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Vol #15 10TH edition

oct 2017

Articles

Contents

Feature Articles

8 10 EASY WAYS TO HELP THE HURRICANE DEVASTATED CARIBBEAN NATIONS 10 DIANA MCCAULAY SPEAKS IN NY ABOUT PROTECTING THE JAMAICAN ENVIRONMENT 10 PAN AFRICANIST WAY TO ELOMBRE BRATH WAY 12 CARIBBEAN AMERICAN FASHION EXCHANGE

14 JANICE-LAWRENCE-CLARKE BIO 16 THE 5 STAGES OF BREAST CANCER, EXPLAINED 17 DAMIAN MARLEY ALBUM 22 CREATING BEAUTIFUL NEIGHBORHOODS 24 JAMIEL 28 THE ART OF TEAM BUILDING 32 SENATOR COMRIE ANNOUNCES LEGISLATION

RACHEL|KHADIJAH|TRACEY|CHARLENE pg.18-21

14 ABOUT THE CAFE SCHOLARSHIPGALA CAFE TO PROTECT NEW YORKERS IN RESPONSE TO EQUIFAX HACK

CHAIRMAN & PUBLISHER

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

PHOTOGRAPHER

LEGAL COUNSELOR

PHOTOGRAPHERS

CLIVE WILLIAMS

COREY MUNROE, ROLAND HYDE

MARK CRAWFORD

UNIVERSAL PRODUCTIONS

ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER

ART DIRECTOR

NEW MEDIA INITIATIVES

CHRISTOPHER C. WILLIAMS

CHRISTIAN XAVIER JONES

ROCKSTONE MEDIA GROUP

SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT

MANAGING EDITOR OF ONLINE MAGAZINE

CONTROLLER

ANNETTE GORDON

CHRISTOPHER C. WILLIAMS

MICHELLE WILLIAMS

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS ON THE COVER IMAGE ANNETTE GORDON - DR. CLIVE WILLIAMS BREAST CANCER SURVIVORS CHRISTOPHER C. WILLIAMS - PATRICK A. STERLING LEONARD MCKENZIE - JAHLISA HARVEY TAGGY-L - SHANTEL RANKINE - C.L. GODFREY MONIQUE C. - STACEY BERRY - MITRIA DI GIACOMO

INQUIRIIES

Clive Williams (917) 749-7613

wiaeditors@gmail.com

www.gowhereitzat.com www.facebook.com/whereitzatmagazine twitter.com/gowhereitzat

WhereItzAt Magazine is published monthly by WhereItzAt Media Group Inc. All Rights Reserved. WhereItzAt Magazine is a registered trademark of WhereItzAt Media Group Inc. Reproduction in whole or in part without written consent is prohibited. Views of editorial content do not necessarily reflect the views of WhereItzAt Magazine, WhereItzAt Media Group Inc. or its advertisers. For questoins, comments and concerns address your letters to: WhereItzAt Magazine • 219-10 S. Conduit Avenue • Springfield Gardens, NY 11413 or email:editors@whereitzatmag.com WhereItzAt Media Group Inc. 461 Elmont Rd. Elmont,NY 11003 Phone: (917) 749-7613 4 | PULSE OF THE CARIBBEAN PEOPLE

NOW CELEBRATING 25 26YEARS YEARS OF VITAL SERVICE TO THE COMMUNITY!

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PUBLISHER’S VIBE

GET ENGAGED OR STAND ALONE! L e a r n t h e i s s u e s t h at i m pa ct y o u r l i f e . no value or upside in giving of their time and talent, they see their communities as the responsibility of government – they only live there.

Clive Williams, CEO/ Publisher _________________________

ery recently while in a discussion with some former colleagues, I was roundly rebuked and my sanity questioned for giving my time to my community and the city as a volunteer. As a matter of fact, they were hard put to understand why I would undertake such a daunting task without financial compensation, and therein lies one obvious reason for the gradual demise of our urban communities of color; the very idea of giving back, or to use more progressive words, “passing it forward,” is losing its allure in today’s me first world. Although I tried valiantly to explain the satisfaction I got from serving my community and helping to improve the quality of life for all, my arguments fell on deaf ears. The notion of doing work without a guaranteed pay check is simply anathema to many who see

6 | PULSE OF THE CARIBBEAN PEOPLE

living hell. Damn! Now I need a civic association or a corrupt politician, maybe a community board, who do I really need and where can I find one? His But as I listened community needed closely, I realized speed bumps to deter that their opinions the racers, so now politics isn’t so corrupt after were uninformed, they, for the most part were all. How about my friend whose son went ignorant of their civic responsibilities and all abroad on vacation and got busted along with the issues around community development; his buddies in Singapore for marijuana and there was also an absence of social and political lewd behavior? Do you think he might need his engagement, a cold detachment from the events Congressperson? He’d better find one, and fast! that require thought, personal responsibility, time and dedication. People desire beautiful Look folks we are living in the USA, in the era and clean neighborhoods, but the government of Trump, if you never had to engage with the should provide them, they desire safe civic/social/political dynamics of life I encourage neighborhoods, yet again, it’s the government you to do so now, your future security and who should provide them. Safe streets, it’s peace of mind depends on that engagement. the government’s responsibility, yet when the Learn who your elected officials are, find your heavy hand of the government is imposed, they civic association or block association, if there complain of government overreach. is none start one. In New York City there are 59 Community Boards strategically located to So, here’s what my colleagues need to know – serve your needs, find yours, so you can learn you’ve got to get engaged by first learning about the issues that impact your life. Know who the issues that impact your life in your respective your Borough President is and discover a whole communities. Yes, I can hear the excuses already, new world of information and support not “I hate politics because it’s corrupt, and no just for you, but for your community as well. politician ever did anything for me.” “I don’t Get engaged - discover and utilize the variety listen to the news, it’s too depressing. “I can’t of services provided by local politicians and find time for meetings, there’s community organizations, and now that you better things to do with my time.” are no longer ignorant, I am sure you can better Then one day life happens, my appreciate why I volunteer my time, get engaged friend who lives on a quiet street now – somebody’s got to do it. with great neighbors and excellent property values was awakened ‘Cause that’s WhereItzAt! by street racers who discovered a new access road through his neighborhood that was created by a new development. His lives and those of his neighbors became a

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COMMUNITY & CULTURE

10 Easy Ways To Help The Hurricane Devastated Caribbean Nations Compiled By NAN Staffers

A man controls the traffic while a bulldozer clean a street of the debris left by Hurricane Maria, in Yabucoa, in the east of Puerto Rico, on September 28, 2017. The US island territory, working without electricity, is struggling to dig out and clean up from its disastrous brush with the hurricane, blamed for at least 33 deaths across the Caribbean. (Photo credit – HECTOR RETAMAL/AFP/Getty Images)

Javier places on his house next to a flag of Puerto Rico, a placard that read in spanish ‘Voy a ti Puerto Rico’ (I come to you Puerto Rico), in Yabucoa, in the east of Puerto Rico, on September 28, 2017. The US island territory, working without electricity, is struggling to dig out and clean up from its disastrous brush with hurricane Maria, blamed for at least 33 deaths across the Caribbean. (Photo credit – HECTOR RETAMAL/AFP/Getty Images)

