VOTE JOE BIDEN & KAMALA HARRIS ON NOVEMBER 3
VISIT WWW.CAWNYC.COM FOR THE LATEST CARIBBEAN NEWS, IMMIGRATION UPDATES, VIEWPOINTS, ENTERTAINMENT & MORE! LIKE US ON FACEBOOK @CAWNYC!
FREE
A D.B.A. OF I.Q. INC.
ISSUE 110 VOLUME 19
Oct 29, 2020
SERVING THE CARIBBEAN AND HISPANIC COMMUNITIES! VOTE ON NOV 3 LIKE YOUR LIFE DEPENDS ON IT!
Voting is a Must. There Is Too Much at Stake Not to Vote. BY VICTORIA FALK, SPECIAL TO CAW
T
he United States 2020 Presidential Election is here, and every Black person eligible to do so must exercise their right to vote. Whether you vote by mail-in voting, absentee ballot, or at the polls, you must vote. How could we endure months of protests to state claim to the fact that Black lives matter, following the deaths of a growing number of unarmed Blacks
Obama Gives Us the Best Reasons to Dump Trump ....3
Editorial credit: Christos S / Shutterstock.com
continued on page 4
Early Voting Starts Oct 24. Vote Safely & Know Your Rights! ....5
AOC: Focus Must be on Winning White House for Biden ....22
Knowledge is Power when you use it! Get a FREE  Consultation! Ask the Lawyer:
Call 855-768-8845 Councilmember Samuels Blasts NYCHA for Its Failures ....9
We endorse the Biden-Harris Ticket in the November 3 Elections. Time to end the nightmare, chaos and pure evil of the Donald Trump and his administration!
Brian Figeroux, Esq., Member, American Immigration Lawyers Association Ending Poverty in the Caribbean & Latin America ....2
Early Voting: Anthony Branch Voted for the First Time ....21
Breast Cancer Screening is Still Important During COVID ....20
Queen to Honor BritishJamaican Gospel Singer ....15
Getting Rid of Your Debts ....7
VISIT WWW.CAWNYC.COM FOR THE LATEST CARIBBEAN NEWS, IMMIGRATION UPDATES, VIEWPOINTS, ENTERTAINMENT & MORE!LIKE US ON FACEBOOK @CAWNYC!
CARIBBEAN SPECIAL NEWS REPORT Caribbean Consulates Anguilla 845 Third Avenue New York, N.Y. 10022 Tel: 212-745-0200 Antigua & Barbuda 305 East 47th Street, Suite 6A New York, N.Y. 10020 Tel: 212-541-4117
2
Closing the Digital Gap to End Poverty in Latin America and the Caribbean BY CARLOS FELIPE JARAMILLO
The Bahamas 231 East 46th Street New York, N.Y. 10017 Tel: 212-421-6420 Barbados 820 Second Avenue, 5th Floor New York, N.Y. 10017 Tel: 212-551-4325 Belize 675 Third Avenue, Suite 1911 New York, N.Y. 10017 Tel: 212-593-0999 Dominica 800 Second Avenue, Suite 400H New York, N.Y. 10017 Tel: 212-949-0853 Dominican Republic 1500 Broadway, Suite 410 New York, N.Y. 10036 Tel: 212-599-8478 Grenada 685 Third Avenue, Suite 1101 New York, N.Y. 10017 Tel: 212-599-0301 Guyana 308 West 38th Street New York, N.Y. 10018 Tel: 212-947-5119 Haiti 815 Second Avenue,6th Floor New York, N.Y. 10017 Tel: 212-697-9767 Jamaica 767 Third Avenue, 2nd Floor New York, N.Y. 10017 Tel: 212-935-9000 Martinique 444 Madison Avenue, 16th Floor New York, N.Y. 10022 Tel: 212-838-6887 Montserrat 845 Third Avenue New York, N.Y. 10022 Tel: 212-745-0200 Panama 1212 Avenue of the Americas, 20th Floor New York, N.Y. 10036 Tel: 212-840-2450 St. Kitts & Nevis 414 East 75th Street, 5th Floor New York, N.Y. 10021 Tel: 212-535-5521 St. Lucia 800 Second Avenue, 9th Floor New York, N.Y. 10007 Tel: 212-697-9360 St. Maarten 675 Third Avenue, Suite 1807 New York, N.Y. 10017 Tel: 800-786-2278 St. Vincent & The Grenadines 801 Second Avenue, 21st Floor New York, N.Y. 10017 Tel: 212-687-4981 Trinidad & Tobago 125 Maiden Lane, 4th Floor New York, N.Y. 10038 Tel: 212-682-7272 For more Consulate information go to www.cawnyc.com/directory
T
he digital economy, connectivity and the possibilities offered by remote work have emerged as a shelter from the devastating effects of the Covid-19 pandemic for many social and economic sectors of Latin America and the Caribbean. But not everyone has access to such protections. Access to Internet broadband is less than 50 percent in the region, which leads to digital exclusion and limited opportunities for many. There has been talk of the "digital poor" for some time. In these times of Covid-19, this means that millions of people — far too many — do not have access to many benefits including remote employment opportunities, financial services, online education and vocational training. The nature of work is changing and there are trends that will persist even after the pandemic. Digital platforms, for example, offer previously unimaginable opportunities for professionals, service providers, independent workers, and small producers and traders in rural communities. In addition to the domestic market, there are enormous possibilities for offering products and services on the international market. However, getting aboard the digital economy train will require expanding connectivity. The recent World Bank report, Going Viral: Covid-19 and the Accelerated Transformation of Jobs in Latin America and the Caribbean highlights the vital importance of greatly expanding Internet access and the penetration of smart telephony in the new work environment. Unfortunately, our region lags behind others around the world. It is a digital divide that exacerbates inequities rather than promote equality. Challenges that must be immediately addressed include closing that gap, promoting human capital development and creating opportunities in the labor market of the future for the enormous mass of workers in the informal economy, which has been hit hard by the pandemic. Every year since 1993, we have observed the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty on October 17. It is a good opportunity to highlight the challenges of this new form of exclusion. This must be urgently addressed for inclusive growth in the region - growth that offers opportunities for all and an escape from poverty for the most vulnerable sectors. The pandemic had a huge impact on Latin America, with a projected 7.9 percent decline in regional GDP in 2020. Some 25 million jobs could disappear. In terms of poverty, we’ve lost much of the gains made during the past two decades. According to our estimates, which are
included in the recent semi-annual report The Cost of Staying Healthy, more than 50 million people could slip back into poverty this year. It is a frankly bleak scenario, aggravated by the limited fiscal capacity that the countries of the region have today. Everyone connected Job creation is the most effective way to eradicate poverty, making it essential to invigorate the economies of the region as we face the post-pandemic recovery. This requires promoting production, trade and the supply of services, much of which are already digitally based. However, to take advantage of the growth opportunities in many economic sectors, we must promote innovation, improve productivity and — above all — boost digital inclusion. Sales through ecommerce platforms, online services and the survival of thousands of small and medium-sized businesses during the social distancing stage were made possible by Internet access in millions of households. Many more must be connected, and we are working hard to make this happen. The World Bank approved a US$94-million program in June to support digital transformation and inclusion in the Caribbean. Additionally, a digital acceleration project for US$60 million was
recently approved for Haiti. In Brazil, we are advising the government on the registration of informal workers through the use of digital identity systems to enable them to receive financial assistance. The reconstruction phase in our countries will require more programs like these. During the emergency, the governments of the region must use limited resources efficiently. Direct assistance to the most vulnerable sectors will probably be needed for some time to come, but it will also be essential to reduce public debt to sustainable levels. These priorities will compete with the investments required to create jobs and develop the infrastructure needed to rebuild economies, as well as the support necessary to improve Internet connectivity and broadband access. The benefits will be both immediate and long-term. Guaranteeing better Internet access for everyone is equivalent to multiplying educational, training and employment opportunities for the population. In other words, it will equip the population with more tools to address the enormous challenges of the future. l Carlos Felipe Jaramillo is the Vice President of the World Bank for Latin America and the Caribbean
A 501 (c)(3) approved organization
We unlock the potential power of your communications. lRadio Host Training & Streaming lIntroduction to Investigative Journalism lPodcast Training & Production lMarketing Concepts: Print & Online lBlogging Boot Camp lNewsletter Development Boot Camp lWebsite Business Plan Design Concepts lEvent Planning & Strategies
Partners:
Visit www.nycmt.org
VISIT WWW.CAWNYC.COM FOR THE LATEST CARIBBEAN NEWS, IMMIGRATION UPDATES, VIEWPOINTS, ENTERTAINMENT & MORE! LIKE US ON FACEBOOK @CAWNYC!
