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NEW YORK LIBERTY STAR * AUGUST 25-Sept. 7, 2011

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Local News

Pastor’s Acquittal Stuns Jamaicans

Dr. Paul Lewis was acquitted of sexually abusing a 15-year-old girl in Jamaica, despite the presence of DNA evidence.

Inside

New York Mets Salutes Caribbean Heritage, P3 Vencentian NBA Star Gives Back To Roots, P10 Grenadian Cheryl Sings Rhythm And Notes, P11 Jamaica’s Dane Richards Stars For Red Bulls, P19 Semper Fidelis Liberty or Death

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| NYLIBERTYSTAR.COM | VOL. XI ISSUE 231

“White House Halts Deportation Of Law-Abiding Caribbean Immigrants”

free for all!

full story Page 5.

The Barack Obama administration said it would postpone the deportation of illegal immigrants without criminal records and allow them to apply for work permits as it reviews over 300,000 cases, last week.

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Impunity Cloaks Abuse of Young Girls

aUGUST 25-Sept. 7, 2011 * NEW YORK LIBERTY STAR

Highlighting the Spirit of the Caribbean Lenecia Hines Editor-In-Chief IVROL HINES Managing Editor Ainsley Rowe Circulation & Marketing Nekisha Telemaque Retail Sales Leonardo Harrison Webmaster & Community Relations Deidre Olivera-douglas Brownsville Advocate Editor Sen. john Sampson Contributing Writer Telephone: (718) 785-9722 Fax: (215) 294-5903 Submit Articles nylibertystar@yahoo.com Visit us online @: www.nylibertystar.com NEW YORK CITY CORPORATE OFFICE 397 Rockaway Ave Brooklyn, NY 11212 Send all Mail to: New York Liberty Star 1930 Rockaway Pkwy.

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local

By Zadie Neufville

W

hen a jury acquitted a Jamaican-born American pastor of carnal abuse charges in June, outraged islanders were forced to recognize that cultural norms seem to be promoting the sexual abuse of young girls.

Despite DNA, dr. paul Lewis Beats carnal Abuse rap

Just over two years ago, in June 2009, Paul Lewis was arrested and charged with having sex with a 15-year-old girl - carnal abuse - and the indecent assault (fondling) of her 14-year-old friend in his Negril hotel room.

Lewis’s acquittal, despite the presence of DNA evidence, stunned many, including child advocate Betty Ann Blaine founder of Hear the Children’s Cry, a non-governmental organization dedicated to the wellbeing of the nation’s children.

According to Blaine, who is now campaigning for international help to address the problem, child rape is one of the fastest growing crimes in Jamaica, “with little or no public outcry”.

Radio talk shows flooded with calls even as many Jamaicans speculated that the victims, and perhaps the jurors as well, had been “paid off” or bribed. It is a theory shared by the police, as Lewis is still to face charges for “perverting the course of justice”. Given the high profile of the case, Blaine also questioned the competence of the public prosecutor.

“Over the last two years I have known of at least three cases of children under 12 years old in which the accused have walked free even when there was DNA evidence.

One child was only six years old,” Blaine said in an article criticizing the verdict.

In many inner city areas, women are forced to “hand over” their adolescent daughters to local criminal leaders who use violence to control their communities. It is also not uncommon for families here to accept payment or be coerced into covering up sexual abuse of minors to prevent scandals or to avoid “shaming the family” members and

friends.

Charles Black* (name changed to protect his identity) told IPS about several incidents in his small district in the eastern parish of St. Thomas, where the carnal abuse of teens as young as 10 years old has gone unreported for decades because residents are unwilling to “send relatives to jail”.

“There is an uproar when it happens, then everybody comes to quash it because it is mainly family here,” he explained. He cited the recent examples of two teen girls - 13 and 15 years old – who were impregnated by older men in the small community.

According to official data, in 2004, teenaged girls accounted for 70 percent of reported sexual assaults.

In 2006, 78 percent of sexual assault/ rape cases admitted to hospital were children and adolescents. Girls under the age of 16 accounted for 32 percent of all sexual assaults.

Amnesty International’s 2006 report, “Sexual violence against women and girls in Jamaica: ‘Just a little sex’”, attributed the high rate of under-reporting to “entrenched discrimination” and the “trivialization” of sexual violence by family and acquaintances as “just a little sex”.

In fact, local police believe that carnal abuse - in which adults engage in sexual relationships with minors is frequently covered up after monetary payments are made. And despite recent legislative reforms, officials say the problem is growing.

At a press conference in May to name the island’s most wanted sexual offenders, the Jamaican constabulary reported an increase in the number of child rape cases.

The deputy superintendent of the Centre for the Investigation of Sexual Offences and Child Abuse (CISOCA), Gloria Davis Simpson, told journalists that since the start of 2011, sexual attacks on 11- to 15year-olds had increased. There was also a spike in the number of attacks on very young boys, she said.

“Incest has become a worrying trend. Also, in the case of carnal abuse, teenage boys are now targeting children 10 and younger,” Davis Simpson said.

Davis Simpson said that offend-

ers have also begun targeting young women and girls via social networks like Facebook and Twitter.

The government has taken some steps to address the problem. A new Child Care Protection Act was passed, along with an alert system to help find missing children. The post of children’s advocate was created, and a child abuse hotline launched.

The Ananda Alert, named for 11-year-old Ananda Dean who was kidnapped, raped and murdered while on the way home from school, allows police to circumvent the 48hour waiting period required to report of missing children.

In addition, the police branch dedicated to the investigation of sexual crimes was overhauled and given special responsibility for children.

Activists say part of the problem is the lack of a sexual offenders registry, despite its inclusion in the 2009 revision of the Sexual Offences Bill.

Data from the Ministry of Health show sexual assault as the secondmost-common cause of injury for women, accounting for five percent of all injuries in hospitals. Some studies indicate that as many as a quarter of Jamaican girls are forced into sex at least once.

A March 2009 Guttmacher Institute report on teen-age pregnancy and sexuality found that roughly half of pregnant teens between the ages of 15 to 17 years had been coerced into sex or raped. One-third of the interviewees said that their first sexual experience had been “persuaded or forced”.

Police Commissioner Owen Ellington this year announced that CISOCA - the arm of the constabulary responsible for prosecuting sexual offences - and other state agencies would turn their attention to “strengthening the regulations” to provide tougher punishment for sexual offences.

But advocates remain concerned about apparent “leniency” in the judicial system towards sexual offenders.

Children’s Advocate Mary Clarke says she believes that convictions for child rape will increase if the laws facilitate the submission of taped evidence of the children involved in such cases.

NEW YORK LIBERTY STAR * AUGUST 25-Sept. 7, 2011

LOCAL news

Mets Fans Celebrate Caribbean Heritage

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he Caribbean American Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CACCI) in partnership with the NY Mets celebrated the First Annual Caribbean Heritage Night at Citi Field Stadium, Aug. 10.

“This was a splendid occasion when members of the Caribbean Diaspora came out in large numbers together with friends, family and other Mets fans to have fun and to cheer the NY Amazing Mets as they exhibited good sportsmanship in the home game against the San Diego Padres,” said Dr. Roy A. Hastick, Sr., CACCI president and founder.

The consensus was that this was a night filled with laughter, business networking, recognition of the achievements of outstanding individuals of Caribbean Heritage saluting national heroes and sheroes, entertainment, and Caribbean community recognition and the dedicated support of over 37,000 Mets fans which included hundreds of CACCI members and supporters.

