Pressure Some TT Banks

IMF Warns That COVID-19 Could Pressure Some TT Banks

BY CALVIN G. BROWN, WIREDJA.COM

WASHINGTON, DC: The Executive Board of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) says given the unprecedented nature of the COVID-19 pandemic, under further strong deterioration of macro financial conditions, some Trinidad and Tobago banks could breach their minimum capital requirements in 2022. A report from the IMF following the conclusion of a Financial System Stability Assessment of the T&T economy in August, says banks could also face liquidity pressures in the event of a run on investment funds issued in their groups. The International lending facility says financial vulnerabilities include rising household debt, sovereign exposures, potential spillovers from natural disasters (including climate-related) or sovereign shocks in the region, and contagion risks between investment funds and banks. According to the Financial System Stability Assessment (FSSA), the T&T banking system was well capitalized

and liquid but exposed to sovereign risk and potential liquidity risks stemming from non-bank financial entities in the group on the eve of the COVID-19 crisis. Illustrative stress tests were run subsequent to the FSAP missions to quantify the possible impact on bank solvency in adverse COVID-19 economic scenarios. The IMF says while recognizing the progress made by the authorities, including to significantly enhance the anti-money laundering/ combating the financing of terrorism (AML/CFT) framework, the FSSA recommended they accelerate efforts to strengthen the regulatory framework for this regionally important financial system. Measures should include strengthening the independence, governance, and resources of financial supervisors; implementing the new banking regulations and modern, risk-based insurance supervision; and introducing systemwide regulation for investment funds while adopting a carefully sequenced transition to floating value investments. Macroprudential powers should also be adopted and used to attenuate banks’ sovereign exposures among other risks. In addition, climate risks warrant a comprehensive environmental risk assessment of the financial sector and the development of a green finance strategy. The FSSA reflects FSAP work conducted mostly prior to the onset of the COVID-19 crisis. The FSSA focuses on Trinidad and Tobago’s medium-term financial stability challenges and policy priorities. Given the FSAP’s focus on tail risks and strengthening policy and institutional frameworks, including contingency planning and crisis management, the FSAP’s findings and recommendations remain pertinent. The report is based on the work of joint IMF/World Bank Financial Sector Assessment Program (FSAP) missions to Trinidad and Tobago during November 2019 and January–February 2020. The FSSA report was completed on July 31, 2020.l

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MONEY MATTERS 7 Should I File for Bankruptcy Before or After the Holidays?

BY JANET HOWARD, 311BANKRUPTCY.COM

It may seem like there is never a good time to file for bankruptcy, but with the holidays sneaking upon us, it may seem like now is one of the worst times. If you’re struggling financially, money can be the last thing you want to think about during a time dedicated to family and celebration. However, filing for bankruptcy before the holiday can have its perks. If you’re considering waiting to file for bankruptcy until after the holidays are over, here are a few reasons you may want to change your mind.

1. You don’t need to worry about overspending.

If you’re already struggling with debt, you may want to file for bankruptcy before you do your holiday shopping. By completing the paperwork before you shop, you will be limited on the amount you spend on gifts – preventing you from falling deeper into debt. Many individuals believe that they will be able to erase their holiday expenses if they wait to file. Unfortunately, this isn’t always the case and more often than not you’re left paying a credit card bill you can’t afford. Keep yourself – and your spending – in check by filing for bankruptcy before the holidays begin.

2. You won’t stress (about money) while spending time with family.

When spending time with friends and family over the holidays, you don’t want your mind to be elsewhere. If you’re waiting until after the holidays pass to file for bankruptcy, you may find your mind wandering to what the process will look like, if you’ll be able to file, or how much your attorney will cost. Filing for bankruptcy before the holidays means you can get the process started and your questions answered before your family and friends stop by. When you aren’t worrying about the bankruptcy process, you can enjoy your time with the ones that you love.

