Caw 46- SPECIAL ELECTION 2013 EDITION by Caribbean American Weekly

FREE

A D.B.A. OF I.Q. INC.

ISSUE 46 VOLUME 11

ENDORSED!

SPECIAL ELECTION 2013 EDITION

VISIT US AT: WWW.CAWNYC.COM

INSIDE:

Obama on: Promoting the American Dream of Home Ownership ...see page 12 Pressure on House: Pass CIR ... see Immigrant’s Journal

In Trayvon’s Name: Tools for Turning Outrage into Action ... see CARE Journal Crime Unites T & T’s Party Leaders see page 4

Letitia James for Public Advocate

Eliot Spitzer, Democrat for City Comptroller

Bill Thompson, Democrat for Mayor

Jamaica’s PM Portia Faces Life ... see page 6

Youth Entrepreneurship & Unemployment in the Caribbean ... see page 7 Divorcing? How to Avoid Foreclosure ... see page 11

Eric Adams, Democrat for Brooklyn Boro President

Robert Jackson, Democrat for Manhattan Boro President

Five Tax Tips If You’re Starting A Business ... see page 16

Charles J. Hynes, Democrat for District Attorney

Handling Relationship Culture Shock see CV3 (CaribVillage)

SPORTS POLL

VOTE 2013! See pages 22-36 for endorsements

Saundra Thomas, Democrat for 40th District

Robert Cornegy, Jr., Democrat for 36th Disrict

John Catsimatidis, Republican for Mayor

The question to one million Caribbean Americans in NYC: Are you a New York Knicks fan or a Brooklyn Net fan? Vote at www.cawnyc.com. Results will be published in the next edition of your Caribbean American Weekly.

Presidential Proclamation on the 50th Anniversary of the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom

“Fifty years after the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. offered a transcendent vision of racial harmony for America's future with his "I Have a Dream" speech, tens of thousands gathered where he spoke on Saturday, August 24, to hear leaders tell them that while much has been attained, much remains unfinished. Caribbean- Americans are proud of their role in the struggle for justice then and now.” — Brian Figeroux, Esq.

FREE Legal Consultations for Spousal Abuse Petitions. Call 718-222-3155.

Caribbean News

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Caribbean Consulates......................................................................................................4

Crime Unites Kamla & Rowley..................................................................................... 4

Jamaica’s PM Portia Faces Life......................................................................................6

Special Caribbean Report: Youth Unemployment and Entrepreneurship.............................................................................................................7

Family, Money & Business

A Special Invitation

Trayvon Martin’s Parents are Still Co-Parenting— Through Death & the Trial..............................................................................................9 Common Myths of Copyright Law...............................................................................10

Divorcing? How to Avoid Foreclosure.........................................................................11

to all faith-based leaders to empower their congregation and membership

Five Ways the Affordable Health Care Act Helps Businesses.....................................14

Five Tax Tips If You’re Starting a Business.................................................................16

from the IJLEF, Inc., a 501(c)(3) approved not-for-profit organization offering

FREE IMMIGRATION SEMINARS/ PRESENTATIONS & CONSULTATION CARDS ($100 VALUE) ON THE DAY OF THE PRESENTATION

Call 718-243-9431 to schedule a presentation

Take your business to the next level! Become a member of NACC, AAICC and HAICC! Visit www.mynacc.org

The Immigrant’s Journal Insert Pressure on House to Pass Immigration Reform............................................................1 Help Available for Immigrant Community.....................................................................1 A Nation of Immigrants & Entrepreneurs......................................................................1

Paths to Citizenship........................................................................................................3

Prepare for Comprehensive Immigration Reform..........................................................4

CaribVillage

Stress Management Tactics........................................................................................CV1 WIDACA Celebrates 46 Years..................................................................................CV1

Depression: A Taboo Topic........................................................................................CV2

Handling Relationship Culture Shock.......................................................................CV3

Trinidadian-born actress, Mishael Morgan heats up daytime soap opera, The Young & the Restless... see CV4

World’s Fastest Man Maybe Banned from Rio 2016................................................CV4

CARE Journal Insert: Civil Rights

Restore Voting Rights.....................................................................................................1

In Trayvon’s Name: Tools for Turning Outrage Into Action..........................................1

Major Civil Rights Victory.............................................................................................1

50 Years After Washington March & I Have a Dream: America Still a Goddam Nightmare...............................................................................3 First Steps in Prison Reform Rates................................................................................5

Ways to Protect the Rights of Non-Citizens with Immigration Reform.......................6

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

CARIBBEAN NEWSBRIEFS

Crime Unites Kamla & Rowley

here are two sayings. One is that politics make strange bedfellows and the other is that of being thick as thieves. Well, although, the latter does not apply here, the former certainly does. In an effort to fight the high crime rate in the Republic of Trinidad & Tobago, both Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar and Opposition Leader, Dr. Keith Rowley, have decided to put aside their political differences for the good for the twin-republic. The following is an official press release from the Prime Minister’s office: In a meeting held at the Diplomatic, Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar, SC, MP, and Leader of the Opposition, Dr. Keith Rowley, MP, discussed the upsurge in crime and criminality facing the nation. This meeting came on the heels of the Prime Minister’s visit to residents of Duncan Street, Port of Spain and a meeting which Dr. Rowley held with affected resi-

Prime Minister Persad-Bissessar & Opposition Leader Rowley

dents at his Diego Martin East constituency office and subsequently made an urgent request for a meeting with the Prime Minister. Prime Minister Persad-Bissessar and Dr. Rowley and their support teams will meet at the Diplomatic Centre, St Ann's with a view to taking immediate, responsive action to treat with the causative factors specially related to the problems that have

arisen recently. The Prime Minister and Leader of the Opposition have also agreed to collaborate on any amendment or adjustment to any existing, or new laws with respect to the challenges posed by the crime situation. There was agreement to implement legislative measures to deal with the issues of: gangs, witness protection and witness tampering. Additionally, it was agreed that the Government and Opposition will work together to untangle the hurdles which would give effect to the death penalty. Consideration will also be given to new laws, such as creating a new offence regarding the displacement of residents by criminals. Both Prime Minister Persad-Bissessar and Dr Rowley said that “on this issue we have common cause and we have agreed to approach the challenge that crime presents in a collaborative way.”l

UN Organizations in Haiti Deeply Concerned by Rise in Homophobic Violence

he United Nations (UN) in Haiti recently called on key political, religious and community leaders to inspire respect for rights and encourage restraint from expressions of hatred and contempt amid increase in homophobic violence in the country. “The UN Mission and United Nations agencies and programs in Haiti are deeply concerned by the recent increase in homophobic violence in the country,” the UN Stabilization Mission in Haiti (MINUSTAH) said in a statement. “The UN urges all Haitians to continue working together towards the construction of

a state based on the respect for the rule of law; respect for others, tolerance, individual dignity and human rights,” MINUSTAH added. The statement follows a weekend attack on the engagement party of a gay couple, with people reportedly throwing stones and setting cars on fires. “The UN appreciates the intervention of the national authorities to rescue victims of violence and urges increased efforts to prevent further incidents and to prosecute and hold accountable those responsible for the violence,” according to the statement released by MINUSTAH. The statement also noted that Article 19 of

the Haitian Constitution stipulates the right “to life, health, and respect of the human person for all citizens without distinction, in conformity with the Universal Declaration of the Human Rights”. Calling it an “unprecedented” initiative, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon commended the campaign’s core messages: human rights are universal and we can change attitudes for the better. “The Secretary-General has consistently called on world leaders to address violence against LGBT members of our human family,” his spokesperson said in a statement, adding that Mr. Ban is personally committed to championing this cause.l

television broadcast of Prime Minister Anthony on the issue as “contradictory and misplaced” and that the country is still owed an explanation regarding ALBA and PetroCaribe, through which Caribbean countries acquire oil and petroleum products from Caracas on concessionary terms. "Why is the U.S. only now putting sanctions on the entire police force and not just one officer who failed a lie detector or polygraph test which the U.S. conducted on some 40 senior members of the police force? "Is the US upset about the fact that Prime Minister Anthony chose to travel to Cuba

earlier this year for their 15th anniversary, instead of attending a CARICOM (Caribbean Community) meeting with the U.S. Vice President (Joe Biden) in Trinidad? Chastanet also questioned whether any attempt is being made to meet with the US State Department to discuss these matters and called on the Minister of Foreign Affairs Alva Baptiste to break his silence on the issue.l

St. Lucia Government Criticized Further Over U.S. Ban on Police

he main opposition United Workers Party (UWP) says the decision by St. Lucia to join the Venezuela-led Bolivarian Alliance for the Peoples of Our America (ALBA) may be the real reason why the United States government is denying members of the local police force from participating in training programs sponsored by Washington. UWP leader Allen Chastanet said that Prime Minister Dr. Kenny Anthony had used reports of “judicial killings” by the police as a smokescreen. Chastanet described the recent radio and

Newsbriefs source: www.caribbean360.com

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 to www.cawnyc.com/directory

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

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 Editors Colin Moore, Esq. Randall Toure, Esq.

Legal Advisor Brian Figeroux, Esq. Assistant Editor Marilyn Silverman

Graphic & Website Designers Praim Samsoondar Samantha Rosero Lana Delgadillo Shaquana Folks Contributors Vandell Park George Lawson Deesha Philyaw Akosua K. Britton Shaun Donovan Jessica/AllRecipes.com Jennine Estes Mike Dawes Email cariaweekly@aol.com ******

INSERTS

The Immigrant’s Journal Amanda Peterson Beadle Vandell Park Karen Mills Ritchie King CARE Journal Civilrights.org Alan Jenkins Gautman Raghavan Carl Dix Akosua K. Britton SDanielle Clarke Taahira Thompson Tyler Lewis

For Caribbean News & Updates

Visit www.cawnyc.com VISIT OUR WEBSITE WWW.CAWNYC.COM FOR MORE NEWS AND INFORMATION

ISLAND FOCUS: JAMAICA

Jamaica’s PM Portia Faces Life

BY GEORGE LAWSON

ess than two years into her five year mandate, Portia Simpson-Miller's and her administration appears to be in political trouble. In 2011 the Simpson Miller led-PNP came to power, riding on a high crest of popularity, defeating the Andrew Holness led-JLP in a two to one seat count-42 to 21. That victory was followed by her party further trouncing the JLP in the 2012 Local Government Election, out-rightly winning all with the exception of one municipalities, plus the Kingston and Saint Andrew Corporation (KSAC). While on the campaign trail she made many unrealistic promises which were bought by the majority of the electorate, whom many considered blind masses following messianic leaders. The concept by many that Team Portia would be going to Jamaica house with Aladdin’s Magic Lamp, or with the late Michael Manley's “Rod of Correction” has faded. Despite riding that high crest of popularity that propelled her party into office the Simpson Miller's administration got off to rocky start, and thus far has not been able to get back on track. Leading up to the 2011 General election the former JLP administration had been battered by Team Portia, for its failure to conclude an ongoing intense negotiation with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) from which it was trying to source funds to assist the savagely cash strapped island. During the race to Jamaica House she promised that if elected her administration would conclude that agreement within two weeks. While many electors were duped into believing that such a feat could be completed within that time-frame there were many who were cynical. The cynics were right while the pessimists were wrong, based on the fact that it took more than a year to partially complete the negotiations. Having suffered that first major setback the cash strapped administration went on a desperate investment mission, an effort to source funds from members of several overseas’ communities-the United States of America, Canada and Britain. That effort was not entertained by overseas Jamaicans, despite the myriad effort of Peter Phillips, her finance minister pitching the idea of a "Diaspora Bond". Many analysts believe that Phillip's failure to convince Jamaicans to invest in the bond was because many Jamaicans are still harbouring perpetual serious distrust of the PNP when it comes to investing in Jamaica. While Jamaica remains investment hungry it has not for many years failed to demonstrate to the international investment world or for that much the local investors that it is investor friendly.

Portia’s failing political fortune Simpson-Miller’s political fortune seems to have begun experiencing further decline. After a phenomenal reduction in crime rate under the former administration the crime rate has once again reached an astronomical rate to the point where her beleaguered Security Minister Peter Bunting ( who was himself a recent victim of the criminal element plaguing the country)has on two occasions conceded that it

will take a divine intervention to curb the rising and out of control crime rate. Production is down, with the country failing to woo investors, more so from the international investment arena ; the Net International Reserve (NIR) has been suffering rapid reduction- now down to less than US$1 billion, compare to over US $2 billion dollar when she came into office; a frightening deterioration in the exchange rate- with the Jamaican dollar now nearly J$102.00 to US $1.00, after remaining stable for two years at J$86 to US$1.00; public sector workers have been asked to make tremendous sacrifices-forego a wage increase until 2016; thousands of school teachers out of a job as the unemployment rate moves to an astronomical 16 percent, to list a few of the ills that as of right now haunting her administration. Has the Jamaican electorate got fed up with the Simpson Miller's administration?