The Pre-Game Caribbean Heritage Night Performances on First Base at the Stadium included: musical entertainment

by Damage Band, Sheimyrah Mighty of Haiti, and presentation behind home plate of Caribbean Heritage Night NY Mets Spirit

The Caribbean American Awards to the following CACCI member recipients: CACCI Chamber of Commerce and board members George Hulse, Industry, Inc. was founded in Vice President of Healthfirst August, 1985 to provide small and Dr. Eda F. Harris-Hastick, businesses with entrepreneurial Faculty member, Medgar Evers services and promote opportuCollege, CUNY; Radio Per- nities that will yield more sussonality Bob Frederick; Scott tainable trade and investment and Natasha Nigro, Owners of between New York, the United Nationwide Credit Counseling; States, and the Caribbean.

Malaak Shabazz, daughter of Malcolm X and Betty Shabazz and United Nations NGO -Human Rights Activist; Earl Alleyne Sr., President of All Fours Alliance USA; Donovan Gopie, Writer and Photo Journalist; and Rose Guerrier, president, La V en Rose, Events Planner/ Producer.

Also receiving special recognition from CACCI member AARP was Honorable Dr. Una Clarke, the first female of Caribbean Heritage elected to the New York City Council who was recognized for her pioneering and tireless efforts on behalf Caribbean Americans.

“This is indeed an historical event for the Chamber,” CACCI board member Lowell Hawthorne, president and CEO of Golden Krust Bakeries and Grill. “One of the key ingredients that demonstrates success is the ability to forge relationships with other fine organizations and CACCI has achieved this milestone.

Congratulations and this achievement.”

Dr. Roy A. Hastick, Sr.

COMMUNITY LEADERS

HoldingPost

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VP Records, the world’s largest reggae music label, is mourning its Director of A&R, Joel Chin, after he was violently murdered last week. Chin, the 35-yearold grandson of VP’s founder, Clive Chin, was shot in the head while exiting his car in front of his home in Kingston, Jamaica.

Joel Chin My Brother, My Friend ...

Gone Too Soon

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ike so many others who have had the good fortune to have known him, I am shocked and saddened by Mr. Joel Chin’s most untimely and sudden tragic passing. Along with members of the music industry fraternity, my family and I mourn this personal loss. I fondly remember the man as “The Jolly Giant” who made a name for himself predominantly through innovation and hard work and who contributed significantly to the international rise of so many acclaimed artistes in the reggae music industry on the local and international scene. A true soldier, a young veteran always in the fore fighting for the worthy endurance of the reggae/dancehall genre, and by extension for Jamaica’s culture sharing efforts.

Joel acted effortlessly and resonated like a haunting sustained bar of music. To my knowledge absolutely no one Joel’s age, to date has made such an enormous global impact on the status and ad- Louie Grant vancement of the international rise of our beloved reggae music.

Joel and I shared a friendship that transcended our Irie Jam / VP Records professional relationship. He was a very dear friend and an amazing talent with whom I spent many hours in vigorous and enthusiastic discussions not just about music, but on many aspects of life itself including families. I was very happy to learn just a few short weeks ago that he became a new father to Mya Juliana!

Sadly, there was no time to say goodbye, but I will always cherish the memories of Joel’s never ending enthusiasm, good-humor, friendship, generosity, and one of the most incredibly disciplined work ethic in the business. Joel’s passing will leave an enormous void in the development of the reggae music industry, indeed internationally. A very sad day for all of us, he will be greatly missed.

I extend my heartfelt condolences to Joel’s family, his newborn baby daughter, the extended VP Records family and to all his friends worldwide, know that we at Irie Jam Media do share this your enormous grief and pain. I must also make it known that this year’s inaugural staging of Reggae Rhythm & Blues Concert on Labor Day weekend, Sunday September 4 at Roy Wilkins Park in Queens will be dedicated to, & in honor of Joel Chin and his life’s work …. Rest in Peace Joel, my brother my friend; one love.

Louie Grant VP Irie Jam Media, NY

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aUGUST 25-Sept. 7, 2011 * NEW YORK LIBERTY STAR

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NEW YORK LIBERTY STAR * AUGUST 25-Sept. 7, 2011

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Illegal, Law-Abiding Caribbean Immigrants Will Not Be Deported mented, law-abiding Caribbean nationals facing deportation stay in the US and apply he Obama administra- for work permits.

In a major policy shift announced last tion in the United States Thursday, the White House said it would insays it will let undocu- stead focus federal resources on booting out

LOCAL NEWS

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Secretary of Homeland Security, Janet Napolitano

convicted criminals and others who pose a public safety or national security threat.

Immigration advocates say the new policy will help thousands of illegal Caribbean and other immigrants who came to the United States as young children, graduated from high school and want to go on to college or serve in the armed forces.

The White House and immigration officials said they would exercise “prosecutorial discretion” to focus enforcement efforts on cases involving criminals and people who have flagrantly violated immigration laws.

Under the new policy, the Secretary of Homeland Security, Janet Napolitano, can provide relief, on a case-by-case basis, to young people who are in the country illegally but pose no threat to national security or to the public safety.

The decision would, through administrative action, help many intended beneficiaries of legislation that has been stalled in the US Congress for a decade.

The sponsor of the legislation, Democrat Senator Richard J. Durbin of Illinois, has argued that “these young people should not be punished for their par-

“These young people should not be punished for their parents’ mistakes.”

Senator Richard J. Durbin

ents’ mistakes.”

The action would also bolster President Obama’s reputation with minority voters as he heads into the 2012 election.

Just a week ago, the leaders of major Hispanic and other civic organizations criticized his record, saying in a report that Obama and Congress had “overpromised and under-delivered” on immigration and other issues.

White House officials emphasized that they were not granting relief to a whole class of people, but would review cases one by one, using new standards meant to distinguish low- and high-priority cases.

“The president has said on numerous occasions that it makes no sense to expend our enforcement resources on low-priority cases, such as individuals” who were brought to this country as young children and know no other home, Napolitano said in a letter to Durbin.

She said that low-priority cases were “clogging immigration court dockets” and diverting enforcement resources away from individuals who pose a threat to public safety.

Durbin said he believed the new policy would stop the deportation of most people who would qualify for relief under his bill, known as the Dream Act, formally the Development, Relief and Education for Alien Minors Act. Some experts have estimated that more than two million people might be eligible to apply for legal status under the Dream Act. Durbin’s

office estimates that 100,000 to 200,000 could eventually earn citizenship, though the numbers are uncertain.

Under the new policy, the government will review 300,000 cases of people in deportation proceedings to identify those who might qualify for relief and those who should be expelled as soon as possible. White House officials said the new policy could help illegal immigrants with family members in the United States. The White House is interpreting “family” to include partners of lesbian, gay and bisexual people.

Cecilia Muñoz, a White House official who helped develop the new policy, said officials would suspend deportation proceedings in low-priority cases that, for example, involve “military veterans and the spouses of activeduty military personnel.”

Stephen W. Yale-Loehr, who teaches immigration law at Cornell Law School in New York, said the new policy could also benefit “illegal immigrants who were stopped for traffic violations and thrown into deportation proceedings, as well as people whose only violation of immigration law is that they stayed beyond the expiration of their visas or worked here illegally.”

The new policy “will not provide categorical relief for any group” and “will not alleviate the need for passage of the Dream Act or for larger reforms to our immigration laws,” Napolitano said.

NY Attorney Named Bajan Chief Justice

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New York state court attorney on Long Island will leave his job next week to become the top judge in his native Barbados, according to the New York Law Journal.

The journal said that Marston C. D. Gibson, a Nassau County Supreme Court attorney-referee, who has practiced law in the United States for 20 years, will become the Chief Justice of the Caribbean island and President of the Court of Appeal on September 1.

“I am both excited and humbled

by the appointment. I’m excited for the opportunity but humbled by the fact that there’s much to do,” said Gibson, who was a Rhodes Scholar and law professor before coming to New York.

