.

•Has been convicted of two or more crimes involving moral turpitude at any time after U.S. admission, where the two crimes did not arise out of a single scheme of misconduct.

•Has been convicted of an aggravated felony at any time after U.S. admission.

•Has been convicted of high-speed flight from an immigration checkpoint.

•Fails to register as a sex offender.

•Has been convicted of a drug crime (or a conspiracy or attempt to commit one), whether in the U.S. or another country, at any time after U.S. admission. There’s an exception for a single offense involving possession for personal use of 30 grams or less of marijuana.

•Is, or at any time after U.S. admission has been, a drug abuser or addict. Notice that no actual court conviction is needed to be deportable under this section. The applicant’s own confession to drug use, or evidence on a medical report, could be enough.

U.S. admission.

•Has been convicted of committing, or conspiring to commit espionage, sabotage, treason, or sedition, if punishable by at least five years in prison.

•Has violated the Military Selective Service Act or the Trading With the Enemy Act.

•Certain violations regarding travel and documentation restrictions or importation of aliens for immoral purposes.

•Has been convicted of domestic violence, stalking, child abuse, child neglect, or child abandonment, at any time after U.S. admission.

•Has violated the portion of a protective order that is meant to stop credible threats of violence, repeated harassment, or bodily injury.

•Has committed or conspired to commit human trafficking inside or outside the U.S. or has apparently been a knowing aider, abettor, assister, conspirator, or colluder with, in severe forms of human trafficking; or is the trafficker’s spouse, or daughter who, within the past five years, knowingly received any financial or other benefit from the illicit activity.

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•Has been convicted of illegally buying, selling, possessing, or engaging in other transactions concerning firearms, weapons, or destructive devices, at any time after

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uHealth Care (RN/OT/PT/TSHH/SLP’S & IT Cases) uExtension of Status & Visa Renewals uWork Authorization uH-IB Professional Workers uF-1 Students uJ-1 Exchange Visitor Trainees uO-1 Extraordinary Ability uR-1 Religious Workers uU.S. Citizenship uFamily-sponsored Permanent Residence uGreen Cards/Labor Certification (RIR) uImmigration Visa Petitions:Employment Based uTemporary Work Visas uNaturalization Derivative Petitions uLabor Certifications uApplication for Asylum uPetitions for Writ of Habeas Corpus

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continued on page 18

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10

FAITH IN THE COMMUNITY

A Local Church Offers Deliverance from Life’s Problems

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BY VANDELL PARK

ccording to Pastor Ajayi, people are faced with various circumstances that paralyze them financially, socially, emotionally and sometimes physically; and only God can provide freedom from the debilitating effects of those circumstances: “That’s why we preach about deliverance, that people get delivered from oppression, depression so that they can get freedom from the gates of the enemy and the powers of darkness.”

The Nigerian-born preacher, who accepted the call to preside over the Mountain of Fire and Deliverance Ministry in Brooklyn three years ago, says the economic crisis that plagues the world creates a number of problems for people, even making them sick to the point of wanting to take their lives. He stressed that people are seeking solutions to their problems and sometimes turn to the wrong sources, but they need to know that there is a God who is bigger than their problems and can deliver the same way now as he did in biblical times. He noted: “Whatever happens to us, we need to be assured that there is a way out. There are forces that are responsible for what is happening. Nothing happens by chance, and Jesus who made us in his image is more than capable to deliver us from our circumstances and situations.”

The Mountain of Fire Ministry caters to the holistically needs of people. Pastor Ajayi says his church tries to help its church community in every way possible: “When people come to us with their problems we listen to them and we have special committees set up within the church that cater to their needs. We also pray with and for them asking God to provide the deliverance needed for each case individually.”

Another focus of the Ministry, Ajayi pointed out, is that of the youth in society.

He explained that young people today are faced with untold challenges, and special emphasis must be placed on their well being and ensuring that they are given the opportunities and support needed to overcome those challenges: “We focus on the youth. The youth is the life wire of any nation. The enemy is arresting our youth and we need to get them out of the hands of the enemy. That is why our ministry is placing special focus on their welfare. We will do whatever it takes within our limitations to foster rounded development for our youths.”