That remains the $64000.00 question. After failing to deliver on the many unrealistic promises Simpson Miller appears to be facing clear and present political danger- a crest of political unpopularity, with many Jamaicans feeling a sense of betrayal. No one needs a scientific poll to determine that Portia and the PNP are in political decline, and Portia knows that too. That decline became most obvious recently, when in a recent by-election her party suffered a crushing defeat by the JLP, when the latter beat back the PNP's effort to retain a seat held by a late PNP councilor in the KSAC, despite her party pulling all the stops to retain the seat. That by-election was viewed as an opportunity by both Simpson Miller and Holness as one that would prove their respective parties' standing with the voters, since the PNP 2011 election victory. A day before the poll Simpson Miller was urging her

supporters not to underestimate the value of the by-election, telling them that a vote for her party's candidate (Sheryl Bromfield) would equate to a vote for her, Peter Phillips ( her finance minister and member of parliament for the constituency in which the division falls)and by extension the party. She was quoted as saying that,"This is no joking business; her (Bromfield) victory is a victory for Peter Phillips. Her victory is a victory for the People's National Party. Vote for Peter! Vote for Portia! Vote for Sheryl!" Though the voter turnout on both sides was very low several analysts has viewed the defeat as a rejection of Portia, and a moral boost for the less politically savvy Andrew Holness, based on the fact that the JLP was not only able to get out its supporters, but was able to increase its support by 50 percent over its 2012 figure, while the PNP was only able to register a mere eight percent increase.l

The recent defeat in the by-election could be the beginning of more trouble on the horizon for the PNP. While Simpson Miller and the PNP political fortune currently appears to be in the decline column it is safe to conclude that she has not been facing a serious challenge from what seems to be a badly demoralized Holness -led JLP. However that could change if the more politically savvy former JLP finance minister Audley Shaw (who is a favorite of the business sector and the youth arm of the JLP) succeed in in challenging Holness in a leadership race later this year.

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

CARIBBEAN SPECIAL REPORT

Youth Unemployment and Entrepreneurship in the Caribbean

BY ANGELA CRUMDY

n 2012, nearly 75 million young people between the ages of 15 and 24, were unemployed worldwide, and 14.3 percent of those young people lived in Latin America, including the Caribbean. Considering this alarming rate of unemployment, Caribbean governments have put forth a number of initiatives to provide their youth with basic skills and opportunities to find gainful work, but there is still more to be done. At a time of considerable economic decline, youth entrepreneurship and careful monitoring of programs are promising solutions because these measures provide young people with the means to be self-employed and to remain so for an extended period of time. This article outlines general trends in Caribbean youth’s unemployment and government initiatives to support its youths’ entrepreneurial efforts. Causes and Consequences of High Youth Unemployment There are numerous reasons why young people have such high unemployment rates throughout the region. First, the recent global economic downturn characterized by “recession, debt service

Jamaica’s Youth and Culture Minister, Hon. Lisa Hanna, addressing the launch of the Digital Jam 2.0 virtual job creation initiative last May.

obligations, and declines in development assistance” significantly decreased the number of job openings available. For example, as a result of the crisis, Jamaica’s overall labor force decreased by 2.7 percent in 2010. This resulted in the loss of 16,000 jobs for youths between the ages of 14 and 24 from October 2009 to October 2010. Meanwhile in Barbados, in 2011, while the overall unemployment rate was 11.2 percent, the youth unemployment rate was more than double that, at 28.9 percent. It is evident that youth are especially vulnerable to being out of a job during times of general economic hardship. Furthermore, a general lack of prepara-

Photo credit: www.jis.gov.jm

tion leads to unemployment among the young, as they often do not have the skills needed to compete against older, more experienced workers. This is especially true in low-income communities where there are fewer resources. Even if they manage to secure employment, younger workers are likely to be fired first under the assumption that they have fewer dependents, and thus the impact of their lost income would be less severe. In other words, vulnerability on account of a strained economy, added to limited experience, makes it more difficult for youth to acquire and keep a job. Considering that approximately 25 percent of the Caribbean population is

between the ages of 10 and 24, an increase in unemployment has greater consequences for youth, their families, and society. People who are suffering from unemployment are likely to have a lower sense of self-worth because they are not actively contributing to society. According to the International Labor Organization (ILO), “a lack of decent work, if experienced at an early age, threatens to compromise a person’s future employment prospects and frequently leads to unsuitable labor behavior patterns that last a lifetime.” Furthermore, high rates of unemployment and idleness among youth in general are correlated with increased violent crime. A study by the World Bank, published in 2007, found that “in Jamaica, in 1998, 80 percent of all prosecuted crimes were committed by young people aged 17 to 29.” Although the statistic is 15 years old, the involvement of youth in criminal activity is still apparent in today’s Jamaica, as evinced in the government’s prodigious resources allocated to controlling gangs. The individual impacts are evident and go on to influence those who live in close proximity to that person.

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

continued on the next page

8 NEWS

CARIBBEAN SPECIAL REPORT

Youth Unemployment and Entrepreneurship/continued from the previous page

Familial units suffer because they lack the added income that could be contributed to the household. If a young person works, then a family could more easily meet its basic needs without strain. On a larger scale, “governments spend more money in corrective services, security, crime, drug prevention, and unemployment benefits” when young people are without jobs, according to the Organization of American States. Caribbean governments must assume the onus of correcting destructive behavior that could be avoided if, instead of idle time and little structure, youth had a constructive outlet. The first ever U.N. Human Development Report focusing specifically on the Caribbean was published in 2012, and found that, “for every additional ‘gang’ in a community, homicide rates increased by about 10 percent.” Youth unemployment could even be considered a threat to national security, due to the rampant crime, violence, and economic burdens it causes. The Caribbean Community estimates that “the cost of gang-related crime is between 2.8 and 4 percent of gross domestic product (GDP) in the region through both the cost of policing and as a result of lost income from youth incarceration and reduced tourism.” Widespread youth unemployment results in negative consequences that can be registered on both large and small scales.

For special case study of Jamaica visit www.cawnyc.com

Regional Initiatives to Combat Youth Unemployment There have been numerous programs across several countries, as well as some regional seminars, to address youth unemployment in the Caribbean. For example, the Youth Entrepreneurship Scheme in Barbados was established in 1995, with the goal of promoting “youth empowerment and development through the establishment of viable and sustainable micro and small businesses.” In 2000, Youth Business Trinidad and Tobago was founded with the purpose of “helping young persons to work for themselves by providing access to business loans and business mentoring.” Most recently, the Commonwealth Youth Program Caribbean Centre and the ILO held a regional seminar in St. Lucia surrounding the theme, “Addressing Youth Employment Changes in Times of Crisis.” The focus of these programs, and others like them, is multifaceted, with concerns for problem solving, financial acumen, and entrepreneurial development; however, it seems that they fail to encourage the skills that are necessary to survive in and to transform a region with a lackluster economy.

Conclusion The Caribbean countries have tried to resolve youth unemployment; however, the goal to lessen youth unemployment in times of economic downturn would be

Learn how to earn an extraordinary income! Start your business, earn residual income and position yourself for the explosive growth in the VoIP Industry!

lBe

your own boss!

lMultiple lWork

streams of income

where & when you want

lNo

Inventory or quotas

lWillable lStart

income

dreaming again!!!!

Contact the Independent Representative listed below:

Jovens Mon Coeur

Tel: 917-541-8046 Email: jovensmoncoeur@yahoo.com

better supported if there were more emphasis on entrepreneurship and careful monitoring of the programs’ success or failure. It could be argued that entrepreneurship is just one of a number of factors that should be attended to in the struggle to alleviate youth unemployment and that other methods—such as teaching marketable skills through education, reforming the punitive justice system, addressing economic issues, and providing more systematic loans—should take precedence. This is a valid concern; however, youth entrepreneurship should be a priority alongside these other considerations, despite a paucity of resources, as it is an important means of achieving self-sufficiency that can be maintained in spite of the economic downturn. A diverse use of interventions, entrepreneurship included, will help to develop “secure, valued, and empowered adolescents who can realize their full potential and contribute to a sustainable Caribbean Community,” says Darren Turnques, the Bahamas Director of Youth in the Ministry of Youth Sports and Culture. Programs like Digital Jam 2.0 are exemplary models of success. Today’s Caribbean youth will soon be the leaders of their countries, and their governments should encourage them to realize their potential through the development of their own businesses. Furthermore, it is not enough to mere-

ly encourage entrepreneurship. The government should promote and foster quality businesses, which offer “unique products and services that could be sold at higher prices, and at international markets.” The existence of innovative and successful businesses will help support flagging economies and disrupt the negative consequences, like youth violence and distorted self-image, caused by high youth unemployment. Nonetheless, it is important to monitor the effectiveness of these programs so that the government does not waste its time and resources. August 12 was International Youth Day, an occasion to stress the plight of young people in the Caribbean and how entrepreneurship could be a viable way to help them to become productive, selfemployed citizens despite their country’s dismal economic situation. Doing so would benefit young people, their families, and their country. The importance of this issue cannot be exaggerated, as it was the focus of the Eighth ILO Caribbean Labor Ministers meeting held just last month. Director General of the ILO, Guy Ryder, captured the need for change by affirming, “doing right by youth is a foundation for future success.” Guided by a managerial spirit of innovation, endless possibility, and creativity, a new future is possible for Caribbean youth.l

This is an edited version of the original article. Angela Crumdy is the Research Associate at the Council on Hemispheric Affairs (COHA).

Learn How to Manage Your Business’ Finances Effectively & Efficiently with our Quickbooks Workshop Organize all your business ﬁnances in one place with QuickBooks.

Manage your money, import from your bank, and always be ready for taxes. It's accounting software made easy. This workshop is perfect for new users who want to get started right, or experienced users who want to strengthen their foundation, and get even more from QuickBooks.

Topics: lNavigating QuickBooks lSetting Up Your Account lWorking with Vendors & Clients lManaging Payroll lDoing Bank Reconcilations lCreating Reports lDealing with Day-to-Day Transactions

Workshop Fee: $100* (for 5 sessions)

*Includes Free individual Chamber membership $100 value

Quickbooks: the #1 rated small business accounting software!

Visit www.mynacc.org workshop date and registration

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

FAMILY MATTERS

Trayvon Martin’s Parents are Still CoParenting—Through Death and the Trial

BY DEESHA PHILYAW

friend recently sent me an MSNBC article about Trayvon Martin’s parents, Sybrina Fulton and Tracy Martin, and the trial of George Zimmerman. As the co-founder of co-parenting101.org and the co-author of CoParenting 101: Helping Your Kids Thrive in Two Households After Divorce (both in collaboration with my ex-husband), I was particularly struck by a 2012 photo accompanying the article, a photo of Fulton and Martin holding hands as they listened to the charges being filed against Zimmerman. It occurred to me that this moving image stood in stark contrast to the image of co-parents that tends to dominate the cultural conversation about parents of children who live between two households: Combative, not conciliatory. Difficult, not cooperative…and certainly not comforting. The larger culture generally expects coparents to be disagreeable with each other. Fights over child support or one parent’s (usually the father’s) lack of parental participation are familiar reality TV show fodder. A few years ago, I cringed while watching a scene from Basketball Wives LA in which two divorced AfricanAmerican co-parents screamed at each other in a therapy session, airing all of their dirty laundry… as their teenaged daughters, also in the session, looked on. This expectation of conflict and animosity between co-parents is so great, that congenial co-parents are sometimes viewed with suspicion; surely one of them must still be carrying a torch for the other. I consider this kind of presumption to be a failure of imagination–and a failure to recognize that congeniality between exes can simply be a reflection of two people choosing to love their child more than they dislike or mistrust each other. And it doesn’t–or shouldn’t–take a situation as tragic and extreme as what Trayvon’s parents are going through to bring co-parents to the point of civility. For some parents, it’s simply an outgrowth of the love they have for their children, and a desire to spare them exposure to ongoing adult drama that pulls them in opposite directions. Some co-parents get along (even if it’s just going through the motions) in order to reassure their children that they still belong to a loving family–albeit across two separate households. There’s much “what about the children” hand-wringing over single-mom headed households and low black marriage rates, owing in part to the politics of respectability, but also in part to concern over the poor socioeconomic outcomes that many children of single parents experience. However, as the child of a single mother, I know that these outcomes don’t have to be foregone conclusions. And as a co-parent, I know too that having both fit, willing, loving, and responsible parents play an active role in a child’s life can lead to positive outcomes, even if the parents are not married and living under the same roof.

As co-parents, we must do the hard work required to heal from our break-ups; to recognize that child support is neither a punishment nor an admission price to see a child; and to honor our child’s relationship with the other parent, however imperfect, as separate from the relationship we had with this person. Devoted parents will speak of being willing to die for our children, but are we willing to truly live for them? Even to the point of moving past personal hurts and disappointments, for their sake? We don’t know what Sybrina Fulton and Tracy Martin’s co-parenting situation was like before Trayvon’s death. If it was a high-conflict situation, that surely doesn’t matter now. In a very public and united way, Fulton and Martin are grieving and seeking justice on behalf of their son, as co-parents, regardless of the circumstances that ended their marriage in 1999, and regardless of what has transpired between them since. And there’s a lesson for all co-parents in this. Whatever happened or happens between the adults, co-parented children deserve to have both their parents loving, protecting, championing, and guiding them. This is their right. Despite the differences that led Trayvon Martin’s parents to divorce, there is much that they undoubtedly still

share: love for the son they have lost, memories of him, grief and sadness that his young life was taken so violently, and a desire to see justice served. They have looked beyond themselves, traveling extensively here and abroad to reach out to the families of others’ whose lives were cut short by racial and gun violence. Looking beyond themselves and beyond their differences is what all coparents are called to do in order to partner effectively in service to their children. Fulton and Martin are doing this under horrific circumstances that the vast majority of co-parents will never have to face. The nightmare they are living puts more typical co-parenting challenges into a humbling, sobering perspective.