Nassau County Administrative Judge Anthony Marano said that the legal community shared Gibson’s sense of pride and accomplishment.

Gibson “is an outstanding person and a legal scholar who has been an inspiration for those of us who have served with him,” said Judge Morano in a statement.

The New York Law Journal said Gibson was initially approached about the job in May 2010, “but his appointment was challenged by those who said he was not qualified to serve under Barbadian law.”

Marston C. D. Gibson The law at the time decreed that the chief justice must have had 15 years practicing law in Barbados or another British Commonwealth

country.

However, the New York Journal said the law was changed in March of this year to extend eligibility to any country that has adopted the common law, such as the United States.

Gibson, 57, who has dual American and Barbadian citizenship, can serve as chief justice until he reaches the age of 70 but can apply to serve another two years, the journal said.

Barbardian leaders wanted “to bring someone in from the outside who could have a fresh new look and a fresh perspective on how the judiciary operates and should operate,” said Gibson about his appointment, noting, for example, that Barbados in 2008 instituted new civil procedure laws that more closely resemble the New York Civil Practice Laws and

Rules (CPLR).

Gibson graduated from Hugh Wooding Law School in Trinidad and Tobago in 1981 and was named a Rhodes Scholar in 1977. Gibson also taught at the University of the West Indies.

Before joining the Nassau County Supreme Court, he worked at the Appellate Division, Second Department, in Brooklyn and Manhattan Surrogate’s Court in New York.

From 2000 to 2008, Gibson was also a faculty member of continuing education at Lehman College in the Bronx, City University of New York.

The New York Journal said he has maintained ties to his homeland, once serving, for example, as president of the Council of Barbadian Organizations of New York.

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aUGUST 25-Sept. 7, 2011 * NEW YORK LIBERTY STAR

LOCAL

When It Does Not Make Sense to Fix Your Car During these hard economic times, we are all trying to stretch a dollar by keeping our cars longer.

That means making repairs to a car we would have replaced a few years ago. So, when does repairing the car fall into the category of throwing good money after bad? The answer depends on a lot of things and is different for everyone.

Obviously, one major contributor is the cost of the repairs. If the cost is more that the car is worth, it makes no sense to fix it. If the repair costs are less than the value of the vehicle and you are handy, you can save the labor costs by doing the repairs yourself. If you are not handy and your car has high mileage, is very old, has been giving you a lot of trouble or is generally in poor condition, it simply it is not worth it to repair it.

If you do decide to replace your car, you then have to figure out what to do with it. You can trade it in. How-

ever, most car buying guides suggest that you are likely to get a better deal without a trade in. Also, the car dealer will probably not give you much for it. For the same reason, it may be hard to sell it privately. Most car buyers do not want to purchase a car if it needs repairs, particularly if it does not run.

You can sell it to a junk yard for a couple of hundred dollars for it. They will sell all the workable parts for a lot more money than you got. You can dismantle your car and sell the parts yourself. That will cost you a lot of time along with some money for advertising. Then you have to decide what to do if someone claims the part you sold them does not work. You also have the problem of disposing of the left over parts.

Another alternative is to simply donate your car to charity. If you donate car, you will get a tax deduction of the greater of $500 or the amount the charity sells your car for.

Enterprise Plumbing & Heating Inc.

CT Mayor To Increase Trade With Caribbean

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he mayor of a major United States city says he is seriously working towards increasing trade with the Caribbean.

Mayor Pedro E. Segarra – whose city, Hartford, is considered to hold the nation’s third largest West Indian community, after New York and Miami – said on Wednesday that he has been holding discussions, in this nexus, with key Caribbean officials.

Segarra said he recently met with Trinidad and Tobago’s ambassador, Dr. Neil Parsan, the District Director of the US Department of Commerce International Trade Administration Anne Evans and Andrew Lawrence from the Caribbean Trade Council (CTC).

The mayor said the discussions included talks on Connecticut’s Bradley Airport and “the necessary steps needed to make this facility a future hub for Air Jamaica.

“The mayor agreed to lead the effort, while working with appropriate partners, to develop a business case/economic impact study for why Air Jamaica should consider making Hartford a home of future operations,” according to a statement from the Office of the Mayor of Hartford.

Segarra said he will establish a Caribbean Community (CARICOM) office in Hartford and will serve

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Hartford Mayor Pedro E. Segarra

“It is indeed welcoming to sit with a Mayor, who is clearly passionate about Hartford, the people of Hartford, and welcomes the people of the Caribbean.”

Dr. Neil Parsan

as the “lead point-person in moving forward with plans for a trade mission, likely in June of 2012, to the Caribbean.”

He said the building of a Caribbean products distribution center in Hartford was also discussed.

“When rare opportunities, like meeting with an ambassador and a representative of the federal government, avail themselves, it is critical to take advantage of them and capitalize on outcomes,” the mayor said.

“The residents of the City of Hartford have waited far too long for systematic change in government and tangible progress on job creation and economic development. It’s meetings and discussions like those that occurred this weekend that will help Connecticut’s capital city move forward in ways that are consistent with the needs and demands of the many diverse communities and neighborhoods of Hartford,” he added.

Parsan said he was thrilled with Segarra’s initiatives.

“It is indeed welcoming to sit with a Mayor, who is clearly passionate about Hartford, the people of Hartford, and welcomes the people of the Caribbean,” he said.

“This sort of support to me as an Ambassador is a breath of fresh air, and it brings me great hope for the development of sustainable, cordial relationships between cities and countries everywhere,” Parson added.

“This meeting gave us an opportunity to move forward for the city of Hartford and our region a business and trade agenda with CARICOM,” Evans said.

“I am grateful to the mayor for his leadership in this endeavor. We should see measurable results in 2012,” she added.

Lawrence said the willingness of the parties to meet “demonstrates the commitment we have to enhance trade, tourism and economic cooperation between Hartford and the Caribbean Islands.

“We at the CTC will continue to develop and strengthen diplomatic relationships and facilitate economic development efforts between the Caribbean islands and the City of Hartford, as well as the State of Connecticut,” he said.

It was the second such meeting between the mayor and ambassador in the last several months.

The previous meeting, in April, also included Hartford City Councilman and Majority Leader Ken Kennedy, representatives from Bradley Airport, the Connecticut Department of Transportation, the MetroHartford Alliance and District Export Council.

NEW YORK LIBERTY STAR * AUGUST 25-Sept. 7, 2011

GOSPEL

Change And Pain!

By Sandra Steen

Be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and the perfect will of God.” Romans One of Life’s highest goals is positive transformation. The foundation of every transformation is a renewed mind ! Over the past couple of weeks as I have walked through major changes; it was Romans 12:2 that illumated the path to a renewed mind.

The Message translation for Romans 12:2 reads: So here’s what I want you to do, God helping you: Take your everyday, ordinary life--your sleeping, eating, going-to-work, and walking-around life--and place it before God as an offering. Embracing what God does for you is the best thing you can do for him. Don’t become so well-adjusted to your culture that you fit into it without even thinking. Instead, fix your attention on God. You’ll be changed from the inside out. Readily recognize what he wants from you, and quickly respond to it. Unlike the culture around you, always dragging you down to its level of immaturity, God brings the best out of you, develops well-formed maturity in you.

Let’s face the reality of change; it’s not that easy! Sometimes in our discomfort we will remain there just to avoid change. If you’re serious about changing your life, Dr. John Maxwell says: “Don’t just change enough to get away from your problems - change enough to solve them”. Don’t change your circumstances to improve your life - change yourself to improve your circumstances. Don’t do the same old things expecting different results - get different results by doing something new. I’m reminded of the quote that gives us the bottomline to change: “Change will come when the pain of staying the same is worse than the pain of change.” - Author Unknown We can’t see change as something hurtful that must be done - see it as something helpful that can be done. Don’t avoid paying the immediate price tag of change - if you do, you will pay the ultimate price of never improving.”