In this photograph taken on September 27, 2017, ‘Antonio’ a survivor of Hurricanes Irma and Maria poses in a tented camp set up for those who have lost their homes in Green Valley on the French Caribbean island of Saint-Martin. (Photo credit – HELENE VALENZUELA/AFP/Getty Images)

Crew and volunteers load the Queen Elizabeth IV ferry with supplies and passengers for St. Thomas more than a week after Hurricane Irma made landfall September 17, 2017 in Christiansted, St Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands. Hurricane Irma slammed into the Leeward Islands on September 6 as a Category 5 storm, killing four and causing major damage on the islands of St. John and St. Thomas. (Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images) 8 | PULSE OF THE CARIBBEAN PEOPLE

French soldiers of the 19th and 31st Regiment of the Genie (engineer regiments) clear debris and begin reconstruction in Marigot, on the French Caribbean island of Saint-Martin, three weeks after the passing of Hurricane Irma in which 15 people were killed, on September 27, 2017. (Photo credit -HELENE VALENZUELA/ AFP/Getty Images)

aribbean nationals are still hurting more than a week after Hurricane Maria ravaged Dominica, the US Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico and brought flooding and damage to the Dominican Republic and Grand Turks, Turks & Caicos. Tens of thousands more are also still impacted by Hurricane Irma, which flattened the island of Barbuda and decimated St. Maarten, Saint Martin, Anguilla and the British Virgin Islands among others. The victims of these hurricanes across these islands desperately need your help. Here are 10 easy ways you can pitch in today. 1: Support the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency, the regional intergovernmental agency for disaster management in the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) here. This is the ‘FEMA’ for CARICOM nations. 2: Support The Caribbean Tourism Organization Relief Fund to assist other Caribbean countries affected by natural disasters here.

COMMUNITY & CULTURE 3: Support The Invest Caribbean Now Caribbean Hurricane Relief Fund here, which is raising money to support the immediate needs served by non-profit organization Samaritan’s Purse and other local Diaspora groups. 4: Support the One Caribbean Hurricane Relief Fund, by Pastor Gil Monrose who has been working hard to help raise funds and collect supplies for emergency support of hurricane victims. 5: Support the Caribbean Day Of Giving on Sat., Oct. 7th across the US Diaspora by calling in your donation or pledge to local Caribbean Diaspora radio programs and platforms. You can also donate here. All donations will go towards helping the emergency work of CDEMA. Caribbean Day of Giving is being organized by the Caribbean Diaspora Disaster Relief Coalition representing and promoting a collective Caribbean Diaspora response to disaster relief and recovery. The coalition consists of various community leaders and organizations and was organized to urgently respond to the current disaster resulting from

Hurricanes Harvey, Irma and Maria, but also with a charge to develop a long-term high-level structure that preemptively prepares to galvanize the Caribbean Diaspora community in times of natural disasters as well as establish official relationships that will ensure efforts are well coordinated and prioritize. 6: Support the FUND FOR THE VIRGIN ISLANDS, (FFVI), which has been set up by the non-for-profit organization, the Community Foundation of the Virgin Islands, (CFVI), in collaboration with USVI Delegate to Congress, Hon. Stacey Plaskett and the island’s government to support short-term relief efforts and to enhance the well-being of future generations. 7: Support United For Puerto Rico, an initiative brought forth by the First lady of Puerto Rico, Beatriz Rosselló in collaboration with the private sector, with the purpose of providing aid and support to those affected in Puerto Rico by the passage of Hurricane Irma and Hurricane María.

Development Association, (DARDA)’s Dominica Hurricane Maria Relief which is helping raise much needed funds to benefit the recovery, relief and rebuilding efforts in Dominica. 9: Support The West Indian American Carnival Day Association and the Caribbean American Center of New York (CACNY) donation drive for hurricane victims with nonperishable food and water as well as clothing and cash. Call WIADCA at (718) 467-1797 and CACNY at (718) 6251515. 10: Support the Las Vegas Latin Caribbean Festival Inc. Caribbean, West Indian Diaspora disaster relief effort on Tuesday October 3, 2017 from 3 to 7 pm in the Arts District in downtown Las Vegas. The group will be collecting items to be sent to areas affected by recent earthquakes and Hurricane in the Caribbean Article Courtesy of NewsAmericasNow.com

8: Support the Dominica-American Relief &

PULSE OF THE CARIBBEAN PEOPLE | 9

COMMUNITY & CULTURE Diana Mccaulay Speaks In New York About Protecting the Jamaican Environment Courtesy CIN TV

Diana McCaulay, Jamaican environmental activist and award-winning writer, will deliver the 13th Annual CIN Lecture on November 15th at the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture, New York. Her presentation to the Diaspora titled: “The State of the Rock: How do we protect the Jamaican environment”, will explore the current state of Jamaica’s natural environment and climate – forests, rivers, coral reefs – and the main threats to these natural assets, including climate change and poor environmental management. Diana will also outline ways in which the Diaspora can help to protect our valuable natural environment.

Chief Executive Officer of the Jamaica Environment Trust (JET), one of Jamaica’s leading environmental non-profit agencies. Over the past 26 years, Diana has led a wide range of efforts to educate Jamaicans on the importance of the natural environment, as well as organizing campaigns to protect the island’s special places and filing ground breaking legal action to build environmental jurisprudence.

The CIN lecture Series is a community forum for hearing visionary Caribbean leaders who reflect on regional affairs and provide hope and direction for the future. Over the years, the lecture attracts capacity audiences to participate in this unique exchange between Caribbean thought leaders and members of the New York Caribbean community.

Diana has received several awards for her environmental efforts, including a Bronze Musgrave Medal from the Institute of Jamaica, a Ripple Award from the Jamaica Institute of Environmental Professionals and the Order of Distinction (Officer Class) from the Government of Jamaica on Heroes Day 2016. She contributed to the Inter-Governmental Panel on Climate Change, which won the Nobel Peace Prize in 2007. She has written several critically acclaimed novels and is in the process of seeking publication for her first non-fiction work on her environmental journey, entitled Loving Jamaica.

Diana McCaulay is a founder member and currently the

For the past twelve (12) years, the CIN Lectures have been

presented by Prime Ministers of Jamaica: PJ Patterson, Edward Seaga and Bruce Golding, successful persons from the business community such as Lowell Hawthorne, CEO of Golden Krust Caribbean Bakery and Grill, Douglas Orane and Don Wehby of Grace Kennedy and cultural and political icons such as Robert Hill, Rex Nettleford, Ronnie Thwaites, Greg Christie, Peter Phillips and Trevor Munroe. This year’s lecture will be streamed live and rebroadcast on CIN TV reaching the over two million Caribbean-Americans in New York, New Jersey and Connecticut. For further information on the upcoming CIN Lecture Series, contact CIN at (876) 906-0432, (347) 448-4345 or email: mail@ cintvjamaica.com Diana McCaulay, CEO of the Jamaica Environment Trust (JET)

COMMUNITY & CULTURE Pan Africanist Way to Elombe Brath Way

By Leonard McKenzie

NEW YORK, NY— Elombe Brath who to many has been referred to as the walking encyclopedia of black history and who helped organize the co-naming of 125th between 7th and 8th Ave now has his own name enshrined there. This past Saturday September 30th would have been his 81st birthday, but the spirits of the ancestors watched from afar, including the many greats who have walked the streets of Harlem 125 Street.

different countries.