We don’t have hold to hands with our child’s other parent in order to create the respectful, mature parenting partnerships our children deserve. We just have to be willing and committed to keeping the focus on our children’s needs and wellbeing, not our adult gripes and regrets. It’s not easy; sometimes you have to be the bigger co-parent, sometimes you’re the only one willing to cooperate, and sometimes you have to fake it til you make it. But our kids are worth it.l Reprinted with the kind permission from MyBrownBaby.com, where the story was first published.

Family Law Practice Summarized

NEW YORK IS NOW A NO-FAULT DIVORCE STATE

nDIVORCE nSEPARATION nSUPPORT nCUSTODY The lawyer you hire does make a difference!

uContested &

Uncontested Divorces

uSeparation & Prenuptial Agreements

Has your spouse disappeared? We can find your spouse!

Matrimonial Investigations

u Business & Degree Evaluations

u Spousal Maintenance u Custody/Visitation

uBank & Asset Searches

uRelocation

uAlimony Reduction

uWire Transfers

u Paternity

uChild Support

uCo-habitation

uAbuse/Neglect

Investigation

uRestraining &

uDivorce/Dating/Fraud

Protective Orders

uModification of Previous Orders & Awards

LAW OFFICES OF FIGEROUX & ASSOCIATES

uInternet Dating/Fraud uVideo Surveillance

BROOKLYN: 26 Court Street, Suite 701. Tel: 718-834-0190

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

KNOW YOUR RIGHTS

Common Myths of Copyright Law

Everything on the Internet “Public Domain” and Free to Use This highlights a common misunderstanding about what is meant by “public domain” when referring to copyright work. A work will fall into the public domain, once copyright expires, this will typically be many years after the author’s death. While work published on the Internet may be publicly accessible, it is certainly not in the public domain.

BY RANDALL TOURE, ESQ.

s an intellectual property (IP) attorney and a lecturer on IP law, I am confronted all the time by individuals who make bold statements regarding their creative works and how they either are protected or they are not infringing on somewhat else’s intellectual property rights. This article is my answer to those who think they know it all, with regards to copyright and how I can help those who may be leading themselves to the road of losing their intellectual property rights because they are listen to the wrong people.

I Can Copyright a Name or a Title Copyright laws are actually very restrictive, and do not apply to items such as names and titles that may be duplicated coincidentally, or that may be legitimately used in unrelated instances. From a copyright perspective, there is no reason why two works cannot have the same title. As long as the content of works themselves are not copied or adapted, no infringement has occurred. This does NOT mean that there is no protection on the name, as it may be covered by other legislation: If the name was a trademark, or if it could be proved that that use of the title misleads or confuses the public, (this is known as ‘passing off’), then there can be issues. While copyright will apply from the point of a work that is created, “passing off” is

based on the public perception of what the name implies— that is you have a very clear idea of what you expect to be given if you ask for a ‘Coca-Cola’).

I Can Mail a Copy of the Work to Myself as Proof of Copyright This method (sometimes called ‘poor man’s copyright’), may help in some cases, but it is extremely poor evidence as it is very easy to fake, for example, by replacing the actual materials inside at a later date. The main problem if you send your work to yourself via courier or the postal service (including recorded/tracked and signed for services) or use any other system which requires you to store the work yourself, is that there is no verifiable evidence to say that the contents have not been swapped

Anything Without a Copyright Notice Is Not Protected Copyright will apply whether there is a copyright notice or not. In the U.S., a notice was required to retain copyright on works published before January 1, 1978, but this was the exception not the norm, and is certainly no longer the case. Also, once the U.S. signed up to the Berne convention, U.S. law was amended, and the use of copyright notices became optional on work published from March 1, 1989. Having said this, it is still certainly worth placing a copyright notice on your work. A copyright notice reminds others that copyright exists, and may therefore help to deter infringement.

If I Change Someone’s Work I Can Claim It As My Own The act of copying or adapting someone else’s work is a breach of copyright. Also any adaptation will be legally regarded as a

derived work; so if you simply adapt the work of others, it will still be their work, and they have every right to object (and are also entitled to any money you make from their work). The only safe option is to create something that is not copied or adapted from the work of others. There is nothing to stop you being inspired by the work of others, but when it comes to your own work, start with a blank sheet and do not try to copy what others have done.

Confusion over Copyright in Music A sound recording will have a separate copyright to the underlying musical composition. This means that a new recording of an old piece of music will still be protected under copyright, even if copyright has expired in the original music.

It’s Hard to Prove Copyright Infringement This is not the case, copyright law is principally civil not criminal law. Civil law requires a lower burden of proof, actually making it easier to prove infringement. In a criminal case, the defendant is innocent until proven guilty beyond any reasonable doubt. However, in a civil case, the plaintiff must simply convince the court or tribunal that their claim is valid, and that on balance of probability it is likely that the defendant is guilty.l

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

MONEY MATTERS

Divorcing? How to Avoid Foreclosure

ften in the course of a divorce, couples find it difficult to agree on what to do with their homes. In the past, when divorcing homeowners faced a foreclosure, they could simply sell the property and equitably distribute the profits. However, due to the fact that many houses are now “underwater” (where the fair market value is lower than the total amount owed on the mortgage debt), it is difficult, if not impossible, to sell the home at a profit or even break even on a sale. This does not mean that there are no options available when facing a foreclosure in the middle of a divorce. It is in fact possible for one spouse to retain the property, if he or she desires it, or to dispose of the property without having to succumb to foreclosure. Ways to Avoid a Foreclosure When Going Through a Divorce These foreclosure alternatives require the cooperation of both spouses, which may be difficult during a divorce.

Short Sale If the property is underwater and the divorcing homeowners wish to dispose of the property, an alternative to a foreclosure is a short sale. A short sale is a transaction where the homeowners sell the property for less than is owed on the mortgage. The lender must agree to accept the proceeds, which fall short of paying off the total mortgage debt. In some cases, the difference between the sales price and the mortgage debt will be forgiven. In others, the lender

may require that the borrowers remain jointly liable for the deficiency (meaning the difference between the sales price and the total debt), though it may be possible to bargain for a reduced deficiency or to offer a lump sum settlement to satisfy the remaining debt.

Deed in Lieu of Foreclosure A deed in lieu of foreclosure (deed in lieu) is a transaction where the homeowners grant title to the property to the lender in exchange for the lender releasing them from the mortgage. This can be a viable option in a divorce to dispose of the property and avoid a foreclosure. In most cases, a deed in lieu will be in exchange for full satisfaction of the debt. However, it is possible that a deficiency could exist with a deed in lieu. If the deed in lieu documents clearly state the amount of the deficiency, which will be the difference between the fair market value and the mortgage debt, this means that the borrowers remain jointly liable for the deficiency amount. To avoid a deficiency with a deed in lieu, the borrowers must negotiate forgiveness of any deficiency amount that is owed to the lender. As with short sales, it is also possible to negotiate a reduced deficiency or pay a lump sum to settle any remaining debt associated with a deed in lieu.

Renting Out the Home When divorcin,g borrowers find they cannot sell the property or complete a deed in lieu, sometimes it is possible to rent the

property and then apply the rental income towards the mortgage. This can, however, be a difficult option since the divorcing couple remains responsible for the property, as well as the mortgage, and must come up with a mutually agreeable arrangement for managing the rental.

apply for a loan modification, though both borrowers will remain responsible for the loan even after its modified. If one spouse won’t agree, this can be a complicated, if not unworkable endeavor, since both borrowers will need to sign the loan modification agreement. However, once a divorce settlement is finalized and one borrower is awarded the property, then that borrower can apply for loss mitigation assistance solely. If that borrower qualifies for a loan modification, the co-borrower may be released from liability on the loan and his or her signature will not be needed. Of course, this is subject to any provisions in the divorce decree. For example, if the divorce decree states the remaining borrower must refinance to remove the co-borrower from the mortgage, then a loan modification will not be granted.

Loan Modification Another option if one of the divorcing borrowers wants to retain the property is to

Source: www.figeroux.com

Refinancing the Mortgage If one spouse wants to keep the property, that spouse can refinance the property so that the co-borrower is released from the debt. Frequently, the terms of a divorce will require a refinance if one borrower wants to retain the property. However, refinancing may not be possible if the borrower who wants to keep the home is in financial distress due to a lost job or reduced income, or if the property is severely underwater.

When to Seek Counsel The logistics of arranging any of these options can be problematic during a divorce when parties find it difficult to work with one another. If you are dealing with foreclosure during a divorce and are having a difficult time reaching an agreement with your spouse about what to do with the home, you should seek the assistance of a qualified attorney who can inform you about which options are available and can facilitate arrangements to divest or retain the property.l

FREE BANKRUPTCY CONSULTATION Get the legal help you need NOW! Call 718-834-0190!

STOP Creditors’ Harassment! STOP Lawsuits!

STOP Foreclosures!

Collection Harassment: *Profane or Abusive Language *Threats/Yelling *Family or Neighbors Called? Save Your: *Home *Business *Car *Health *Peace of Mind/Health *Marriage/Relationship

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

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

For a FREE CONSULTATION call the Law Offices of Figeroux & Associates

26 Court Street, Suite 701 Brooklyn, NY 11242

Tel: 718-834-0190

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

Visit www.figeroux.com

OBAMA ADMINISTRATION

Promoting the American Dream of Homeownership

BY SHAUN DONOVAN

resident Obama, while visiting Phoenix recently, laid out his vision for a housing system that promotes the American dream of homeownership. For years, owning a home was a symbol of responsibility and a source of security for millions of middle-class families across the country. But the financial crisis in 2008 put that all at risk, and by the time Obama took office, the housing market was in free fall. Home values were plummeting and foreclosures were at record highs. This Administration immediately took a number of steps to heal the market that helped millions of Americans stay in their homes, save money on their mortgages and turn their communities around. Today, the market is coming back. Thanks to reforms of the financial system that cracked down on the most reckless practices that led to the housing crisis, responsible Americans can feel more confident and secure when they borrow money to purchase their own home. But, as President Obama made clear, there is more work to do. It’s time to turn the page on an era of housing bubbles and taxpayer bailouts, and build a new housing finance system that will provide secure homeownership for responsible middle class families. We see this as critically important, not

only because housing and home ownership are one of the bedrock cornerstones of the middle class – but also because it is so connected to the other ones. How do most families pay for their kids to go to college, to start small businesses, to save for retirement? It's through the savings in their homes. If we can't protect American families from this kind of crisis again, if we can't build safe, stable investment in housing and home ownership, we also cut out the rungs in the ladder to opportunity for so many families in other areas as well. First, there are steps we can take right now that could help immediately strengthen the housing market and make sure that no homeowners or communities are left behind by the housing recovery. This includes helping more responsible homeowners save money by refinancing their mortgages, cutting red tape so responsible families can get a mortgage, helping hard-hit communities rebuild, and preserving access to affordable rental housing Second, President Obama put forward a plan to reform the housing finance system, centered on four core principles: • Put private capital at the center of the housing finance system. • End Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac’s failed business model so taxpayers are never again on the hook for bad loans and bailouts. • Ensure widespread access to safe and

Real Estate Transactions for Buyers & Sellers, Foreclosure Inoculation & Financing Your Business through Home Ownership

Buying a home is an exciting experience, but it can also be overwhelming if you don’t understand the entire process. Knowing what to expect will help you make the right decisions about your home purchase. So, whether you are considering homeownership for the first time or currently own a home and need help with your mortgage, or interested in building a real estate portfolio, this seminar provides you with the important tools and resources you need today.

How do most families

pay for their kids to go to college, to start

small businesses, to

save for retirement?

It's through the savings in their homes.

responsible mortgages like the 30-year fixed rate mortgage in good and bad economic times. • Support affordability and access to homeownership for creditworthy firsttime buyers and access to affordable rental housing for middle class families and those aspiring to be. Third, because buying a home is one of the most important decisions middleclass families make, there is more we can do to make sure that process is safe, sustainable and easy to understand. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) has already taken a number of steps to this end, and President Obama is calling on the CFPB to finish a simplified mortgage disclosure form, which highlights the key facts any potential home-

owner should know before they take out a mortgage in three pages or less. Finally, Congress must move quickly to confirm Mel Watt, President Obama’s pick for Director of the Federal Housing Finance Agency, to transition toward a safe and sound future housing finance system. By taking these and other steps outlined in the President’s plan, we can finally put an end to the practices that got our country into this mess. As a result, we will grow our economy and give the middle class – and all those working hard to get there – a better bargain for generations to come. l

Shaun Donovan is the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development

RSVP:

Telephone: 718-722-9217 Email: info@mynacc.org Website: www.mynacc.org

Location: 26 Court Street, Suite 701, downtown Brooklyn Space is limited. Must register to attend.