3. Your gifts and bonuses won’t chance your bankruptcy filing.

One of the best parts about the holidays is giving and receiving gifts. You may even be expecting a large bonus from your employer or a monetary gift from your parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, or other family members. Unfortunately, these gifts and bonuses can influence your income, potentially making bankruptcy filing more difficult. Because each chapter of bankruptcy has salary limitations or requirements, a gift or bonus may push you over that amount and you will no longer be able to file for that chapter. If you file before those gifts or bonuses are given, they will not influence your income. Filing for bankruptcy can be confusing no matter what the time is. But when it comes to the holidays, you can get it out of the way before your busy schedule begins. If you’re debating filing for bankruptcy, you may want to seriously consider finding time to submit the paperwork before the holidays begin.l

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EDUCATION 8 NYC Eyes Cuts to High School Programs for Students at Risk of Dropping Out

BY ALEX ZIMMERMAN, CHALKBEAT

Gov. Andrew Cuomo on Monday closed all schools in nine city zip codes with COVID flare-ups — even while his child welfare agency has yet to issue promised guidelines for monitoring kids who fail to sign on for remote learning. Not long after the coronavirus began tearing through New York City in the spring, Karina Torres’ mother was forced to shut down the daycare she runs out of their Red Hook apartment. But when money got tight, 17-year-old Torres helped keep her mom and two sisters afloat thanks to a city-funded internship program that pays her about $200 a week. “I did have to help my mom with the rent and food and buying things, and that really helped out,” said Torres, a student at South Brooklyn Community High School, an alternative school serving students who have struggled at traditional high schools and are at risk of dropping out. But Torres’ internship funding could soon dry up. As the city stares down a gaping budget shortfall spurred by the pandemic, offi-

Brooklyn Frontiers Principal Alona Cohen said internship wages are a necessity for many students. Alex Zimmerman/Chalkbeat

cials are considering deep cuts to programs at “transfer” high schools, which are geared toward students who aren’t on track to graduate on time, and Young Adult Borough Centers, afternoon and night programs for students who can’t attend classes during the day and may be supporting families of their own. At risk is funding for a program called “Learning to Work,” which finances paid internships for about 3,000 students, including Torres, in addition to partnerships with community organizations that are embedded in schools.

Those community organizations provide extra staff, including “advocate counselors” tasked with building relationships with students, making sure they’re coming to school every day or engaging in online learning, providing individual counseling, and even helping students plan for college or careers after high school.

A 72% Budget Cut Mulled

Torres, for example, struggled with bullying before she moved to South Brooklyn Community High School and felt so much anxiety that she often couldn’t bring herself to show up. But her advocate counselor has met her at the school early to help ease her fears. Thanks to those check-ins, “I know I can go to that person with any troubles,” Torres said. “It’s not like they’re my teacher, and I have to tiptoe around issues.” Last fiscal year, the city spent nearly $42 million on the Learning to Work program, including $9 million to finance the internships. Officials have expanded the program to more schools in recent years, though there have been concerns about whether the funding was spread too thin, forcing cuts elsewhere. This year, the city is planning to slash the program’s budget by 72%, to $11.7 million, according to data provided by the city’s Independent Budget Office. The program currently serves about 17,000 students across 46 transfer schools and all 20 Young Adult Borough Centers. (The city has also cut about $9 million a year from its community schools program, a separate initiative that also infuses schools with social services and extra staff.) An education department spokesperson, Katie O’Hanlon, said the IBO’s figures were “preliminary,” and that a final decision about any funding cuts has not yet been made. “We are not eliminating the Learning to Work program,” O’Hanlon wrote in an email. “The funding level for this fiscal year is being evaluated in light of the pandemic-driven crisis that has caused the city to lose billions of dollars in revenue.”

‘A Living Necessity’

Cuts to the program may be attractive because some internships, including ones at nursing homes, had to be canceled during the pandemic. In those cases, schools have come up with virtual alternatives or other projects for students to complete instead while still being able to earn hours. But educators and staff at the community organizations said cuts to Learning to Work come at a difficult moment because many students at alternative high schools traditionally struggle to engage with school and often live in communities that have been devastated by the coronavirus. They’ve planned a series of virtual rallies in an effort to pressure city officials to avoid cuts. “People have lost jobs — those internships are not just a pathway to postsecondary success, but also a living necessity,” said Alona Cohen, the principal at Brooklyn Frontiers High School, a transfer school. The internships also provide an incentive for students to show up at school, since they only get paid for internship hours on the days they are present, Cohen said. Students have worked on advertising campaigns, for culinary programs, and even at a local space where students learn how to use laser cutters and other tools. She said her school’s community organization is so woven into the fabric of the school — for example, helping to diffuse conflicts between students using restorative approaches — that losing the program would destroy the school’s model. “We would have to redesign our whole school,” she said.