The Southwest corner of 125th street at the African Liberation Square saw many who Elombe touched came out to celebrate the unveiling. The ceremony not only drew from local politicians, civil and human rights activists but also included international members of political and human rights organization from

Earlier in his career, Elombe along with one his brother (Kwame) help formed the AfricanJazz –Arts Society Studios and launched the Grandassa Models and Naturally shows featuring women with natural hair.

10 | PULSE OF THE CARIBBEAN PEOPLE

Brath, a first generation from the Caribbean, (Barbados) brought awareness of injustice to blacks across the globe, he was not only a scholar but also soldier for Afrocentric causes. Elombe who journeys to most African countries brought his wisdom and guidance to help liberate those African countries struggling from white minority rule.

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FASHION & CULTURE

CARIBBEAN AMERICAN FASHION EXCHANGE™ By Mitria Di Giacomo

WHAT IS CAFE™ CAFE - Caribbean American Fashion Exchange™ (CAFE) is a JLC PRoductions economic development model designed as a sustainable marketing initiative for the sales and promotion of Caribbean-heritage and emerging American fashion and accessory brands. CAFE was created to provide an avenue for these designers to take their businesses to the next level through a strategic marketing program and consists of a series of events that would position brands before three targeted audiences – the general public, the individual customer, and the trade and industry. HOW DOES IT WORK?

Janice Lawrence-Clarke (JLC) with Consul General Kiva Clarke and Consul Donna Cox, Public Affairs and Culture of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago

JLC with Ain Earle , Fashion Arch Trinidad and Tobago wearing Donna Dove

Caribbean designer, Akesha Bowles (Montserrat) with friend Michael Williams

JLC with Freddie Leiba, celebrity stylist

Consulate General of Republic of Trinidad and Tobago representatives with designer Donna Dove

Barbizon models wearing Steven Daniel

Erika Rohrbach – Director of International Student Services, Fashion Institute of Technology

Mitria Di Giacomo – Brand Strategist & President, Nexus Plexus

CAFE commits to bridging the gap between participating brands and the United States market, by prepping designers for presenting their Spring/ Summer collections to buyers and press through strategic sales and promotions partnerships, that include participating in PoP-Up stores, fashion shows and displays, and showroom presentations. Upon registration, brands are vested with sustainable business development services such as tech-savvy spec sheets, email marketing membership and business directories. WHAT ARE CAFE™ COMPONENTS? A series of events that would position brands before three targeted audiences – the general public, the individual customer, and the trade and industry. General Public: CAFE Scholarship Gala CAFE PoP-Up Shop Individual Customer: Sunday Afternoon Tea & Fashion Salon Trade and Industry: Fashion Showcase during NYFW Spring/Summer Showroom presentation during Spring/Summer Market Week 12 | PULSE OF THE CARIBBEAN PEOPLE

JLC with Mitria Di Giacomo, Brand Strategist, Nexus Plexus and Ain Earle

continues on page 14

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FASHION & CULTURE continued from page 12

ABOUT THE CAFE™ SCHOLARSHIP GALA CAFE By Mitria Di Giacomo

Caribbean American Fashion Exchange™ is her education post-FIT to benefit home-country dedicated to the strengthening and development of the Caribbean’s fashion industry, through a series of targeted events that would position brands before several sales opportunities. An integral part of this development is education. To that end, we have established the Caribbean American Fashion Exchange™ Scholarship to the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT), for Caribbean students who live in the Caribbean to attend this prestigious New York institution. The scholarship will be given to two students at a time regardless of major or programs. A primary requirement for applicants for this scholarship is a 500-word essay describing how the applicant intends to utilize his/

and region while providing a sustainable tie-in with the global fashion industry. The proposed theme of the first show is THE CARIBBEAN at FIT: PAST, PRESENT & FUTURE - a fashion show that would present collections of Caribbean alumna who attended FIT and went on to enter the industry as fashion designers. The show will feature brands that have made, and are making their mark, and include recent graduates who are now embarking on a future in the fashion industry.

established with the Fashion Institute of Technology whose website is now open and available for contributions at http://www.fitnyc.edu/development/ index.php, Designation CAFE.

The initial requirements and details of the Caribbean American Fashion Exchange™ Scholarship have been Guests of the evening

JANICE LAWRENCE-CLARKE, PRESIDENT/CREATIVE DIRECTOR OF JLC PRODUCTIONS, FOUNDER OF CAFE CARIBBEAN AMERICAN FASHION EXCHANGE™

She relocated to Trinidad and Tobago in 1994 where she championed the development of a Caribbean fashion industry, a cause now being realized through the presentation of CAFE. A prominent figure on the social and fashion scene both as a journalist and as a fashion expert, Lawrence-Clarke revolutionized the way fashion events were covered in the print media by developing the Style Page for the Trinidad Guardian, and as Social Reporter for The Independent and Associate Editor of Ibis An international fashion consultant, Lawrence- Magazine. Clarke was recently engaged in a consultancy for the Development of a Strategic Plan for the Janice returned to New York in 1999 and Fashion Industry of Trinidad and Tobago, with successfully completed a Bachelor’s degree in the Trinidad and Tobago Coalition of Services Communications Technology as a Dean’s List, Industries, a division of the Ministry of Trade University Scholar, at New York University, Industry and Investment. She has worked in then completed the requirements for the the fashion industry since 1975 beginning Masters of Business Administration degree, as a runway and illustration model prior to with distinction, at American Intercontinental completing her first degree in Fashion Buying & University, with a dual concentration – Project Merchandising at New York’s Fashion Institute Management and Entertainment Management. of Technology. anice Lawrence-Clarke is the President and Creative Director of JLC PRoductions, and Founder of CAFE - Caribbean American Fashion Exchange™, a program aimed at joining fashion design talent and U.S. markets, and through which she has established the CAFE™ Scholarship Fund at the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT), New York. The CAFE™ Scholarship is to be distributed to two students who live in the Caribbean to study at FIT.

14 | PULSE OF THE CARIBBEAN PEOPLE

She was inducted into the international honor society, Sigma Beta Delta. Janice Lawrence-Clarke, with a keen interest in marketing and promoting culture, especially Caribbean culture, believes in the concept of economic empowerment through cultural development. To fulfill that belief, she partnered in the masquerade carnival theatre company, DRJ Vision In Motion, with the production portrayal of Mandela during the 2014 New York Caribbean Carnival. This year, in celebration of the Carnival’s 50th Anniversary, she will present The Mas in Fashion – A Fashion Parade, collaboration between Caribbeans in Fashion and Caribbeans at FIT with YET SHE RISE, a not-for-profit organization that campaigns against human trafficking in the Caribbean.