3
THOUGHTS
Obama Gives Us One of the Best Reasons to Dump Trump
My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge. —Hosea 4:6
BY DEAN OBEIDALLAH
Managing Editor & Editor-in-Chief
TEAM
Publisher I.Q. INC. Pearl Phillip
T
here are just so many reasons why millions want to defeat Donald Trump this election. And now former President Barack Obama, who was back on the campaign trail last week in support of his former Vice President Joe Biden and running mate Kamala Harris, has served up one more. In his speeches, Obama highlighted an array of issues that merit dumping Trump, including Trump's incompetent response to the deadly pandemic and the questions about his business empire. Obama used humor to drive the point home: "Listen, can you imagine, if I had had a secret Chinese bank account when I was running for reelection? You think Fox News might have been a little concerned about that?" Obama quipped, "They would have called me 'Beijing Barry,'" eliciting a wave of car horns beeping in approval at his drive-in rally. But the moment that deeply resonated with me — and I'm betting with so many others — was when the former President told the crowd that with Biden in the White House, "It won't be so exhausting." With Biden and Harris at the helm, said Obama, "you're not going to have to think about the crazy things they said every day." While none of us actually need examples of Trump's outrageous conduct, Obama flagged a few for the audience: "You'll be able to go about your lives, knowing that the President is not going to suggest injecting bleach, or retweet conspiracy theories about secret cabals running the world. Or claiming, or retweeting the claim, the Navy SEALS didn't actually kill bin Laden." (And yes, just weeks ago Trump retweeted a baseless conspiracy theory that the Navy SEALs did not actually kill bin laden but instead killed a body double, prompting one of the Navy Seals on that famous mission to tweet at Trump, "Very brave men said [goodbye] to their kids to go kill Osama bin Laden...It was not a body double.") Obama is right. Trump's daily antics are exhausting. We went from "No
Legal Advisor Brian Figeroux, Esq. Assistant Editor Marilyn Silverman Graphic & Website Designers Praim Samsoondar Anvaar Sabirov Interns Sharif Tyler Casey Tong
Editorial credit: Evan El-Amin / Shutterstock.com
Obama Calls Trump Behavior ‘Not Normal’ As He Pitches ‘Normal President’ Biden Drama Obama" to "Drama King Donald." Not sure about you, but Trump is aging me. The four years of his presidency have probably taken eight years off my life! My blood pressure is higher than Trump's now and ironically Trump is to blame for it. (Or at least partly!) How many friends do you not speak to now because of fights prompted by Trump's behavior? How many times has a conversation over the past four years began with the words, "You are not going to believe what he just tweeted?" with no need to explain who the "he" is in that sentence. This isn't because Trump is a Republican. During President George W. Bush's presidency, I can recall numerous policy disputes with friends on issues — yet they are still friends. But with Trump, it's far different. With Trump it feels personal — and in many cases it is. Trump has caused real pain to countless communities — from his comments calling Black Lives Matter a "symbol of hate" in the midst of people demanding justice for George Floyd, to his horrific family separation policy at the border that resulted in children being ripped from the hands of their parents. The list
goes on and on. Trump has also, apparently by design, continually pitted Americans against each other. For example, at Thursday's presidential debate, Trump even justified his criticism of the stimulus bill passed by the House Democrats to help Americans in need by saying it's a "bailout of badly run, high-crime, Democrat... cities and states." In response, Biden slammed Trump saying, "I don't see red states and blue states. What I see is American, United States." It comes as zero surprise that a recent CNN poll found that on the issue of which of the two candidates can best unite the country, 61% of likely voters said Biden while only 33% said Trump. Obama's criticism of Trump on policy was spot on. And there's something soothing about the former President's comment that electing Biden would mean ending the Trump drama and "just having a normal president." While "normal" isn't always exciting, after what we've been through with Trump over the past four years, "normal" is exactly what our nation needs now.l This Op-Ed originally appeared on CNN.com
Contributors Jennine Estes Erin Telesford Janet Howard Mary Campbell Tarsha Gibbons Travis Morales Email info@myiqinc.com Telephone 718-771-0988 Website www.cawnyc.com
Scan this code to schedule a FREE Initial Consultation
Ask the Lawyer on Facebook Figeroux & Associates
VISIT WWW.CAWNYC.COM FOR THE LATEST CARIBBEAN NEWS, IMMIGRATION UPDATES, VIEWPOINTS, ENTERTAINMENT & MORE!LIKE US ON FACEBOOK @CAWNYC!
4
CIVIL RIGHTS
Voting Is a Must/ continued from page 1 by racist police officers, and then be silenced at election time? Failing to vote is like voluntarily falling to the ground and waiting for the knee to be placed on your neck, snuffing the life out of you, and killing your hopes for a better future. In 2016, Donald Trump made grand promises to the American people. He promised that he would indeed "make America great again." Let us review some of the great things President Trump has done for America. Was Donald Trump's strong desire to build a wall to keep immigrants out of America and the use of Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents to disrupt immigrant families that made America great? Was it his skill for inciting racism and fueling White Supremacist groups that made America great? Was it the revolving door at the White House as we watched the Trump administration members get fired, get arrested, and quit their positions that made America great again? Maybe it was his lies to the American people about the severity of the COVID-19. Was it his desire to end affordable health care in the middle of a pandemic that made America great again? No, it must be that President Donald Trump was impeached, which made America great again. How many more years can we survive Trump's version of greatness? When Donald Trump was sworn into office as the 45th president of the United States, many people could not believe it.
With a history of shady business deals, this former reality television host and a reputation of being a womanizer, who had lost previously, was sworn into the highest office in our country. But many of those people who could not believe Donald Trump became President of the United States were people who failed to vote. There were many Blacks who did not bother to vote in the 2016 Presidential Elections. The excuses were varied. Some people did not believe Trump had a real chance of winning the presidency. Others did not think their vote counted. Some voters avoided the polls because they did not like the idea of seeing either of the candidates, Donald Trump or Hillary Clinton, in office. No excuse is a good excuse not to vote.
Marc H. Morial, CEO of the National Urban League (NUL), stated during the organization's recent Reclaim Your Vote: What's at Stake for Black America: A Virtual Event that "full voter participation" is required from African-Americans during this presidential election. Morial insisted that "The African-American vote is a necessity, a must, a command, and a responsibility." The NUL hosted a virtual event, which included Vice-Presidential hopeful Senator Kamala D. Harris, and prestigious Black experts, to discuss Black people's importance reclaiming the vote this 2020 Presidential Election. Since when has it become necessary to beg and plead with Black people to vote? There was a time in our nation's history when Blacks rushed to the voting polls, despite feeling intimidated and the threat
of getting beaten in the process. They knew the power of their vote and would not allow fear to stop them. Esteemed professor, Michael Eric Dyson, reminded us that "many people died so we can vote." He said, "Don't let people discourage you from voting." Nowadays, apathy and voter suppression has stopped more Black people from voting than fear. However, as each of the experts agreed, every vote counts. Amanda Seales, Comedian, and Activist said, "I'm so sad when I see my community so willingly duped. I just can't stand by and watch things happen and be a silent bystander". This is not the election to decide not to vote. Ms. Seales recalled the 2016 elections and shared her insight into why many Blacks did not vote. "People felt safe and didn't think we'd go backward. But the voices of tyranny and antiBlackness have become so amplified that they've become seemingly the norm". Election Day is November 3, 2020, and voting has already begun. According to reports, over 66 million Americans have already cast their vote. Professor Dyson encouraged people to "know if you're registered to vote, know when you can vote, and leverage democracy by exercising your right to vote." Sadiqa Reynolds, Attorney and Civil Rights Activist, stated, "People need to vote. We must show we have more power. There is absolutely no excuse not to vote. Please, Black folks must vote. continued on page 5
VISIT WWW.CAWNYC.COM FOR THE LATEST CARIBBEAN NEWS, IMMIGRATION UPDATES, VIEWPOINTS, ENTERTAINMENT & MORE! LIKE US ON FACEBOOK @CAWNYC!
5
DIASPORA CONCERNS
Early Voting Starts October 24: Vote Safely & Know Your Rights
Early voters line up outside of the Brooklyn Museum before the polls open on Saturday, Oct. 24, 2020. Photo: Peter Senzamici/THE CITY
E
lection season is upon us and in these unprecedented times, we need to ensure that we don’t waste our vote. Make sure to vote on or before Election Day: •Vote early between October 24 and November 1 •Vote-by-mail ASAP •Vote on Election Day on November 3 Your vote is your voice. Be heard this election. Learn more about early voting, vote by mail, and finding your polling place at voting.nyc. What is early voting (EV)? Early voting happens 9 days in a row before the election and allows you to vote in-person on weekdays, weekends and evenings, from October 24 through November 1. What interpretation services are available? Interpretation services will be provided on the weekend before election day (October 31st and November 1st) across 25 sites in at least two languages per poll site. There also will be language assistance at 52 poll sites on Election Day. Check which poll sites support which languages at: nyc.gov/wearevoters In-person voting precautions If voting in person, follow simple precautions to protect yourself and others from COVID-19: •Wear a face covering. Face coverings are required to enter all polling sites. Protect those around you and wear a face covering correctly (over your nose and mouth). •Practice healthy hand hygiene. Polling sites will provide hand sanitizer, and you can also bring your own. Use hand sanitizer before and after touching any shared
surfaces, and wash your hands with soap and water immediately after you get home. Avoid touching your face with unwashed hands. •Practice physical distancing. Polling places will be set up to ensure physical distancing. Follow instructions and stay at least 6 feet away from others while at your polling site. •Avoid long lines and crowds. If you can, vote early (before Election Day) or go when your voting center is less busy, usually mid-morning or early afternoon. Stay home if you are sick. Voting is important, but it’s more important that you get well and keep New Yorkers safe! Can I bring an interpreter with me into the voting booth? In any election, you have a right to be assisted by any person of your choice (except your employer or union representative), including a trained poll worker, if you need help to vote. If you need an interpreter, interpreters are available to assist voters at selected sites.
Voting Is a Must/ continued from page 4
We have too much to lose". There are many critical issues at stake during the 2020 Presidential Elections. Ms. Reynolds stated, "People need jobs, justice, education, and housing. She spoke about getting to the "root causes of problems." Evictions are up." Ray B. Shackelford stated adamantly that "we are not solely concerned with social justice. He said that housing, jobs, and education have always been our issues, and across the board, we are not getting what we need across the board. Angela Rye, social justice advocate, stated that it is time for the Black community to "unify around the things we care about and hold politicians' feet to the fire." Democratic Vice-Presidential hopeful
Senator Kamala Harris thanked the National Urban League for the discussion and encouraging the Black vote. She said that she and Joe Biden would "lead with honesty, treat American people with respect, and implement a plan to get this pandemic under control. We will rebuild our economy to support working people, small businesses, and those who have been hurt the hardest by the pandemic". Whether you like Kamala Harris or Joe Biden or not, understand that American can not withstand another four years of Donald Trump. Exercise your right to vote, this 2020 Presidential Election. Otherwise, you have no voice. Reclaim your vote, Black people. There is too much at stake for you not to vote. l
IF YOU CAN’T TAKE
TIME OFF ON ELECTION DAY,
NO PROBLEM. YOU CAN ALSO
VOTE IN PERSON BEFORE ELECTION DAY FROM
Which languages is interpretation offered in? The New York City Board of Elections provides language assistance in Spanish, Chinese, Korean, Bengali, Punjabi, or Hindi at select City poll sites. Call 866VOTE-NYC for information about which poll sites have language assistance available and for which languages. The Civic Engagement Commission is providing language assistance in Arabic, Bengali, Chinese (Cantonese, Mandarin), French, Haitian Creole, Italian, Korean, Polish, Russian, Urdu, Yiddish at selected poll sites on October 31, November 1 and November 3. To check which poll sites and languages, go to: nyc.gov/wearevoters l
SAT, OCTOBER 24 THROUGH
SUN, NOVEMBER 1
Visit voting.nyc to find an early voting location near you.
VISIT WWW.CAWNYC.COM FOR THE LATEST CARIBBEAN NEWS, IMMIGRATION UPDATES, VIEWPOINTS, ENTERTAINMENT & MORE!LIKE US ON FACEBOOK @CAWNYC!