Dropout Hike Feared

Rachel Forsyth, a director at Good Shepherd Services, which partners with several alternative high school programs and receives funding through Learning to Work, said she believes the program has helped the city bring down absenteeism. The city is “a leader in this field and to unravel that is dangerous — what you’ll see is an increase in the dropout rate,” said Rachel Forsyth, a director at Good Shepherd Services, which partners with several alternative high school programs. She added that the non-profit partners also help with a range of other services, such as connecting families to food resources, extra money for utilities, or even funeral costs. “If you look at it as an equity issue, I don’t get how you make a judgement to cut from these schools,” she said.l

This story was published on October 13, 2020 by THE CITY.

IN THE NEWS CARIFESTA XV Postponed to 2022

CARIFESTA, the Region’s premiere cultural festival, which was scheduled to be held in Antigua and Barbuda in August next year, has been postponed to August 2022. The Hon. Daryll Matthew, Minister of Sports, Culture, National Festivals, and the Arts of Antigua and Barbuda, announced the decision on 8 October, at a virtual meeting of the Regional Cultural Committee. The Committee comprises Directors of Culture from the twenty Member States and Associate Members of CARICOM and Members

of the Interim Festival Directorate for CARIFESTA. “I have been having discussions with our international partners, our cultural stakeholders, our Management team and the Chairman of the Cabinet of Antigua and Barbuda, Prime Minister Gaston Browne, as they relate to the CARIFESTA XV and the potential challenges to hosting the event. The recommendation coming out of these discussions was as heart-breaking as it was unanimous. So today, while reaffirming the commitment of the Government and people of Antigua and Barbuda to hosting CARIFESTA XV, I must advise you all that we have formally written to SecretaryGeneral Ambassador Irwin LaRocque on our decision to postpone CARIFESTA XV for a period of one year.” Minister Matthew announced. He also updated the meeting that preparations had already commenced in earnest with the establishment of the CARIFESTA Secretariat and a Host Country Management Committee that had been carrying out their mandate with “enthusiasm, zeal and purpose.”l

Recall Widens for Diabetes Drug

Metformin/continued from page 1

Industries products, on Oct. 5. It involves the 500mg and 700mg tablets. More than 175 different drug combinations have been recalled since late May. Consumers can see all the recalled metformin products at the FDA website. The agency says that immediate-release metformin does not appear to have the same contamination problem. The FDA has been investigating the presence of nitrosamines, known to be a possible carcinogen, in the popular diabetes medications since December, when it was first discovered in drugs in other countries. The agency said this month they still do not know the source of nitrosamines in the medications. The investigation, and subsequent recalls, follows similar ones for contamination of popular heartburn and blood pressure drugs, also for nitrosamines, such as N-Nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA). The FDA says patients taking metformin products that have been recalled should continue taking the medication until a doctor or pharmacist gives them a replacement or a different treatment option. It could be dangerous for patients with type 2 diabetes to stop taking the medication without first talking to their doctor. The agency has asked drug manufacturers to test products before batches are released into the market. The companies must tell the FDA if any product shows levels of nitrosamines above the acceptable limit. The risks from nitrosamines is not clear. The FDA says they may increase the risk of cancer in people who are exposed to high levels over a long period of time, “but we do not anticipate that shorter term exposure at levels above the acceptable intake limit would lead to an increase in the risk of cancer.”l