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The 5 Breast Cancer Stages, Explained Breast cancer stages tell patients and their doctors important information that can help determine the best course of treatment for the disease.

What are the stages of breast cancer? When someone is diagnosed with breast cancer, the cancer is assigned a stage. Breast cancer stages reflect the size of the tumor, whether or not it is invasive (meaning it has “invaded” nearby breast tissue), whether it has reached the lymph nodes (glands that are part of the body’s immune system), and whether it has spread to other parts of the body. All breast cancers are assigned a stage based on biopsy results, as well as other findings from blood tests and imaging scans. Knowing the stage of breast cancer helps a patient and her (or his!) medical team make decisions about appropriate treatment. Breast cancer stages also help patients understand their chances of survival. Here are the five breast cancer stages and the typical treatments for each. Stage 4 breast cancer At stage 4, breast cancer has spread, or metastasized, to distant sites in the body, often the bones, liver, brain, or lungs. This is called metastatic breast cancer. Although stage 4 breast cancer is considered incurable, new treatments are enabling patients to live longer with advanced-stage disease. Drugs are the main treatment for stage 4 breast cancer. Chemotherapy is typically recommended. Women whose breast cancers are hormone receptor-positive, meaning they’re fueled by female hormones, may take hormone therapy like Tamoxifen or an aromatase inhibitor to prevent their cancers from continuing to grow. Drugs that target specific characteristics of cancer cells, called targeted therapy, may block the e􀁷ects of enzymes or proteins that promote cancer cell growth. Less often, surgery and radiation are used to alleviate symptoms, like if a breast cancer tumor is causing pain. Stage 3 breast cancer Stage 3 breast cancer is an advanced cancer. It has spread to the lymph nodes but not to other organs. This stage is divided into three categories–3A, 3B, and 3C–based on tumor size and lymph node involvement. Any of the following can qualify as a stage 3A cancer, 16 | PULSE OF THE CARIBBEAN PEOPLE

HEALTH

according to the National Cancer Institute:

Stage 2B breast cancer can involve:

Either no tumor or a tumor of any size and cancer in four to nine nearby lymph nodes

- A tumor of 2 to 5 centimeters and small clusters of breast cancer cells in the lymph nodes

- A tumor larger than 5 centimeters across (about 2 inches) and small clusters of breast cancer cells in the lymph nodes

- A tumor between 2 and 5 centimeters and cancer in fewer than four lymph nodes under the arm

- A tumor larger than 5 centimeters and cancer in one to three lymph nodes near the breastbone. - A stage 3B cancer can be any size. The cancer is in the chest wall or the skin of the breast, which can cause swelling. It has spread to up to nine nearby lymph nodes. At stage 3C, there may be a tumor of any size, or no tumor, and either: - Cancer in 10 or more lymph nodes under the arm - Cancer in the lymph nodes near the collarbone - Cancer in the lymph nodes under the arm and near the breastbone Stage 3 treatments vary widely. Some people require surgery–either the removal of the entire breast, called a mastectomy, or a breast-conserving surgery called a lumpectomy–and radiation, plus chemotherapy and lymph node removal. Patients may have hormone treatment or targeted cancer therapy. Other patients may undergo chemo first to shrink the tumor, followed by mastectomy and radiation. Hormone therapy and targeted cancer therapies may be used when appropriate. People with stage 3 breast cancer will usually have surgery to remove at least some of the lymph nodes under the arm and may have radiation to treat lymph nodes near the collarbone and breastbone. Stage 2 breast cancer At stage 2, breast cancer is growing but still in an early stage. This stage has two categories. At stage 2A, there may be one of the following: - No tumor and fewer than four lymph nodes with cancer under the arm - A small tumor (no more than 2 centimeters, or roughly 3/4 of an inch), with cancer in fewer than four underarm lymph nodes - A tumor of 2 to 5 centimeters but no lymph node involvement

- A tumor larger than 5 centimeters and no lymph node involvement Although stage 2 breast cancers are larger than stage 1 tumors and may involve lymph nodes, they’re still highly treatable. Options include mastectomy or lumpectomy (sometimes called a partial mastectomy), plus radiation and chemo. Hormonal treatments and targeted cancer therapies may be given if applicable. Lymph nodes will likely be biopsied or removed. Stage 1 breast cancer Stage 1 breast cancer is invasive, meaning it has started spreading to healthy breast tissue. At stage 1A, the tumor is smaller than 2 centimeters across. It has not spread outside the breast, and no lymph nodes are involved. At stage 1B, there’s either no tumor, or the tumor is less than 2 centimeters, and small clusters of breast cancer cells are found in the lymph nodes. At this stage, treatment usually involves a breast-conserving lumpectomy, followed by radiation. Chemotherapy may be recommended for stage 1 tumors bigger than 1 centimeter. A biopsy is generally done to look for cancer in nearby lymph nodes. Stage 0 breast cancer Also called pre-cancer, this is the earliest stage of breast cancer. The most common stage 0 cancer is ductal carcinoma in situ or DCIS, meaning the abnormal cell growth begins in the milk ducts of the breast. Stage 0 breast cancer is not invasive, meaning it hasn’t spread to other tissue in the breast. It could become invasive cancer in the future. Stage 0 cancer also has not spread to the lymph nodes or other parts of the body. These cancers are usually treated with surgery alone or with radiation. Chemotherapy usually isn’t required. People with DCIS fueled by estrogen or progesterone may receive hormone therapy after surgery to lower their risk of developing invasive breast cancer in the future. Some people with DCIS may not need any treatment.

ENTERTAINMENT

Damian Marley Album n angel told me, Jah is hearing our prayers each day, regardless of our faith, and even though

so many of his children stray,our good deeds are never wasted. So believe it, or not you’re special in your own way, and your existence is a must! Are lyrics from Damian Marley’s 4th studio album titled “Stony Hill.” The youngest veteran of the legendary Marley family delivers love, vibes and Rastafari to a crowd of roots, rock, reggae, and dancehall fanatics. The “Stony Hill Tour” with both nights being sold out at New York City’s Irving Plaza, was a clear indication that music for the conscious mind is alive and thriving. A rebel with a cause, artist Kabaka Pyramid is the opening act for the “Stony Hill Tour.” He empowers fans with a song titled “Can’t Breathe,” which focuses on bringing awareness to a governmental system, that keeps its people stressed, depressed, and oppressed, so much that they begin to feel suffocated and hemmed in. His musical rendition of “Ring The Alarm” by Tenor Saw, fueled a fire within the audience, that a collective “ Bap, Bap, Bap” accompanied by two fingers in the air, could be seen, and heard throughout the building. Effortlessly showing lyrical skillfulness, Kabaka Pyramid connected with spectators, and encouraged fans to sing along with him, making his performance their own. With Damian Marley being the executive producer of Kabaka Pyramid’s forthcoming album “Contraband,” he is sure to leave a distinctive mark on this genre of music. A lively, and colorfully dressed Emcee, with an excessive amount of Rastafarian pins, buttons and beads approaches the stage at Irving Plaza “Are you ready!?” He shouts to the crowd, “Yeahhhhh,” they hollered back. “Ladies and gentleman, I proudly present to you, all the way from Kingston Jamaica, Damian Jr Gong Zilla Marley.” The crowd erupts with whistles and handclaps. Starting his show by chanting to the most high, Damian Marley sets the precedent for what was to come. He humbled fans with songs like “So A Child May Follow” and “Nail Pon Cross,” these tracks invoke listeners to, search within themselves, lead by example, and to refrain from being quick to judge. Performing his father’s classic hit “Is This Love” the spirit of Sir Bob Marley, entered the atmosphere and took over the show. When he performed “Welcome To JamRock” live, you understood why rap greats like Jayz & Nas hold him in high regard. The “Stony Hill Tour” is a complete package of rejuvenation for the mind, body and soul, equipped with background dancers, that are full of vigor and vitality, a flag man who stands firm, waving you into each song, and one undeniably talented musician, carrying the Marley legacy on his shoulders, like his heavy locks. Damian Jr. Gong Marley has rooted himself into the intricate music mainframe, while creating his own pathway within a musical dynasty. “Stony Hill” the album & tour is Damian Marley’s road to Zion, and he treads it well. Jah Rastafari! #OhhSoValid