James writes: “When your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing” (Jas 1:34). Character building can be a slow and painful process; it happens day-by-day. Whenever we try to escape life’s challenges; we short-circuit the process, delay our growth, and end up with a worse kind of pain - the worthless type that accompanies denial and avoidance and the blame game!

When we allow God’s change process to

work in our life we will be able to joyfully declare: “a change has come over me...and now I walk in complete freedom...I’m not where I want to be...but I am not where I use to be”!

So, be open to change; no matter how painful - pursue it passionately and watch the renewed mind produce a wonderful transformation!

Much JOY Sandra

About Sandra Steen As Founder and President of an International Training and Consulting firm, Sandra Steen has traveled extensively to work with Fortune 500 Companies and Church Ministries worldwide. As a Motivational and Inspirational Speaker and Executive Life Coach she has spoken to over half a million people declaring a message of Defined Purpose, Unlimited JOY, Higher Living and Business Excellence. She is the author of the book “Who Stole My Joy?” and in 2004 she introduced Ms Steen’s Oats to Joy her gourmet oatmeal cookie and muffin products to retail stores and food service industries across the country. Sandra declares that ultimately she is in the JOY Business which has u n l i m i t e d supply and endless demand!

There Is No Wasted Season

By Rudolph W. McKissick, Jr.

Sandra Steen

The calling of Moses, to me, is one of the most powerful call stories in all of the Word of God. One of the things that I know about God is that when God issues a call, God calls the right person at the right time. For forty years Moses had lived in the courts of the Pharaohs. He was highly trained in the skills of the elite. He appeared to be destined for greatness, but now, he finds himself in a condition and context that is beneath what he seemed to be destined for.

Moses now, as a result of a decision, finds himself banished to insignificance in the desert, where his companions are sheep and his prospects negligible. Moses makes a mistake and finds himself on the run. But forty years later, God visits Moses. In spite of the time that has gone by, God visits him.

In spite of the wrong that he has done, God visits him. In spite of his solitude, God visits him. In spite of where he now finds himself, God visits him.

When God has a plan for your life, it cannot be stopped because of one mistake. When you read the story of where Moses ends up and what he ends up doing, you will discover a powerful point. He is called to bring the people out of Egypt; which

means he is called to shepherd the people. He is called to be a shepherd. When you see what he was doing when God finds him, you will see that what God calls him to do is something that he has been doing the whole time. The one who is to become the shepherd of God’s people undergoes training in Midian.

Can I tell you something? Nothing that you go through has been wasted time. Everything that God has allowed you to go through you went through to train you for the assignment God has on your life.

Every person you have encountered; every place that you have been; every tear that you have cried-it was not wasted.

God was training you for your destiny. God has been shaping your character through every circumstance and situation. God has been molding you through this season. I don’t care what it is you are facing right now.

Even if it seems you have gotten off track, I declare to you as you end this devotional the lesson I have learned in four months of confinement...THIS IS NOT A WASTED SEASON. WHEN GOD GETS THROUGH WITH THIS SEASON YOU WILL BE READY TO PRODUCE ON LEVELS YOU NEVER IMAGINED.

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aUGUST 25-Sept. 7, 2011 * NEW YORK LIBERTY STAR

leisure

word fit

connect the dots

Can you fit the words correctly into the grid? (Solution, Page 10) ARCH DWELL DEVOUT REFLECT CAGE EVERY SEASON SOLDIER ONCE GIFTS WORSEN ZOOLOGY TYPE MAGIC ZITHER ABSORBED AGILE VAGUE MERMAID CHEERFUL CHEAP YARDS NATURAL REVEALED COYPU YOUTH PROTEIN TOLERANT

Wordsearch

sTRUT YOUR STUFF

Can you find the hidden words? They may be horizontal, vertical, diagonal, forwards or backwards.

ACCESSORY, APPEARANCE, ARTISTIC, ATTIRE, ATTITUDE, CATWALK, CLOTHES, COSTUME, COUTURE, DEMONSTRATION, DESIGN, DISPLAY, ELAN, ELEGANCE, EXHIBITION, EXPRESSION, FASHION, FINERY, FLAIR, FORM, GARB, LOOK, MANNEQUIN, MANNER, MILLINER, MODE, MODEL, OUTFIT, PANACHE, PARADE, PATTERN, POSE, RAIMENT, SHOW, STATEMENT, STYLE, SUPERMODEL, TREND, VOGUE, WALK.

NEW YORK LIBERTY STAR * AUGUST 25-Sept. 7, 2011

Knowledge is power

ASK LISA-ANNE

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My Son Has ADHD And I Need Services Q. My son has Attention Deficit Hyperactivity DisorderADHD and he has an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) beginning this coming school year! I want to know if he is getting all of the services he needs and is entitled to but I don’t know the laws. Can you help?

A. Many parents attend 504 accommodation and CSE meetings not fully understanding the process and not knowing their rights or options! Some school districts provide parents with out of date and incorrect information that the parents have no way of knowing if it’s true.

The special education laws and accommodations of services for children are protected under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act-IDEA and Section 504 accommodation Rehabilitation Act. A special education attorney, Matthew D. Cohen, writes for the www.Additudemag.com website and reports 10 of the top myths about special education: Myth 1: ADHD is not a real disorder and does not qualify as a disability. ADHD is among the most thoroughly medically-researched and documented psychiatric disorders. ADHD qualifies as a disability under the Other Health Impairment (OHI) category of special-education law and as a disability under Section 504.

Myth 2: Students with ADHD who are getting passing grades or adequate achievement scores qualify only for a Section 504 Plan,

not an IEP. Students with passing grades may qualify for an IEP, as well as for a 504 Plan, if their behavior is adversely affecting their performance at school, socially or academically.

Myth 3: To qualify for eligibility under IDEA or Section 504, a student has to be diagnosed by a physician. While best-practice evaluations of ADHD recognize the importance of comprehensive medical and psychological evaluations, the Department of Education issued a policy statement stating that, if the IEP team includes persons the school believes are qualified to diagnose the condition, a medical evaluation is not legally required.

Myth 4: Schools may require a medical diagnosis of ADHD at a parent’s expense prior to proceeding with an evaluation for special education or a 504 Plan. If a school requires or recommends a medical, psychiatric, or neurological evaluation as part of an evaluation to determine eligibility for special education or a 504 Plan, the evaluation must be at no cost to the parent. The school must pay for it.

Myth 5: Schools may require that students with ADHD receive stimulant medication in order to qualify for special education or for other services or activities. Schools can’t require a student to take medication as a condition for his being eligible for special education or any school activity. Taking medication is a decision to be made by the family and their doctor. If the student has ADHD and qualifies for special education or a 504 Plan, the school must develop appropriate academic and behavioral supports to meet his needs, whether that student takes medication or not.

Myth 6: Teachers may decide whether or not they will implement an IEP or 504 Plan, or even whether they will teach a student with a

disability, such as ADHD. If a student has an IEP or a 504 Plan, the school staff is required to implement it. Further, teachers may not refuse to have a student with a disability in their class. It is illegal, just as it would be for them to refuse to teach a student based on race, gender, or religion.

Myth 7: Schools may require parents to sign a waiver of liability before agreeing to administer medication at school. Schools may require a doctor’s order confirming a prescription and the need to provide meds at school, but cannot make the provision of administering medication conditional on the parents’ signing a waiver of liability.

Myth 8: Students with ADHD may qualify for a positive behavior support plan only if they are exhibiting disruptive or inappropriate behavior toward others. Under IDEA and Section 504, positive behavior supports can be included in the plan to address academic problems, such as timeliness, work completion, and on-task behavior, as well as to address negative behaviors in the classroom.

