Caribbean American Weekly - Issue 123 by IQ INC.

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ISSUE 123 VOLUME 21

May 20-June 3, 2021

SERVING THE CARIBBEAN AND HISPANIC COMMUNITIES!

Should My Child Get the COVID-19 Vaccine? A Pediatric Infectious Disease Expert Answers Clarke Introduces The Civil Rights Modernization Act ....5

BY DEBBIE-ANN SHIRLEY THE CONVERSATION

he Food and Drug Administration expanded emergency use authorization of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine to include adolescents 12 to 15 years of age on May 10, 2021. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention followed with recomcontinued on page 6

When Hell Is At Home: Getting a Green Card Through VAWA ....19

Biden Administration Revokes Trump’s Health Insurance Visa Ban BY WALTER EWING

Knowledge is Power when you use it! Get a FREE Consultation! Ask the Lawyer:

Call 855-768-8845

resident Biden revoked a proclamation issued by former President Trump in 2019 that required nearly all prospective immigrants to demonstrate that they would be covered by private health insurance or were President Biden Editorial credit: archna nautiyal / Shutterstock.com

continued on page 17

A Storm Brewing Over Haiti at the OAS ....10

Dr Graham: Screaming Without Vocal Cords ....25

Jamaica Launches $1 Billion “Go Digital” Initiative ....2

Brian Figeroux, Esq., Member, American Immigration Lawyers Association

ShantaQuilette Carter-Williams Talks Heart Disease ....21

File for Bankruptcy, Save Your Home ....15

Could I Lose My Child Because of Mental Health Issues? ....11

Falling Out of Love With Your Spouse ....23

CARICOM Remembers Late T&T Energy Minister ....2

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CARIBBEAN NEWS ROUNDUP 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 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

Haiti and Jamaica Account for 86.2% of CARICOM Remittances

emittances flows to Latin America and the Caribbean grew an estimated 6.5% to $103 billion in 2020, supported by a recovering economy and moderately improving labor market in the USA. CARICOM Member States however only accounted for 6.8% with total remittances equaling $7.074 B. According to the Migration and Development Brief published by the World Bank, Haiti (US$3.1 B) and Jamaica (US$3.0B) accounted for 86.2% of remittances in CARICOM. Other CARICOM Member States received the following remittance flows: Guyana (US$361 M); Trinidad & Tobago (US$178 M); Barbados (US$108 M); Belize (US$93 M); Dominica (US$49 M); Grenada (US$48 M); St. Vincent and the Grenadines (US$44 M); St. Lucia (US$41 M); St. Kitts and Nevis

(US$26 M); Antigua & Barbuda (US$25 M); and Suriname (US$1 M). According to the Brief, the cost of remittance transfers to the region was 5.6% in the fourth quarter of 2020. Banking regulations (related to AML/CFT) raise the risk profile of remittance service providers and thereby increase costs in some corridors.l

Jamaica Launches $1 Billion “Go Digital” Initiative

he Ministry of Industry, Investment and Commerce has earmarked $1 billion to fund the 'Go Digital' initiative, being spearheaded by the Jamaica Business Development

Corporation (JBDC) to support small businesses. That’s the word from Jamaica’s Minister of Industry, Investment and Commerce Audley Shaw in his recent contribution to the 2021/22 Sectoral Budget. According to Mr. Shaw, the JBDC reported that among other COVID-19-induced adverse impacts, some 34% of its clients experienced a reduction in sales and 22% had to close temporarily. He also highlighted that the JBDC in association with Sagicor Bank are designing innovative funding solutions targeting MSMEs.l —CARICOM Business Newsletter

CARICOM Remembers Late Trinidad & Tobago Energy Minister

he Caribbean Community (CARICOM) has remembered the late Trinidad and Tobago Energy Minister Mr Franklyn Khan for his genuine interest in advancing the sector and the development of the Region. CARICOM Secretary-General Ambassador Irwin LaRocque in a Message of Condolence to Trinidad and Tobago’s Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley on the recent passing of Minister Khan, said his dedicated service to the people of his country and commitment to their welfare make him fully deserving of the tributes bestowed on him. Here is the Secretary-General’s full Message of Condolence: “It is with great regret that the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) notes the passing of the Honorable Franklin Khan, Minister of Energy and Energy

Industries of Trinidad and Tobago. His dedicated service to the people of Trinidad and Tobago, and commitment to their welfare marked his contribution to his country, and fully deserved the tributes which have been bestowed on him since his passing. I recall my many interactions with Minister Khan, Minister Mr Franklyn Khan including when he visited the Photo courtesy CARICOM CARICOM Secretariat. I was always struck by his unfailing Community, the CARICOM Secretariat, good nature, humility, and affability. His and on my own behalf to the wife and constructive approach and genuine interfamily of the late Minister and to the est in advancing the energy sector, in parGovernment and people of Trinidad and ticular, and the development of the Tobago on the loss of a devoted Region, in general, will remain with me. patriot.”l I extend the condolences of the

New President Underscores CDB’s Support for St. Vincent and the Grenadines Recovery

RIDGETOWN, BARBADOS: New Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) President, Dr. Gene Leon, reconfirmed the Bank’s support for recovery and reconstruction efforts in St. Vincent and Grenadines during a courtesy call with Prime Minister, Dr. Ralph Gonsalves, on May 14, 2021. Dr. Gonsalves was joined by CDB Governor for St. Vincent and the Grenadines and Minister of Finance, Economic Planning and Information Technology, Camilo Gonsalves and the Director General Finance & Planning, Edmond Jackson.