WebMD Health News Brief Reviewed by Brunilda Nazario, MD on October 12, 2020

A New, Pandemic-ready Training for Restaurant Workers

The novel coronavirus has devastat- Rev. Sigamani and ROC-NY have The new management training isn’t the represent the organization at press coned New York’s restaurant industry, reevaluated the training that restaurant only program that ROC-NY is supporting ferences and events. leaving hundreds of thousands of workers need during the pandemic, and for its members through the pandemic. In addition, these workers also learn to restaurant workers unemployed or under- how to deliver this training via online The organization has raised $300,000 in sharpen their leadership skills. ROCemployed, while presenting new chal- classes. The result: a new management relief funds to distribute to restaurant United is led by a former New York City lenges to those who remain on the job. At training program with two tracks — one workers across the country. ROC-NY is restaurant worker, Dr. Sekou Siby, who the peak of the pandemic, many restau- for workers displaced from other indus- also surveying its members to find out co-founded the organization amid the rant workers have turned to the tries who wish to enter food service, and what other help they need. Many said grief of 9/11. Restaurant Opportunity Center (ROC) the other for experienced restaurant that they need mental health support, so ROC-NY plans to distribute a second New York, a service organization that has workers seeking to climb the career lad- ROC-NY partnered with the College of round of pandemic relief funding in the spent nearly two decades organizing and der. CWE is proud to support this new Staten Island social work department to coming weeks. The organization is also supporting the city’s restaurant workers. program. form a support group. pushing for a Right to Return policy for ROC-NY has stepped in to provide new Every element of the training course ROC-NY sees its workforce develop- restaurant workers to ensure that they job training programs, relief services, was developed with the pandemic in ment training programs as vital to its will get their jobs back when their restauand organizing efforts to help workers mind. Workers go deep on safe hygiene organizing goals. The classes build rants reopen. survive the crisis and prepare for the new practices, including what equipment to capacity among its membership and Recently, New York City has allowed normal. wear, how to sanitize front and back of make its long-term organizing campaigns restaurants to reopen indoor dining. For years, CWE has supported ROC- the house facilities, and how to maintain sustainable. While ROC-NY members are excited to NY through funding for the COLORS social distancing in the restaurant. The “We have to meet the immediate needs get back to work, they, too, are concerned Hospitality Opportunities for Workers classes also stress compassionate cus- of people on the ground,” says Sigamani. about the health risks and the impact on (CHOW) program, which trains workers tomer service and help workers build “These programs help workers provide their bottom line. ROC-NY will make for service and kitchen restaurant jobs. emotional intelligence to meet the for their families, but they get political sure that they have the skills and organizWhen the pandemic hit in March, those moment. education too. They learn their rights. ing capacity to weather storms, grow classes could not continue, and bringing “Restaurant workers are serving people They learn how to tell their story and to economically, and build power for workthem online was not a viable option. who are afraid of catching the virus, or tell the collective restaurant worker ers in the restaurant industry.l “How do we teach someone to cook a who are recovering from illness or loss story.” steak at home if they don’t have that of a family member during the pandem- Restaurant workers who come out of product at home?” asked Rev. Prabhu ic,” added Sigamani. “We teach how to the training program are not just ready to Get more information and news about Sigamani, director of ROC-NY. “How do provide professional service in these cir- serve the customer, but they are also workers’ news and issues at our you teach them to make a cocktail if all cumstances.” informed on how to assert their rights on www.workersworldtoday.com they have is water?” the job, meet with elected officials, and

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USCIS’ Changes to ‘Affidavit of Support’ Make It Harder for Americans to Sponsor Immigrant Family Members

BY WALTER EWING

The Department of Homeland Security has proposed a rule that would make it much more difficult for U.S. citizens and legal immigrants—especially those experiencing financial hardship—to sponsor family members for green cards. If the rule goes into effect, the process of family-based immigration will become even more cumbersome and restrictive. The proposed rule—published in the Federal Register on October 2—relates to the “affidavit of support.” Under a 1996 immigration reform law, anyone wanting to sponsor a family member for a green card must complete an affidavit of support demonstrating that the sponsored immigrant will not become dependent on federal public benefits. Under the new proposed rule, sponsors would have to submit extensive financial documentation to the federal government as part of filing the affidavit of support. This includes tax returns, credit reports,

credit scores, and bank account information. The federal government bills this new rule as a means of saving U.S. taxpayer dollars by keeping immigrants out of federal public benefit programs. But the reality is that most non-citizens aren’t eligible for most public benefits to begin with. Current law already requires the sponsor to provide financial support, if necessary, to maintain the sponsored immigrant’s income at a minimum of 125% of the federal poverty line. The sponsor must also reimburse the federal government for any means-tested public benefits the immigrant uses while the affidavit of support is in effect.