PULSE OF THE CARIBBEAN PEOPLE | 17

HEALTH FEATURE

e Fac of a r vivo r u S

Charlene B.

t was October 14, 2014 when the Nurse Practitioner called me and asked “are you driving”? I replied “no”, at which point I was put on hold for the radiologist. When she came back to the phone she asked, “what are you doing”? I thought it was strange for a doctor to call and ask if I was driving and what are you doing? Anyway she again asked, “How are you doing”? Then, “what are you doing”? I answered that I was relaxing at home with my family and shared some small talk. Then came the words I will never forget “You have breast cancer”. Upon hearing those words I asked the doctor, “what do I do what’s my next step”? She replied “I don’t know I guess someone from your doctor’s office will contact you for further follow up. I hung up the phone still in shock and disbelief i turned to my boyfriend, who is also a cancer survivor, and said, “I have breast cancer”. I had to say it out loud to make my brain; my body and my mind try to understand what was going on. Not wanting to cry in front of him, I went into the bathroom. There I laid, in the bath, with the water beating down on me, going through every emotion crying and screaming. All I wanted to do was to wake up from this horrible nightmare. Eventually I picked myself up, got dressed and promised myself that I would beat this horrible thing and live to tell my story. My cousin Maxine, who was close by, heard my screams and came to see what it was all about. I told her and proceeded to call my sister to pass on the devastating news - that I had cancer. In telling her she said; “well you are not the only one in the family who has been afflicted by cancer” and she proceeded to go down the list. Getting angry and frustrated I asked “why wasn’t I told about this before? Then she told me, they wanted to keep it a secret. Anyway, I couldn’t focus on that, I had to put all my energies on myself and focus on God and my spirituality and figure this out. Whether or not I had support from anyone, I WAS going to beat it, MY way. I started reading about breast cancer and the different treatments as well as watching You Tube Videos on the different kinds of surgery that would be needed to recover. Having lost a friend to cancer in 2004 had 18 | PULSE OF THE CARIBBEAN PEOPLE

me nervous, sad, and really scared as well as questioning my own mortality. This was the beginning of my life at age 48. My mother often said, “if you want God to laugh, make a plan”. Now, while doing my research I came upon this surgery called DIEP Flap where they take off your breast/s (double mastectomy) take the fat off your stomach and reattach your veins to build your new breast/s. So when I spoke to the doctor about this, he said that was a very good choice and that I would be able to return to work within 2 weeks which made me very excited. So, after seeing the plastic surgeon the following week, I found out that I was a good candidate for the surgery. I had all the pretesting done and am now waiting for my surgery December 4th, feeling good that I would be able to celebrate my birthday on December 15th. On December 1st the hospital called to inform me that, due to the cost, Medicaid had not approved the surgery so, the option for me was to do the mastectomy, put in expander and do implants later on. I was furious, mad and angry. I had been let go from my job and now this! How many times am I going to get knocked down to overcome this disease? Frustrated, I went to LIJ to try and convince someone to let me have the surgery there, but to no avail. It is hard to stay positive when you are feeling defeated every step you take, but if you stay positive some hope will come your way. Not knowing what to do no, I called my aunt who gave me the best advice I could have gotten. She simply said; “go to Memorial Sloan Kettering Hospital (MSK).” Best advise ever. On December 2nd I called MSK intake line and I remember being asked, would I feel more comfortable with a male or a female doctor? I answered, “I want the best”. The Oncologist I was referred to was the best of the best. At our meeting she explained everything to me and gave me options, but my mind was made up. I wanted the DIEP Flap surgery because it had the best recovery method, granted that, the surgery was approximately 12 hours long with many risks involved. She explained everything step by step drawing diagrams to help. My boyfriend

suggested a lumpectomy to which she said NO and explained that; there were 2 cancerous lumps that were not close to each other, so this was my best option. We were both shocked. Up to this point I didn’t know I had 2 lumps. Again I had to go through the normal procedures of pre-testing and having my records forwarded over, while nervously awaiting the answer on my insurance coverage. To my delight, everything went smoothly and surgery date was set for February 10, 2015. The morning I arrived at 5:30am a patient that was in front of me, heard my doctor’s name and said to me; “you are in good hands”. That really comforted me and helped to put my mind at ease. With my Aunt and cousins in Jamaica praying for me, I walked into the operating room feeling confident. I was going to beat this thing called cancer. “Are you on any blood pressure meds.”? I was being asked as I opened my eyes, I also heard a lot of beeping sounds. Looking around the room I saw panicked faces looking at me. I closed my eyes as I had no recollection of what was going on. I later found that my heart rate went up along with my blood pressure was elevated causing the staff to panic. Then from far away I heard my surgeon say “you did well. I wish that all my patients did as well as you did” I smiled, still not understanding what had happened. A week after surgery I went for my follow-up and the Oncologist said: “I took off both breasts, as you may know, because both lumps had doubled in size; I also took out Lymph Nodes on the left side. (That’s where the cancer was), however they were not in the Lymph Nodes so the surgery was the cure. Yes I lost my job which seemed so trivial now, since then, I have beaten cancer twice - because, a year later I was diagnosed with Cancer of the Cervix! Thank you Jesus!