The Mountain of Fire Ministry also welcomes the general public. Pastor Ajayi says anyone can visit the ministry at its Brooklyn center, located at 180 Blake Avenue, between Thomas Boyland and Amboy Avenues. Regular services are held on Sundays from 8:30am to 12 noon and Mondays from 6:30pm to 8: 30pm

when the ministry presents its hours of power service and spiritual clinic. Every Wednesday the Ministry hosts a special revival service between 6:30pm and 8:30 pm while, on Thursdays special deliverance services are held from 11:00am to 1:00pm.

On every third Friday of the month the Ministry conducts its prayer vigil service where the needs of people and nations are uplifted before God. On the first Saturday of each month its faith is demonstrated through a special service called “The Power Must Change Hands,” by way of fasting and praying along with miracles revival and evangelist outreach programs.

This aspect of the Ministry is a simultaneous effort involving several churches

within the organization worldwide.

Pastor Ajayi says his Ministry is impacting lives across Brooklyn and the world. In addition to the presentation of the gospel, the there are visits to nursing homes, hospitals and various detention facilities to provide comfort and hope for the inmates of these institutions. The Ministry’s leader says the church welcomes all to its worship services and community programs.

He is inviting the public to visit its website: www.mfmbrooklyn.org to learn more about the services the ministry provide to the Brooklyn community. The Ministry can also be reached at 347-3244078. l

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HOT TOPIC Stop Mass Incarceration Activist Outraged at NYC Legal System

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resident and founder of the Stop Mass Incarceration Movement Carl Dix, says the New York Police Department (NYPD) is deliberately targeting individuals who are standing up against the department’s stop and frisk policy. Mr. Dix says following peaceful organized demonstrations at the 28th precinct in Harlem, the 73rd precinct in Brownsville and the 103rd precinct in Jamaica against the ongoing stop and frisk drive by the police department, some 83 protestors were arrested: “Dozens of protesters were arrested from the Harlem Manhattan protest and charged with disorderly conduct; we were placed before the courts and no jail time was given; we just had to pay court costs. We were charged with cutting off the access of the public and the officers to the police station. It was a violation in Harlem, but when we went back and did something similar in Brooklyn, the charges were escalated to a violation plus a misdemeanor; they threw in obstruction of government administration, even though we did not obstruct anything, because they didn’t even let us get to the door of the police station in Brooklyn, and in Queens they made it two misdemeanors even though the police themselves had blocked off the entrance before we arrived.”

According to Mr. Dix, his organization and minorities in New York City are not just fighting Commissioner Raymond Kelly and the NYPD with the stop and frisk policies , but a system that seem to be put in place by the higher authorities in New York State as there

seems to be bias even with the judicial system in dealing with those arrested for protesting stop and frisk policies: "The prosecution is supposed to reveal what evidence it has against the defendants, what witnesses they're supposed to call, and then the defense also has to reciprocate by saying if it has evidence.

The defense is ready to give its evidence to the prosecution, but the prosecution has been stonewalling on giving any indication on what its case is going to be to the defense and the judge is saying, 'we'll settle that later, but you're going to trial.. In other words, they are specifically targeting people who have stood up against what the police do to people. They are doing that primarily in the stop and frisk cases."

Mr. Dix says a number of innocent individuals now have criminal records all because they exercised their constitutional rights to stand up against a policy that is forced upon minorities here in New York City. However his organization is working to have those records reversed: “We are building a defense committee around those protesters because when we protested stop and frisk we did not do anything criminal. In fact, the crimes are been committed by the NYPD when they stopped and frisked 60,.000 plus people last year, most of them blacks and Latinos, most of them doing nothing wrong. The crime is having revoked the people’s rights to be safe from unreasonable search and seizure.”

The stop mass incarceration activist says in addition to the NYPD arresting and charging

the stop and frisk protesters, the police are now engaging in a new form of marginalization and discrimination. Mr. Dix says that the police are now taking pictures of stop and frisk activists and are posting their profiles including their addresses in precincts: “We are exploring if any laws were violated by putting the address on the posters and by putting a poster up of people who were doing legally permitted activity…. But putting the address on we think that is over the line… police have shown up at nights outside the homes of these activists and filmed people coming out of their houses. What all this come down to is the police being unleashed and backed up by the authorities who ordered the stop and frisk policies, and now that people are standing up against it, the police are targeting them.”