Under the new proposed rule, a sponsor also would have to find a “co-sponsor” if they used any amount of federal or state means-tested public benefits during the previous three years—regardless of their actual income at the present time. The proposed rule only has a 30-day comment period that closes on November 2. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services maintains that the new rule “protects American taxpayers” by ensuring that immigrants “applying for permanent benefits don’t rely on public resources.” In reality, most green card holders are ineligible for federal means-tested public benefits until they’ve been permanent residents of the United States for five years. The new rule is being justified based on a largely nonexistent situation. This new rule is not a cost-saving measure. Rather, it is yet another attack by the Trump administration on the familybased immigration system. Its purpose is simply to create new obstacles to familybased immigration—which has been the foundation of the modern U.S. immigration system for more than half a century. The new rule would also punish Americans who have lower incomes or who have had any financial difficulties in the past three years. This could compound the suffering of millions of Americans who have experienced financial hardship during the coronavirus pandemic by making it harder for them to bring their loved ones to this country. The United States is in the worst economic crisis in decades. It is unfair to create a policy that punishes Americans who had to temporarily rely on food stamps or other means-tested benefits in 2020. Such a policy could have the paradoxical effect of forcing some families to rely on public benefits because they are unable to sponsor family members (spouses, for instance) who could contribute to the family’s income and ability to thrive.l

Walter A. Ewing, Ph.D., is an Editor and Writer at the American Immigration Council.

FAMILY MATTERS Bill Would Clamp Down on Cops Collecting DNA From Kids

BY EILEEN GRENCH, THE CITY

Abill that would curb the secretive collecting of kids’ DNA by cops is set to hit the City Council Thursday. The measure aims to “prohibit any member of the NYPD from collecting a DNA sample from a minor prior to the lawful arrest of such minor without the consent of the minor’s parent, legal guardian or attorney,” according to a summary obtained by THE CITY. Councilmember Donovan Richards (DQueens), a co-sponsor of the bill, called the unhindered practice of gathering such material from young suspects “genetic stop-and-frisk.” “I see this as a major step in opening up the conversation of how do we reimagine policing in our city,” Donovan told THE CITY. As THE CITY has reported, young people detained at police precincts often face long hours in custody and interrogation. New York City police officers are allowed to collect kids’ DNA both overtly and through surreptitious methods, like from a used straw or a bag of chips

New York City police officers are allowed to collect kids’ DNA both overtly and through surreptitious methods, like from a used straw or a bag of chips — items often offered by cops to young detainees.

— items often offered by cops to young detainees. And although police are required to notify parents when a child is in custody, lawyers and other advocates say that’s not always the case. One example: the Halloween night detention of teen trickor-treaters in Carroll Gardens last year. The new legislation, co-sponsored by Councilmember Diana Ayala (DManhattan, The Bronx), would still allow for the collection of DNA from crime scenes and victims of crimes. “This is about young men like me who

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are growing up in a neighborhood who are criminalized for their entire life because of these systems that are put in place that are not only discriminatory and biased,” said Richards, “but also depicts ... young Black and brown minors as criminals.”

‘Secretive Methods’ Assailed

A demographic breakdown of the city DNA database has yet to be released, but over 90% of minors arrested in New York City between October 2018 and October 2019 were Black or Latino, according to a recent report. Lisa Freeman of The Legal Aid Society, the city’s largest public defender organization, called the legislation a strong step forward. “For far too long, the NYPD has engaged in secretive methods to take DNA from children without even securing consent from their parent,” she said. The move by city lawmakers comes just months after a contentious February hearing at City Hall, spurred by reports that children as young as 12 had been added to the database without consent. At the time, NYPD Chief of Detectives Rodney Harrison staunchly defended the practice, saying that “the use of DNA to solve and prosecute crimes is one vital way we advance justice.” The NYPD declined to comment Tuesday night on the new bill. While state regulations do not allow for the collection and storage of DNA from children — or anyone without a conviction — for its own database, New York City has been allowed to operate largely unencumbered by oversight. This has led to a growing database of more than 30,000 DNA profiles — 5% of which belong to children. Meanwhile, as reported by THE CITY in late August, at least one family court judge ruled that they do not have the power to intervene in DNA storage, even if the child is never charged in adult court.

A Call for Stronger Action

The February Council hearing led to a pledge by Police Commissioner Dermot Shea to conduct an internal audit. Just before the hearing, a group of the city’s own forensic scientists sent an email to the City Council, calling on an end to surreptitious collection of genetic material. In March, The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner, which runs the database, gave the NYPD a list of nearly 20,000 names to evaluate by the new year. As of September, over 4,000 profiles had been evaluated for deletion from the database, nearly half of which were recommended for removal. It is still unclear how many of those people were minors. The Council bill to be introduced Thursday doesn’t go far enough, said Freeman. “To fully correct the injustices born of these offensive tactics, we call on the City Council to pass legislation immediately outlawing all surreptitious DNA collection and eradicating the city’s rogue DNA index,” she said. The medical examiner’s office did not immediately reply to a request for comment.l

FAMILY MATTERS What If I Don’t Agree With My Co-Parent?