HEALTH FEATURE

Rachel D. I

Let me tell you this, I am usually the resourceful one to help and have all the Martha Stewart answers for sickness, heartache and heart break. I didn’t even know who to go to for help. I prayed and I asked God to help me, direct my I worked for the Administration for children’s steps to go for help to the proper person, I felt Services and fell victim to being laid off in like I needed someone to save my life! I took November 2008.I looked for work diligently, in a nap and when I woke up I called Khadijah August 2009, I received a job lead from a young Carter, I knew what she had been through and lady from my church that would land me a job was actually going through. I went to her and offer, however, this establishment wanted me to the first thing she did was cry and pray with me submit a drug test and a TB test, and i had to and assure me that all will be well. acquire them on my own. Khadijah sent me to Ralph Lauren Cancer So I go to Long Island College Hospital, which Center with my X-rays, once there, I met with is now closed, and I meet with a Doctor named a Doctor G, a mild mannered man who as soon Rissa. Dr. Rissa was one of those doctors that as he saw me, his words were, “stop worrying, you could tell right away she was dedicated please”. He states if he can see it on my face, to her calling, and cared very much about her imagine what it could do to my body, right there patients. After being triaged I went into her he gave me a 101 on worrying and why it won’t office where she greets me with a great smile and help. He suggested that I do a Biopsy, as he felt asks, “what brings you here today?”. I explain to confident in the films I came with. Taking the her about the drug test and TB test to acquire a Biopsy was the most painful experience in my part time job, she looks at me and says, “Ms. I life, I’d rather have a few babies to one biopsy, am not sure what is making me want to, but my That’s the truth! The biopsy came back that I mind tells me to give you a complete work up”. had Cancer and according to Dr. G, if anyone I am like, “No Miss, all that isn’t necessary, I just was going to get Cancer this was the way to get need those two tests. She expresses her wishes it (as ironic as it may sound) It was in stage 1 – again, and I say okay. She gives me every test in 2 and in his many years of being in the medical the world, including a Mammogram, which I field had never heard of it being caught like this, he said “An angel has saved you”. I explained hadn’t had one in over 5 years (bad girl). to him about Dr. Rissa and her determination The Mammogram comes back and usually with to do a complete work - up, he says that she this hospital the person who reads the film calls was guided by God and I was guided by God to you, however, Dr. Rissa called me to say, “Now listen : - )). I don’t want you to get upset because when you haven’t had a film in a long time, these things September 2009, I had a partial lumpectomy, usually come back like this, (there was something after which, I was lost as to what to do for after seen on the film), but we will do it again, please care. I began to work for the Department of do not worry!”. I take the test again and it comes Education and my new supervisor asks me one back the same. Now I am going crazy, because I day, “How is it that you haven’t taken any days never in my wildest dreams thought I would be off for after care?, I explained that I didn’t know in a place where there is something seen on an where to begin as the Ralph Lauren Cancer Center did not take the insurance I carried with X-ray, what to do? I truly didn’t know. my last job. The next morning that supervisor am a 59 year old mother of two young ladies who are 39 and 20 years old. I also have a 2 year old grandson who completes the three people who are the loves of my life.

sent me a list of 5 places I could go for after care. The first on the list was Memorial Sloan Kettering cancer Center (MSKCC), I called and although I had to wait almost 2 months for the appointment it was worth the wait. I waited because the other 4 establishments I called were wanting to give me January appointments. The renowned (My great) Dr. Simon Powell, who was also the head of Radiation Oncology at the time, suggested I have 22 rounds of Radiation, which was provided at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center and ended January 2010. I never had to take any other type of drug. I go for annual Mammograms instead of every 6 months now. That was all of 7 years ago, I am still Cancer free. I thank God and Khadijah Carter for the gift of Survival.

e c a F of a r vo i v r Su PULSE OF THE CARIBBEAN PEOPLE | 19

HEALTH FEATURE e Fac of a r vivo r u S

Khadijah Carter-My Story

was diagnosed with breast cancer 14 years ago when I was only 28 years old. I am a twotime survivor. My daughter was only 7 years old when I went through the first leg of my journey, today she is a college student pursuing a career in nursing. Since the time that I was diagnosed, I have used my story to inspire others who are going through various forms of adversity to see beyond their current circumstances. It hasn’t been an easy journey because there have been times when I wanted to give up, but I didn’t.

too. One way we did that was through family therapy so we could address the complexities of I have been blessed to have strong support dealing with an ill parent. It helped us navigate from family, friends, and my church family. My our emotions and fears. daughter, my co-survivor has had to deal with the precarious nature of my health. Sometimes Today my daughter is a junior in college people forget about how cancer impacts more pursuing a nursing degree. She is my inspiration than the patient, the co-survivors need support to keep fighting. recurrence, my faith resounds.

Despite having a mastectomy, losing my hair, and enduring other side effects of chemotherapy and radiation, and then dealing with a

e Fac of a r vivo r u S

Tracey Easton

My name is Tracey Easton, I’m 53 this year and silicone implant, so it had to be removed. very excited about it! There were some other options that I prayed and In January 2013 I was diagnosed with Triple meditated about over a one year period before I Negative Breast Cancer (TNBC), I subsequently agreed to have one more surgery, called a Tran had a mastectomy on my left breast and 12 flap in 2015. chemotherapy treatments, thankfully with no Like many, upon hearing the doctor’s diagnosis radiation. of breast cancer, it was the last thing I expected During my mastectomy, I did have an expander during an office visit; it was like a scene from a inserted in preparation for a silicone implant. sad movie. After healing some, I started the expansion with the silicone expander. Every two weeks I met I first found a lump in my breast while showering with my surgery who injected saline solution and preparing for work. After finding the lump, into the expander, once I reached a desirable I sat on it for a day or so before sharing it with size, we prepared for surgery to have the silicone my husband. I didn’t share it with my BFF for implanted; this process lasted over a span of two a couple of days as well. I then decided I had months. Unfortunately my body rejected the better show my husband, since it’s been a couple 20 | PULSE OF THE CARIBBEAN PEOPLE

HEALTH FEATURE of days and the lump clearly isn’t going away. I’m grateful it didn’t disappear; I may not be sharing my story today. The lump felt like a hazelnut in size, it didn’t hurt or really move around. As I think back, I felt this was a serious matter.

How I dealt with TNBC: There is a saying, “keep your friends close and your enemies closer.” Well for me, this is how I dealt with TNBC Breast Cancer. I felt the best way to deal with TNBC is to keep it close and learn about it. As a TNBC 4 year survivor, I believe that I/we could beat this. It was difficult at times, but I was up for the fight of my life!

The clinical trials I participated in - and why ?

change your life style.

I also encourage you to take up a hobby as A Phase III Clinical Trial Comparing quickly as possible, volunteer, travel and on the Combination of Docetaxel plus your good days, visit places you were not able Cyclophosphamide to Anthracycline-Based to visit. Chemotherapy Regimens for Women with As an artist I enjoyed creating jewelry, which I Node positive or )High-Risk Node-Negative, had started some years before. Then, I was not HER2- Negative Breast Cancer. able to put in the time to development this * Randomized sham controlled trial of weekly passion into a business. While I was on medical electro-acupuncture for the prevention of taxane leave, I was able to spend more time creating jewelry which was very therapeutic for me. It induced myalgia sand neuropathy. was also a way to deal with the neuropathy in * Topical Menthol for Chemotherapy Induced my hands and arms by the movement that took Peripheral Neuropathy CINP: A Randomized, place while working with the materials. Placebo Controlled Phase II Trial. Almost five years later and I’m still standing , * Prospective study to evaluate the effects God willing I will continue to share my story, of the chemotherapy on bone quality in encourage someone and be encourage by premenopausal woman with breast cancer someone! undergoing chemotherapy.