Date: Thursday, Sept 19, 2013 6pm to 8pm

Visit www.mynacc.org to register today! VISIT OUR WEBSITE WWW.CAWNYC.COM FOR MORE NEWS AND INFORMATION

13 OBAMA ADMINISTRATION Presidential Proclamation on the 50th Anniversary of the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom

n August 28, 1963, hundreds of thousands converged on the National Mall to take part in what the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., called "the greatest demonstration for freedom in the history of our nation." Demonstrators filled the landscape — from the steps of the Lincoln Memorial, alongside the still waters of the reflecting pool, to the proud base of the Washington Monument. They were men and women; young and old; black, white, Latino, Asian, and Native American—woven together like a great American tapestry, sharing in the dream that our Nation would one day make real the promise of liberty, equality, and justice for all. The March on Washington capped off a summer of discontent, a time when the clarion call for civil rights was met with imprisonment, bomb threats, and base brutality. Many of the marchers had endured the smack of a billy club or the blast of a fire hose. Yet they chose to respond with nonviolent resistance, with a fierce dignity that stirred our Nation's conscience and paved the way for two major victories of the Civil Rights Movement — the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965. Today, we remember that the March on Washington was a demonstration for jobs

as well as freedom. The coalition that brought about civil rights understood that racial equality and fairness for workers are bound together; when one American gets a raw deal, it jeopardizes justice for everyone. These are lessons we carry forward— that we cannot march alone, that America flourishes best when we acknowledge our common humanity, that our future is linked to the destiny of every soul on earth. It is not enough to reflect with pride on the victories of the Civil Rights Movement. In honor of every man, woman, and child who left footprints on the National Mall, we must make progress in our time. Let us guard against prejudice — whether at the polls or in the workplace, whether on our streets or in our hearts — and let us pledge that, in the words of Dr. King, "we will not be satisfied until justice rolls down like waters and righteousness like a mighty stream." NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim August 28, 2013, as the 50th Anniversary of the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom. I call upon all Americans to observe this day with

Introduction to Mass Media & Internet & Community Radio Hosting

“We never dreamed that we would be here 50 years later,” said the Rev. Joseph E. Lowery, 91, who helped lead a boycott of segregated buses in Montgomery, Ala., in 1955, a seminal moment in the civil rights movement. “We never dreamed we would see an African American president.”

appropriate programs, ceremonies, and activities that celebrate the March on Washington and advance the great causes of jobs and freedom. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have here-

unto set my hand this twenty-third day of August, in the year of our Lord two thousand thirteen, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-eighth.l

Mass Media - Some Topics lThe American Legal System lThe First Amendment lLibel/Libel Lession lFreedom of SPeech lBasic Issues in Defamation & Privileges lInvasion of Privacy lRegulation of Obsence and Erotic Material

Internet Radio is the Future of Radio!

Radio Host - Some Topics: lCreating Your Own Radio Show lMarketing Your Radio Show lIntroduction to Social Media lVoice Training lInterview Techniques lStudio Etiquette

Registration: $250. Plus one-month bonus time for your radio show!

Location: 26 Court Street, Suite 701, downtown Brooklyn Space is limited. Must register to attend.

Mondays 6pm-8pm Dates: October 14, 21, 28 and November 4 & 11 Visit www.mynacc.org to register today!

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

14 NEWS

SMALL BUSINESS MATTERS

Five Ways the Affordable Care Act Helps America’s Small Businesses

BY ARI MATUSIAK

mall businesses are the backbone of our economy, and for the 28 million small employers across the country, healthcare is a major concern. The Affordable Care Act provides benefits and opportunities to small businesses that will help increase access to affordable coverage options. Here are five key ways the Affordable Care Act can benefit small employers and their workers:

1. SHOP Marketplaces: Currently, small businesses face premiums that are on average 18% higher than large businesses. On October 1, 2013, the new Small Business Health Insurance Options Program (SHOP) Marketplaces will be open for businesses, and small employers in every state will be able to shop for health coverage on a competitive marketplace, that brings unprecedented transparency to the market and gives small businesses the same purchasing clout as big businesses.

2. Reducing Administrative Complexity: SHOP Marketplaces include web portals that provide standardized, easy-tounderstand information that will make comparing and purchasing coverage easier, and will simplify the administrative

challenges that businesses often face when offering plans. Visit www.HealthCare.gov to learn more about the SHOP Marketplace and to get ready for open enrollment.

3.New Tax Credits: The small business tax credit helps small businesses afford the cost of healthcare coverage for their employees, and is already helping qualifying small businesses offset the cost of insurance by up to 35%. In 2014, this tax credit goes up to 50% and is available to qualified small businesses who obtain coverage through the SHOP Marketplace.

4.Improved Risk Pooling: The new SHOP Marketplaces will allow small groups to pool risks and reduce administrative complexity, thereby increasing their purchasing power and reducing costs for small businesses that want to provide coverage to their workers. Business can enroll starting on October 1, 2013, through their brokers, or directly through the SHOP Marketplace. Stay connected to the latest information on the Marketplaces by going to www.HealthCare.gov.

5.Workplace Wellness: The Affordable Care Act creates new incentives to promote workplace wellness programs and encourages employers to take more

Why I Don’t Want to Buy Life Insurance?

I have life insurance on the job I don’t know what type I need I don’t know who to trust What’s in it for me? I don’t have an SSN It is too expensive

SEPTEMBER IS LIFE INSURANCE AWARENESS MONTH

Attend our FREE seminar and get answers to all the questions above and more! Learn the consequences of not having life insurance. Protect your loved ones and family Date: Thursday, Sept. 12, 2013 Time: 6pm - 8pm

Location: 26 Court Street, Suite 701, downtown Brooklyn

Presented by Marcia A. Beckford, LUTCF Agency Recruiter/Financial Professional

Visit www.mynacc.org to register today!

opportunities to support healthier workplaces. Effective for plan years after January 1, 2014, final rules allow the maximum reward to employers using a health-contingent wellness program to increase from 20 percent to 30 percent of the cost of health coverage, and the maximum reward for programs designed to prevent or reduce tobacco use will be as much as 50 percent.

To help provide small business owners with the resources and information they need, the Obama Administration recently launched Businesss.USA.gov/healthcare, a one-shop where employers of all sizes can go for customizable information

about how the law impacts them, based on the size, location and future plans for offering coverage. And, the Department of Health and Human Services launched a call center specifically to serve the needs of small businesses interested in the SHOP Marketplace. This call center (1800-706-7893) is a new resource to help business owners get information to make the right decision for their bottom line and their employees. It’s open Monday-Friday from 9 AM- 5 PM, with representatives available to help in English and Spanish.

Ari Matusiak is a special assistant to the President & Director of Private Sector Engagement.

16 NEWS

FINANCE & TAXES

Five Tax Tips if You're Starting a Business

Do You Qualify for ETIC?

1. Type of Business. Early on, you will need to decide the type of business entity you are going to establish. The most common types are sole proprietorship, partnership, corporation, S corporation and Limited Liability Company. Each type reports its business activity on a different federal tax form.

ITC, the Earned Income Tax Credit, sometimes called EIC is a tax credit to help you keep more of what you earned. It is a refundable federal income tax credit for low to moderate income working individuals and families. Congress originally approved the tax credit legislation in 1975 in part to offset the burden of social security taxes and to provide an incentive to work. When EITC exceeds the amount of taxes owed, it results in a tax refund to those who claim and qualify for the credit.

f you plan to start a new business, or you've just opened your doors, it is important for you to know your federal tax responsibilities. Here are five tips to help you get started.

2. Types of Taxes. The type of business you run usually determines the type of taxes you pay. The four general types of business taxes are income tax, selfemployment tax, employment tax and excise tax.

3. Employer Identification Number. A business often needs to get a federal EIN for tax purposes. Check with us to find out whether you need this number. If you do, we can help you apply for one.

Keeping good 4. Recordkeeping. records helps you when it's time to file your business tax forms at the end of the year. They help track deductible expenses

and support all the items you report on your tax return. Good records also help you monitor your business' progress and prepare your financial statements. You may choose any recordkeeping system that clearly shows your income and expenses. Call us if you need assistance setting up your recordkeeping system.

5. Accounting Method. Each taxpayer must also use a consistent accounting method, which is a set of rules that determine when to report income and expenses. The most common are the cash method and accrual method. Under the cash method, you normally report income in the year you receive it and deduct expenses in the year you pay them. Under

the accrual method, you generally report income in the year you earn it and deduct expenses in the year you incur them. This is true even if you receive the income or pay the expenses in a future year. We can help you figure out which accounting method is best for your business.

If you're a new business owner or are thinking about starting a business, don't hesitate to call us today. We're here to help new business owners like you understand the tax aspects of running a business. l Source: www.nettaxservices.com

Do You Qualify for EITC? To qualify, you must meet certain requirements and file a tax return, even if you do not owe any tax or are not required to file. You must have earned income from employment, self-employment or another source and meet certain rules. Also, you must either meet the additional rules for workers without a qualifying child or have a child that meets all the qualifying child rules for you.l Source: www.irs.gov

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

CV1

NEWS

nHEALTH

nENTERTAINMENT

nRELATIONSHIPS

nRECIPES

nSPORTS

Stress Management Tactics for an Improved Self, Inside and Out

here are moments when stress takes over all aspects of life, both personal and professional. The to-do list feels never ending; there are never enough hours in the day; and the challenges appear insurmountable. Feeling stressed is a normal response to demands encountered on emotional, intellectual and physical levels, and often manifests itself physically in many different ways — especially in the appearance of skin. Positively managing stress is essential to achieving a balanced lifestyle and naturally healthy-looking skin. Simple Advisory Board member, Dr. Josie Howard, is a board-certified psychiatrist who specializes in psychodermatology, an area of medicine that focuses on the relationship between stress, emotional well-being and skin health. Below are Dr. Howard's top tips for effectively and constructively managing stress to help minimize the effects it can have on your skin. * Take a breather: Resting your body and mind is crucial to regulating blood flow and circulation, both of which are essential in achieving naturally healthy-looking skin. When you feel unusually anxious and stressed out, it may be a sign of exhaustion or fatigue. Find a calm and quiet space and take a few moments to "take a breather," by meditating, napping or even just pausing from the busy day. Allowing both body and mind to take a break will keep your body feeling more regulated and your skin looking beautiful. Closing your eyes and focusing on the sounds and smells that surround you in that moment is a great way to center yourself in the present; a scented candle and soft music can be of great assistance with this exercise. * Create a relaxation routine: Stress has a big influence on the health and appearance of skin and can show itself in many ways. When you are stressed, hormones in the body

Caribbean Kitchen Corner

Sweet Potato Salad

BY JESSICA ALLRECIPIES.COM

his is a 90's potato salad — a new and improved, redone, much better potato salad. Not only does it have a sweet potato, in addition to a Russet potato, but it also contains corn, cucumber, and peanuts! Corn oil will do if you don't have canola. Ingredients: Original recipe makes 5 servings

become thrown off balance. As a result, your skin's ability to protect itself against environmental pollutants and irritants becomes compromised, leaving the skin more prone to breakouts, irritation and dehydration. There are many ways to create a sense of calm when things become stressful — listening to music, writing in a journal, or practicing yoga are great ways to constructively unwind. The trick is to pick an activity that works best for you and be sure to proactively make that practice a priority every day to effectively combat stress and improve your overall skin health.

Say it with a smile: Any level of emotional stress we experience can readily be detected on our face, whether it is seen through breakouts, irritation and even blushing. When we smile, we not only look better, less tired and more refreshed, but our brains also interpret this as a signal that we actually are feeling happy and content. Moreover, smiling can help others react to us in a more positive way, which can lead to less stressful experiences overall.

Take adequate rest: The notion of "beauty sleep" is not a myth: deep, restorative sleep is essential for growth hormone release, which is necessary for effective tissue repair in the skin. Stress can impair sleep quality, leading to a cascade of hormonal consequences that result in unwanted physical results — unhealthy food choices, weight gain and puffy skin. Over time, chronic sleep deprivation can leave skin looking pale and haggard, reducing its natural protective qualities. Dr. Howard advises removing electronics (even smartphones!) from the bedroom to keep stress triggers at bay and to step away from the computer and other electronic devices at least one hour before bedtime.l (BPT)

WIADCA Celebrates 46 Years of Caribbean Pride and Culture

nHOROSCOPE

1 large Russet potato, peeled and quartered 1 large sweet potato, peeled and quartered 1 cup corn 1 teaspoon prepared Dijon-style mustard 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice 3 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro 1 clove garlic, minced 3 tablespoons canola oil 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper 1 cucumber, halved lengthwise and chopped 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced 1/4 cup finely chopped peanuts

Directions: 1.Place the Russet potato pieces into a large saucepan, and cover with salted water. Bring to a boil, turn the heat down, and simmer for 10 minutes. Add the sweet potato, and cook

2.In a large bowl, whisk together mustard, lime juice, cilantro, and garlic. Slowly whisk in oil. Mix in salt and black pepper.

3.Cut cooled potatoes into 1 inch cubes, and add to dressing along with cucumber and red onion. Toss well. Serve at room temperature or chilled. Toss the peanuts in just before serving.l PREP 30 mins COOK 30 mins READY IN 1 hr

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

or 2013, the West Indian American Day Carnival Association (WIADCA) has an impressive line-up of events slated to take place from Thursday, August 29th to Sunday, September 1st on the grounds of the Brooklyn Museum (located at 200 Eastern Parkway). The celebrations then culminate with the largest Caribbean Carnival Parade in the U.S. on Labor Day Monday, September 2nd – when over 40 costumed bands, scores of colorful floats, millions of jubilant spectators and supporters from around the world converge on Eastern Parkway that is lined with hundreds of food stalls selling mouth-watering cuisine from around the

world to satisfy every taste (from Schenectady Ave. to Grand Army Plaza) from 11:00 am to 6:00 pm. We invite you to come on down, enjoy, dance or take a “wine”. For details, visit www.wiadcacarnival.orgl

about 15 minutes more. Remove a piece of each potato, and cut it in half to see if it is cooked enough. Once the potatoes are tender, add corn kernels; cook another 30 seconds. Drain through a colander. Fill the saucepan with cold water, and drop vegetables into water. Cool for 5 minutes, and drain.