Myth 9: Students with ADHD who have a 504 Plan are only entitled to accommodations, like preferential seating or untimed tests, not services. Under Section 504, students with ADHD (and other disabilities) are entitled to accommodations and may also be entitled to specialized educational services (such as individual instruction or tutoring) and related services (such as counseling).

Myth 10: Students with ADHD do not qualify for one-on-one aides, bus transportation, or other more intensive or expensive services in the classroom. Students with ADHD are entitled to any services or supports necessary for them to benefit from their education

Lisa-Anne Ray-Bayers

File photo

under IDEA, and to have equal access to educational opportunities under Section 504. Any blanket policy limiting access based on a diagnosis or disability label is suspect.

Each state has its own special education laws as well so parents should know these laws as well!

Lisa-Anne Ray-Byers is a licensed and certified speech-language pathologist who has worked in education for over two decades. She holds graduate degrees in speech-language pathology and multicultural education. She also holds certification in educational administration. She is the author of the book, They Say I Have ADHD, I Say Life Sucks!

Thoughts From Nicholas available at www.

Amazon.com. She is currently employed in the Hempstead School District. You may contact her speechlrb@yahoo.com or by visiting her website at www.AskLisaAnne.com.

All Islands Association Hosts Family Day BBQ MOUNT VERNON, NY -The All Islands Association, Inc. hosted its annual Family Day and Membership Drive BBQ recently at Glen Island Park in New Rochelle, NY.

“We had the full cooperation of Mother Nature, soft clouds gently floating by, blue skies as far as the eyes could sea, the soft waves of the Hudson River and the sight of various size boats adrift the ocean at that section of the Long Island Sound in the Queen City of New Rochelle,” stated Gayley Henry, Membership Chair of All Islands Association, Inc. The BBQ started just after noon with the rhythmic sounds of Caribbean Reggae music, Soca, Calypso and Steel Drums filling the air and an ambiance set for fun, food and frolic. Other activities throughout the day included the three legged race, sack race, relay, hoola hoops, egg-in-spoon race and step dance instruction. The participants

included children, young adults and adults alike.

These games reminded me of our true Caribbean roots.

It was a spectacular day filled with all types of cultural activities. The members and friends of the Association in attendance had the pleasure of the company of the Internationally Published Author, Jennifer P. Lumley, a longtime member of the Association. All gathered under a tent as Lumley told Caribbean stories, read excerpts from her books, “MIND SHAPER and STILL LIFE”.

Lumley also recited poetry, bringing a feeling of nostalgia to the minds of many.

“The word that comes to mind is fantastic; everyone was quietly attentive and laughter filled the air as she touched upon some thought provoking and hilarious topics,” said Henry. “This was a day that will be indelibly etched in the hearts and minds of all those present.”

The food was said to be delicious and in plentiful supply -- yet another part of the Caribbean culture: jerk chicken, rice and

peas, fresh garden salad, roast corn, and lots more, straight from the grill It was, overall, a pleasant day and infants to seniors had a wonderful time.

According to Henry, some became so interested in the work of the All Islands Association, that they joined and became members of the Association that same day.

The members of the Association are very proud that they were able to give back to the community by making this fun-filled free of cost, according to Henry Solly, President of the All Islands Association, Inc. After all, it is the organization’s mission is to “enhance the education of minorities and promote the culture of Caribbean people”.

“The members of the Association would like to convey special thanks to all the donors, the organizers, our guests and members who participated,” stated Julia Baddal, Co-Chair of the Association.

“Without your help, none of this would have been possible.”

For information about the All Islands Association, Inc., write to: P.O Box 2099.

Mount Vernon, NY 10552

Author Jennifer P. Lumley reading from her book during the Family Day and Glen Island Park in New Rochelle, NY.

10

aUGUST 25-Sept. 7, 2011 * NEW YORK LIBERTY STAR

profile

Keys To A Healthy School Year

M

ost families know the domino effect of illness all too well: one child gets sick, then the other, and pretty soon the sound of sniffling and coughing is echoing throughout the house.

And when the kids head back to school, they are exposed to even more germs, making it even more difficult to stay healthy.

Maintaining your family’s health is a challenge, but there are a few tried-and-true methods for keeping germs at bay during the school year.

Clean hands means fewer germs Simply put, frequent hand washing is one of the best strategies for preventing germs from entering your body. The CDC makes the following recommendations: Always wash after visiting the bathroom and before eating.

Teach your children to wash their hands for as long as it takes them to sing the “Happy Birthday” song from beginning to end twice. Always use soap and water and always dry hands thoroughly.

But when you need to clean your hands and can’t get to a sink, a good hand sanitizer such as PURELL(R) Hand Sanitizer can help protect you from winter germs, bugs and illnesses. For families on the go, products like the PURELL JELLY WRAP (TM) Hand Sanitizer can be easily attached to backpacks or belt loops for quick and easy access. A recent study determined that classrooms that make PURELL Hand Sanitizer available to students had 20 percent fewer sick days by students compared with those that didn’t offer the hand sanitizer.

It’s a good idea to go over some of the best times to use

hand sanitizer with your children. Some common scenarios that they may encounter during the school day include: * When you cough or sneeze and can’t get to a sink * When you feel the need to clean your hands during a lesson, but don’t want to interrupt * After you get done with gym class or playing on the playground * Before and after you eat lunch Did you get your shots?

Even if you are practicing the healthiest habits, your body can’t evade every illness. A flu vaccination is your best protection against catching the virus, according to the U.S. government. For other flu prevention tips and instructions on what to do if you are experiencing symptoms, visit www.flu.gov.

If you get sick, stay home Not getting the proper rest will only make your sickness worse, and your child’s performance in the classroom - or your performance in the workplace - could suffer if you still attend when you are ill. But perhaps the biggest reason for staying home is out of courtesy to other students and workers. Spreading illness is not something you want to be responsible for.

Continued on Page 12 From Page 8

Adonal David Foyle

Vincie Star Gives Back

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donal David Foyle was born on March 9th, 1975 in the Caribbean islands of St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

He has two older sisters, Theresa and Marian, and a younger brother, Augustine. When he was little, Adonal lived on Canouan - a tiny island measuring just 3.5 miles by 1.25 miles - with his grandmother and his donkey. He relied on a kerosene lamp to light up his room while doing homework.

He only learned about basketball at the age of 15, when he moved to the larger Union Island to attend secondary school and be with his mother and the rest of his family.

On Adonal’s first day of secondary school, his unusual height singled him out by his classmates, and they insisted that he join them in a game of basketball.

Unfortunately no one had bothered to explain all the rules of the game to him, so when the ball came to his hands, he ran as fast as he could to put it in the basket and made a huge slam dunk. But when he looked around everyone was laughing at him because he had forgotten to dribble the ball! Despite that embarrassing first encounter with the sport, Adonal vowed to learn the game properly since basketball seemed the only sport that his extra-long body was good for.

During the summer of 1990, two professors from America were refereeing a game in Dominica, in which Adonal was playing. They recognized the potential in him and told him that if he was interested, his raw basketball talent could help him get to America and earn a good education.

Adonal had always felt that education was important, and realizing that this was the opportunity of a lifetime, he made the difficult decision to leave his family and move to New York.

After a brief stint at Cardinal O’Hara high school in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Adonal went to live in Hamilton, New York with the two professors, Jay and Joan Mandle, whom he grew to love as his own family. He attended Hamilton Central High School where he led the basketball team to their first two state championships. There he received such honors as McDonald’s High School All-America, third team USA Today All-America and third team Parade All-America.