I realized earlier on that I had to relearn how to really live, think, feel, eat; be a career woman, a mom, a wife, a daughter and more. Also, I had to believe that TNBC was not going to define me, or who I was going to become as a result of In the beginning, I did have some fears of being TNBC. a guinea pig of sort and getting sicker, nor did Let’s Stand Together and Fight as One! For me, I was going to embrace the spirituality of I think I could help others as I was fighting for living - through prayer, laughter, loving, eating my life, especially since I was trying to wrap my healthier and learning to love me more than brain around having breast cancer. After praying anyone else. and meditating, meeting with my surgeon and the oncology staff, I decided to move forward Another important part of the healing process is with the studies. to stay busy and /or have some form of therapy. As a SW I knew the importance of dealing with I figured, what do I have to lose? So I focused any form of trauma in a therapeutic setting - on the positivity of participating, I conducted its usually beneficial to coping with the trauma. some research myself to better understand why It may be through therapy, self-help groups or people participated in trials while studying the taking up a hobby. pros, and cons. I utilized all three sources currently and believe that it has been very instrumental to my recovery.

I believed some of the pros were the benefits of extra care, varying techniques and a holistic approach to dealing with chemotherapy and This has been a great way to relieve stress and any associated stress that would come with my take the focus off being diagnosed with TNBC new life style. What really worked for me was and because of that, the discomfort in my reading other people’s comments on why they fingers and arms due to the neuropathy from the participated in trials and my determination to mastectomy and chemotherapy has decreased. fight this disease. I started designing jewelry in 2008 and have not I encourage all to do the same by being proactive been able to spend much time creating jewelry in their healing process. If you are not sure, due to the pace of life. As a result of TNBC, ask questions, be honest about the adversity while I have been home recovering, I have been you face, get second opinions, and be open to able to devote a lot of time creating Jewelry. PULSE OF THE CARIBBEAN PEOPLE | 21

NATURE & COMMUNITY

CREATING BEAUTIFUL NEIGHBORHOODS Editor’s Note: Our credo at the Queens Community Board 13 is simple but powerful – it reads, “It’s the little things that make the big difference.” No other words can best describe the incredible civic pride I saw on display in the Springfield/Jamaica (Spring – Jam) community where I visited with Mark McMillan in early September to help celebrate the achievements of their Block Association.

gardens. This small community was amazing on so many levels, they are home to a growing population of young people who participated with enthusiasm, they were all great hosts who love and beautify their community. The Beautification committee had the vision and tenacity to transform locations used for illegal dumping into beautiful Gardens which has positively changed the landscape and increased civic pride.

Bishme, Cheryl, Alan, Allison and Kim. The Beautification committee includes Ms. Ellis, Louise, Dawn, Melanie, Judith, Pauline, Trudy, Ronnie, Karl, Sheila, Sam. The Spring-Jam Block Association is grateful to the JFK IDID for its co-sponsoship of the block party.

We at Whereitzat Magazine take great pleasure in recognizing the Spring-Jam Block Association for their, “Commitment to Community,” and let’s not forget the Star of the Show, Spring-Jam resident Ms. Pamela Stevens who celebrated her We were warmly greeted and embraced by There’s a wonderful group of people who should 100th birthday at the Block Party. From all of us Kim Lawton, the Block Association President take credit for this: co-chairs of the committee Ms. Stevens, Happy Belated Birthday! who highlighted the work of her Beautification are Louise and Melanie while founding Committee with a tour of their Award winning members are, Dawn, Ronnie, Yvonne, Louise,

Pamela Stevens & Friend Happy 100th!

Kim Lawton - President of Spring-Jam Block Association 22 | PULSE OF THE CARIBBEAN PEOPLE

799 ELMONT ROAD, ELMONT, NY 11003

PULSE OF THE CARIBBEAN PEOPLE | 23

ENTERTAINMENT

718-484-1979

+New York, NY September 20, 2017. Jahmiel scores with his new love ballad, U Me Luv, produced by Dunwell Productions, which is garnering a lot of international attention. As he continues to show his versatile musical ability, Jahmiel also continues to gain new fans as a result of this single. “I was sent this song by my boyfriend after an argument we had, I didn’t know who Jahmiel was at the time, but I am now a fan” says Maria Gonzalez of Guadeloupe. The video which was released today on Jahmiel Vevo, directed by RD Studios, depicts Jahmiel torn between two women, but decides to follow his heart and must make the decision to choose who he will spend the rest of his life with. RD Studios was able to captivate the viewers with a mini film style video with a great story line to connect with the song. Currently gearing up for his performance in Portland, Jamaica at CB Foods Pan Festival and Fort Lauderdale Elite Festival on October 1st. Jahmiel was also recently featured in a mainstream publication MassAppeal as one of the top three dancehall acts right now making an impact in dancehall. MassAppeal identified Mavado, Alkaline and Jahmiel as the ‘game Changers’ of dancehall because of their ability to draw enormous crowds and present solid performances from a perspective of three uniquely talented individuals uniting for dancehall.

24 | PULSE OF THE CARIBBEAN PEOPLE

The home of the latest TASTEE PATTEE outlet at 987 Flatbush Avenue is open for business. Whereitzat Magazine was among the first customers to enjoy the ambience of the new flagship store on the bustling Flatbush Avenue business district. Though modern in design, the décor features a rustic brick and wood overlay that creates comfort and style and warmth on the inside, while the floor is uniquely attractive and comfortable. The new kitchen equipment and storage facilities is state of the art and conveys an atmosphere of safety and superior hygiene, all this is matched by a friendly and professional staff. Customers will be delighted by not only the famous TASTEE PATTEE but by the wide variety of dishes available. We predict that the residents of Flatbush and other neighborhoods will beat a path to TASTEE PATTEE, not only because its beautiful, but because the FOOD is incredibly good.

PULSE OF THE CARIBBEAN PEOPLE | 25

Breezes Island Grill Restaurant & Lounge 230 - 06 South Conduit Ave. Rosedale N.Y. 11422 Tel: 718-527-5012 / 718-527-5047 Email: Breezesislandgrill@gmail.com / Email:info@breezesislandgrill.com Roberto Williamson President

Enjoy mouth-watering authentic Caribbean cuisine, beautiful atmosphere with outstanding customer service.

Come on in and taste the Caribbean

We cater to all events

Weekly Event Schedule

Sundays: let’s do brunch 12noon to 5pm followed by our Seafood Sundays oldies night Mondays: late night eats - 6pm to 12am Tuesdays: V I B I N G Tuesday. Great food good Vibes! Wednesdays: karaoke/ comedy night (coming soon) Thursdays: Trending Thursday 6pm to 2am Fridays: Social Friday, the after work jam!! 5pm to 3am Saturdays: Ladies Night Come and celebrate your special Events with us. Your birthdays, Weddings and special Anniversaries Happy Hour Specials - Every Day from 5pm to 9pm 26 | PULSE OF THE CARIBBEAN PEOPLE

PULSE OF THE CARIBBEAN PEOPLE | 27

ENTREPRENEURSHIP

The Art of Team Building

By Stacey Berry Photo Credit: WOCinTech Chat

here is no challenge in collaborating or building with those who are easy to get along with but how well do you work with difficult people? Your ability to get along with difficult people is essential for your success in business. You are bound to come across clients and employees who are challenging. These are the people who will do one or all of the following:

or who to make the appropriate referrals to. Give more than you take by sharing ideas and resources with other entrepreneurs. Be careful not to give too much those who only take. Focus on what you can bring to the table. Assess the kind of value that you can provide to others rather than what you can receive for yourself.