Mr. Dix is calling on Mayor Michael Bloomberg and Commissioner Kelly to stop the police from carrying out what he terms “ the illegal policy” of stop and frisk: “We are opposing stop and frisk because of the racial bias that is involved in it, and also because it is a policy that targets people not for criminal activities. Over 90% of the people stopped and frisked the cops let them go. In other words they are not targeting people who engaged in criminal activities, or suspicious criminal activities. They are targeting people to declare a message as to who is in charge of the streets.”l

11

Bill Thompson Says He’s in the 2013 Mayoral Race continued from page 5

train more officers as well as implement other training.... While stop and frisk as a tool is useful, it is being misused and abused right now, and primarily when you are stopped because of who you are and what you look like, there is something very wrong with that. We need to make changes in that area and make things fair and equitable so that communities do not feel as though they are targeted.”

According to Mr. Thompson, the issue of immigration is integral to New York City since it is the engine that fuels growth and development: “If you look at small business growth across the city so many of it was generated from new immigrants. They are the ones who brought new vitality and strength....-we are stronger than ever and we continue to get stronger and a lot of it is fueled by new people. I would say that as mayor it's important that we continue to reflect that and recognize it in New York City. But the mayor needs to take a leadership role with the federal government to say to the president and Congress that we need real immigration reform. Those who are here are here. We need to incorporate them and create a path to citizenship for them; that’s what we need to do.”

He further stressed that his administration will ensure diversity and equal opportunity for all New Yorkers living within the boundaries of mayoral leadership: “A Thompson administration will be a diverse administration, and yes it will be reflective of the diversity that exists in New York City. I will ensure that the administration be inclusive of the diversified ethnic makeup of the city including, women, Latinos and people of color. It will be an aggressive administration, a talented administration that will work on behalf of the people. So you can expect to see that access and opportunity will come to New York City when I am mayor.” l

•How to Present Yourself on Paper – Resume and Cover Letter Development •Dressing for Success without Breaking the Bank •Interviewing for Success - Answer with Your Skills, Talents, & Achievements •Job Search Strategies and Researching Potential Employers •Expectations of the Hiring Manager: An Inside Look at the Hiring Process •Office Etiquette & Professionalism

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12 NEWS SMALL BUSINESS MATTERS NACC 2012 International & Multicultural Business Expo An Eye Opener for Small Business Owners

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BY MARILYN SILVERMAN

he 2012 International & Multicultural Business Expo, hosted by NACC, at the Marriott Hotel, downtown Brooklyn on June 14, was dubbed a smashing success by both exhibitors and attendees. The day commenced with a business breakfast, setting the platform for networking opportunities.

While the Expo has been over for some time now, its impact on those who experienced it, is so invaluable, that many businesses will reap dividends not bargained for. At the breakfast, business owners were treated not only to a sumptuous meal, but also benefited from organized and calculated business education on how to seize opportunities to expand their ventures, even how to take advantage of both federal and city resources that will enable growth and provide economic stability for many; these efforts will help to stimulate jobs for the minority communities.

The truth be told, that’s the sole purpose for organizing the Expo. Brian Figeroux, Esq., Founder/Chairman/CEO and the mastermind of the event, seized this opportunity to promulgate the objective for organizing such an event: “The New American Chamber of Commerce (NACC), The African American International Chamber of Commerce and the NY Statewide Coalition of Hispanic Chambers of Commerce, have decided to come together to work for the benefit of our people. The workers in New York City have a union to represent them, but, where is the union for small business people? Business people need a union also, and their union is us, the chambers of commerce. The small

businesses need us to represent them. The largest employers in America are small businesses. If you want to impact unemployment in our communities, if you want to impact crime in our communities… start a small business.”

If that was not sufficient food for thought, Region 2 Director for the SBA, Jorge SilvaPuras, spread the table with a second course, detailing essential resources that are available to small businesses within New York, New Jersey and Puerto Rico. He noted that the federal government, through his organization, has committed to working with individuals who are determined to create small businesses. He added that as a result of funding approved for his administration, there are more than 2.7 million small businesses operating in his region alone. Loans ranging from $50,000 to $5.5 million are made available through the SBA capital access program and its commercial lending program. He stressed that small businesses need capital to grow and that’s where the SBA comes in to make that growth a reality. Silva-Puras said: “We are not a direct lending institution. What we actually do is, we guarantee to the banks your loan at a very high percentage. It can be as high as 85% of the loan. So if you want to get a loan of $100,000, and you go to the commercial bank but for whatever reason, you do not qualify under their terms…that’s a situation where SBA comes in and guarantees your loan up to 85%. That means that the bank is only risking 15%...obviously, it makes a big difference with the bank, particularly in this environment.”