6
FOCUS: ST KITTS & NEVIS
St. Kitts and Nevis Launches Green Climate Fund
T
he Government of Saint Kitts and Nevis – Department of Economic Affairs and Public Sector Investment Program (PSIP) and the Caribbean Natural Resources Institute (CANARI) were pleased to announce the national launch of the project, “Enhancing Caribbean civil society’s access and readiness for climate finance”, on October 22, 2020 at the Innovation Hub, National ICT Centre in Saint Kitts. The project aims to build the capacity of civil society organizations (CSOs), including national nongovernmental organizations, community-based organizations and resource user groups such as farmer and fisherfolk associations and cooperatives, to access and deliver climate finance and build climate resilience in the Caribbean. It will enhance CSOs’ knowledge, skills and organizational structures, and strengthen institutional mechanisms to enhance civil society voice and participation in climate change decision-making nationally and regionally. It is being implemented by CANARI and national designated authorities across the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Member States, including
the Department of Economic Affairs and PSIP – Ministry of Sustainable Development in Saint Kitts and Nevis, from February 2020 to August 2022. The project’s scope includes the CARICOM region, with targeted activities in Antigua and Barbuda, Belize, Grenada, Jamaica, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia and Suriname. The project is funded by a US$1.29 million grant from the Readiness and Preparatory Support Program of the Green Climate Fund (GCF), which is a global funding mechanism under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) that supports climate change adaptation and mitigation in developing countries.
Senior Project Analyst, Department of Economic Affairs and PSIP, Mr. Auren Manners, noted that the Government of Saint Kitts and Nevis is committed to inclusion and partnership in the advancement of its development agenda and that the importance of CSOs in national development cannot be overstated. In particular, he welcomed the GCF’s support and noted that, “The Saint Kitts and Nevis national designated authority pledges its full support to the successful implementation of this initiative to ensure that our national and regional CSOs emerge better prepared to engage in national development agenda planning, implementation and monitoring; accessing climate finance; developing
climate change interventions; and training new CSOs to build knowledge and capacity to further scale-up the interactions with the GCF and other climate finance mechanisms.” He also thanked CANARI for their ongoing support in implementing this first readiness initiative in Saint Kitts and Nevis to improve access to the GCF. CANARI Senior Technical Officer and Project Manager, Dr. Ainka Granderson, highlighted that, “As we celebrate the International Day of Climate Action this week, it is important to recognize the need for civil society leadership. CSOs in Saint Kitts and Nevis and the wider region are well positioned to lead bottom-up approaches that achieve impact on the ground for vulnerable communities and their livelihoods, but their efforts are often small-scale and piecemeal as they lack the necessary funding and technical assistance. Mobilizing funds from GCF and other climate funds to better support CSOs and channel resources to the most vulnerable is key in building local resilience.” Dr. Granderson welcomed the collaboration with the Department of Economic Affairs and PSIP and local CSOs to make this a reality in Saint Kitts and Nevis.l
This is your city. Do you know your zone?
Visit NYC.gov/knowyourzone or call 311 to find out what to do to prepare for hurricanes in NYC. #knowyourzone
VISIT WWW.CAWNYC.COM FOR THE LATEST CARIBBEAN NEWS, IMMIGRATION UPDATES,KYZ2020_4.875x6.75_revised.indd ENTERTAINMENT & MORE! LIKE US ON FACEBOOK @CAWNYC! KVIEWPOINTS, YZ2020_4.875x6.75_revised.indd 5 5/29/2020 5/29/2020
3:03:05 PM
7
MONEY MATTERS
Getting Rid of Your Debts BY JANET HOWARD 311BANKRUPTCY.COM
I
f you are starting to dread checking your email or picking up your mail, it might be that you simply have too much debt. After all, it is easy to overspend, particularly if you have more than one credit card. If you are searching for ways to get rid of your debts sooner rather than later, take a few moments to learn how. Set a Budget If you don't have a budget, it is easy to see how you might have overspent. Likewise, if your budget doesn't include funds for discretionary spending, it is easy to get into financial trouble. Discretionary spending includes any unnecessary purchases from impulse buys at the grocery store to expensive dinners to gambling at the casino. It is important to evaluate your monthly income before you set an amount for this category. Keep the amount reasonable so that you don't spend more money than you make in a single month. Avoid Late Fees A single late fee is often all it takes to set your finances into a tailspin. Extra interest charges often appear in addition to the late fee. As a result, you need more
Looking to make extra cash? A side hustle? money to meet the minimum balance on the bill the next time that it comes due. If you manage to avoid accruing late fees in the first place, you won't increase your debt level unnecessarily. Prioritize Your Bill Payments You probably already know that you should always pay your bills on time to avoid late fees, but what should you do when paying after the due date is unavoidable? While this type of situation isn't one that most people want to find themselves in, it does happen. If you find yourself struggling financially and you need to pay at least one of your bills late,
you should figure out which one is going to lead to the highest financial cost. For example, if one of your credit cards carries a late fee of only $25 and another account requires a $35 late fee, you might want to pay the bill on the first account late in order to have a smaller penalty. Debt relief doesn't happen on its own. However, paying off your debts is possible, especially if you make the effort to do so. Just take the time to come up with a plan and follow through with it to pare down your debt to manageable amounts.l
We are looking for persons to sell advertisements in our newspapers. Experience in advertising sales is needed and preferably experience or a sincere interest in marketing.
Interested? Send your resume to info@myiqinc.com
Creditors’ Harassments! Lawsuits! Foreclosures! Get the legal help you need NOW! Call 718-222-3155!
FREE BANKRUPTCY CONSULTATION Documents Required: Save Your: *Home *Business *Car
*Health *Peace of Mind/Health *Marriage/Relationship
*List of debts *Your most recent tax returns *Correspondence from creditors *Lawsuit documents *Social Security and ID *List of assets
Filing a Chapter 7, 11 or 13 bankruptcy may be your only choice!!!
continued on page 11 The Law Offices of Figeroux & Associates, 26 Court Street, Suite 701, Brooklyn, NY. Visit www.311bankruptcy.com VISIT WWW.CAWNYC.COM FOR THE LATEST CARIBBEAN NEWS, IMMIGRATION UPDATES, VIEWPOINTS, ENTERTAINMENT & MORE!LIKE US ON FACEBOOK @CAWNYC!
8
EDUCATION
Proposed Student Visa Policy Could Hinder US Competitiveness BY DAVID L. DI MARIA, THE CONVERSATION
I
n an effort to crack down on international students and scholars who overstay their visas, the Trump administration is seeking to implement a new set of rules that would make it more difficult for them to remain in the U.S. Among other things, the proposed rules would require students and scholars from certain countries to leave within either two or four years. This would be irrespective of whether or not they’ve completed their degrees and research. Only those who could prove a “compelling” reason to stay longer would be allowed to do so. But the rule, which has already drawn more than 20,000 comments from the public, comes with a steep price tag. It would also undermine America’s interest in attracting talent from abroad and, ironically, it would do little to actually curtail the problem of visa overstays that it purports to solve. That is my analysis as a higher education administrator who specializes in international education. Time limits The Department of Homeland Security’s proposed tighter restrictions are outlined
in a 256-page document. Which of the two new proposed maximum time limits – two or four years – would apply would depend on various criteria. Currently, these students and scholars are admitted for “duration of status,” which means they may stay for as long as their academic endeavors require, as long as they follow the terms of their visa. Things that would subject a student or scholar to a two-year cap include being from certain countries, pursuing particular courses of study and whether or not their university fully participates in EVerify, a web-based federal document verification system. There are other changes as well. For instance, students will have 30 days – half the time currently allotted – to leave the country after completing their academic program. Any petitions for extensions of stay would need to be approved by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. Certain activities, such as participating in off-campus internships, would be prohibited while this paperwork was pending. This new process also would require students and scholars to pay US$455 in new filing fees.
Your Success in Real Estate Starts Today When you succeed, the Chamber Coalition succeeds. That’s why we’ve partnered with Kaplan Real Estate Education. From prelicensing and exam prep to continuing education, you’ll be guided through every stage of your real estate career.
Education that fits your schedule Visit www.nacc.nyc/kaplan At check out enter the code Chamber5.
Questions? Call 800-636-9517.
Enough time? Federal data show it takes four years and four months, on average, to complete a bachelor’s degree. In fact, only 44% of first-time, full-time students attending a four-year institution in 2012 completed a bachelor’s degree within four years. For international students, 52% graduate within four years. That means nearly half of all international students take more than four years to finish college. There are many reasons students often require more than four years to graduate. Those reasons could range from pursuing more than one major to being involved in extracurricular activities or having family obligations. For graduate students, it could be that the research they are doing has been delayed for some reason. In fact, the National Science Foundation reports that it takes an average of five years and 10 months to complete a doctorate. The uncertainty over whether or not a degree could be completed within the time limits set by the proposed rule would further weaken the ability of the U.S. to attract global academic talent. Visa overstays by the numbers The proposed rule builds upon the Trump administration’s more than 400 attempts to reshape the U.S. immigration system through executive actions. While a key argument used to justify the proposed changes is that people who overstay visas may endanger national security, the government estimates that just 1.52% of all international students and exchange visitors overstay. The actual rate may be even lower given that the government overestimates overstays because of a lack of capacity to properly record departures. Close tabs International students and scholars are very closely tracked by their colleges and universities. While the proposed rule would add additional caseloads to an already overwhelmed government agency and a paper-based immigration system that the Department of Homeland Security itself describes as “outdated,” it may do little to prevent overstays. On the contrary, I believe the new rule may force some students to make the impossible choice between committing an over-
stay and abandoning their educational dream. In June, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services announced that it faced a $1.2 billion shortfall. Over the next decade, DHS estimates the cost to implement the new rule will be as high as $2 billion. While filing fees for extension requests will help USCIS increase revenue, research shows that estimates for costs of compliance with a new regulation are often incomplete. DHS predicts the higher education sector will lose $93 million during the first year of the rule and roughly $30 million each year thereafter because of staff time spent on training, implementation and supporting petitions for longer stays. Other federal and state agencies, such as divisions of motor vehicles, as well as employers needing to reverify employment eligibility on a more regular basis, will face similar burdens. In the end, I believe the economy will lose billions should the new restrictions further accelerate the decline in international enrollment. Implications for U.S. competitiveness Global competition in science and technology is increasing. Consider the rise of other nations in critical areas such as artificial intelligence, quantum computing and synthetic biology. This has serious implications for economic and national security. Specifically, the most scientifically and technologically advanced nations tend to dominate global market share in innovative industries, as measured by leading companies, exports and foreign direct investments. They also have the most advanced military capabilities, ranging from autonomous unmanned vehicles to hypersonic and directed-energy weapons. Additionally, some nations are using the current political climate to lure foreign talent away from the U.S. The role of international students International students play a critical role in helping the nation excel in science and technology. Their enrollment helps universities continue to offer STEM majors and graduate programs. These majors and programs benefit U.S. students and employers. Consider that 1 in 3 people with science and engineering jobs in the U.S. were born in another country. This includes more than half of all biomedical researchers and nearly a quarter of pharmaceutical manufacturing industry employees. While many international students leave the country after earning their degree, those who choose to stay provide a source of high-skilled talent that ensures our country remains globally competitive in science and technology.l
VISIT WWW.CAWNYC.COM FOR THE LATEST CARIBBEAN NEWS, IMMIGRATION UPDATES, VIEWPOINTS, ENTERTAINMENT & MORE! LIKE US ON FACEBOOK @CAWNYC!