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

CV2 NEWS

Depression: A Taboo Topic

n many cultures, including the Caribbean, the topic of depression is not discussed or paid attention to. Sadly, if one says they feel depressed or looks or acts that way, there is an immediate stigma of pity, gossip and negativity. Life is about ups and downs and all of us or a family member, loved one or friend, has at some point experienced sadness and depression. Ask yourself: Have you been feeling sad? Have you lost interest or pleasure in daily activities? Have you been feeling this way for two weeks or more? These feelings/symptoms may be signs of depression and your healthcare provider can help. Here, you’ll find answers to common questions about depression from Dr. Larry Culpepper, a primary care physician and professor in the Department of Family Medicine at Boston University. Take the first step toward regaining control and start a conversation with your doctor about your symptoms. There is no need to suffer alone.

1.What is major depressive disorder (MDD)? Major depressive disorder, also known as depression, is a serious medical condition that can significantly impact your life and the lives of those close to you. Depression is a mood disorder in which feelings of sadness, along with other symptoms, are persistent and interfere with one’s normal day-to-day activities for a long period of

HEALTH •Thoughts of death or suicide, suicide attempts.

3. I may be suffering from MDD. What should I do? The first thing you should do is schedule an appointment with your doctor to discuss how you’re feeling and determine the appropriate next steps. It’s important to remember that depression is a common but serious illness.In fact, each year, depression affects 5-8 percent of adults in the United States, accounting for about 25 million Americans.

time (nearly every day for at least two weeks). Nearly half of people with MDD are not receiving any treatment and the consequences can be devastating.Some believe they should just “snap out of it” on their own. Others do not discuss depression with a doctor because it doesn’t seem like a health concern. It’s important to understand that depression is a real medical illness that can be treated.

2. What are the symptoms of MDD? Those suffering from depression may

experience different symptoms that go beyond a feeling of sadness. Along with a depressed mood and/or loss of interest or pleasure in daily activities, a person must experience at least four of the following symptoms: •Increased irritability •Feelings of worthlessness or guilt •Agitation or restlessness •Fatigue and loss of energy •Trouble thinking, making decisions, or concentrating •Disturbed sleep, such as insomnia •Changes in appetite or weight

4. Why can’t I just snap out of it? It is widely believed that major depressive disorder is the result of an imbalance of neurotransmitters in the brain, which may influence a person’s mood. Due to this believed imbalance, depression, like other medical conditions, often requires treatment. Many people with a depressive illness never seek treatment, but many people with depression can get better with treatment.

5. What types of medications are available? There are a number of different antidepressant options available that can help reduce symptoms of depression. Talk to your doctor to determine the best treatment option for you.l BPT

Please visit www.mynacc.org for orientation date and registration

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

CV3

LOVE & RELATIONSHIPS

Handling Relationship Culture Shock

hang out with your girlfriends before without your boyfriend calling 15 times, you might think your new boyfriend doesn’t care about you because he actually extends trust and lets you enjoy a night out uninterrupted. When you snap at him, he’ll be confused. Let him know, “I’ve never had the ability to hang out with my friends before without it ending up in a fight, so I don’t know how to handle this” so he knows where you’re coming from. If you just let your adjustment make you grumpy without explanation, you can’t work through it together.

BY JENNINE ESTES

hen I left America to live in Spain for a year, I couldn’t always find toilet paper in the bathrooms. Something that most people in the US simply expect to be there could not be relied on, so I adapted. Everywhere I went, I kept tissues in my purse, and eventually it just became normal that I sometimes had to dip into my personal tissue stash. When I came back to the United States, I had a reverse culture shock — every bathroom had toilet paper and many also have paper towels. Something that I had thought of as “normal” and an expected convenience before I left for Spain, suddenly took me off guard. I had to adjust yet again, learning to accept this convenience that actually made life easier and should have just made me happy. Why am I telling you about toilet paper? Because sometimes relationships function the same way I did when I adapted to a loss of toilet paper. We should just be used to having some things in our relationships — whether it’s supporting words from our partner, trust, or the ability to laugh at ourselves. We learn to adapt without certain things when we have to, but if we suddenly have these basic needs again from the same partner or a new one — we experience culture shock. Now that we have relationship

necessities, we are so used to carrying around metaphorical tissue to take care of ourselves that it can be hard to accept what our partner offers. Here are some tips for getting over relationship culture shock so you can move forward in a healthy way.

Let Yourself Experience the Shock Suppressing your feelings won’t help your relationship shock. Just like real culture shock, you need to acknowledge

your new surroundings and let yourself feel the anxiety. You can’t sit with those feelings forever, but to move past them you have to first call it like it is. Think about why the changes are so alarming — what were you missing in the past, and how have you been making yourself self-sufficient without it? Be Transparent Let your partner in on what you’re experiencing. If you’ve never been allowed to

Remind Yourself that You’re Worth It Sometimes your relationship shock can happen because you don’t think you’re worth the consistency you get from your new partner. If you’re getting support and a safe place when you’ve always been put down, you can question if you’re really good enough for what you have now. Remind yourself that you ARE worth having a consistent and trustworthy partner in your life. Sometimes going to a counselor will be what it takes to learn how to accept your relationship dynamic as something you are worthy of.l

Jennine Estes is a licensed marriage and family therapist. Please visit her website at www.estestherapy.com

GREEN CARD SLAVERY? Don’t put up with ABUSE anymore! We can get a Green Card for you and your children PLUS a divorce. Call 718-222-3155 now for a FREE consultation!

ENOUGH IS ENOUGH!

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

CV4 World Fastest Man May Be Banned from Rio 2016 BY MIKE DAWES

Usain Bolt

sain Bolt could face expulsion from the next Olympics as the Jamaican doping scandal rumbles

on. Positive tests for Asafa Powell and four other athletes put the country's drug testing under intense scrutiny, with their former executive director of the Anti-Doping Commission claiming that the attitude towards testing is inadequate. Renee Anne Shirley said that Jamaica's authorities failed to heed her warnings that July's positive results were a “disaster waiting to happen” and that they don't believe there is a problem.

That all implicates Bolt — the fastest man in the world — if practices aren't changed, with the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) taking a hard line with athletics under intense scrutiny. WADA Director General, David Howman has urged the Jamaican government to investigate Shirley's accusations, otherwise the ramifications of the country not taking its responsibilities seriously are huge. “Our normal approach if we have issues falling into the category of either complaint or concern is to try to work with the particular signatory — in this case the NADA (National Anti-doping Agency)— and remedy it,” Howman said. “If nothing happens we can ask our board to declare any of the signatories non-compliant and that has implications as to whether teams from the country would be admitted into various events.” Howman continued that the seriousness of Shirley's interview with U.S. magazine, Sports Illustrated meant WADA had to get involved. “We were certainly concerned by the comments and would anticipate that the government and the agency itself would be appropriately responding. It's serious. And I think that if responsible people in Jamaica are looking at it then they will address it. I would be disappointed if they

didn't. But, certainly, if there's a lack of response then it's something that we at Wada would want to take up with the government.” l

SPORTS & ENTERTAINMENT Trini-born Actress Heats Up Daytime Soap Opera

atch out Nicki Minaj, there a new “Trini” vixen on the horizon. On June 14th, The Young and the Restless brought in new character to the daytime TV screen. Trinidadian–born actress Mishael Morgan debuted in the role of the sophisticated, mysterious and super-efficient executive assistant (to CEO Cane Ashby, Chancellor Industries), Hillary Curtis! Morgan was born on July 15, in San Fernando, Trinidad. At the age of five, her family emigrated to Toronto, Canada. Mishael caught the acting bug at the age of ten, during her elementary school's production of "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dream Coat". She never pursued acting professionally, until a chance meeting with her, now agent, David Ritchie. Mishael studied Political Science at York University, and had just accepted an offer to Ottawa University's LLB program, when Ritchie convinced her, to try her hand at acting. Mishael impressed producers at her very first audition, landing her a role in Trey Songz "Wonder Woman" music video. A short ten months, and a couple roles later, Mishael scored her first series-regular role as Tracy DupontRoymont in YTV's "Family Biz"(2009). Since then, Mishael has continued to make her name known on both the small and big screens. Landing roles on hit tel-

Mishael Morgan

evision shows like, "The Best Years" (2009), "Republic of Doyle" (2012), and CW's "Beauty & The Beast" (2012). As well as features films like, "Beat The World" (2011), "Casino Jack" (2010) and "Total Recall" (2012). Tune in to see Morgan heat up daytime television, as we see more of her on the screen with the expanding role.l

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

22 NEWS

VOTE 2013

It’s Time for a Minority City Council Speaker

BY AKOSUA K. ALBRITTON

rom the Covert Comic: “The mightiest of weapons is truth. And everyone knows you’re not permitted to enter a Government building with a weapon” We are truth seekers wanting to understand why an elected minority has not held the position of City Council Speaker. “Politics, pure politics” is Council Member Tish James’s (Dem., Brooklyn., 35th CD) reply to the query why isn’t there a person of color serving as the Speaker of New York City Council (NYC Council) when over half of the City Council is black and Hispanic. The path to the Speaker of NYC Council’s seat is a slippery, sometimes rocky one. Until recent term limit reforms, once seated, one’s time in that seat was a long one. In most recent years, Peter Vallone, Sr. (Dem. Qns., 22nd CD) held it from 1986 to 2001. Gifford Miller (Dem., Manh., 5th CD) did a stint from 2002 to 2005. Christine C. Quinn (Dem. Manh., 3rd CD) is the current NYC Council Speaker, presiding since 2006. The Speaker sets the agenda and presides at meetings of the City Council. All proposed legislation originating from

Council committees is submitted through the Speaker’s office; therefore, scheduling any item for Council vote is dependent upon the Speaker’s disposition on the item. Other responsibilities include appointments to committee chairs and being the ex officio member of all Council committees. With that responsibility and influence, why hasn’t a black or Hispanic Council Member emerged as a contender for the seat? New Kings Democrats President Alex Low, was not available for comment. Chris Owens NYS Democratic Committee Member for the 52nd AD offered a statistical analysis. “It is a matter of who can get 26 votes”, starts Owens. “The Speaker is usually chosen as a result of an alliance between [Council Members from] a combination of two boroughs; either a Brooklyn and Queens; a Brooklyn and Manhattan; or a Manhattan and Queens Council alliance.” These combinations are based on borough populations and the subsequent number of Council Districts needed to represent the populations. Brooklyn and Queens have the highest populations at 2.4 million and 2.2 million, respectively. Staten Island Council membership is not usually sought due to

it being a Republican stronghold and its relative small population. A Bronx and Queens or a Bronx and Brooklyn Council alliance is formidable too. The current NYC Council Speaker Christine C. Quinn won the seat from a QueensManhattan alliance. Besides political numbers, the “pure politics” CM James refers to Owens gives details. “Factors affecting individuals deemed worthy contenders include Council seniority, respect among your Council peers, and one’s relationship with the County Democratic Committee Leader”. In fact, the County Democratic Leader in each borough will publicly name who he is supporting. This support influences the voting in the City Council Chamber. Balancing the blessing from the County Leader is Council seniority and respect among Council peers. Charisma, character, ethics, and good press may outweigh the County Leader’s support. The ‘politics, pure politics” then are the backroom deals, concessions, public relations, and administrative skills a member wields. Given Quinn’s run for the Mayor’s seat, what black or brown politico deserves a studied look? Some old hacks point to Leroy Comrie (Dem., Qns., 27th CD),

Robert Jackson (Dem., Manh., 7th CD), Inez E. Dickens (Dem., Manh, 9 CD), Lisa Mark-Viverito (Dem., Manh., 8th CD), and Juumane Williams (Dem., Bk., 45th CD). They have good standing with their peers, have held their seats for some time, and their relationship with their respective County Leader ranges from strong to cool. There are whispers that Council Member Comrie ought to light a match underneath his relationship with his county committee leader. Democratic Organization of Queens County Leader Joe Crowley was not available for comment. How is it that the county democratic committee leaders wield so much power over the NYC Speaker seat and all other political races? The United States election process rests on party politics. The two key parties are the Republican and Democratic. It starts from the national level; flows down to the state level and on to the county. Look in a high school social studies textbook to learn this lesson. To attempt to go around the county leader is synonymous with not following the rules of engagement. Given New York City is a Democratic stronghold, the conversation is decidedly “blue”.l

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

VOTE 2013

NEWS

Robert Cornegy, Jr., Preacher’s Kid Seeks to Represent District 36

BY VANDELL PARK

he Editorial Board of Caribbean American Weekly endorses Robert Cornegy, Jr. in the District 36 NYC Council race. Here are excerpts from his interview. In September, Cornegy, is offering his leadership to District 36 in the New York City Council. Carnegie ran for the position in 2009 but was defeated by the then incumbent, Albert Vann. The seat becomes vacant due to Vann being term limited out. Carnegie says his love for people and his interest in being directly involved in their welfare has motivated him to run for the position since serving in this capacity will allow him direct access to resources that can benefit the communities within the district: “I am a preacher’s kid and we have been in the business of servant leadership from a very tender age. My dad, though deceased, has left us with a mandate to be helpful to the community which we serve and to give a voice to the voiceless. My reason for running is about ensuring that necessary resources are brought back to our communities where they belong. I come out of a movement of empowerment, and following the trail where the resources are led me to City Council. I’ve been on the ground for many, many years advocating for empowerment of people of color. Bed-Stuy being one of the last community of black home ownership, of black small business and entrepreneurship, are in need of some leadership and guidance on the City Council level that will allow them not only to sustain themselves, but to grow also and

that’s why I am sharing of myself to help them achieve their goals.” Cornegy says his platform as a candidate for the vacant city council position is simple: “one of the major tenants of my platform is small business and economic development. I believe what the President says, that this country will right its ship based on giving small businesses and entrepreneurship the capacity to grow. One of the things that I will do immediately and having done the preliminary work on it is creating a small business incubator for Bed-Stuy and Crown Heights that will give access to capital as well as technical assistance to small businesses so that they can grow and employ more. There are several small businesses in the community of Bed-Stuy and Crown Heights that have committed to employing some 80% within a 2 or 3 mile radius. That’s a boom for the economy. There are people working, and there are businesses owners who understand that if we support them, they will support the economy of the community. We have a platform for education, making sure that there is reform for mayoral control. In the 36th District, we have the lion’s share of charter schools and we want to make sure that people in our community are given an opportunity to benefit from choices and not have the Department of Education (DOE) infringe upon us in a way that is unnatural, there needs to be more parental involvement in the school system so that the children can understand that there is community support behind their efforts. Police presence in schools is an area that I will personally tackle should I win the position.