Not to be outdoned by what Silva-Puras said, the City of New York representative,

Gregory Mayers also took to the podium to show the city’s support for the establishment and sustainability of small businesses. He encouraged business owners to get certified with the city so they can benefit from the contracts and other programs the city has to offer small businesses. He noted that in 2011, some $563 million were awarded in contracts to MWBE certified businesses. He added that $40 billion have been allocated for the next five years with $15 billion going towards infrastructure alone, and small businesses should take advantage of this: “You have to get involved; you have to be a part of the process; you got to be engaged. And advocacy groups really let us know where the short falls are and some of the challenges that small businesses face and chambers such as the New American Chamber of Commerce play that significant role. I urge and encourage you to do that.” Referring to the contracts awarded last year he added: “The amount may be small to some but for those who received it, it was able to feed their families and put them back in business—that’s substantial. Can we do more, yes; are we willing to do more, yes; are we willing to partner with organizations like the NACC to do more? Absolutely.”

Following the breakfast, participants took advantage of exhibiting their businesses and products; they also attended the seminars that were organized by NACC to help educate and inform business owners on how to expose, expand and maintain their businesses in a growing competitive market. In the wink of an eye, the exhibition site became a competitive environment as hundreds poured in to participate in the various seminars and view the exhibits. A gamut of businesses were rep-

resented.

Many gave kudos to NACC for taking the initiative to organize the event, thus providing businesses with an opportunity to provide information to the public and other businesses about their products and business ventures.

Many shared excitement and satisfaction for being a part of the day’s event. Here are some of the testimonials: A representative of the New York City Small Business Development Center said: “My experience here today has been very good.

There are a lot of vendors here who have a lot of information to share with the community.

Interacting with businesses like the Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce, the New American Chamber of Commerce, the McGraw Hill representatives and other business provide me the platform needed for what I do. I love it and I am enjoying the event.”

And an exciting participant appeared out of his skin to share his thoughts: “It is my first time visiting something like this and I am really enjoying what I am seeing. It’s amazing how the chamber of commerce put together a program where everybody can benefit. If I am to grade the event today I will definitely give close to a ten if not a ten, on a scale of one to ten.” For more testimonials, photos and videos visit www.mynacc.org.

The Chamber is aiming at making this an annual event. Next year’s event is slated for Thursday,June 20, 2013 and with a new component, franchising. For information on the NACC Multicultural Business & Franchising Expo including early bird discounts, visit www.mynacc.org or call 718-722-9217 to schedule an appointment.l

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NEWS

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nSPORTS

The Black Barbie Syndrome

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BY PEARL PHILLIP

n article, entitled “The Black Barbie Syndrome” by Ebony magazine’s Contributing Beauty Expert, Kimberly Walker, discussed the how Black reality TV stars have a uniform. She described that after watching shows like ‘Basketball Wives’ and ‘The Real Housewives of Atlanta’ (and boycotting ‘Love & Hip Hop Atlanta’ after my last brain cell vanished into thin air at a VH-1 pre-screening in Atlanta), every surgically-enhanced butt, silky weave and curve-hugging dress started to meld together. Over cocktails with friends and a little dish about our latest annoyances, it hit her— “these women are purposely made to look like Black Barbies. The iconic doll is a one trick pony with long plastic hair, a teeny weeny dress, loud makeup, and gang of artificial friends.”

She went on to talk about, “There’s been much commentary on Black America’s love and hate relationship with these scandalous shows, and this carbon copy aesthetic helps the naysayer’s argument that this kind of programming encourages everything but real perceptions of Black women in America. Hyper-sexualized attire has become commonplace—like the goods-flaunting ensembles worn by Evelyn Lozada on ‘Basketball Wives Miami’—who proudly totes her breast implants. Consider the images on 'Love and Hip Hop Atlanta'. K. Michelle, who, along with her cast mates, rock revealing bustiers and looks that leave absolutely nothing to the imagination. Whether you’re on 'Team Reality TV Doesn’t Define Me' or 'Team I’m a Lifelong Reality Fan', we can’t collectively ignore the messages

that young Black women and girls are receiving.