9
HOUSING
NYCHA’S Lead Paint Crisis Explodes as Known Number of Apartments Where Kids Risk Exposure Triples that have been made.” NYCHA claimed only 19 children had been exposed. But after the U.S. Attorney filed the results of the federal investigation, the city Health Department in 2018 was forced to admit that more than 1,160 children living in NYCHA had been lead poisoned over the past decade. That same year, de Blasio announced NYCHA would inspect the 130,000 likely lead-paint apartments and clean up the toxic substance if necessary. Since then that clean up has been underway, although it was paused this spring to help limit the spread of the coronavirus.
BY GREG B. SMITH, THE CITY ADDITIONAL REPORTING BY YOAV GONEN
T
housands more young children living in public housing were potentially exposed to lead poisoning than originally thought, officials revealed Thursday. The city’s public housing authority has determined that the number of apartments believed contaminated with lead paint that house children under age 6 is triple the number it previously claimed. NYCHA officials this week acknowledged for the first time that there are 9,000 apartments — not 3,000 apartments as they had asserted — that likely contain lead paint where youngsters live. Children under 6 are particularly susceptible to cognitive damage caused by exposure to lead. The revelation was not made by NYCHA but by Bart Schwartz, the federal monitor appointed to oversee the nation’s biggest public housing authority after revelations by the press and federal prosecutors that the authority had for years deliberately hidden its failure to perform required lead paint inspections. Late Thursday, NYCHA was unable to spell out precisely how many kids live in these apartments. The list of 9,000 includes apartments of relatives where children spent more than 10 hours a week. Councilmember Alicka Ampry-Samuel (D-Brooklyn), chair of the public housing committee, blasted NYCHA for what she called yet another failure to confront its many failures. “At this point in time, there is no room for excuses,” she said. “We should be at a place where we know the apartments that have lead exposure and who lives in them. Just that simple. To continue playing this game of paper shuffling is increasing the known risk of detrimental health hazards and brain damage in our children. “If NYCHA cannot get it right and ensure these apartments are safe, people should lose their jobs and some should go to jail for reckless endangerment of a child,” she added. ‘A Far Greater Number’ About 130,000 of NYCHA’s 175,000 apartments were built before the 1970s, when lead paint was outlawed. Two years ago, NYCHA estimated that only 3,000 of those apartments housed children under 6. But under the federal monitor’s oversight, NYCHA has since gone back and begun door-knocking on apartments deemed likely to contain lead. The authority also performed what are called XRF tests in these apartments to check if lead paint was present. On Thursday, Schwartz revealed the
Councilmember Alicka Ampry-Samuel (D-Brooklyn) speaks at a City Hall rally for additional public housing funds from the state, Feb. 3, 2020. Ben Fractenberg/THE CITY
results of that canvassing and testing: 6,000 more apartments than NYCHA originally thought had children under 6 as tenants. “The effort reveals that a far greater number of children under six may be at risk of lead exposure than was thought just two years ago,” Schwartz said in a brief statement posted on his website. “NYCHA reported to us this week that as a result of its dialogue with residents during in-apartment XRF testing visits, and NYCHA’s ‘door knocking’ campaign, through which NYCHA directly engages residents, it has identified a significantly larger number of apartments where children under six reside who might be exposed to lead risks,” he added. NYCHA officials said they identified the additional units likely to have lead paint where young children reside by knocking on doors of 48,000 apartments and circulating a survey among tenants. The discovery of these additional units was spurred by Schwartz’s team, which had pressed NYCHA to expand how it checks where children live. Before, NYCHA simply relied on what tenants told them in their annual lease renewal forms. But prodded by Schwartz, NYCHA sent out a survey across its portfolio of buildings. On Thursday a NYCHA spokesperson confirmed the agency had “changed its policy on how it counts units. If any survey source indicates a child lives in the unit, NYCHA will treat it as having a child in that unit.”
after the Manhattan U.S. Attorney discovered that NYCHA was annually certifying it was performing required lead paint inspections when, in fact, it wasn’t. Mayor Bill de Blasio initially insisted that few children living in NYCHA had been lead- poisoned, stating in 2017, “Thank God there has not been harm done to any child because of the mistakes
‘The Saddest Part of This’ The monitor noted that when he first began working with NYCHA in spring 2019 to document the extent of its lead problem, “I met with resistance when I asserted that NYCHA had not done enough in this area.” However, Schwartz praised the current leadership, including Chairman Gregory Russ, stating, “The work we have done continued on page 10
Funding in Play It’s not clear what ramifications this will have regarding NYCHA’s biggest source of funding: the federal government. NYCHA had certified in a sworn statement to the U.S. Department of Housing & Urban Development that only 3,000 apartments with likely lead paint housed children under 6. HUD supplies 90% of NYCHA’s capital funds and about 67% of its operational money. The monitor was appointed last year
VISIT WWW.CAWNYC.COM FOR THE LATEST CARIBBEAN NEWS, IMMIGRATION UPDATES, VIEWPOINTS, ENTERTAINMENT & MORE!LIKE US ON FACEBOOK @CAWNYC!
KNOW YOUR RIGHTS
10
AG James Continues Fight to Stop Health Care Discrimination Promulgated by Trump Admin
N
ew York Attorney General Letitia James recentky announced she has led a coalition of 22 attorneys general in continuing the fight to stop the Trump Administration’s attempts to make it easier for health care providers to refuse to provide necessary and desired health coverage to individuals on the basis of their health care providers’ “religious beliefs or moral convictions.” In an amicus brief filed in support of the states of California and Washington in their lawsuits brought against the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), Attorney General James leads the coalition in opposing the Trump Administration’s ‘Refusal-of-Care’ rule. Attorney General James led her own lawsuit against the Trump Administration’s ‘Refusal-of-Care’ rule in May of 2019. “As we continue to battle a public health crisis that has only been exacerbated by the Trump Administration’s incompetence, the Department of Health and Human Services is still doing what it can to make it easier for health care providers to deny health coverage to millions of Americans,” said Attorney General James. “The ‘Refusal-of-Care’ rule gives
AG James
health care providers free license to openly discriminate and deny care to patients, masking their bigotry and hatred in an invisible cloak of religious freedom. The courts have rejected this hatred every step of the way and we are confident they will do the same once again.” In May 2019, the Trump Administration’s HHS introduced a final rule that would vastly and unreasonably expand the ability of health care providers to deny patients access to certain lawful and medically needed procedures, services, and information, including that related to abortion, sterilization, and aid-in-dying — all while purporting to implement var-
NY WORKERS’ COMPENSATION Are you working? Have you been injured on the job? Was it a serious injury as defined under NY Workers’ Compensation Law? If yes, then call Figeroux & Associates for a FREE Consultation at 718-222-3155.
Why Should I Hire A Lawyer? In addition to being eligible for workers' compensation, you may also have a claim against a party other than your employer. That is why it is so important to seek assistance from our experienced team.
Workers who know their rights and speak to a lawyer put themselves in a better position to obtain a recovery.
Find Out What Our Firm Can Do For You The Law Firm of Figeroux & Associates. Call us at 718-222-3155.
ious federal conscience statutes. In reality, however, the rule violates the careful balance Congress struck in the underlying statutes by simultaneously expanding the job functions that objectors may refuse to perform based on their personal views and severely restricting the actions that employers may take to plan for and accommodate such objections while ensuring that patients receive uninterrupted care. The rule would disproportionately impact women and members of the LGBTQ+ community. Every federal court that has considered the rule has agreed that it is not authorized by law and has accordingly vacated the rule in full, including the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California and the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Washington. After those losses, the Trump Administration appealed to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit. Attorney General James and the coalition filed this amicus brief in support of California and Washington in that appeal. The coalition argues, in the amicus brief, that the rule’s definition of “discrimination” is inconsistent with statute and is thus contrary to the Administrative Procedures Act and that HHS acted arbitrarily and capriciously in promulgating the rule. Specifically, HHS failed to acknowledge that the redefinition of “discrimination” represented a change in position, failed to consider the reliance interests created by HHS’s own past guidance as to the scope of the federal conscience statutes’ anti-discrimination provisions, and relied on empirical justification for the rule that is contradicted by the administrative record. Further, the coalition explains that the rule not only threatens to harm countless patients in disrupting their access to medically necessary care, but also places at risk billions in critical federal health care funding that Congress has appropriated to the states. Similarly but separately, Attorney General James’ led a coalition of 23 states and localities in filing her own lawsuit against the Trump Administration’s ‘Refusal-of-Care’ rule in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York in May of 2019. Last November, Attorney General James won that case in federal court. The Trump Administration has appealed the matter and the case is pending in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit. Joining Attorney General James in filing this amicus brief are the attorneys general of Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawai‘i, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, Wisconsin, and the District of Columbia. l
NYCHA’s Lead Paint Crisis/ continued from page 9
NYCHA federal monitor Bart Schwartz speaks via Zoom to Bronx public housing residents on Thursday. Screenbrag/NYCHA Federal Monitor/Zoom
since with NYCHA to locate those children, and to protect them, has been intensive. Under NYCHA’s new leadership, significant progress has been made.” During a virtual meeting with Bronx public housing tenants Thursday evening, Schwartz commended NYCHA for improving how it tracks where children live. But, he noted: “There are more children who are at risk, that is the saddest part of this.” Schwartz said NYCHA has already taken “numerous steps” to protect the children living in these apartments, although he didn’t provide details. A NYCHA spokesperson said in all apartments with children under six that are deemed “positive or presumed positive lead,” the children “are enrolled in a program to ensure we can identify paint deficiencies and remediate on an expedited basis.” Some of the apartments have already been cleaned up, while others “will be prioritized for abatement when funding is secured for lead abatement.” At his daily briefing earlier in the day, de Blasio said he’d only just learned of the much bigger number of apartments with young children that likely have lead paint. “I’m just getting this information now in the course of this gathering,” de Blasio said. “But we will follow up immediately on this federal monitor report and get down to the bottom of what’s happening and we will act on it immediately.”l This story was published on October 22, 2020 by THE CITY.