The idea that school safety has evolved almost into a paramilitary has been detrimental for our kids. It allows for a structured conceivable growth for our children, but the way the school security is implemented and the way the police have taken over security in our schools signal a move in the wrong direction and that is one of the reforms I am talking about. Mayoral control of the Education Department has some good elements that will benefit the school system, but the way it was implemented under Mayor Bloomberg was far from what was intended, thus major reforms have to be made if it is to continue. My education platform is one that says, unfortunately, that all of our young people will not be college ready, but we need to make sure that we have technical programs that are available to them so that we can have a pipeline to jobs in the various industries that related to labor and the unions instead of a pipeline to prison, and we can do that. We can get in cahoots with our unions and make sure that we are funneling some of our young people who have shown a propensity to use their hands and could be skilled laborers, and there is no disrespect in that.” Cornegy says another area of focus for his campaign will be that of reforming the stop and frisk policy that is currently being used by the mayor and police department against people of color here in New York City: “Stop and frisk is a state-wide initiative, not just a city-initiative. Why does it work well in other parts of New York State? Why is it that in Utica and Syracuse we are not having issues? So we know that it’s the imple-

mentation, therefore our mayor and our police commissioner has to be held accountable for the implementation of this system.” Cornegy is hoping that he can also become a strong advocate for Comprehensive Immigration Reform first within the City council and then on the federal level. He pointed out that the mayor and City Council members can lobby for certain immigration changes within the city: “As a council person I do have under my purview the ability to call on the state and federal levels to do many things. I am acutely aware of the situation because in Bed-Stuy, my Caribbean neighbors and friends are fearful to apply for citizenship for fear of deportation despite contributing significantly to the social and economic system of this country…some people feel like this country is not friendly to Caribbean immigrants. Other immigrants have opportunities and have access to a system that allows them opportunities for citizenship if they seek it. My friends from the Caribbean, Latin America and other places are very fearful that that system is not designed to assist them in their process of citizenship.” Cornegy currently works as a policy analyst for the City of New York on the committee of the aging and veterans. Cornegy earned a Bachelor of Science degree from St John’s University in 1989 and a MBA in 2003. He also played professional basketball for the Philadelphia 76ers, from 1989 to 1990, before moving to play professional basketball in Europe from 1990 to 2000.l

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

24 NEWS

VOTE 2013

Bill Thompson: I Will Be Mayor of All Five Boroughs

BY VANDELL PARK

he Editorial Board of Caribbean American Weekly (CAW) strongly endorses Bill Thompson to be the next Mayor of New York City. Here are excerpts from his interview. As the city of New York mayoral primary races winds down, many of the candidates are now strategically positioned to appeal to specific demographics of the City since they would have either garnered their support from key endorsements or from meeting with them in person as they have already moved through most of the City interfacing with them directly on the campaign trail. CAWcaught up with Mayoral Candidate William “Bill” Thompson who has so far secured a number of critical endorsements from Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz, Congressman Gregory Meeks, Chair of the Board of Regents Merryl Tisch, former Lieutenant Governor Richard Dick Ravitch, Assemblyman Karim Camara, Assemblyman Danny Farrell, Congressman Jose Serrano, Congressman Hakeem Jefferies, The United Federation of Teachers (UFT), among other major stake holders within the City. However, despite these key endorsements, and the assurance of voters from key sections of the five boroughs, Thompson believes that only voters can decide the outcome of who will be the next mayor of New York City. He says people need to come out in large numbers on September 10, and vote for the candidate they would like to run the city for the next four years. He noted that should people run with the polls and decide to stay at home because their candidate is not leading in the polls, that can only serve to their disadvantage, because only their vote will matter in the end. He had this to say: “This election is close. I think we’ve all seen how the polls have been inaccurate before…if we look back at the election in 2009, just a couple of days before when I was running for mayor against Mike Bloomberg, they continue to say its going to be a blowout. If we look at the Maritz polls, Quinnipiac polls… how inaccurate they are and how they undercount black and Latino voters to begin with, but aside from that if you are looking right now in the pools about Anthony Weiner and Christine Quinn, this is more about name recognition than who people are going to vote for, and I haven’t seen a front runner in years, particularly for Mayor who have end up winning. I’m confident that I have been out there before, that people know me, they remember me, I just have to be out there, campaigning, reminding people of the work I did as president of the Board of Education, the work I did as Comptroller of this City of New York, and even in the race I run for Mayor in 2009, so I’m not worried. I think more and more people are coming on board and we are making that strong statement.” Thompson says he has also been out

Thompson greeting Caribbean small business owners

everyday mingling with faith-based organization and community groups, ensuring that people know and understand that he intends to fight for them personally, not from the loft position of sitting in the mayoral chair, but coming out into the various communities across the five boroughs and seeing firsthand what the needs of people are and address those needs in priority order: “New Yorkers are concerned about a number of things from an education system that is not serving our children well, an education system where high school graduates aren’t able to do college level work. I want to make sure that we have an educator at the top of our public School system. I think we are tired of the Joel Kleins, the Kathy Blacks and the Dennis Walcotts, who aren’t educators. It’s about making sure that instead of this excessive focus on standardized testing, we start to look at comprehension and critical thinking, making sure our students can compete, whether they go out to the world of work or graduate or go to college. I still support mayoral control, but we need to make a few changes. The educational panel needs changes. I don’t need the majority on that board; give me six out of thirteen; and if I can’t convince one person that what we are trying to do is educationally sound, they shouldn’t vote for me anyway. We shouldn’t have commissioners on this board; let’s put parents who should be appointed by the mayor, that way there is a real dialogue, and people will realized that everything is not rubber-stamped. I think that you should get parents involved, you can get the public involved again in public education and from the private education panels, we can see greater flexibility and greater involvement. That I think create the real change that people are looking for and a mayor who pays attention to the needs of people and listen to them. That hasn’t happen in 12 years. I want a chancellor who is an educator. It’s about making sure our neighborhoods aren’t under siege by criminals, ensuring that there is an increased number of police officers making sure that every neighborhood is safe in the city of New York. Making sure that things like Stop and Frisk aren’t misused and abused. We see in 2011, 700,000 people, mostly of them young adults, most of them who were black or Hispanics, who were stopped and

who were innocent, this has to stop. You do not want to eliminate stop and frisk. Stop and frisk have been missused and abused and tied to performance goals or some would say quotas. When you tie it to performance goals, that’s not the way it is designed. It is designed with the constitutional safeguards to it that has a real reasonable suspicion, then an officer with those reasons can stop, question and frisk an individual… communities want to be safe, they don’t want to be targeted, they don’t want their children unnecessarily stopped and frisked. I don’t want my stepson, stepdaughter or my daughter stopped and frisked without a cause. So we need to take it away from being part of a quota or performance enhancement goals and let officers have the discretion again and we hold them accountable for that. It’s also about housing, people in housing have been abused, apartments are turned into warehouses, making sure that people are treated fairly. This campaign has got to be about Jobs. If you look at the high rate of unemployment among black men and Hispanics, it is unacceptable. This campaign is about having a mayor in City Hall who represents all New Yorkers. We haven’t had that in close to 20 years now. I can assure you that I will be the first in 20 years to be the mayor of all five boroughs.” Thompson says when he becomes the next mayor of New York City, he will ensure there is an equal playing field for all New Yorkers, by presenting them with opportunities that will allow all to succeed equitably. “It is in creating opportunities. If you look at New York City and the level of poverty and the income disparities, it is appalling. I will be working to ensure that there is more fairness in that area. Who do you hire? Is it a diverse group of people? Is it representative of the City of New York? It’s making sure you get the best and the brightest and a diverse group of people. It’s in creating opportunities for all, economic empowerment continues to be an issue today. Creating opportunities for minority and women owned businesses. Right now the number of businesses this city does is only about 3% of minority-and women-owned businesses, meanwhile, the state is trying to get it to 20%. We should be able to do at least 20%. So it is taking the opportunities that others have

Photo: www.billthompsnformayor.com provided to me and realizing that it is my responsibility to be able to provide opportunities to others. To try and create a city where there is fairness and equity; try and create a city where middle-class New Yorkers and working New Yorkers aren’t continued to be pushed out of here. That’s the responsibility you need to take.” On the issue of immigration, Mr. Thompson was very candid: “Those who are immigrants, whether they are documented or undocumented, I want people to be involved. I want people to get involved in making their community stronger, and I think the one thing that we need to understand is that in New York City, immigration has made us stronger, it has created more vibrant communities. What separates us from some other places, if you look at cities like Cleveland and Detroit and others that have not had immigration that people aren’t going there; those cities are dying. If you look at New York, immigration has been great for us. We need to make sure that in Washington they get it right, that they move forward with Comprehensive Immigration Reform that will create an opportunity for those who are here, and a real pathway for citizenship. In New York City we understand how immigration has been strong and great for us. The rest of the country needs to join us and understand how good it is for this country. So I’d like to see our federal government get it right soon. Regarding issuing drivers’ licenses for the undocumented, it is one of the things that we are taking a look at these days and seeing how and in what form that can be done…you can’t do something on just a city level, you got to be able to do it on a state level. One of the other concerns that I have is, I don’t want people to feel that they are being targeted in a negative sense. There are so many people who are concerned and worried about being identified and what does that mean, would it lead to their possibly being deported or things like that. So we have to be very careful in how we do that and making sure that it is coordinated with the governor as well as with the mayor and the city of New York. As the next maor of New York City, I want us towant to be able to look at different options and possibilities.”l

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

26 NEWS

VOTE 2013

Saundra Thomas: A New Leadership in Brooklyn’s City Council 40th District

BY VANDELL PARK

ith just a few weeks remaining for the municipal Democratic primaries, a number of candidates vying for key City Council district seats are beginning to distance themselves as the races evolve. It appears that a number of incumbents manning City Council districts across Brooklyn are being challenged for their positions in the upcoming September 2013 City Council elections. Here in Brooklyn, City Councilmember Mattheiu Eugene of Brooklyn’s 40th District is seemingly facing dethronement, by a candidate who seems to be resonating with the people of the district already. Saundra Thomas, a 29 -year media veteran and communications specialist, is said to be making inroads in the 40th City Council District. In an interview with Caribbean American Weekly, Thomas, who took a leave of absence from her 12-year post as Vice President of Community Affairs at WNBC-TV Channel 7, says she is excited that she has answered the call to serve her community. Since moving around the community she added, people are welcoming her with open arms: “My campaign is going well. I have a great team of hardworking people, seasoned folks

going out in the community and petitioning, talking to my neighbors… I think the reception is phenomenal. I also think that because of what is going on in politics right now there are some disgruntled people, who do not want to talk to you no matter who you are… I want to bring back that trust in the politician to the people. When people ask me who the City Council representative for the district is, it says a lot. I want people to know my name and to remember who I am. There is a lot of chatter about my running, but that just gives me momentum and more energy to continue doing the work. Part of what people are saying is that they need fresh blood, and that tells me that they are really hopeful and saying that here is someone who may be able to move us in the right direction.” Thomas, who has been living in Ditmas Park, Flatbush, for over 14 years now with her teenage daughter, says she loves working with people and the community and that love for community and a desire to see change and development in a positive direction is what motivated her to leave her job to run for the post of City Council member: “It is actually my concern for the future of young people in our city and specifically in our community that led me to do this. It is my feeling that

Introduction to Non-Profits & Internet & Community Radio Hosting

Non-Profits - Some Topics lIntroduction to Non-profits: Naming & Structuring lThe Purpose Clause: Dynamic or Static Business Plan lIntroduction to the 501 (c)(?) Process & IRS 1023 lIntroduction to QuickBooks for Non-Profits lBanking for Non-Profits lSpecial Issues for Churches lNon-Profit Guide to Publishing lEffective Fundraising for Non-Profits

Internet Radio is the Future of Radio!

Radio Host - Some Topics: lCreating Your Own Radio Show lMarketing Your Radio Show lIntroduction to Social Media lVoice Training lInterview Techniques lStudio Etiquette

Registration: $250. Plus one-month bonus time for your radio show!