Build relationships by connecting people who can add value to one another is a key part of • Underestimate your intellectual ability being a team builder. Team builders are great at connecting the dots. They are knowledgeable in • Insult you a specific subjects and enjoy sharing knowledge • Spread false information about you and with others. Having the ability to understand how different dots connect or work together, your company requires bringing the right people with the right • Refuse to pay for services you provide knowledge to the table. An essential component of team building is collaboration. For example at • Steal your intellectual property a health conference on Breast Cancer for one of • Test your character my clients, we brought together a wide spectrum of professionals. We collaborated with students • Take advantage of your kindness from various universities, doctors, nutritionists, How you chose to respond to these kinds of skin care specialist and other support groups people will either help or hurt your business. with one common goal-raise awareness about You cannot allow challenges you face in life or the factors that contribute to breast cancer. business prevent you for doing your best. You will need the skills of those who are easy and difficult to work with to help you expand your business. Be careful of those whose goal is to tear down your business. You must be selective with you who put on your “core team” to help you build your business. Select people who truly have you and company’s best interest at heart. Select people who have a strong track record of helping other entrepreneurs. Assess who you should ask for help 28 | PULSE OF THE CARIBBEAN PEOPLE

Some people avoid collaborating with similar companies because of fear of them taking your ideas. Fear of collaboration will block you from growing as an entrepreneur. Each person has their own unique DNA, perspective and ideas that can add value to what you do. Once you improve your collaboration skills you will become a stronger team builder. Entrepreneurs work in silos with no support or try to do everything on their own, will have a hard time becoming sustainable and profitable. When you work with others and build strong alliances, you will expand your client base, market, and strengthen your credibility. Remember there is on I in TEAM and as the saying goes “Together Everyone Achieves More.” If you desire to leave your mark on this world as an entrepreneur, invest in learning the art of effective team building. Stacey Berry is the founder and CEO of BStellar Consulting Group, which provides soft skills and community development workshops. Stacey helps her clients connect to their inner confidence and inspires them to IGNITE their Inner Essence. Her company also provides consulting services in public relations and event management for non-profit and private companies. Visit her at www.bstellargroup.com and follow her at: Twitter: @bstellargroup Facebook: Bstellar Consulting Group

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REFLECTIONS

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LAUGH

UT LOUD! BY TAGGY-L

A woman brought a very limp parrot into a veterinary surgeon. As she lay her pet on the table, the vet pulled out his stethoscope and listened to the bird’s chest. After a moment or two, the vet shook his head sadly and said, “I’m so sorry, Polly has passed away.” The distressed owner wailed, “Are you sure? I mean, you haven’t done any testing on him or anything. He might just be in a coma or something.” The vet rolled his eyes, shrugged, turned and left the room, returning a few moments later with a beautiful black Labrador. As the bird’s owner looked on in amazement, the dog stood on his hind legs, put his front paws on the examination table and sniffed the dead parrot from top to bottom. He then looked at the vet with sad eyes and shook his head. The vet took the dog out, but returned a few moments later with a cat. The cat jumped up and also sniffed delicately at the bird. The cat sat back, shook its head, meowed and ran out of the room. The vet looked at the woman and said, “I’m sorry, but like I said, your parrot is most definitely 100% certifiably dead.” He then turned to his computer terminal, hit a few keys and produced a bill which he handed to the woman.The parrot’s owner, still in shock, took the bill. “$150! she cried, $150 just to tell me my bird is dead!!” The vet shrugged. “If you’d taken my word for it the bill would only have been $20, but what with the Lab report and the Cat scan......” PULSE OF THE CARIBBEAN PEOPLE | 31

COMMUNITY & POLITICS

Senator Comrie Announces Legislation To Protect New Yorkers In Response to Equifax Hack Albany, NY — New York State Senator Leroy Comrie, Ranking Member on the Consumer Protection Committee, announced the introduction of legislation in response to the Equifax hack that potentially compromised sensitive information for 143 million American consumers. Senator Comrie’s legislation would expedite the time in which a data breach must be reported, help assist and protect consumers in dealing with the theft of their personal information and provide clear state regulation over consumer credit reporting agencies.

company’s public disclosure of the attack, during which three Equifax executives sold nearly two million worth of company stock within days of discovery.

“From the initial Equifax hack to the company’s inadequate response, it is clear that New York State should be doing much more to incentivize businesses to better protect consumer data,” said Senator Leroy Comrie. “In the ever evolving world of emerging technology, it is imperative that safeguards are in place to prevent personal information like social security numbers and banking information from so easily ending up in the hands of hackers.”

This freeze must happen with 7 days of the credit reporting agency first learning about a breach; consumers themselves must be notified of the freeze within 7 days as well.

Placing an automatic security freeze on consumer credit reports and waives the fee for consumers to unfreeze their credit report. (S.6879)

Credit reporting agencies have never been subject to regulation by DFS, which is why public hearings and committee meetings play an especially vital role and allow advocacy groups and constituents to voice their concerns before any rules are enacted into law.

This bill instructs DFS to regulate consumer Creates a new law to require credit reporting credit reporting agencies by requiring licensing agencies that have experienced a breach to place of credit reporting agencies, and allowing the a free 90 day security freeze on all consumer’s Department to examine the books and records of consumer reporting agencies. credit reports that were affected.

Consumers can request to lift the freeze at their option, at no cost to them.

On Thursday, September 28th, the Senate Committee on Consumer protection will conduct a public hearing to investigate how to best protect consumers, such as seniors and internet users, from the theft of their personal information.

Additional background: Providing a clear regulatory mandate over consumer credit reporting agencies to the On September 7th, Equifax reported that hackers gained access to company data that Department of Financial Services. (S.6878) potentially compromised sensitive information Senator Comrie’s proposals include: After the Equifax breach, there was a broad sense for nearly 44% of the U.S. population. The Requiring consumer credit reporting agencies to of uncertainty by experts and lawmakers as to breach included: social security numbers, driver’s disclose data breach within 15 days of discovery. which federal regulator, if any, is charged with license numbers, names, addresses, birth dates. the responsibility to monitor and do regular Keys that unlock consumers’ medical histories, (S.6880) supervision. bank accounts, and employee accounts have Current state law does not provide a concrete also been compromised. Credit card numbers timeline of when notification must be provided Although Governor Cuomo has proposed rules for 209,000 consumers, and documents with to consumers after a data breach has taken place. to regulate consumer credit reporting agencies, personal information used in disputes for the importance of the legislative process must 182,000 people were also stolen. There was at least a 6-week lag between the not be ignored. discovery of the Equifax data breach and the

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ENTERTAINMENT

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FOOD & CULTURE

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Mark Crawford, Esq.

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