Walker reminded us all that the young ones are watching and paying close attention. She said, “Yes, the young'ns are watching. A partner and I spoke at a recent summer camp for teen girls organized by Chilli of TLC. These bubbly young women ranged from ages 13 to 17. They were bright, hilarious and could run every single detail of any reality TV series on air. After watching religiously, girls can’t help but notice the way these shows blatantly sell sex, but I also wondered if something more sinister is at play— these characters’ stifled style is further discouraging individuality, and healthy images.”

When our young people pay attention so closely, the next step is emulation. It’s a natural process. What kind of examples are we setting for them? What kind of messages are we sending to them? What do we expect them to do?

Behave differently. Do as I say, but not as I do.

Unfortunately, it does not work this way. Children learn by example.

On a recent edition of the Beauty, Health & Wellness radio show, which airs on DiasporaRadio 620AM, on Saturdays from 4pm to 5pm, the topic of discussion was Self-Image & Cosmetology. The statement was made that we are living in a society of Stepford Wives. Everyone is looking alike. It’s like a buy one, give your family member or friend a discount on the same procedure. Women were having plastic surgery to the point of looking, quite simply, ridiculous. And, the guilty parties are not just celebrities.

Normal women are victims too and because of their limited income, they are having high-risk surgeries and using dangerous implants such as jet fuel. Can you imagine having a cup of jet fuel? Of course not. So why would you have such a dangerous substance injected into your body and by an “unqualified” doctor. Just to say, “hey, baby got back.”

Look at the photo of these women. Do they look truly beautiful? Don’t they look artifical? Which one stands out?

Is that how you really want to look? Like a rack of garments in a store? I would hope not. It’s time for each one of us to look in the mirror and say: I am beautiful. I am special. Damn, there’s just one me. How fantastic is that?l

nHOROSCOPE

Caribbean Kitchen Corner

Jamaican Fried Snapper

BY CHEF ROBERT, ALLRECIPES.COM

Ingredients 1 (1 1/2 pound) whole red snapper, cleaned and scaled salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste1 quart vegetable oil for frying1 teaspoon vegetable oil 1/2 white onion, sliced 1/8 teaspoon minced garlic 1/2 large carrot, peeled and cut into thin strips 1 sprig fresh thyme, leaves stripped 1 allspice berry, cracked 1/4 habanero pepper, seeded and minced 1/4 cup white vinegar 1 tablespoon water 3/4 teaspoon salt1 pinch brown sugar

Directions 1.Pat the fish dry and cut 3 small slits on each side of the fish. Season both sides with salt and pepper.

2.Heat 1 quart oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until smoking. Carefully place the fish in the pan and fry until browned and crisp, about 5 minutes per side. Remove fish and place on a paper towel-lined plate.

3.Heat 1 teaspoon oil in a large skillet

over medium-high heat. Stir onion, garlic and carrot into the pan; cook and stir 1 to 2 minutes.

Add thyme, allspice, habanero pepper, vinegar, water, salt, and sugar and continue cooking until onions have softened and liquid has reduced, about 5 minutes.

4.Serve fish topped with onion mixture spooned over the top.

Nutritional Information Amount Per Serving Calories: 770 | Total Fat: 50.9g | Cholesterol: 125mg

"We cooked this traditional 'escovitch' dish of fried fish with my grandmother the night before church, so we could serve it after the service the next day at a large communal meal."

-Chef Robert

Visit www.cawnyc.com for the latest Caribbean news, sports, information and more!

The Bathroom Scale

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CV2 NEWS

HEALTH

How to Stay Naturally Cool This Summer

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t's easy to overexert yourself during the inevitable summertime heat wave. Any common outdoor activity — such as gardening, sports, entertaining or vacationing — can quickly turn you into a sweaty mess when temperatures soar. Keeping cool isn't simply a matter of comfort, either; it's also a matter of safety.

Simple precautions can help you deal with heat and humidity. The key is to not interfere with the body's natural ability to keep cool: g Wear white or light-colored fabrics to reflect radiant heat. g Choose open-weave, loose-fitting cotton or linen clothing to allow airflow and evaporation. g Shade your head, neck and face with a comfortable, wide-brimmed hat. g Take breaks to rest, and avoid prolonged exertion. g Regularly drink plenty of cool, nonalcoholic, caffeine-free beverages, plus the occasional sports drink to maintain electrolyte balance.

If you do become over-heated and are feeling the ill effects of high temperatures, take quick action to cool the body and rehydrate: g Cease strenuous activity and get out of the sun. g Drink fluids. g Sit in front of a fan or in an air-condi-

tioned room. g Apply a cooling mist to exposed skin. g Immerse yourself in a cool bath, or stand in a cool shower. g Apply a cool compress to your head, face and neck.