Scan this code to schedule a FREE Initial Consultation
Ask the Lawyer on Facebook Figeroux & Associates
VISIT WWW.CAWNYC.COM FOR THE LATEST CARIBBEAN NEWS, IMMIGRATION UPDATES, VIEWPOINTS, ENTERTAINMENT & MORE! LIKE US ON FACEBOOK @CAWNYC!
11
IMMIGRATION
Restrictions on Foreign Workers Will Hurt America’s Recovery From COVID-19 BY LESLIE DELLON
T
he Trump administration issued two rules October 8 that, if not overturned, will further restrict legal immigration. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) issued the first rule, which only applies to H-1B workers. This rule further limits an employer’s ability to demonstrate that its job is in a “specialty occupation.” The other rule—issued by the Department of Labor (DOL)—changes the prevailing wage requirements for certain employers. It requires the employers to agree to pay foreign workers significantly higher than the market rate— which would prevent many employers from seeking foreign talent in the first place. Foreign workers fill a critical need in the U.S. labor market—particularly in the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) fields. The H-1B classification allows U.S. employers to hire or continue to employ workers in “specialty occupations.” Engineers, information technology professionals, accountants, doctors, and scientists are all exam-
ples of “specialty occupations.” Both agencies issued the rules as interim final, without giving the public advance notice to comment before being issued. The DOL rule is effective now; the DHS rule will take effect on December 7. DOL and DHS will accept comments on their final rules until November 9 and December 7, respectively. What Changes Do the Rules Make to the H-1B Process? The DHS rule adopts a restrictive definition of “specialty occupation” and the criteria by which an employer may demonstrate that its job is in a “specialty occupation.”
DHS narrows which fields of study will be considered a “specific specialty.” The rule also requires more documentation. Taken together, the rule will result in more H-1B petition denials. This is despite the fact that Congress defined “specialty occupation” and that the administration has lost several court cases where it argued for the same interpretations now found in the regulations. The DHS rule also limits how H-1B workers may be employed. It includes a restrictive definition of the employeremployee relationship. The rule also sets a one-year limit on employing H-1B workers placed at customer sites. These changes are aimed at restricting certain industries’ use of the H-1B category. DOL’s rule attacks the H-1B program through a different mechanism—artificially raising the rate which many employers use to determine the “required” wage rate for an H-1B worker. Under the Immigration and Nationality Act, employers hiring H-1B workers must pay them the higher of the “actual wage level” paid to other workers with “similar experience and qualifications for the specific employment,” or the
“prevailing wage level” for the “occupational classification in the area of employment.” The purpose is to ensure that foreign workers are not paid less than American workers. Research indicates that H-1B employers generally do pay average market wages, and many pay more. The DOL rule seeks to require employers to pay more by changing the way that the “prevailing wage” rate is calculated. This change will apply to employers that use a particular data source (the Occupational Employment Statistics survey), setting wage levels at higher percentiles than before. A look at some of the new prevailing wages set by the DOL rule show how it appears divorced from real world market conditions. It would set wages so high that employers would be discouraged from seeking foreign talent. For example, in New York City, the second of four wage levels for the Software Developer, Applications occupation has increased 50% from $100,526 to $150,010. In certain areas where insufficient data is available, like rural communities, medical doctors will have a continued on page 12
VISIT WWW.CAWNYC.COM FOR THE LATEST CARIBBEAN NEWS, IMMIGRATION UPDATES, VIEWPOINTS, ENTERTAINMENT & MORE!LIKE US ON FACEBOOK @CAWNYC!
HOME OWNERSHIP
12
Things Home Buyers Forget
B
uying a home is a hectic, rewarding and sometimes scary experience. Many homebuyers forget or are unaware of important steps which make the process easier. According to the National Association of Realtors, the average buyer takes about 12 weeks before they officially buy a home. Making this sizeable investment requires great patience, proper research and sticking to budget. Take your time to find the property that speaks to you and offers everything on your list. If you are planning to begin house hunting, keep these tips in mind from the American Society of Home Inspections (ASHI) before signing on the dotted line. Set a Budget Develop a budget before you even begin your search. To avoid foreclosures or becoming overwhelmed financially, it is crucial to know what you can afford. Avoid visiting homes outside of your price range as it is easy to become infatuated with expensive features or properties. A great way to know your limit is by being pre-approved for a loan. Make an appointment with a local lender to determine how the asking price of a home will look as a monthly payment. You should also consider the extra expenses a home
requires like utilities, repairs, possibly association fees and property taxes. Get an Inspection Once you have decided on a home which meets your budget and desires, don’t skip an inspection. A professional will investigate the home and find issues that you may have missed during the excitement. They will also analyze the integrity of the home from aspects that aren’t easy to spot if you’re inexperienced. Some things they will inspect include: • Integrity of the foundation. • Electrical system safety. • Soundness of the structure. • Plumbing and HVAC problems. Worry about the Important Things You may walk in a home and be unim-
IN TROUBLE WITH THE LAW? Are you under investigation or accused of a felony or misdemeanor? Get legal advice from the law firm you can trust: Figeroux & Associates. We handle: nDUI (Driving Under the Influence) nCourt Order Violations nPossession of Drugs (with or without Intent to Distribute) nCrimes with Impact for Deportation with Non-Citizens nFraud nCrimes of Economics
PUT YOUR FUTURE IN OUR HANDS. WE CAN HELP. CALL NOW. 718-222-3155. Remember: The lawyer you hire, does make a difference!
pressed with decoration schemes, color choices or types of appliances. Buying new furniture or repainting rooms is easy and can be done down the road. The ASHI urges buyers to consider the important aspects of a home when house hunting. Instead of the appearances, pay attention to how well the layout works for you, number of rooms and functionality of the property. Free Consultation Need assistance? We will be happy to meet with you and share our guidance. Schedule an appointment today. For a free consultation on buying a home, down payment assistance or tax issues, call us at 855-768-8845.l
Restrictions on Foreign Workers/continued from page 11 prevailing wage rate of $208,000 per year. Who Does the New Rule Apply to? Only H-1B petitions filed on or after the rule’s effective date will be impacted, but which will include petitions to extend H1B status that U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) previously approved. USCIS will apply its more restrictive interpretation to those petitions. The DOL rule will apply to any request for a prevailing wage determination (PWD) pending or filed on or after October 8. It will also apply to a Labor Condition Application (required for H-1B and the two other nonimmigrant categories) filed with DOL on or after October 8, in which the U.S. employer identified the Occupational Employment Statistics survey as the prevailing wage source, unless a PWD was issued before October 8. DHS’ rule will not apply to currently pending or previously approved H-1B petitions. Why Did the Agencies Bypass the Notice and Comment Rulemaking Procedures Normally Required by Law? Both rules claim an “urgent need” due to a supposed “threat to employment opportunities for Americans” expressed in the president’s Proclamation 10052. That proclamation banned the issuance of certain H-1B and other nonimmigrant visas. This explanation is unsupported by the evidence. In a recent court case blocking that very ban as to the plaintiffs in the case, a federal judge stated that: “[A]though its stated purpose is to aid the domestic economy by providing job opportunities for United States citizens, the Proclamation completely disregards economic reality…” The judge noted that there was no plausible connection between pandemicrelated unemployment and the need for a visa ban. What Happens Next? These regulations are likely to face immediate challenge in court. Congress has authorized U.S. employers to hire H-1B workers with pay and work conditions that do not undercut U.S. workers. Instead of carrying out what Congress intended—that employers be able to hire H-1B workers–these agencies are bypassing congressional and public input. Members of Congress have already weighed in, with Representatives Lofgren (D-CA) and Nadler (D-NY) issuing statements objecting to the agencies’ issuance of the rules without seeking public input first. Rather than blaming foreign workers for the pandemic-related economic crisis, we should work to alleviate the effects of the pandemic for everyone while ensuring that the United States maintains its ability to compete in a global economy.l
VISIT WWW.CAWNYC.COM FOR THE LATEST CARIBBEAN NEWS, IMMIGRATION UPDATES, VIEWPOINTS, ENTERTAINMENT & MORE! LIKE US ON FACEBOOK @CAWNYC!
FAMILY MATTERS
13
Worried about the COVID Learning Slide? 4 Steps Parents Can Take
S
chool is so unpredictable this year, it's hard not to worry about the what ifs. What if my child falls behind due to distance learning? What if my kids have trouble getting back to inperson learning? It's an anxious time for many parents. In fact, a recent Understood/YouGov survey of 2,000 parents of 5- to 17-yearolds, shows that 71% are worried that their children will face challenges this year. For parents of kids who are diagnosed with or show signs of learning and thinking differences, that number is 79%. And nearly half (48%) of all parents are worried about their child being left behind because of the "COVID slide." The shutdowns last spring gave parents a window into their children's learning and behavior. And for some, it raised new questions—and concerns. Questions like: •Why is my child so daydreamy? • Is it normal for kids to have meltdowns this often? •Why is my child still struggling with reading? •Do other kids have this much trouble following directions? Nearly four in 10 (37%) parents sur-
veyed by Understood have noticed new or different behaviors in their child during the pandemic. Trying to make sense of challenges or differences isn't always easy. But getting answers allows parents and professionals to get kids support at early as possible. "Every child is unique, so it's difficult for caregivers to know which behaviors are normal for their age and which might be flags that something else is going on," says Bob Cunningham, executive director of learning development for social impact organization Understood. "Families are spending more time together and some may have started to notice things they didn't before. The good news is there are some easy steps they can take." What are learning and thinking differences Kids develop at different rates, so it can be hard for families to interpret what they're seeing. Some of these struggles can also be a sign of learning and thinking differences like dyslexia, ADHD and dyscalculia (a learning disability in math). At least 15 million children in the United States — one in five — learn or
think differently. They may struggle with different skills, including reading, writing, math, focus and following directions. Sometimes those challenges are obvious, but other times the signs can be confusing. For example, difficulty with spelling can be a sign of a reading challenge. Not being able to tell time might be a problem with math. Because the signs of learning and thinking differences aren't always clear, Understood developed a free tool called Take N.O.T.E. in partnership with the American Academy of Pediatrics. It's designed to guide families to get answers about what they are seeing in their child.