BY CHRISTINE CARTER

Dear Christine, What should I do if my husband and I don’t agree about family rules? For example, I really want to establish your no-phones-in-the-car rule, but my husband won’t enforce it. He often lets our kids use their phones when he is driving (or pretends not to notice that their phones are out). And when we are all in the car as a family, it’s too hard for me to be the one insisting that the kids get off their phones when they know that he will allow it. Please help. —Sabotaged Spouse

I know just how darn frustrating it can be when a spouse or co-parent doesn’t want to get on board with one of my fantastic (and science-based!) parenting ideas. This is a hard issue. We know it is much better for kids when parents cooperate—when we are all “on the same page” and we “present a united front.” There are mountains of research that demonstrate that conflict between parents is bad for kids, and collaboration is good for them. We all get it…right? And yet many of us struggle to get co-parents on our page. It’s so frustrating to not be able to control other people! Especially when we are right! I’m only sort of kidding. I certainly have given a lot of thought to what best parenting practices are, and the strength of my convictions is pretty mammoth. How can I back down when I feel so strongly? And my husband is also very strong-willed (and not a big reader of research or parenting books). So, again, it’s hard. And also: We must carry on. The first step is acceptance. We can’t change our co-parents, tempting as that might be to try and do. Trying to change a grown human is a fool’s errand. Not because people don’t change—they do— but because we can’t force change in other people. The only truly effective option is to practice what we preach ourselves, and hope it rubs off on our co-parents. (Besides my husband, I also co-parent with my first husband and his wife, my daughters’ stepmom. Fortunately, we are pretty naturally on the same page!) What has happened for me, and what I hope happens for you, is that the other parents in my life notice that the way that I parent works, and they can see that what I’m doing is rewarding for everyone. The kids respond, so my co-parents tend to be more motivated to mimic what I’m doing. However, I’m also prone to overhelping my co-parents, which kills their motivation. When we overhelp, we subconsciously send the message that we believe that they can’t do it without us. This can make them feel like they’re being criticized or like they need fixing, and that can hurt. People don’t appreciate it when their spouse (or former spouse or former spouse’s new spouse) don’t accept them as they are. Often, overhelping others gives us a false sense of power that can distract us from our own problems. As Anne Lamott says, “Help is the sunny side of control.” Fortunately, we can still help each other parent more authoritatively by supporting three basic psychological needs related to self-motivation: autonomy, competence, and relatedness. We can support autonomy by backing off a little. Let them make their own decisions about how they’ll parent, even when they parent differently from you. This means practicing acceptance, as they are probably already parenting differently, whether or not we “let them.” We can ask questions that help them build a vision for success and help them focus on the outcomes that they want. What does good parenting look like to them? How are they hoping to feel? And what will they need to do to succeed? Where will they need to ask for help? We can encourage their competence by helping them build the skills they need. Do they want you to teach them what you’ve learned? What you are reading about in this book? What you are practicing? No? Then take a deep breath and back off. Finally, we can foster relatedness by building a sense of family. How can you find security in doing something together? Can you create common goals and common values? How can you make it fun to do together? In the end, Sabotaged Spouse, the best thing you can do is to keep your own side of the street clean. When you feel frustrated that your spouse isn’t doing it right—or you fear that he’s undermining you—take a deep breath and turn your attention back to yourself, and to the things that are within your control. It is never too late for you to be the parent you want to be.l

Christine Carter is a sociologist and coach who answers questions about marriage, parenting, family and life.

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Jamaican Descent Actress Kerry Washington Wins Her First Emmy Award