Foyle was selected in the first round (8th pick overall) of the 1997 NBA draft by the Golden State Warriors. He is the Warriors’ all-time leading shotblocker with 1,140 blocks. He is also the only player in Warriors history to have over 3,000 career blocks and over 1,000 career blocked shots.

Although he has received a rare gift to live out his dream to become a professional basketball player, Adonal also knows that it’s important to not forget where he came from and to give back to his com-

munity every which way he can.

During his 10 seasons with the Golden State Warriors, Adonal committed himself to community serve throughout the Bay Area. He’s received various awards during that time, including the 1998 May of San Francisco’s Sports Hero Award, the 1997 Athlete with a Heart award, given by the American Heart Association, as well as several NBA Community Service Award.

But his selflessness holds no boundaries. During the offseason, Adonal holds a series of basketball camps both in the U.S. and in his native Caribbean home of St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

An advocate of campaign finance reform, Adonal also started Democracy Matters in 2001. DM is a non-partisan organization that gives students a voice in issues of democracy. With an active presence on over 50 college campuses nationwide, DM involves hundreds of students and faculty in focusing on issues of campaign finance reform. Students can develop leadership skills that can help to deepen our democracy. It is part of Adonal’s deep commitment to improving the society in which he finds himself.

In 2006, Adonal also started the Kerosene Lamp Foundation. KLF, a non-profit 501c3 organization, helps empower children of the Eastern Caribbean as well as the United States and give them the right tools to navigate life’s challenges such as illiteracy, sexually transmitted diseases and economic hardship.

NEW YORK LIBERTY STAR * AUGUST 25-Sept. 7, 2011

Entertainment

Cheryl Sings

Rhythm and Notes

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orn in the beautiful Caribbean island of Grenada also known as “The Isle of Spice”, this singing sensation is ready to make her mark in the music industry. Cheryl is a highly regarded registered nurse who has been working in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) at Downstate Hospital for a number of years, taking care of sick Newborns. Although she loves being a nurse she has always desired to be a professional singer.

Her love for music and singing began back in Grenada where she was raised by her grandparents for the early part of her life. She remembers at about age of about 6 or 7 telling her grandmother that she was going to be just like Diana Ross. At the age of 11, she joined the local church choir which emerged as one of the top cultural groups in Grenada, named Spice Island Youthquake. At the age of 12, she toured England, Scotland, and Ireland with the group performing at different venues. Two years later the group also toured to the United States and Canada.

At the age of 16, she migrated to the United States to reside with her mother. She immediately joined the church choir at Holy Cross Catholic Church, where she also was a cantor, sang at many weddings, funerals and other functions. She also joined the gospel choir at Erasmus Hall High School where she attended for 2 years. Upon graduating from high school, her mother encouraged her to consider a career

in Nursing. Out of a deep sense of a compassion for people, Cheryl enrolled in and completed a four year Nursing program at Hunter College, all the while continuing to pursue her singing on the side. She graduated from Hunter College with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing and was quickly hired at Downstate Hospital, where many of her colleagues know her as the nurse who sings. She has often been told that she is in the wrong profession, but she strongly believed that God had a purposed for her being there. Cheryl believes that music is therapeutic and has the power to heal. She can often be heard singing to the sick babies. “It is very rewarding to see critically ill premature babies as small as 1 pound grow and get well enough to go home.”

Cheryl is also a member and Co-choir Director of Quake USA Cultural Organization, a Grenadian group in New York formed by ex members of the original group in Grenada. She was also the female lead singer of Caribbean In Sync band. She has also worked with Guyanese producer Carl Sears of Impact 9 Records and recorded an R&B album entitled, “I Can, Got Game”. Over the past few years, Cheryl took a break from pursuing her singing career to raise her daughter as a single mom.

Her daughter is now 11 years old and Cheryl is ready to get back in the singing arena.

She is well known in the Grenadian community here in New York. However, her dream is to become an international “Super Star”.

Cheryl is currently in the process of recording an R&B album in collaboration with producer/ manager Jathniel Thomas, as well as giving vocal lessons at Japat studio and Music School.

With her years of experience in performing and a voice that has been compared with some of the best in the industry this sophisticated singing sensation will surely become a household name, healing the hearts of many with her sweet vocals.

For bookings and Info Contact, Manager/ Producer Jathniel Thomas at Japat Studio at (347) 715-6060 or JapatMusic@gmail.com.

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aUGUST 25-Sept. 7, 2011 * NEW YORK LIBERTY STAR

NEW YORK LIBERTY STAR * AUGUST 25-Sept. 7, 2011

money matters

How To Make Your Money Stand-Up To A

U.S. Credit Downgrade

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or the first time in history, Standard & Poor’s downgraded long-term United States debt from the top AAA credit rating to AA+ on August 5, leaving the world to brace for its pending repercussions.

S&P had warned of the possible downgrade if the U.S. failed to reduce the federal deficit by $4 trillion as well as develop a “credible” plan to tackle the nation’s long-term debt problem. The $2.4 trillion debt-ceiling deal approved by Congress in the final hour was simply not enough to convince the agency otherwise.

While the other two major rating agencies, Moody’s and Fitch, are both holding at AAA, other independent agencies such as EganJones had also downgraded the long-term U.S. debt last month. And the downgrades have not stopped there. Mortgage companies Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac were downgraded to AA+ on Monday as well due to their direct reliance on the government. State and local governments could be next in line, along with other public entities that depend on the federal government for funding.

“While there is a lot of immediate panic over the downgrade, you may want to think twice before taking immediate action,” said Long Island-based financial advisor, Craig Ferrantino of Craig James Financial Services, LLC. “Although we’re in uncharted territory, the U.S. is still considered a very safe bet. There could be some short-term volatility and long-term potential consequences, but depending on where you are in your life, there are some actions you can take today to protect your personal fortune from going down.”

A local financial advisor, Ferrantino is helping area residents to make sense of the credit rating downgrade and understand what this move may mean to their future, namely their finances.

In the short term… Investors reacted to the news negatively as expected last week, with the Dow Jones Industrial Index plummeting 635 points on Monday, the sixth biggest fall in history. This immediate sell-off could impact 401(k) and portfolio values in the short term.

However, with the sell-off of stocks, this scenario could also create profitable buying opportunities for others who may be rewarded if they get into the right investments at the right time when the costs are down. Lower prices make stocks a more attractive investment option, but patience over the long term is the key.

In the long term…Interest rates could rise.

Variable rates for consumer credit could be affected in the near future. A credit-rating downgrade usually drives up the costs of borrowing.

If you can, lock in a low rate now. While it may take some time for the ripple effect to trickle down, mortgage interest rates could be higher

13

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Treats and Prevents Prostate US President Barack Obama delivers remarks on the US economy from the State Dining Room at the White House in Washington, DC, August 8, 2011. by the end of the year.

For retirees and soon to be retirees who prefer the safer financial instruments, Treasury bills and municipal bonds, although downgraded, still remain among the safest investments, despite the downgrade.

Ferrantino has been answering the following questions for concerned Long Island residents, and is available to provide more information as needed.

1) Why exactly did the S&P downgrade the U.S. debt? And will other rating agencies follow?

2) How does this affect the overall economy? What is the best-case scenario? Worstcase?

3) How does it affect U.S. residents? Investors? Retirees? Who does the downgrade impact the most and why?

4) What will it take for the U.S. to recover?

5) What should consumers consider doing to protect their assets?