• Observe and keep track of patterns in your child's behavior. • Talk to your child, teachers, aides and caregivers about what you're observing. • Engage with trusted professionals, like pediatricians.
4 steps to start finding answers The Take N.O.T.E. tool centers on a simple four-step process: • Notice if there's something going on with your child that's out of the ordinary.
Visit u.org/takenote to learn more and access Take N.O.T.E. in English or Spanish. You'll find a free digital resource with the tools to notice, observe and track patterns in your child's behavior. (BPT) l
"Not knowing what different behaviors or struggles mean or how to help can feel stressful and overwhelming for parents and caregivers," says Cunningham. "These four steps can help you learn more and move down a path to best help your child. Everyone who learns and thinks differently should feel supported at home, at school and at work."
VISIT WWW.CAWNYC.COM FOR THE LATEST CARIBBEAN NEWS, IMMIGRATION UPDATES, VIEWPOINTS, ENTERTAINMENT & MORE!LIKE US ON FACEBOOK @CAWNYC!
Join the Fastest Growing Industry: Enroll in our Paralegal Certi昀cate Program Why you Should Enroll in this Program: Fastest Growing Industry with Jobs Available Path to Law School Business Purpose: Start up or Expand your Business Advocacy: Labor Rights, Civil Rights and Immigration Fastest Growing Industry Jobs Available
Choose your Certi昀cate Program: Paralegal and Pre Law Legal Marketing Shop Stewards and Union Leaders Faith Based Leaders and Executive Sta昀
For more information and to register, visit: www.freeparelegal.org www.freeparalegal.org
Get on the path to success! VISIT WWW.CAWNYC.COM FOR THE LATEST CARIBBEAN NEWS, IMMIGRATION UPDATES, VIEWPOINTS, ENTERTAINMENT & MORE! LIKE US ON FACEBOOK @CAWNYC!
nHEALTH
nENTERTAINMENT
nRELATIONSHIPS
nRECIPES
nSPORTS
nHOROSCOPE
Kitchen Corner Queen to Honor British-Jamaican Gospel Bajan Warm Corn Soup Singer, Lurine Cato While we all wish we could escape to warmer weather, travel restrictions make it a bit difficult to do right now, so why not take our taste buds on a journey instead? This cozy dish is Corn Soup – a crowd-pleasers and musthaves for those who visit the island. —Island Soup Barbados
•Island Soup’s tagline is “Best Soup On de Rock!” •This warm recipe is perfect for fall/winter •Packed with flavors, readers can take their tastebuds on a trip to Barbados!
Photo: Lurine Lilian Cato Facebook
BY DENISE LEE, JAMAICANS.COM
E
ach year on her birthday, Queen Elizabeth II recognizes those who have made a significant contribution to society. Gospel singer, Lurine Lilian Cato, is among the 2020 recipients to be honored “For services to Charity and Music (London, Greater London).” The Member of the British Empire (MBE) award is the third-highest ranking of the recognitions bestowed. Cato is one of the UK’s leading gospel singers with a five-octave range. Born in North London, her late parents, Gladstone and Esmie Cato, were from Portland, Jamaica. She’s the ninth of 11 children and began singing at the age of three. At age nine, she won her first singing award – Enfield Borough Singer of the Year. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Cato brought together gospel artists from throughout the UK to sing and raise funds for the charity work of the Cavell of Nurses Trust. The singer has supported a wide variety of charitable works and organization in England and Jamaica that include the Diana Award, The Children’s Society, Demelza Hospice Care for Children, Gangsline, and The Safety Box. One of her best-known efforts is a collaboration with the NHS Blood & Transplant Service, encouraging Asian, Black, and minority ethnic communities
to donate blood. She was the lead vocalist for the NHS B Positive Choir, appearing on “Britain’s Got Talent” in 2018. It resulted in hundreds of people across the UK giving blood and Cato being a Season 12 finalist of the show. Cato and her siblings have given generously to schools with which their parents were associated in Jamaica including clothes, books, and laptops. They’ve supported initiatives in Jamaica to prevent child abuse and are active members of Jamaicans Inspired, an organization that connects the Jamaican Diaspora to their roots. Cato has performed the Jamaican National Anthem at a myriad of highprofile events in the UK that includes TV and the Jamaican Embassy. She’s also a prolific songwriter and session vocalist. She’s performed at prisons with Love Light Ministries and The Safety Box. She regularly sings at sold-out concerts across Europe and South Africa and she’s performed before the Queen at Westminster Abbey, Lambeth Palace and York Cathedral. The songstress has received numerous awards that includes a MOBO in 2013, a 2017 nomination for Best Gospel Act and Premier Gospel Awards, and she received the International Women’s Day Mayor’s Award in 2020. Cato has sung with dozens of R&B and pop stars, including Mary J. Blige. l
Ingredients: 6 Ears of corn 27 oz Corn kernels 13.5 oz Yellow split peas 13.5 oz Coconut milk Chives Thyme Celery 2 Scotch bonnet peppers Optional provisions: Sweet potatoes Carrots Irish potatoes Pumpkin Dumplings
How to Make It: Peel and prepare the provisions, if you choose to use them Slice the ears of corn into half-inch pieces Boil two gallons of water Add split peas and boil for 20 minutes or until tender Once split peas are tender, add corn, optional provisions, and salt to taste Cook for an additional eight minutes and add coconut milk Let the mix boil for 10 minutes and then add in the scotch bonnet peppers, along with chives, thyme, and celery to taste Once added, let the soup boil for another 10 minutes Enjoy! l
Follow me on Instagram: @tarshastyles Follow me on Facebook: TGImageandStyle Contact me: tgimageandstyle@gmail.com
VISIT WWW.CAWNYC.COM FOR THE LATEST CARIBBEAN NEWS, IMMIGRATION UPDATES, VIEWPOINTS, ENTERTAINMENT & MORE!LIKE US ON FACEBOOK @CAWNYC!
16
LOVE & RELATIONSHIPS
Contempt In a Relationship: Why It’s Killing Your Love BY CARLY GOLDSTEIN, ESTES THERAPY
P
icture this: You come home from a long day at work. All day long, your cubicle-mate Susan wouldn’t stop showing you pictures of her miniature poodle, Brad microwaved fish for lunch again (c’mon, Brad), and it was nobody’s birthday, so you didn’t even get cake. You are overwhelmed. You are exhausted. You are cake-less. All you want is to walk in the door of your home, grab the bag of chips and the tub of hummus, and watch three hours of Netflix while your partner gives you a foot massage and listens to you whine about Susan through mouthfuls of Stacy’s pita chips. But then you walk in the door and you see it: The sink full of dirty dishes you know you asked your partner to wash. You. Are. Furious. In this moment, you have a choice. How do you let your partner know that you are angry? How do you communicate that to them? I don’t know your life, but let me take a guess anyway. You might sigh. A disgruntled, loud, pointed sigh. Then you start washing the
dishes, extra loudly, so they hear you. You might say, “I guess I’ll just do the dishes. I know how *hard* dishes are. And you were very busy scrolling through Instagram today. You just sit there and relax. You obviously need it.” You might eye roll. If you’re a real pro, you might even throw in a well-timed incredulous snort, or maybe even a head shake to really drive your point home. You might call your partner names. Lazy. Selfish. Infantile. All of these reactions — The nasty sarcasm, the eye rolling, the sighs, the mocking — are considered contempt.
What is contempt? Basically, it’s a way to convey superiority, disgust, and condescension. We all do it from time to time— hey, we’re human — but it is really destructive to your relationship and your health. In fact, research by Dr. John Gottman shows that contempt is literally making you sick. People who experience contempt in a relationship are more likely to suffer from infectious diseases and a weak immune system. It also doesn’t bode well for the longevity of your relationship. Married couples who are contemptuous to one another are more likely
to get divorced. Basically, contempt makes you sick and destroys your relationship. Major bummer. Here’s the kicker: You know all of this. This is stuff we learn as kids. We know that name-calling and eye rolls and hostile sarcasm are bad, but we do it anyway. Why?! Well, again, I don’t know your life, but let me take a guess anyway. You probably just want to be heard. Let that sink in. You want to be heard. (You probably also want that foot mascontinued on page 17
Available at Amazon.com
GREEN CARD SLAVERY?
Don’t put up with ABUSE anymore! Whether married or not, whether your spouse is a U.S. citizen or Green Card Holder, we can get a Green Card for you and your children PLUS a divorce.
Call 718-222-3155 now for a FREE consultation! ENOUGH IS ENOUGH! VISIT WWW.CAWNYC.COM FOR THE LATEST CARIBBEAN NEWS, IMMIGRATION UPDATES, VIEWPOINTS, ENTERTAINMENT & MORE! LIKE US ON FACEBOOK @CAWNYC!