Tom Havran, product specialist with Aura Cacia offers some recipes using essential oils to naturally enhance your efforts to keep cool in hot weather:

Cool and Fresh Eucalyptus Body Mist

Ingredients: 4 ounces water 1 teaspoon plain vinegar or herb-infused vinegar (lavender, rose, peppermint, etc.)

12 drops eucalyptus essential oil 9 drops lavender essential oil 3 drops peppermint essential oil

Directions: Combine all the ingredients in a spray mister bottle. Shake vigorously and mist the skin.

Always shake well before use. Avoid eyes and sensitive areas. Store the bottle in the fridge or ice chest to heighten the cooling sensation.

Refreshing Peppermint Bath Ingredients: 1 tablespoon sea salt

1 tablespoon Epsom salt 1 tablespoon baking soda 5 drops peppermint essential oil 4 drops lavender essential oil

Directions: Combine salts and baking soda in a small bowl. Sprinkle oils on salt mixture, and stir well. Dissolve into lukewarm bath.

If you don't have time for a full bath, use this mix for a cool foot soak.

Cooling Lavender Compress

Ingredients: Basin of cool water (approximately 4 cups)

12 drops lavender essential oil 9 drops peppermint essential oil 3 drops grapefruit essential oil Soft facial cloth

Directions: Combine water and oils in a basin or bowl. Swish with cloth, wring out excess, and alternate placement on neck and forehead. Refresh the cloth often, and add a few ice cubes to the water to boost the cooling effect. Avoid getting in your eyes.

Remember, essential oils are highly concentrated and should be kept out of reach of children and used only according to directions. (ARA) l

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CV3

LOVE & RELATIONSHIPS

Are You Being Lied To? How to Read the Signs of a Lying Partner

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nowing whether you are being lied to or not, does not require mind reading or psychic power.

Understanding the difference between the truth and a lie can all be determined by a person's behavior, and if you pay attention to these behaviors, you will be able to have a better idea of whether you are being lied to or not. The most important thing you should always remember to do however is to trust your instincts. If you feel you are not getting the entire truth from your partner for some reason, then listen to your instincts. Most people are in good touch with their instincts, but rather not listen to that inner voice because they refuse to believe that their partner would deceive them in any way. Staying in touch with your instincts will help guide you in the right direction.

Though instincts are a great help, they can be tricky. Majority of the times, your instincts will not lie to you, but there are times when your instincts can be influenced by your fears and insecurities. For example, you may already have fears of being cheated on, therefore you may feel that your partner is lying to you and cheating on you, when in fact he or she may be telling you the truth and completely faithful to you. This is why it is essential to understand the behavior of a liar, so that you can define the difference between really catching on to a liar, or just being paranoid that your partner is lying to.

he/she does) will move at the same time when telling you something. When he/she is lying however, the body language will be off and will usually come shortly after he/she has told you the lie. This is because they have to think about acting natural, and this thinking causes them to be off key.

Watch the Body Language One important thing to remember is that the body never lies. If there are changes in the way your partner moves (or does not movie) his/her arms, hands, head and the way his/her eyes shift, then you are most likely being lied to. The reason the body language changes when a person is lying is because the person now has to think of a way to seem convincing that he/she is telling the truth.

Since he/she knows that whatever they are telling you is a lie, the behavior automatically changes because they are now trying to act truthful, instead of actually being truthful. One big sign to look out for is in the eyes. If your partner avoids eye contact with you, then he/she is lying to you. There is a fear that you will see through him or her if

there is eye contact, so eye contact will be avoided. Whether you realize it or not, your body also communicates when you talk.

When you are enthusiastic about telling your partner something and are telling the truth, you will move your hands around and will look into his/her eyes to make a connection.

If your partner is lying however, he or she will tense up, will most likely tone down on the hand movement and eye connection and will seem different than other times. If your partner is the type to still move his/her hands around even when he/she is lying, then pay attention to the timing of the movements.

Timing is everything and can define the difference between the truth and a lie. When a person is telling the truth for example, his/her hands (and whatever body movement

Last but not Least: Clearing of the throat, touching him or herself often and saying “Umm�

Another sign of a lying partner is if he/she touch his/her nose or face a lot while talking to you. They will feel nervous about telling you lies and will want to occupy their hands somehow as a way to cover up their lie, such as touching the nose, rubbing their eyes and so on. Your partner may even clear his or her throat more than usual when talking to you, look away a lot and/or say "umm" a lot when lying to you. They are using these as time killers so they can think of how to tell you the lie in the most convincing way possible.