BY STEPHANIE K, JAMAICANS.COM

American actress Kerry Washington, perhaps best known for her role as “Olivia Pope” on the television series “Scandal,” has won her first Emmy. She received the honor for her work as executive producer on the ABC television network’s Live In Front Of A Studio Audience: “All In The Family” And “Good Times” at the 2020 Creative Arts Emmys on September 15, 2020. The show received the award for Outstanding Variety Special (Live). Washington celebrated her win on Instagram, posting that she was “So proud of @simpsonstreet and this incredible cast and crew.” She launched Simpson Street, her production company, in 2016. She was nominated for four Emmys in 2020: three for her role as executive producer and one for lead actress. Her other producer nominations were for her work on “American Son” in the Outstanding Television Movie category and “Little Fires Everywhere” in the Outstanding Limited Series category. Washington, 43, was also nominated in the Outstanding Lead Actress in a Limited Series or Movie category for her role as “Mia Warren” in “Little Fires Everywhere.” She took to Instagram to thank everyone who watched the programs and “who fell in love with these characters and identified with these stories,” along with everyone who worked on the shows and put their efforts toward “making something brilliant and important.” Kerry Washington, whose mother Dr. Valerie Washington is from Jamaica, is very proud of her island heritage, stating “I bow down to my lineage, to my heritage, to my history and to my belonging.” She was honored with an Artistic Achievement Award at Jamaica’s 57th Independence Black Tie Gala and received international recognition for her role as “Olivia Pope.” She was presented with a Congressional Proclamation from

Washington Editorial credit: Joe Seer / Shutterstock.com

the United States House of Representatives member Yvette D. Clarke and has long been a favorite of Jamaicans on the island and in the Diaspora. She was honored by Jamaica’s Tourism Minister Edmund Bartlett, who invited her to visit the island for a family vacation. He went on to note that Jamaicans have been recognized for their work in cinematography, movies, and drama, and have provided the country with “great brand value.” Washington’s recognition was an indication of that, he added. Washington’s career breakthrough came in 2004 when she appeared as Della Bea Robinson, the wife of musician Ray Charles, in “Ray,” a role for which she won “Outstanding Actress in a Motion Picture” at the NAACP Image Awards in 2005. Over even seasons of the TV drama series “Scandal,” Washington received two Primetime Emmy nominations, a Golden Globe nomination, a SAG nomination, and two NAACP Image Awards. She is currently brand ambassador and creative consultant for Neutrogena. In 2013 she was ranked second on People magazine’s 100 Most Beautiful People list. l

Kitchen Corner Chef John's Chicken a la King

Chicken à la King is one of my favorite classic comfort foods. This recipe is easy to adapt—you can make it thicker or thinner by changing the amount of roux and having a little extra stock on hand. Usually I make this with leftovers from a large roasted chicken. Serve over pasta, toast, rice, or mashed potatoes. —Chef John, Allrecipes.com

Ingredients

Ingredients 6 tablespoons unsalted butter ½ pound sliced mushrooms 2 large shallots, minced 1 cup diced sweet bell peppers Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste ⅓ cup all-purpose flour ¼ cup dry sherry 3 ½ cups chicken stock or broth 1 pinch freshly grated nutmeg 1 pinch cayenne pepper 2 teaspoons fresh thyme 1 tablespoon chopped fresh Italian parsley ⅓ cup creme fraiche or heavy cream 4 cups cubed roasted chicken Chopped fresh chives for garnish

Directions

Instructions Checklist

Step 1 Melt butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add mushrooms and salt. Saute until mushrooms release their moisture. Continue cooking until moisture evaporates and mushrooms begin to brown, 8 to 10 minutes. Add shallots; cook and stir just until shallots soften, 3 or 4 minutes.

Step 2 Reduce heat to medium. Stir in flour to coat the mushrooms; cook until flour begins to turn golden, about 5 minutes, to form roux. Add peppers; cook and stir about 1 minute. Pour in sherry wine; allow to sizzle about 30 seconds. Stir in stock. Raise heat to medium-high and bring to a simmer. When it starts to bubble, reduce heat to medium-low and cook until slightly thickened, 10 to 15 minutes stirring occasionally. Add nutmeg and cayenne pepper.

Step 3

Stir in thyme, parsley, cream, and chicken. Reduce heat to low and cook until chicken is heated through, about 5 minutes. Check seasonings and adjust as needed. Top each serving with some chopped fresh chives.

Chef's Notes:

If you prefer your chicken a la king on the thicker side, increase the amount of flour in the roux from 1/3 cup to 1/2 cup.

Tips

There is no substitute for the dry sherry in this, except maybe a little splash of mild, sweeter vinegar.

This recipe yields 4 small or 2 large servings.

Nutrition Facts

Per Serving: 583 calories; protein 43.7g 87% DV; carbohydrates 20.8g 7% DV; fat 36.2g 56% DV; cholesterol 178.6mg 60% DV; sodium 832.7mg 33% DV.l Prep: 15 mins Cook: 30 mins Total: 45 mins Servings: 4 Yield: 4 servings

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