Location: 26 Court Street, Suite 701, downtown Brooklyn Space is limited. Must register to attend.

Fridays: 1pm to 3pm Dates: September 13, 20, 27 & October 4 & 11

Visit www.mynacc.org to register today!

Candidate Thomas interacting with youth in the 40th District

the issues that are affecting young people such as dropping out of school and not having access to quality education, people not finishing their GED’s, concerns about job training, it is all of these issues that let me decide that I need to get out of my comfort zone and get closer to these issues, and to try to provide opportunities that have been taken away from these young people. In addition to the youths, walking around the community people want access to you. They want their representative to listen to them; that’s one of their biggest complaints; they want to know that you can resolve some of their issues; they need their representative to be responsive to them. Those are things I’ve been very good at and I will have people on my team who are going to be responsive to these concerns, but it is my overall love for community and my ability to collaborate to bring about change which is why I have decided to run for this position.” According to Thomas, youth and education form the basis of her platform. She pointed out that an entire generation might be lost if steps are not taken now to stem the various issues and challenges bombarding the youths. She spoke of the marginalization they face, their disengagement in things that should matter to them and their community, the taking away of essential programs and services that will enable them to develop positively, are some of the areas that she will address once given the opportunity to represent the district at the City Council level: “When I take office in the City Council you know that it is four years and that sounds exciting; there are four years to do something. You have to have an agenda of the core issues you want to tackle. In terms of the strategy, you have to be able to bring people to the table, that is the thing I’ve been able to do throughout my life as well as my career.

Bringing people to the table to have a conversation about what we are going to do about the various issues affecting our community. One of the things I was able to do for the eleven and a half years I worked at Channel 7, is collaborating with organizations be it government, nonprofits, businesses, religious institutions to collaborate on all kinds of projects. That’s what I think I am best at. It’s outlining what do we want to accomplish in year one, two or three and year four. I think it’s doable once you find core common values among the stake holders.” Thomas says she will fight for the best interest of the district, bringing in job opportunities she She will fight to keep Down State University Hospital open and running, bring back the after schoolprograms that have been taken away under the current City Councilmember Matthieu Eugene, and strive to ensure the residents of the district enjoy the livelihood the deserve: “Community is part of my life’s blood. It is who I am and who I will always be. People can count on me to be an advocate for them and champion their cause. I will do the best I can working together with the community to provide the things that we should have to be able to afford a certain quality of life.” Thomas has since outshined the incumbent Matthieu Eugene, by reaching her required financial quota thus being granted matching funds by the elections board, while Eugene failed to satisfy the board’s requirements in this regards. She is calling on the community to support her effort to bring about change. Those wishing to volunteer for her campaign and to support her, can go to her website Saundrathomas2013.com. Caribbean American Weekly endorses Saundra Thomas for City Council, 40th District.l

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

VOTE IN THE DEMOCRATIC PRIMARY TUESDAY SEPTEMBER 10. POLLS OPEN 6 AM - 9 PM www.saundrathomas2013.com 347.469.0059 f: /saundrathomas2013 t: @citycouncilsaun

EDUCATION. IMMIGRATION. HEALTH. HOUSING. SAFETY. JOBS. YOUTH.

WITH SO MUCH AT STAKE, WE NEED A REAL LEADER ON THE CITY COUNCIL. VISIT OUR WEBSITE WWW.CAWNYC.COM FOR MORE NEWS AND INFORMATION

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

VOTE 2013

Charles “Joe” Hynes is the Clear Choice for Brooklyn District Attorney

BY PEARL PHILLIP

efore District Attorney Hynes was elected into office in 1992, there were over 700 murders a year and 1 out of every 15 Brooklynites were victims of a serious crime. In the 23 years since Mr. Hynes has been Brooklyn District Attorney, the crime rate has plummeted to its lowest rate in decades, and he continues to create ever more innovative methods to make sure that number gets even lower. He has also started and expanded over 40 programs for the formerly incarnated, domestic violence victims, at risk youth, and seniors throughout the borough of Brooklyn. The programs initiated by District Attorney Hynes are some of the most effective and innovative. They are so successful they are imitated across the country, and they are why we enthusiastically endorse his reelection. Mr. Hynes knows that in order to protect Brooklyn neighborhoods from violent crimes residents must be involved. This is why he has opened over 35 community offices in neighborhoods such as Canarsie, Brownsville and Bushwick that have allowed residents to speak directly with a community representative on a multitude of issues. It was Mr. Hynes that brought our communities the Safe Stop program, which allows business owners to become a safe stop location and provide safe haven for neighborhood residents in case of an emergency. There are 253 safe stops throughout Brooklyn, and it recently expanded in Brownsville. Mr. Hynes’s ComALERT (Community and Law Enforcement Resources Together) program has successfully reestablished the formerly incarcerated back in Brooklyn. A combination of effective and traditional services assist individuals by providing substance abuse treatment and counseling, anger management, job readiness courses, transitional housing and health insurance enrollment. A Harvard University study showed that Hynes’ program has resulted in reducing the rate of reoffenders and has made Brooklyn safer. Gang violence has also been vastly reduced under the District Attorney who has a committed Gang Bureau that focuses on prevention, as well as prosecution of the young men and women affiliated with gangs. In working with parents, teachers and community leaders, Mr. Hynes provides alternatives to prison, and guides many of our young people back to school or work and away from gangs. The same can be said for his splendid Back on Track Program that assists children in the community reenter school, attain their GED, provide mentoring and sharpen their job skills. When Mr. Hynes first became District Attorney he created a Civil Rights Bureau and Legal Lives Program, one of

Safe Stop Program

Gun Buy Back Program

Back On Track Graduation Program

Mock Trial Competition

the nation’s first. The program has since inception educated the public on their rights as American citizens. He has collaborated with local elected officials and clergymen on his Gun BuyBack Program that has taken thousands of guns off the streets. Recently, Mr. Hynes hosted his fourth Gun Buy-Back event that successfully collected 69 guns in six hours. Brooklyn District Attorney Hynes has a proven record of convicting offenders,

getting guns off the streets, educating children, providing alternative to incarceration programs, and helping the formerly incarcerated rebuild their lives after serving their time. He is committed to justice and because of his leadership Brooklyn has never been safer or stronger. Charles J. Hynes is the obvious choice for another term as Brooklyn District Attorney. Caribbean American Weekly strongly endorses, Charles J. Hynes to continue as

Citation of Honor Award Ceremony

the District Attorney for Kings County, Brooklyn. There is a saying, “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.” Well, it ain’t broke and it doesn’t need fixing. Mr. Hynes is a great District Attorney and one that is such a shining example, that his innovative programs are emulated across the country. We are fortunate in Brooklyn to have the original; not an imitation. Let’s stick with it. Let’s support and vote on September 10 for Charles J. Hynes as District Attorney for Brooklyn. l

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

30 NEWS

VOTE 2013

Eric Adams Is the One for Brooklyn Borough President

he Editorial Board of Caribbean American Weekly (CAW) endorses Eric Adams as the sole Democrat for Brooklyn Borough President in the Sept 10 Primary and in the general election in November: Here are excerpts from Mr. Adams’ interview with CAW’s Editorial Board:

CAW: You are running for the position of Brooklyn borough president; could you share with our readers just who is Eric Adams? Adams: I am currently serving as a state senator, and I served 20 years in the New York City Police Department. I was born in Brooklyn and moved to Queens where I spent my high school days. I returned to Brooklyn at age 19 as a member of the Police Department in 1984, where I retired with the rank of captain. While I was with the police, I started an organization called “100 Blacks in Law Enforcement” and we were extremely proactive around community-related issues and empowered the community with necessary information. We also used our resources to identify some small nonprofit businesses; we call them mom and pops and we gave each of them $1,000 a month to help run some of the basic services that they provide to the community. We were also high on conflict resolution by teaching young people how to interact with police in their community, to let them know that there is a way to solve a problem without picking up a gun…. After retiring from the police, I ran for state senate in a very diverse district including Park Slope, Sunset Park, Prospect Heights, Brownsville and parts of Flatbush. And it was a great opportunity to see the diversity of the borough. While I was state senator, I also represented the same district which Marty Markowitz, who is the current Borough President, represented when he was in the state senate and he would often tell me that he looked forward to me following him to the office of Borough President because he believes I would be a great Borough President.

CAW: What are your views on Comprehensive Immigration Reform? How can your office assist both documented and undocumented immigrants living within your borough? Adams: The office of Borough President has three major roles: (1) providing resources for the borough, (2) having a broad and bold vision for the borough and working to implement this and (3) being an advocate for issues that impact Brooklynites and so I intend, as the next Borough President, to be a forceful advocate and also to use my legislative powers to provide opportunities for all within the borough. I also want to be a strong advocate for immigration. We all know that our federal government deals with the pathway to citizenship and Brooklyn needs to lead that conversation. I will

push to ensure immigrants are respected in New York City, unlike the situation in Arizona, where they are stopped and asked questions; under my watch, I will push for such actions not to happen in New York City.

CAW: While we are on the issue of immigration, what are your views regarding green card holders being allowed to vote in municipal elections? Adams: Those who are documented or are green card holders should have the right to vote. When you walk into a store to buy bread, no one is asking for your green card before they take your dollar; when you buy gas, the taxes you are charged pays for the roads. I think New York City can be the leader for the entire country to push for an agenda to give those who are documented green card holders the right to vote and to give them the right to hold well-paid civil service jobs. Also, I want to push for the undocumented immigrant population to discontinue living in the shadow; we need to give our undocumented population a pathway to citizenship. I will team up with Congresswoman Yvette Clarke and Congressman Hakeem Jefferies to push for a pathway to citizenship. I am a cosponsor of the DREAM Act; young people who grow up in America should not be fearful of being forced to go back to their parents’ country of origin. For all purposes they are Americans. Their lives are here, they should be able to go to college, and they should be able to participate in the American dream. Teaching people how to fill out basic immigration application forms and where to go to start the process of citizenship, and ensuring that the undocumented is treated fairly by being paid the minimum wage-- those are the types of real fights that I am going to continue to engage myself in.

CAW: Would you, as the next Borough President, advocate for undocumented immigrants in the city of New York to be granted legitimate drivers’ licenses, fol-

lowing the trend set by states such as Connecticut and Washington DC? Adams: Yes. By denying the undocumented residents the right to hold drivers’ licenses, you are also denying them the right to avenues of gainful employment and so we need to remove that obstacle. And, applying for drivers’ licenses should not be an invitation for the Department of Motor Vehicles to report the person to INS. There needs to be a level of confidence that when a person applies for a legal document they should not have to fear being reported to the INS or being deported. We can go one step further; if you give them a driver’s license or an identification card, it allows them to come out of the shadows where they can pay their taxes and participate in the American dream; it’s a win win situation. But the state would have to enact the law, and that’s the beauty of coming from the state to this office. I can still speak with my colleagues and push this type of legislation.

CAW: You mentioned earlier that some 24% of the 2.5 million residents in the borough live in poverty; what would you do as Borough President to ensure there is low -income housing? Adams: We need to reassess the definition of affordable housing and look at more low-income housing that is realistic. The goal is to make sure we have low -income housing, … we have to get back into the business of creating livable housing that people can afford, not only to rent but also that those who are desirous of purchasing a condominium, co-op or a home must have the avenue to do so. As the Borough President I have a great deal of input in the land use process and on the planning board. People can come to the Borough President… to deal with zoning changes. The conversation with any developer who wants to build or have zoning changes must start out with low-income affordable housing. We cannot have new developments in the borough… without introducing low-income

or some form of affordable housing. The borough must remain affordable for those who help build the brand.