LOVE & RELATIONSHIPS
17 How do you let your partner know that you are angry? How do you communicate that to them?
Contempt/ continued from page 16 sage and clean dishes, but we’ll get to that.) You had a rough day. You’re tired. You are feeling irritable and sensitive and disconnected. When you come home and see that your partner didn’t do the dishes, you might feel unsupported. You might feel alone. In that moment, you probably needed your partner to show up for you. You probably feel angry. But underneath that anger is your deep need to have your partner be there for you. That is so valid. Think about this, though. Your partner doesn’t know that Susan made you watch a 10-minute slideshow of Princess the Poodle. Your partner doesn’t know about Brad’s tuna casserole. They don’t know that all you want is some cake, a foot massage, and clean dishes. All your partner knows is that you are eye rolling and snorting and sighing and name-calling over dishes. They don’t know what’s underneath the dishes. In those moments, your partner might be feeling really unloved. They might not know how to respond to contempt. They might be feeling ashamed. They are probably also feeling angry or “nagged,” but underneath that is their own deep need to feel worthy and loved and given some leeway from their teammate (that’s you!). What a mess, right? You end up feeling alone and your partner ends up feeling
hurt and that drives a wedge in your relationship and makes your immune system suck and you still don’t have cake and it’s all just a total mess. Ugh. So, how do you keep contempt out of your relationship? Dr. Gottman would say that it’s about “nurturing a culture of fondness and admiration.” Basically, creating a culture of love, support, and kindness in your relationship. One way to do this is to communicate your needs to your partner, gently and softly (even if you aren’t feeling very gentle or soft). Instead of eye rolling when the dishes aren’t done, trying saying something like: •I had a really tough day at work. It would be so helpful if you would help me with the dishes. I’m really overwhelmed
and could use some extra support tonight. •I appreciate everything you do around here. I know you had a busy day too, and at the same time I would love some extra help with the dishes tonight. I am feeling so exhausted. •Hey…Wanna say “forget the dishes” and order takeout and watch Game of Thrones instead? Cool. Me too. Another way to create a culture of fondness and admiration is to make it a habit to communicate your love and appreciation for your partner on a regular basis. Do this through your words, acts of service, physical affection, and open, honest conversations. If you’re finding that it feels way too hard (or even impossible) to communi-
cate your needs softly and gently on a regular basis, that might be a sign that it’s time for a bigger conversation with your partner, or even with a professional, like a therapist. Couples therapy can be hugely helpful in figuring out new ways of communicating our emotions and needs. We all have hurts that can get in the way of us being able to communicate our needs effectively and there will be times when contempt in a relationship rears its ugly head. But it’s up to you and your partner to fight against it to keep yourselves and your relationship healthy. Now, go get yourself some cake. You deserve it.l
Carly received her Bachelor of Science degree in Human Development from UC Davis and a Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy from SDSU, and is passionate about helping others create their dream lives and relationships. She currently works as a marriage and family therapy associate at Estes Therapy with individuals and couples. Published with the kind permission of Estes Therapy. Visit www.estestherapy.com
VISIT WWW.CAWNYC.COM FOR THE LATEST CARIBBEAN NEWS, IMMIGRATION UPDATES, VIEWPOINTS, ENTERTAINMENT & MORE!LIKE US ON FACEBOOK @CAWNYC!
GENERATIONS
18
Do You Know How Loud Is Too Loud?
L
oud sounds in the environment can permanently damage or destroy the tiny and fragile hair cells within the cochlea—the small, snail-shaped organ for hearing in your inner ear—and diminish your ability to hear a range of sounds. This damage, called noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL), can be immediate—from exposure to an extremely loud burst of sound, for example—or gradual, with sounds seeming muffled or conversations becoming more difficult to understand. Loud noise exposure can also cause tinnitus—a ringing, buzzing, or roaring in the ears or head. Tinnitus may be constant, occur occasionally, or subside completely after exposure to loud noise. Noise-induced hearing loss and tinnitus are preventable. During National Protect Your Hearing Month in October—and throughout the year—the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD) offers science-based resources to help you maintain your hearing health. Anyone can develop NIHL at any age. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), about 40 million U.S. adults ages 20 to 69 have NIHL, and a quarter of U.S. adults who report having good to excellent hearing already have hearing damage in one or both ears. Children are also at risk for NIHL. It’s a Noisy Planet. Protect Their Hearing.®
Sound is measured in units called decibels. Sounds at or below 70 A-weighted decibels (dBA) are generally safe. Long or repeated exposure to sounds at or above 85 dBA can cause hearing loss. Here are some decibel ratings for common sounds: •Normal conversation: 60-70 dBA •Lawnmowers: 80 to 100 dBA •Sports events: 94 to 110 dBA •Sirens from emergency vehicles: 110 to 129 dBA •Fireworks: 140 to 160 dBA
is the NIDCD’s public education campaign to increase awareness among parents of preteens about the causes and prevention of NIHL. Helping children practice healthy hearing habits is a major focus of the campaign. Some hearing hazards may surprise you. If you find yourself in a setting
where you are shouting to be heard over noise in the environment, chances are that your hearing, if unprotected, is at risk. Also, listening to music or other sounds at high volume through headphones or earbuds is hazardous. In general, the louder the sound, the faster NIHL can develop.
Decibel meters are one way to measure potential hazards to your hearing health. The Sound Level Meter smartphone app developed by the CDC’s National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) is one example of a decibel meter app that helps workers evaluate sound risks in their environments so they can develop strategies to prevent hearing damage. Protect your hearing by consistently and correctly wearing ear protection, such as earmuffs or earplugs, if you anticipate being exposed to loud noises. Keep hearing protectors with you, just in case the sound is louder than you expected. Turn the volume down when possible. And if you can’t avoid loud sounds, try to move away from them. l —National Institute on Aging
Wills, Trusts & Nursing Home Asset Protection Learn how to Protect your Assets and Provide for your Loved ones
Get Answers to Start Your Estate Plan
At this consultation, we will discuss issues that include: Nursing home costs- the myth of the 昀ve year look back The advantages of Wills, Living Trusts & Probate How to maintain your privacy and protect your estate if you become disabled (Hint: Not all Powers of Attorney are valid) Why putting property in children’s names may be a mistake Protect one’s spouse when the other needs nursing home care Preserve your estate for your kids if your surviving spouse gets married How Probate works and more importantly, how to avoid probate How you can qualify and use Medi-Cal to pay for nursing home expenses Provide for special needs (disabled) children and grandchildren How you may be able to minimize federal and state taxes
Get your FREE CONSULTATION 855-768-8845
www.falaw.us
26 Court Street, Suite 701, Brooklyn, NY 11201
VISIT WWW.CAWNYC.COM FOR THE LATEST CARIBBEAN NEWS, IMMIGRATION UPDATES, VIEWPOINTS, ENTERTAINMENT & MORE! LIKE US ON FACEBOOK @CAWNYC!
TRAVEL & LIFESTYLE
19
Trick or Treating and Other Halloween Activities During the Pandemic
T
raditional Halloween activities are fun, but some can increase the risk of getting or spreading COVID-19 or influenza. Plan alternate ways to participate in Halloween. Make trick-or-treating safer Avoid direct contact with trick-ortreaters. Give out treats outdoors, if possible. Set up a station with individually bagged treats for kids to take. Wash hands before handling treats. Wear a mask. Wear a mask Make your cloth mask part of your costume. A costume mask is not a substitute for a cloth mask. Do NOT wear a costume mask over a cloth mask. It can make breathing more difficult. Masks should NOT be worn by children under the age of 2 or anyone who has trouble breathing Stay at least 6 feet away from others who do not live with you Indoors and outdoors, you are more likely to get or spread COVID-19 when you are in close contact with others for a long time. Wash your hands
Bring hand sanitizer with you and use it after touching objects or other people. Use hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Parents: supervise young children using hand sanitizer. Wash hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds when you get home and before you eat any treats. Decorate and carve pumpkins Decorate your home for Halloween. Carve pumpkins with members of your household or outside with neighbors or friends. Walk from house to house, admiring Halloween decorations at a distance.
Visit an orchard, forest, or corn maze. Attend a scavenger hunt Go on an outdoor Halloween-themed scavenger hunt. Visit a pumpkin patch or orchard. Remember to wash your hands or use hand sanitizer frequently, especially after touching frequently touched surfaces, pumpkins, or apples. Go to a one-way, walk-through haunted forest or corn maze. Other Ideas Hide Halloween treats in and around your house. Hold a Halloween treat hunt with household members.
Hold an outdoor costume parade or contest so everyone can show off their costumes. Host an outdoor Halloween movie night with friends or neighbors or an indoor movie night with your household members. Remember to always Wear a cloth mask Indoors and outdoors, stay at least 6 feet away from others who do not live with you Wash your hands or use hand sanitizer frequently l
DO IT FOR THEM. Get tested for COVID-19. FREE, conďŹ dential and safe. No insurance needed. Visit NYC.Gov/COVIDTest
VISIT WWW.CAWNYC.COM FOR THE LATEST CARIBBEAN NEWS, IMMIGRATION UPDATES, VIEWPOINTS, ENTERTAINMENT & MORE!LIKE US ON FACEBOOK @CAWNYC!
—CDC
HEALTH
20
Breast Cancer Screening Is Still Important During the COVID-19 Pandemic
A
t the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, elective medical procedures, including cancer screening, were largely put on hold to prioritize urgent needs and reduce the risk of the spread of COVID-19 in healthcare settings. One consequence of this has been a substantial decline in cancer screening. As states re-open businesses and ease restrictions, many healthcare facilities are starting to offer elective procedures again, including cancer screening. Restarting cancer screening requires careful consideration of the risks and benefits of screening, along with ensuring safety for both patients and healthcare personnel. Decisions about restarting screening depend on many factors, and they may not be the same for every person. They will likely vary by community while the pandemic continues. If an appointment was made for screening that was postponed or canceled, patients should talk to their healthcare team about when to reschedule.
Providers can discuss balancing the risks and benefits of being screened now or postponing for a later date, considering personal and family history, other risk factors, and the timing of the last screening test. "Finding breast cancer early and getting high-quality cancer treatment are the most important strategies to prevent deaths from breast cancer. Getting regular screening tests is a critically important part of finding breast cancer early," said Dr. Laura Makaroff, Senior Vice
President, Prevention and Early Detection for the American Cancer Society. "Breast cancer screening disparities are already evident and without focused attention, are likely to increase as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Efforts to promote breast cancer screening and overcome barriers for populations with low screening prevalence must be at the forefront of our focus," said Makaroff. Many women get an annual mammogram for breast cancer screening. However, leading organizations that issue screening guidelines recommend that average risk women ages 55 and older can be screened every two years. Women 55 or older who had a normal mammogram within the last year could choose to have their next mammogram up to 24 months after your last one. As your regular facility for health care returns to providing cancer screening, it's important that it is done as safely as possible. The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has recommendations for healthcare facilities to
reduce the risk of COVID transmission: •Screening centers should be available to answer questions from patients via phone or web portal before and/or after the screening procedure. •Patients should be pre-screened for COVID-related symptoms before screening appointments. •Scheduling of appointments should allow for physical distancing between patients, and longer appointment times, if needed, to avoid crowding in waiting rooms and patient care areas. •There should be limitations on visitors other than patients and/or their caregivers into the screening facility. •If not done in front of the patient, the screening center should be able to explain how often equipment and surfaces are disinfected and cleaned. •Everyone, including patients and staff, should wear a face covering or face mask, where appropriate. There should be frequent handwashing and use of hand sanitizer by staff, patients, and visitors. —American Cancer Society
UNLOCK Your right to health care with dignity Unlock affordable health services and having your own doctor Become a member of NYC Care!
NYC Care, the key to the City’s health care, is a no- or low-cost medical services program offered by NYC Health + Hospitals to New Yorkers who do not qualify for health insurance.
To learn more and to enroll, call 1-646-NYC-CARE (1-646-692-2273). Visit nyccare.nyc
Coming to the Bronx on August 1 and available citywide by late 2020.