ABOUT CRAIG JAMES FINANCIAL SERVICES Craig J. Ferrantino is the president of independent financial and retirement planning firm Craig James Financial Services, LLC, which serves New York, Queens and Brooklyn cities, as well as, Nassau and Suffolk counties and the east end of Long Island. Ferrantino works with retirees and those transitioning into retirement on how to invest and save for retirement and beyond. Ferrantino specializes in managing wealth in today’s economic environment and is securities licensed, as well as life and health insurance licensed. He also earned a Masters degree in International Affairs from Columbia University. Ferrantino has been in the financial services industry since 1986 and worked for several Wall Street companies, including JPMorgan (Chase), Smith Barney and A.G. Edwards. If you’d like to learn more about Craig J. Ferrantino and Craig James Financial Services contact their office at (631) 393-2888 or visit craigjamesfinancial.com.

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aUGUST 25-Sept. 7, 2011 * NEW YORK LIBERTY STAR

Travel

Fly For Less

How To Get Big Theme Park Thrills On A Small Budget Since The Cyclone first drew thrill-seekers to Coney Island in 1884, theme parks have become an ultimate family destination. Today, the U.S. boasts more than 400 amusement parks, and with summer’s heat and crowds subsiding, now’s the ideal time to plan a trip to the rides.

However, hauling the whole family somewhere, especially to a theme park, can turn into a big budget buster. These five tips can save you money so you can make your theme park vacation a reality. Your kids (and your bank account) will thank you.

1. Opt for a regional park Fifty percent of Americans plan to visit an amusement park within the next 12 months, according to a survey by the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions.

While national theme-park chains may have the most marketing dollars to spend on advertising, visitors can bag great savings and avoid major crowds by hitting up smaller regional theme parks. At Carowinds, a 337-acre park that straddles the North and South Carolina border, prices start at $42 for a single-day ticket when purchased online. Colorado’s Elitch Gardens Theme & Water Park costs about $38, also when purchased online. In comparison, a day at Disney World will set you back $85 for each person age 10 and older. Many regional parks offer discounted tickets, so check local businesses like banks and grocery stores for special offers.

2. Buy online Consumers also can save a significant amount of money by purchasing tickets online before visiting rather than purchasing admission at the gate. Some regional parks offer more than $10 off, and even bigger parks, such as Six Flags Magic Mountain in Los Angeles, offer an online special for $25 off the general admission price.

Search the Internet for the theme park name plus

“discount” or “coupon,” however make sure you are dealing with a reputable website before purchasing.

3. Go after 4 p.m.

Some parks offer deep discounts on “Twilight Tickets” that are valid during evening hours. If the park is open until 10 p.m., that means you can spend up to six hours in the park without the sun beating down on you (a double bonus of savings and comfort).

4. Watch extra costs It’s easy to plan for known costs like airfare, hotel and admission tickets. It’s the little things that will get you: $15 a day parking, $6 bottles of water and $10 funnel cakes. Buying burgers and fries for a family of four might cost you the price of a nice steak dinner at home. Saving for the trip ahead of time and being conscious of prices while in the park can help alleviate the money headache once the gates shut behind you.

5. Travel during the off-season Another easy way to save money is to travel when others aren’t. Away.com’s Theme Park Survival Guide defines off-season for theme parks as anytime that’s not summer, weekends or holidays. Parks might not offer substantially lower priced tickets, but you will most certainly find cheaper airfare. If you are staying overnight, check out members-only flash sales like “Insider Steals” for hotel deals from companies like Orbitz.com. Such members-only programs typically require a customer to sign up for emails - but the steep discounts go with it. Also look for specials at local restaurants that can offer even bigger savings than discounted tickets. Plus, in many areas the weather is better in the spring, fall or even winter (i.e. Florida), and the parks are a lot less crowded, meaning you can go on Batman The Ride as many times as your heart desires.

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NEW YORK LIBERTY STAR * AUGUST 25-Sept. 7, 2011

In Busy Modern Age, Women Often Push One Important Health Decision Aside Health Travel

Merck is encouraging women through its Let’s Go There campaign to rethink their birth control and talk to their health care providers about options that best fit their lifestyle.

I

t’s no surprise that with everything women in their 20s and 30s today have on their plates - busy careers, relationships, family - something is bound to fall to the bottom of their list.

But should it be their birth control?

A new survey from Harris Interactive on behalf of Merck among 2,000 U.S. women ages 20 to 39 found that 72 percent of women refuse to settle for anything less than what truly makes them happy.

But the survey also uncovered that women may be not be taking the same initiative when it comes to their birth control. Up to 70 percent of women using hormonal birth control would change something

about it. And of those women, 43 percent would change having to take it every day.

Given this disconnect between the way women approach their birth control and the take-charge attitude they have in the rest of their lives, it’s important for women to know that whatever stage of life they’re in, they don’t need to settle - there are options.

To encourage women to get real about their health, Merck has teamed up with actress JoAnna Garcia Swisher to launch Let’s Go There, a national campaign celebrating women’s “don’t settle” mindset and encouraging them to talk to their health care provider about the full range of birth control methods available.

“As the daughter of an OB/ GYN, I learned from an early age the importance of educating myself to better understand my health options,” says Garcia Swisher. “I am excited to partner with Merck on Let’s Go There to encourage other women to take charge of all aspects

15

of your life, whether career or relationships, or most importantly - your health. Today, with all the different birth control options available, it’s important to take time to talk to your health care provider about what method best fits your lifestyle.”

Even before you step into the doctor’s office, you can start thinking about your needs and lifestyle.

Are you busy and often on the go?

Have there been times you have forgotten to take your birth control?

What aspects of your previous birth control worked and didn’t work for you? Along with other medical questions, these are lifestyle discussions that will help you and your health care provider decide the birth control method that’s right for you.

Women are invited to join the Let’s Go There community by visiting the campaign’s Facebook page at www.facebook.com/letsgothere where they can access tips and tools on life and love, and how to prioritize this important health decision.

16

aUGUST 25-Sept. 7, 2011 * NEW YORK LIBERTY STAR

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What You Need To Know About Genetically Modified Foods

I

f you’ve ever eaten canned soup, sipped soda or chewed sugarless gum, chances are you’ve eaten something that’s been genetically modified, also called GMO.

Even when you cook at home, GMOs are in the ingredients we use. It’s hard to believe, but GMOs are in almost everything we eat - according to the Grocery Manufacturer’s Association, 80 percent of our processed food is genetically modified, unless it is certified organic.

Just what does this mean?

Genetically modified organisms or GMOs are organisms that have been created through the genesplicing techniques of biotechnology. This relatively new science allows DNA from one species to be snipped and inserted into another species in a laboratory to create specific characteristics and new species that do not occur in nature.

You may have heard them referred to as “frankenfoods” for this reason. For instance, a plant can be engineered to become resistant to a pesticide, or even contain its own pesticides within the plant cells, so that the fields can be sprayed with the chemical and the crops will not die along with weeds.

So, what does this mean to you and your family? The truth is, we really don’t know yet. The science has not been around long enough for studies to show the long-term health effects that consuming GMO foods might have.

“From a nutrition perspective it’s not hard to connect the dots from GMO crops to health issues.

We have exponential increases in digestive issues, allergies and autoimmune diseases today and GMO crops are found in so many of the foods and food products (soy, corn) implicated in these health issues,” says registered dietician Ashley Koff. “This is enough for at least 30 other countries to enforce significant restrictions or outright bans on GMOs because they are not considered proven safe. What we do know is that anyone eating GMOs is, in effect, a guinea pig in a very large health experiment.”

More and more, people are demanding transparency about what is in the foods they eat. One problem is that the FDA does not require that companies disclose if they contain GMOs, so it can be hard to tell which products have them and which do not.

What can you do if you want to avoid GMOs or at least know which foods they are in?

1. Learn more about GMOs at www.nongmoproject.org.

2. Look for products that have the Non-GMO Project Verified Seal. This seal means that a prod-

uct has been produced according to rigorous best practices for GMO avoidance and evaluated against strict standards. Companies like Nature’s Path, an early supporter and board member of the NonGMO Project, have products independently tested for GMOs in order to be able to bear the seal - in fact, they are the brand with the most Non-GMO Project verified products.