CAW: Tell us why we should vote for you to become the next Borough President of the borough of Brooklyn? Adams: I think there is a combination of things. You view the city differently when you wore a bulletproof vest and stand on the corners and protect children and families; when you spent countless number of hours inside emergency rooms, going home with tear- drenched shirts because somebody was a victim of crime or treated in an unfair manner; when you walk inside apartments and see children not sleeping in bedrooms but sleeping on crates in the kitchen because they simply they could not afford the living space that they are in…. I have a real view of the city…. There is nothing fancy about me. I grew up in the public school system, went to school at night because I couldn’t go to school during the day. I took remedial courses, and received my associate, bachelor and finally my masters degree. I know how difficult it is that people are struggling, and people really need not only an authentic voice … they need someone to squeeze hope into their hands. This is what I’ve done for 30 uninterrupted years…it is something I believe is the right thing to do and I will bring that level of creativity to Borough Hall. I am happy to get the endorsement of Marty Markowitz and all the mayoral candidates; almost all of the unions are on board with me and over 3,000 people have contribute to my campaign; we’ve raised over $500,000 with matching funds that will bring us to about $1.4 million,… I want to make sure that as the borough moves we move there together. I am a son of this borough and I will continue to do what I can to make sure the future sons and daughters of this borough have the same opportunities that I’ve had.l

32 NEWS

VOTE 2013

Tish James: I WIll Be a Public Advocate That Both Hears and Listens

BY RANDALL TOURE, ESQ.

or many New Yorkers, the Public Advocate has been one of our least known citywide municipal offices, it was created in 1993 with the revision of the City Charter to be the ombudsman of the people and the next in line if something were to happen to the Mayor, in a sense the “vice mayor” of the city. So in looking at who the people should look for in a Public Advocate, many qualities should come to mind, the person should be a fighter with a record for standing up for the working class New Yorker against the interest of big business who put the profit over people. The person should be experienced in the working knowledge of government and how to get things done since we may never know if and when they may have to step into the shoes of the Mayor. The person should have the respect of their peers and community leaders and endorsed by unions and business owners alike. We at the Caribbean American Weekly (CAW) feel that in the current race for Public Advocate that only one person has a record of standing up against corporate interests for the working people of New York, who was a leader in the City Council on ending Stop and Frisk, who fought for MWBEs in securing more opportunities and who has supported and is the co-sponsor of legislation in the City Council granting “green card” holder the right to vote in

municipal elections and also supports driver licenses for undocumented workers and that person is Council Member Letitia “Tish” James. In the City Council she introduced the Safe Housing Act that became Law in 2007, that ensured that thousands of families in rental buildings receive prompt and full repairs to their apartments, once again showing her commitment to work with the average New Yorker. She has been a champion of environmental issues by expanding plastic recycling, a new clothing and textile recycling program, and improved public space recycling. This legislative package represented the first significant expansion of the City’s residential recycling program since it was created in 1989. In the City Council, as Chairperson of the Contracts, she was one of the member that led the fight to ensure that MWBEs were included in the City Contracting process and that mayor’s Office and City Agencies were

in compliance with at the law at the time and pushed for expansion of the MWBE program to ensure that more New Yorkers would have a shot at the American Dream of owning and operating their own business and succeeding on their on a fair playing field. As the saying goes, biography matters, and Council Member James’ career in and around government shows that she has had a longstanding commitment to working with and helping people but also the ability to get things done within the confines of government in a way that doesn’t compromises her ethics and integrity as a public official. She is an attorney, who upon graduating worked for the Legal Aid she represented countless young individuals in the criminal justice system. She also was appointed by then Governor Spitzer, to be the first Assistant Attorney General in Charge of the Brooklyn Regional Office. In that position, she resolved hundreds of consumer complaints

and investigated predatory lenders who prey on first-time homebuyers. In, addition, She assisted the Civil Rights Bureau in their investigation of the NYPD’s stop-and-frisk policy and cracked down on firms engaged in deceptive business practices including violations of human rights, environmental laws, and immigration scams. As Counsel and Chief of Staff to state assembly members, she saw up close that government could be made to work in the public’s interest. In this capacity, James worked on a law that gave grandparents rights in family court, and negotiated a bill that allocated money for reconstruction of the Franklin Avenue Shuttle and Atlantic Terminal Station. She also negotiated legislation pertaining to childcare, health care, and the protection of transit workers. Council Member James’ experience, commitment to bettering the lives of all New Yorkers and her support from thousands of supporters and friends who have backed Councilmember James, shows that as Public Advocate she will be able to get the job done from day one. She will be a strong and committed voice for the average New Yorker because with Tish you get a fighter and a dedicated public official who will always speak truth to power. That is why the CAW urges you to vote for Letitia “Tish” James for on Election Day, Tuesday September 10, 2013. l

34 NEWS

VOTE 2013

John Catsimatidis Doesn’t Need A Job Going In or Coming Out

BY CAW EDITORIAL BOARD

ur publication, Caribbean American Weekly, is proud to endorse the candidacy of successful entrepreneur and businessman Mr. John Catsimatidis in the Republican Primary for Mayor. Mr. Catsimatidis is someone, who through his own story understands the people of the City of New York in a way that few Republican candidates before him have been able to do. His, is a classic rags to riches immigrant story of a child who came to the US from Greece at the age of 6 months and lived on 135th Street in Harlem with his family where he started his first business as many New Americans are doing every day. Mr. Catsimatidis is an individual who from our prospective is not only someone who talks the talk but he walks the walk by creating jobs for working class New Yorker that enable them to take care of their families. He creates union jobs and over 60% of his workforce are people of color and he has the unprecedented record of having 70% of his management being people of color. If this is any indication, than we know that his administration will be more reflective of the complex tapestry of the City of New York

than the past 12 years of Bloomberg’s control of City Hall. Mr. Catsimatidis has through his career shown himself to be open to working with a diverse group of people. He has shown the entrepreneurial initiative to take managed risks to expand a business and then include others in it that don’t look like him but he knows are qualified to be part of growth and ultimately be a

part of his leadership team. He has created affordable housing in inner city neighborhoods, where working people, that are in desperate need of places to live that will allow them to stay in the city and raise a family. He has done all of this as a private citizen with only the resources that he generated as a businessman, so we can only imagine what Mr. Catsimatidis would do if he would actu-

ally become Mayor of New York City. Caribbean American Weekly’s endorsement of Mr. Catsimatidis for the Republican Primary is one that we wholeheartedly give to a man we truly believe would make New York City a better place for all New Yorkers and has the entrepreneurial vision, toughness and heart to see what can be, what has to be done and not just what is.l

same as people do now. I had the opportunity to go to college. I know what it is to work your way up. I can say to you that no one has stood up and fought for the issues as I have. The issue of education, I stood up, I walked a hundred and fifty miles to Albany, and won 16 billion dollars for the children of New York City in the campaign for fiscal equity. I helped pass Local law 129, that’s the Minority Women owned Business Enterprise (MWBE) Law that was passed in 2005, allowing minorities and women owned businesses to secure contracts here in the city of New York, this was passed under my leadership as the co-chair of the Black, Latino and Asian Caucus. I stood up to the leadership of New York when

Mayor Bloomberg was going to lay off some 6,000 teachers, and 600 school aids. I signed a pledge that I will not vote on the City budget unless the money that was allocated for cuts by Mayor Bloomberg, was restored back to the education department for the children of this City, I stood up in the City Council and encouraged 26 of my fellow council members to stand up with me against those cuts, sending a message to the Mayor and the speaker on this major issue, restoring 120 million dollars back to education. No one has stood up and fight the fight I have. If you look at my record and what I have stand for as an individual, that’s why people should vote for me. l

Robert Jackson: I Have Been Actively Involved in Issues Affecting All New Yorkers

he Editorial Board of Caribbean American Weekly (CAW) endorses Robert Jackson as Borough President for Manhattan, here are excerpts from his interview with the Editorial Board:

CAW: How will you as the next Borough President of Manhattan approach the issue of ensuring that low income housing, not affordable housing, since most of the affordable housing is outside the reach of low income earners, is available to low income and moderate income residents within your borough and New York City on a whole? Jackson: There is over a million households in New York City that is under the rent guidelines Board and they establish the rent increases around the City of New York for anyone that lives in a rent stabilized of rent controlled apartment. So the Mayor appoints the members of the rent guidelines board. So what can I do as a Borough President regarding the issue of low income housing? Let me just say to you, that a developer that is going to invest in housing, is going to invest to make a profit, so let’s be real, they are not going to make a profit on low income affordable housing, so when it comes to the issue of low income and moderate income affordable housing we need sub-

sidies from the City of New York, from the State of New York and from the Federal Government. In order to build low income and moderate income housing, that’s where your city, State and federal governments come in, and they have to approve subsidies. There are many community base organizations that build low and moderate housing for those that need one such example is the Broadway housing sugar Hill project an 86 million dollar project being built right now in community board nine in Harlem on 155 street between St. Nicholas and St Nicholas place, where 124 units of low income and moderate income housing is being financed by the City, State and Federal Government. Similar projects can be carried out across the entire City of New York, but working together to obtain the subsidies from the federal, state and local government is important.

CAW: Why should one vote for you to become the next Borough President of Manhattan? Jackson: I was born and raised in New York, born into a family of nine children. We grew up on welfare. I know what it is to struggle and work hard. I know what it is to work in the grocery store, selling news paper, in the fifties and sixties collecting bottles and cashing them in, the

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

VOTE 2013

New York Needs Sheriff Eliot Spitzer

BY RANDALL TOURE, ESQ.

he Editorial Board of Caribbean American Weekly (CAW) endorses the candidacy of Governor Eliot Spitzer for the office of Comptroller of the City of New York. Governor Spitzer has been a true reformer and a fighter for the working class throughout his public career. The former governor and NYS Attorney General, has shown himself through this election season to be the best candidate for Comptroller and has made the best case for how to best protect the interest of the people of New York by reprising his role as the people’s watchdog on Wall Street and others who for the last 12 years have seen NYC as one giant piggy bank. Governor Eliot Spitzer has been a staunch and dedicated ally of the immigrant community with his early commitment to allow undocumented immigrants to obtain drivers licenses, his support of allowing “green card” holders to vote in NYC municipal elections and his unwavering support of Comprehensive Immigration Reform and advocating for funding of the DREAM Act. Regarding the DREAM Act, Governor Spitzer said “The DREAM Act, obviously should have been made law by now in New York State. It is almost an embarrassment that the state legislature has not enacted the DREAM Act in New York State because at this point anyone with sound judgment knows that the DREAM Act is the right thing to do for the thousands of young people directly affected by it and has already been been passed in many states, I will do whatever I can to convince the State Legislature to pass and enact the DREAM Act.” He added: “If you look at what I did in terms of Civil Rights in my career as Attorney General and Governor of New York State, what I did in terms of immigrants’ rights giving undocumented immigrants, or trying to make it happen , the right of to obtain a driver’s license which is a necessary part of economic success and which allows the individual to participate in our community and our economy. Let me say, not every fight was easy as Governor, but I stood up for what I believe in and did not take a step back if it was possible to succeed. Politics is a cause and not a profesGET MONEY FOR YOUR INJURIES

NO FEE UNLESS YOU COLLECT

THE LAW OFFICE OF FIGEROUX & ASSOCIATES lMEDICAL MALPRACTICE lAUTO & PEDESTRIAN ACCIDENTS lBIRTH INJURIES & BRAIN DAMAGE lLEAD POISONING lSLIP & FALL lDEFECTIVE & DANGEROUS PRODUCTS

FREE CONSULTATION 718 834 0916

NEW YORK LAWYERS FOR NEW YORK’S INJURED 26 COURT STREET, SUITE 701, BROOKLYN, NY 11242

Website www.figeroux.com

Email: bfigeroux@msn.com

use his authorized powers to make sure that whichever Mayoral Administration is in office, it is held accountable for managing the people’s trust and money. He will use his influence and people power to ensure that City Hall is doing the right thing by way of the people of the City of New York whether it is affordable and low income housing, MWBE contractual goals, investments in the inner city neighborhoods, which have been forgotten under the Bloomberg Administration. Mr Spitzer said in an interview with CAW: “As Comptroller of the City of New York, I will have a fiduciary duty managing the city’s pension fund and ensuring that there is a steady rate of return on the investment we are involved in. That is why I can say that there are few investments better than housing in this city and that because we have a growing population, structural shortage (not enough housing units) and people wanting space. I would rather

CALL 718-834-0916 DIVORCE - CUSTODY - SUPPORT

PERSONAL ATTENTION, AFFORDABLE FEES

BENEFIT FROM OVER 10 YEARS OF COMBINED EXPERIENCE

sion for me you get into not because you need a job but if you are driven to speak on fairness and decency.” He was one of the first public officials as NYS Attorney General in the country to go after Predatory Lenders who preyed on minority communities across New York and personally delivered a letter to then President George Bush to warn him about the impending real estate crisis that became the housing crash of 2008 that almost bankrupted national financial markets. Mr. Spitzer has proven himself to be a man of the people, energetic, dynamic and someone who is committed to fighting for the causes affecting the hardworking people of New York even at his own political peril because it’s the right thing to do. As Comptroller of the City of New York and trustee of four of the city’s five pension funds and the person that signs off on every contract with the City of New York, Mr. Spitzer promises to

AGGRESSIVE, SENSITIVE ATTORNEYS WITH THE BEST EXPERIENCE IN THE FIELD

l l l l l l l l l l

DIVORCE/SEPARATION CUSTODY VISITATION PARENTS’ RIGHTS PATERNITY ABUSE/ NEGLECT PRE- & POST-NUPTIAL AGREEMENTS ORDERS OF PROTECTION CHILD & SPOUSAL SUPPORT ALL OTHER FAMILY COURT MATTERS ABUSE SPOUSE PETITIONS

make investments here, than overseas in private equity deals that are highly leveraged in industries that are speculative in nature. Let‘s do what we know how to do in New York and that is build housing. As Comptroller, he will protect the rights of communities everywhere to have good schools by auditing the department of education to ensure that the outsourcing of good city jobs through no-bid contracts is put to an end so that greater proportion of the billions of dollars in the education budget are directed back to the classroom. Caribbean American Weekly strongly urges the Caribbean-American and minority communities and its allies to support Spitzer during the Democratic primary election on September 8, 2013. Spitzer is going to make sure that the money is not just going to be counted, but be accounted for. Vote for Eliot Spitzer, City Comptroller 2013.l

Figeroux & Associates 26 Court Street, Suite 701 Brooklyn, NY 11242

ESTATE LAW

PERSONAL ATTENTION, REASONABLE FEES QESTATE LITIGATION QPROBATE QESTATE PLANNING QMEDICAID PLANNING

QWILLS QTRUSTS QDEED TRANSFERS QPOWERS OF ATTORNEY

HOME & HOSPITAL VISITS AVAILABLE

26 COURT STREET, SUITE 701 BROOKLYN, NY 11242 TAKE 2 OR 5 TRAINS TO BOROUGH HALL OR N OR R TRAINS TO COURT STREET

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

CALL NOW

FOR A FREE CONSULTATION

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