These are just some of the signs of a lying partner and are the most common signs.

Remember, it is always important to trust your instincts first. If you feel that your partner is lying to you, start paying closer attention to his/her behavior and if there are any changes, then you will be able to catch on to the lies better and can further investigate from that point.l Source: www.love-sessions.com

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CV4

SPORTS

Usain Bolt Speaks About Expectations

K

ingston, Jamaica: Hours before the opening ceremony of the summer Olympic Games in London, England, the reigning Olympic 100m and 200m Champion and world record holder, Usain Bolt, gave insight into what motivates him to succeed and what the world can expect from him at this year’s Olympics.

Excitement and euphoria fill the air as expectations about Usain’s performance run high at this year’s Olympics — there is a feeling that he can lower the world record — launching his status into meteoric proportions as the greatest sprinter of all time. With Madame Tussauds immortalizing his iconic pose in wax and placing it in the London Heathrow International Airport, prize thoroughbreds owned by royalty being named after him (Prince Harry is part-owner of a racehorse named “Usain Colt”) the city of London welcomed Usain with open arms.

When asked how he handles all the expectations and attention, he dismisses it entirely: “No pressure,” he says. “When you enjoy running as much as I do, it’s no pressure.

Right now, it is about going out there and executing what I practice in training.” He also mentioned that he has “a good support system” which includes his “family, close friends, teammates and my sponsor, Digicel, who has been supporting me for a long time.

I am pleased Digicel is on the Road to London with me.”

Usain says he wants to win more titles at the Olympics and show off a few more dance moves when he crosses the finish line.“I have a few I’m working on,” he jokes.

When Bolt was asked where he would take

the Queen of England if he got the chance, he was a bit reluctant to say—he probably wondered if Her Majesty would enjoy visiting the cool hills of Trelawny in Jamaica, and possibly sampling some of its now world-famous yams.

The diet of the Jamaican athletes at the Olympic village is important to their performance — they have their very own personal chef who prepares all their meals — keeping them at their optimal level, whether its Britain’s ‘Fish and Chips’ or Jamaica’s ‘Fish and Festival’, Usain says he prefers to have his home-grown Jamaican food.

As with most Jamaicans, music plays a big part of Usain’s life. He spoke about what kind of music he listens to while he trains; “Reggae and dancehall music is a big part of my routine,” he says. Much like the music

of his homeland, Usain has become a world icon, a “living legend.” He has injected new life and enthusiasm into the sport of track and field —entertaining massive crowds and exposing them to Jamaican culture.

Usain says he feels a sense of pride when he steps on to the track, clad in his Jamaican colours, and having such a major impact on the world stage. “It means a lot to me when I represent my country—knowing that through my efforts, Jamaica is being put on display in a positive way—it really gives me a great feeling.”

Bolt appreciates the history of England, describing it as ‘ancient and rainy’—luckily, the weather is bright and sunny in London at the momen — a sign that he is set to become the “Golden Boy” of track and field— inspiring Jamaicans and the world.

Meanwhile, the world’s fastest man also appears to be the world’s most popular man, judging from reports of the hordes of autograph-hungry fans that have been dogging his footsteps in and around the Olympic Village in London.

So much so, that since arriving in the Athletes' Village, Bolt has had difficulty moving about in public.

The double world record holder in the 100m and 200m events is now being shielded from overly zealous fans by four teammates on the Jamaican track and field squad at the Games.

The four unofficial bodyguards comprise discus thrower Jason Morgan, shot putter Dorian Scott, 400m hurdler Leford Green and decathlete Maurice Smith. According to Morgan, the de facto security chief, "The [team] management says they are happy to have us here."

Team manager Ludlow “Luddy” Watts, who described Bolt as "the star of the entire Games," nevertheless said that there were no immediate plans to move Bolt to a more private area.

"He is safe here and he does not mind, so we have no plans to move him," Watts told the media.

Watts also said that when the Jamaican team was about to leave the village for the main stadium, which is within walking distance, a number of athletes descended on Bolt, "as if they were waiting for him to come out".