3. Read labels. The most common GMO ingredients are nonorganic soy, canola, corn and now beet sugar, including all of their derivatives like corn oil, corn syrup, soy protein, soy sauce and canola oil. Avoid products that contain these ingredients unless they are certified organic, as it is highly probable they are GMO. 4. Use the Non-GMO shopping guide to make your grocery shopping lists. You can find the guide at www.nongmoshoppingguide.com, and you can download it to take with you to the market.

5. Go organic. U.S. government law does not allow genetic engineering to be used in organic production or processing.

If you are concerned about what is in the food that you feed to your family, now is the time to learn more about GMOs and look for products that do not contain them. With a little time and effort, you can feel peace of mind that you are making the best choices for your family.

NEW YORK LIBERTY STAR * AUGUST 25-Sept. 7, 2011

dining

Man is what he eats.

Spicy Chicken Breasts With Fruit Ingredients: 2 teaspoons Jamaican jerk seasoning 2 fresh serrano peppers, seeded and finely chopped 4 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves Nonstick cooking spray 1/2 cup peach nectar 3 green onions, cut into 1-inch pieces 2 cups sliced, peeled peaches 1 cup sliced plums 1 tablespoon packed brown sugar 1/8 teaspoon salt 1/2 cup pitted dark sweet cherries Hot cooked rice (optional)

Swapping

Recipes

Directions: 1. In a small bowl combine jerk seasoning and one of the chopped serrano peppers.

Rub mixture onto both sides of chicken breasts. Lightly coat an unheated large nonstick skillet with nonstick cooking spray.

Preheat skillet over medium heat. Add chicken. Cook for 8 to 10 minutes or until tender and no longer pink (170 degrees F), turning once. Transfer to a serving platter; keep warm.

2. Add 2 tablespoons peach nectar and the onions to skillet. Cook and stir over medium heat for 4 to 5 minutes or until onions are just tender.

3. In a bowl combine remaining nectar,

half of the peaches, half of the plums, the remaining serrano pepper, brown sugar, and salt. Add to skillet. Cook and stir over medium heat about 2 minutes or until slightly thickened and bubbly. Remove from heat.

Stir in cherries and remaining peaches and plums. Spoon over chicken. Serve with cooked rice, if desired. Makes 4 servings.

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NEW YORK LIBERTY STAR * AUGUST 25-Sept. 7, 2011

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(Left) New York Red Bulls’ Dane Richards celebrates his goal in the second half of an MLS soccer game against the New England Revolution in Foxborough, Mass. , Saturday, Aug. 20, 2011.

The game tied 2-2.

libertystarsports

(Above) Milton Caraglio #9 of the New England Revolution reacts after he scored his second goal against the Red Bulls.

Darren Sammy

Sammy Gets Nod

D

arren Sammy was Wednesday re-appointed West Indies captain until year end, ending speculation over the 27-year-old St Lucian’s role in the regional side.

Without any fanfare, the West Indies Cricket Board announced that Sammy would lead the Windies to England for the Twenty20 International doubleheader against the hosts next month and would also oversee the away series against Bangladesh and India later this year.

“Sammy, whose initial stint as West Indies captain ended at the end of the West Indies vs India series, has been re-appointed captain – in all forms of the game – for the two T20s along with the tour to Bangladesh and India from October to December this year,” a WICB statement read.

Though the latest move effectively puts to rest the captaincy issue in the short term, it is likely to further intensify debate over Sammy’s place in the final XI, especially in the Test arena.

Ever since he replaced Chris Gayle last October, some pundits have argued that his lower order batting and steady medium pace were not enough to command a place in the squad in the longer form of the game.

In eight Tests since becoming captain, Sammy has struggled with the bat averaging 12.76 but has more success with the ball, capturing 19 wickets at 31, including a spell of five for 29 which bowled West Indies to victory in the first Test against Pakistan back in May. Under his watch, West Indies have won one Test, lost two and drawn five.

In 22 One-Day Internationals as skipper, Sammy has scored 162 runs and taken 17 wickets, and presided over nine wins and 12 losses.

West Indies will now head to England for the T20Is on September 23 and 25, before going on to Bangladesh and India.

Richards’ Brace Salvages 2-2 Draw For Red Bulls

D

ane Richards sent a strong message that he was fully fit and back to his best, when he collected a brace to lead New York Red Bulls to a 2-2 draw with the New England Revolution on Saturday in Major League Soccer.

The Jamaican midfielder brought New York from the brink of despair with a pair of second half goals that earned them a share of the spoils, after they came from two goals down at half-time.

The result extended the

Red Bulls’ winless streak against the Revs in Foxborough to 14 matches, which also includes four losses.

Milton Caraglio opened his MLS account after 15 minutes, when he converted his own rebound off a Bouna

Coundoul save, then added his second goal eight minutes before the break, heading home a Kenny Mansally free kick.

Richards reduced the deficit eight minutes after play resumed, when Tim Ream caught the Revs defence out of place with a culture feed, and sent Richards racing through on a breakaway to thump home at the near post to notch his fourth goal of the season.

Mansally earned his second yellow card for a wayward elbow two minutes later before New York committed play-

ers forward to search for the equalizer.

But the one-man advantage for the Red Bulls soon evaporated, when midfielder Teemu Tainio hacked down Grenada Spice Boyz’s Shalrie Joseph from behind to pick up his second yellow card in the 69th minute.

Richards secured the draw for the visitors with three minutes to play, when Joel Lindpere carved out a yard of space on the left flank, and drove a low cross into the box for him to turn home at the near post.

Chanderpaul Breaks Slump With Superb Century

S

hiv Chanderpaul stroked a wonderful, unbeaten century on Wednesday, to put Warwickshire in charge of their County Championship match against Yorkshire, and end his slump since arriving at the club.

The veteran West Indies left-hander finished the second day at Headingley on 167 as Warwickshire compiled 340 for six in reply to the hosts’ 297 all out.

With just 18 runs from his previous three outings, Chanderpaul turned the tide to lash 22 fours, in an innings last-

ing a shade under six hours and requiring 247 balls.

The century was Chanderpaul’s 57th first class century and ninth in County cricket, having scored six for Durham and two last year for Lancashire.

Entering the fray with Warwickshire in a spot of bother at five for two in the day’s fifth over, Chanderpaul carved out a chanceless knock to hold the innings together and steer the visitors to a precious 43-run lead.

He put on 68 for the fourth wicket with wicketkeeper Jim Troughton (27) before battering Yorkshire in a 111-run, fifth wicket stand with Tim Ambrose who stroked 66 from 81 balls.

When Ambrose and Darren Maddy (12) fell to leave Warwickshire on 264 for six, Chanderpaul inflicted even more pain on Yorkshire in an unbroken 76-run,

seventh wicket stand with Keith Barker (33 not out). Chanderpaul reached three figures off 156 deliveries when he pulled medium pacer Rich Pyrah for his 15th boundary and cruised to 150 by cutting left-arm seamer Ryan Sidebottom for another boundary.

At Northampton, former West Indies seamer Corey Collymore snatched three wickets as Middlesex dismissed the hosts for 276. The right-armer finished with three for 55 to restrict Northamptonshire after they resumed the second day on 145 for three.

At the close, Middlesex were 149 for three. At the Rose Bowl, West Indies speedster Kemar Roach made a tame debut for Worcestershire, taking one for 55 as Hampshire were bowled out for 179.

In reply, Worcestershire cruised to 112 for one at the close.

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aUGUST 25-Sept. 7, 2011 * NEW YORK LIBERTY STAR