VISIT WWW.CAWNYC.COM FOR THE LATEST CARIBBEAN NEWS, IMMIGRATION UPDATES, VIEWPOINTS, ENTERTAINMENT & MORE! LIKE US ON FACEBOOK @CAWNYC!
ELECTIONS 2020
21
First in Line: Eager and Anxious New Yorkers Kick Off Early Voting for 2020 Election BY RACHEL HOLLIDAY SMITH, CHRISTINE CHUNG, GABRIEL SANDOVAL AND PETER SENZAMICI, THE CITY
H
ours before early voting started in New York on Saturday morning, Cliff Woodson set out on foot from his home near the Brooklyn Bridge to his poll site at the Barclays Center. He never intended to be the first person in line, he said. But the self-described earlybird and youth basketball coach arrived so early — 6:15 a.m. — that no one else was around. To kill time, he went to Dunkin’ Donuts — and was still the only person outside the Barclays when he got back. “Nobody’s guaranteed tomorrow. So, I’m up early,” Woodson, 65, told THE CITY as he waited to cast his ballot at the arena, turned into a voting site for the first time to allow for social distancing amid the pandemic. By the time the doors opened at 10 a.m., hundreds of New Yorkers eager to vote at the earliest opportunity had joined Woodson. With chairs, books and snacks to make the wait easier, they formed a line that snaked south on Flatbush Avenue, east on Dean Street and north on Sixth Avenue, where it doubled back. Early voting sites across the city mirrored the Barclays scene, with enthusiastic New Yorkers queuing up for hours. Some voters at the Brooklyn Museum swarmed the doors at 10 a.m., briefly overwhelming poll workers and a single cop. By the end of the Day One, nearly 94,000 had cast ballots across the city. A Garden Party At Madison Square Garden, also drafted into action as a socially distanced polling spot, voters reported about a two-hour wait. Isabella Green, 19, and her mother Marise Santo, 50, who live in Chelsea, were among the first in line at the Manhattan arena. The duo, like many New Yorkers who spoke with THE CITY, said they wanted to make sure their votes would be properly recorded, and hoped to avoid a potential crush of people on Election Day. Others said that even with mail-in voting available, they wanted to leave nothing to chance, especially given the recent snafu with absentee ballots in Brooklyn. “We don’t want to miss it, we want to make sure we are counted,” Santo said. This year marked Green’s first election as a voter after accompanying her mom to the polls for years. “I know how important it is,” Green said. “I always watched her vote so I
Isabella Green and her mother, Marise Santo, wait to vote at Madison Square Garden in Manhattan, Oct. 24, 2020. Hiram Alejandro Durán/THE CITY
knew how to do it.” Democracy in Motion At the Museum of the Moving Image in Queens, a line of voters snaked around the blocks surrounding the 35th Avenue building. Michele Talarico, 66, a retired elementary school teacher from Astoria, was first in line. She woke up at 5 a.m. and arrived on foot around 7:30 a.m. “I couldn’t wait to vote. I’ve been waiting four years to vote,” Talarico said. “I wanted to make sure that I have the pleasure of filling out my ballot.” To be safe, she brought an alreadyfilled-out mail-in ballot to drop off, just in case “it was crazy” at the polls, she said. “It’s a privilege to vote, and a responsibility,” she said. Drawing a Crowd Rosemarie Cook, 61, a hospital administrator, arrived at 6:15 a.m at the Brooklyn Museum poll site with her friend Lilly Lanigault, 72, after seeing reports of long lines and issues at the polls in other states. “I always vote on the day-of. But I thought because of what happened in Georgia, it prompted me to come early,” she said. Cook said things were calm until poll workers arrived at 9 a.m. They struggled to organize the line and answer questions about where seniors and disabled voters could sit to wait. “I’m a senior and I’m not giving up my spot for anybody,” Lanigault said. Because of the confusion, voters crowded the poll site doors as they opened at 10 a.m., with some banging on the glass windows of the museum atrium. Poll workers, some shouting, tried to maintain order. After voters started cycling through, the situation calmed, but long lines remained.
DUMBO resident Cliff Woodson was the first person in line at 6:15 a.m. to vote at the Barclays Center, Oct. 24, 2020. Ben Fractenberg/THE CITY
Jennifer Grannum, 72, came to vote at the Brooklyn Museum straight from a night shift as a nursing administrator at Mount Sinai Hospital. She arrived at 8:15 a.m. with her daughter, Shonelle Williams, who said the poll workers weren’t well organized. “For the first day, you gotta come with your patience,” Williams said. Some Early Snags At the Barclays Center, 52-year-old Anthony Branch was excited to cast his first-ever ballot after years of feeling like voting was “useless,” he said, for “an African-American living in Brooklyn.” “They’re not gonna do nothing for me,” he said. “That’s the way I felt all my life. But this time, I have to at least try.” The Bedford-Stuyvesant native got up early and drove to the arena when just a few people were in line He gave folding chairs he had in his truck to two older women waiting in front of him. But when workers from the Board of Elections came through the line to make sure everyone was in the correct location, he discovered Barclays is not his assigned early voting site. Each voter has a specific early and Election Day voting location, which can be found using a look-up tool from the city Board of Elections. Woodson, the first person in line at Barclays, ran into a headache, as well. At his election district’s table inside, the poll workers had some technical difficulties: An iPad wasn’t working correctly, he said, and wasn’t syncing with a BOE computer. But after about 45 minutes, he cast his ballot and was ready to eat a proper meal — the first of the day for him. “My vote’s in and I’m going to have breakfast, lunch and dinner,” he said as he put on an “I Voted” sticker and headed out the door.
Rosemarie Cook, said she decided to vote early at the Brooklyn Museum after seeing what was going on in other states, Oct. 24, 2020. Peter Senzamici/THE CITY
‘A Feeling of Relief’ Because of the delay, the second and third people in line at the Barclays Center — Umi Shakti and her mother, Norma Maupins — got to cast their ballots first. The Fort Greene residents camped out in front of the arena before the sun came up, armed with chairs and books. “We waited in the dark with the pigeons,” Shakti said. It was important for them to get there on the first day after hearing reports of “so much contention” around the voting process elsewhere in the country this year, Shakti said. Maupins said reports of voter intimidation made her particularly anxious. “To be in a place where we’re over it, we’ve finished the process — it’s definitely a feeling of relief,” she added. Getting an Early Start Are you planning to vote early in New York City? Early voting runs through Nov. 1 — two days before in-person voting on Nov. 3. To help voters get to the polls, a number of companies and organizations are offering help to people casting ballots: •The taxi app Curb is giving a $5 discount to the first 5,000 early voters who use the code “VoteEarly” upon requesting a taxi. •Dominicanos USA is offering free rides to poll sites in Harlem, Washington Heights and Inwood. Call (718) 6650400 for more information. •Lyft is offering 50% off one ride to an early voting poll site. Use the code NYCVOTES when requesting a ride. •Uber customers can get $10 off a ride to an early voting poll site using the code NYSVOTES2019 when requesting a driver. l This story was published on October 24, 2020 by THE CITY.
VISIT WWW.CAWNYC.COM FOR THE LATEST CARIBBEAN NEWS, IMMIGRATION UPDATES, VIEWPOINTS, ENTERTAINMENT & MORE!LIKE US ON FACEBOOK @CAWNYC!
22
ELECTIONS 2020
Ocasio-Cortez Says Democrats Must Focus on Winning White House for Biden BY JUSTIN COLEMAN, THE HILL
R
ep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.) said on Sunday that Democrats need to focus on winning the election before pushing for specific policies from a potential Joe Biden administration. "I don't want us to start counting our chickens before they hatch," she said. "I think we need to focus on winning the White House period," citing that the race remains close in several battleground states such as Florida, Georgia and Pennsylvania. The New York progressive told CNN's "State of the Union" that Democrats and young voters have to prioritize helping Democratic nominee Biden win the presidential election, saying it will be a "luxury" to be able to lobby a Democratic administration. "We need to make sure that we win this White House," she said. "Frankly, I think it would be privilege and would be a luxury for us to talk about what we would lobby Democratic and how we would push the next Democratic administration."
Clint, Texas / USA - 1 July 2019 Clint Border Patrol Station Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez lashes out over deplorable conditions following border facility tours. Women were told to drink out of toilets.Editorial credit: Grossinger / Shutterstock.com
Ocasio-Cortez said she thinks young voters are "disciplined," "realistic" and "pragmatic" about their vote and will side with Biden. "There is no question that Joe Biden is a much better person in that position to be receptive... than Donald Trump."
She added it will be "critically important that the Biden administration appoint progressive leaders" when asked if Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) should be offered a cabinet position if Biden wins. Ocasio-Cortez backed Sanders during his 2020 presidential campaign.l
Call Equity Smart Realty at 888-670-6791 for a FREE consultation.
Are you looking to get into the health & wellness business?
Contact:
26 Court Street, Suite 701, Downtown Brooklyn
Stacy Young Board Certified Holistic Health Coach Tel: 917-459-8431 Stacy@HealthCoachStacyNYC.com
Mydoterra.com/stacyyoung VISIT WWW.CAWNYC.COM FOR THE LATEST CARIBBEAN NEWS, IMMIGRATION UPDATES, VIEWPOINTS, ENTERTAINMENT & MORE! LIKE US ON FACEBOOK @CAWNYC!
GET YOURSELF ON THE PATH TO U.S. CITIZENSHIP TODAY!
This Citizenship Program does not apply to anyone who has ever been arrested since getting their Green Card.
VISIT WWW.CAWNYC.COM FOR THE LATEST CARIBBEAN NEWS, IMMIGRATION UPDATES, VIEWPOINTS, ENTERTAINMENT & MORE!LIKE US ON FACEBOOK @CAWNYC!
The lawyer you hire, does make a difference! VISIT WWW.CAWNYC.COM FOR THE LATEST CARIBBEAN NEWS, IMMIGRATION UPDATES, VIEWPOINTS, ENTERTAINMENT & MORE! LIKE US ON FACEBOOK @CAWNYC!
VISIT WWW.CAWNYC.COM FOR THE LATEST CARIBBEAN NEWS, IMMIGRATION UPDATES, VIEWPOINTS, ENTERTAINMENT & MORE!LIKE US ON FACEBOOK @CAWNYC!
VOTE JOE BIDEN & KAMALA HARRIS ON NOVEMBER 3
VISIT WWW.CAWNYC.COM FOR THE LATEST CARIBBEAN NEWS, IMMIGRATION UPDATES, VIEWPOINTS, ENTERTAINMENT & MORE! LIKE US ON FACEBOOK @CAWNYC!