Bolt trained in seclusion in Birmingham before moving to London with his track and field team members.l

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18 NEWS

"Free Trials" Aren't Always Free

A

chance to try something out for free?

What have you got to lose? If you're interested in a particular product or service, trying before you buy might seem like a no-brainer. But what starts as a free trial — or for a very low cost — might end up costing you real money.

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC), the nation's consumer protection agency, wants you to know that some companies use free trials to sign you up for more products — sometimes lots of products — which can cost you lots of money as they bill you every month until you cancel.

Whiter Teeth? Flatter Stomach? Shinier Hair?

Whether it's for a teeth whitener, vitamin or kitchen gadget, all free trials eventually end.

And typically, if you don't want to buy what you've tried, you need to cancel or take some other action before the trial is up. If you don't, you may be agreeing to buy more products.

But some dishonest businesses make it tough to cancel, hiding the terms and conditions of their offers in teensy type, using prechecked sign-up boxes as the default setting online, and putting conditions on returns and cancellations that are so strict it could be next to impossible to stop the deliveries and the billing.

Or, the "free trial" might come with a small shipping and handling fee. You think you're only paying a couple of dollars, but you're really giving over your credit card information, resulting in much higher charges after the trial.

Strings Attached Other "free" offers enroll you in clubs or subscriptions. For example, a company might offer you an introductory package of free books, CDs, magazines or movies. If you sign up, you may be agreeing to enroll in a club that will send you more products and bill you until you cancel, or to a subscription that's automatically renewed each year.

Here's What to Do •Research the company online.

•Find the terms and conditions for the offer.

Look for who's behind the offer.

•Watch out for pre-checked boxes.

•Mark your calendar.

•Look for info on how you can cancel future shipments or services.

•Read your credit and debit card statements.

That way you'll know right away if you're being charged for something you didn't order.

If you see charges you didn't agree to, contact the company directly to sort out the situation. If that doesn't work, call your credit card company to dispute the charge. Ask the credit card company to reverse the charge because you didn't actively order the additional merchandise.

Where to Complain If you've been wrongly charged for a free trial offer, report it to the FTC at ftc.gov/complaint. You also can contact your local consumer protection agency, which you can look up at consumeraction.gov, and file a complaint with the Better Business Bureau (bbb.org)l

KNOW YOUR RIGHTS

Grounds of Deportability: continued from page 9

•Failed to advise the immigration authorities, in writing, of a change of address within ten days of the move, unless the person can prove that such failure was reasonably excusable or not willful.

•Has been convicted of providing false information in connection with a requirement to register with immigration authorities or of other violations relating to fraud and misuse of visas, permits, and other entry documents.

•Has received a final order of deportation for document fraud, forgery, counterfeiting, or related violations.

•Falsely represents himself or herself as a U.S. citizen in order to gain any immigration or other benefit. An exception is made if the person’s parents (natural or adoptive) are or were U.S. citizens, the person lived in the United States before age 16, and he or she reasonably believed himself or herself to be a citizen.

•Is engaged, or at any time after admission engages in espionage, sabotage, or violations or evasions of any law prohibiting export of goods, technology, or sensitive information, or in any other criminal activity that is a danger to public safety or national security, or acts in opposition to, or attempts to control or overthrow the U.S. government by force, violence, or other unlawful means.

•Has engaged in or appears likely to engage in terrorist activity, or has incited terrorist

activity, or is a representative of a terrorist organization or group that endorses or espouses terrorist activity, or is a member of a terrorist organization (unless the person proves that he had no idea of its terrorist aims), or endorses or espouses terrorist activity or persuades others to do so, or has received military-type training from or on behalf of a terrorist organization, or is the terrorist’s spouse or child, if the relevant activity took place within the last five years.

•By being present in the U.S. would create potentially serious adverse foreign policy consequences.

•Participated in Nazi persecution, genocide, torture, or extrajudicial killings, severe violations of religious freedom, or recruitment or use of child soldiers.

•Within five years after U.S. entry, has become a public charge (dependent on need-based government assistance) for reasons that did not arise after the person’s U.S. entry.

•Has voted in violation of any federal, state, or local law. An exception is made for people who, based on parentage, reasonably believed themselves to be U.S. citizens.

If you are in deportation proceedings or believe you are deportable, you have a right to defend your case in immigration court. The lawyer you hire does make a difference.

Don’t take a plea, unless you consult with an attorney who understands the immigration consequences. Get the best help available.

Call 718-222-3155 now.l

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