President Gene Leon Photo: OECS Media

The discussions centered on the challenges the Eastern Caribbean nation now faces following a series of eruptions of the La Soufrière volcano in April which triggered significant economic fallout and social dislocation. With detailed needs assessments now being completed, the Bank is offering assistance through various avenues, including immediate response financing mechanisms and emergency grant facilities. Options for technical support and social protection interventions are also being explored.l

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THOUGHTS

Language Arts, Math, Science and Mental Health: The Importance of a Mental Health Curriculum In Schools BY LOUIS GAGNON

My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge. —Hosea 4:6 Publisher I.Q. INC. Managing Editor & Editor-in-Chief

Pearl Phillip Legal Advisor Brian Figeroux, Esq. Assistant Editor Marilyn Silverman

ne year into COVID-19, school systems nationwide report that grades are taking a hit. Poor adaptation to virtual learning mandates and economic inequities have been cited as key drivers of the toll on academics. However, neuroscience suggests that the unprecedented decline in student mental health is an equally strong indicator of academic performance. Success in school is inextricably linked to brain capacities, such as memory, focus, and planning. Those brain functions are themselves directly affected by mental health. Repeated and prolonged stress and anxiety hijacks the brain and puts us in fightor-flight mode. When we perceive danger, all of our bodily systems are focused on keeping us safe. Naturally, chronic stress and anxiety inhibits the ability to learn by making us inflexible vs. flexible and contracting vs. expansive. Teens and young adults have been particularly vulnerable to the mental health impacts of the pandemic. An American Psychology Association study found seven out of ten students, ages 8 to 23, reported experiencing common symptoms of depression. Recently, Total Brain and the Center for Adolescent Research and Education (CARE) partnered on a neuroscientific study. We looked at the impact of declining mental health on student cognitive capacities during the time of COVID-19. We went into this national study with knowledge that the pandemic was taking a tremendous toll on the mental health of adolescents and young adults. We wanted to see to what degree this unprecedented emotional strain was impacting students’ ability to learn. Our findings are consistent with research that points to an epidemic of mental health concerns among today’s

TEAM

Graphic & Website Designers Praim Samsoondar Anvaar Sabirov Contributors Jennine Estes Erin Telesford Janet Howard Mary Campbell Tarsha Gibbons Travis Morales youth. When we assessed more than 1,000 high school and college students, ages 13 – 22, nearly half were at risk for general anxiety (48%) and social anxiety (45%). And two in five students were at risk for PTSD (39%) and depression (40%). Further, when we measured student cognitive capacities — memory, focus, and planning — we discovered that the average percentile rank for students in each of these functions fell well below the standard average. Expressed in percentile ranking, the standard average for any capacity is the 50th percentile ranking. What we found was: Memory: 37th percentile rank (13 percentile points below standard average) Focus: 37th percentile rank (13 percentile points below standard average) Planning: 34th percentile rank (16 percentile points below standard average) In response to our research findings, Barry A. Garst, Ph.D., Associate Professor, Youth Leadership Development at Clemson University noted, “The importance of providing students with resources that strengthen their resilience and flexibility in the face of conflict or change has never been more apparent than now.” Stephen Wallace, president and director of our research partner CARE says, “Students can benefit greatly from les-

sons designed to build self-awareness, build on cognitive strengths and address deficit areas in need of development.” The psychological impact of having an entire population of students under extended periods of stress cannot be underestimated. A high risk for common mental health conditions can severely impact student motivation and engagement, academic performance, and ultimately graduation rates. An entire generation is at risk of never reaching their full potential—and that should worry us all. As our nation awaits the tsunami of mental health issues born from or worsened by COVID-19, investments in student mental health may be among the wisest ways our nation can support today’s youth. Teaching students strategies and coping skills to deal with stress and anxiety and providing tools and vocabulary to communicate their feelings is a very smart move. The long-term economic benefits of a standardized mental health curriculum will yield an incalculable return for students, businesses, the economy, and society-at-large. Learning to manage mental health is as important as learning the ABCs, multiplication tables, or basic biology. l —mhanational.org

Email info@myiqinc.com Telephone 718-771-0988 Website www.cawnyc.com Louis Gagnon is the CEO of Total Brain, a mental health and wellness platform powered by the world’s largest standardized neuroscientific database. He is Advisor to TPG Capital, a top-tier US private equity firm who named him CEO of Ride, a portfolio company that he restructured. As a corporate executive, Louis held dual Chief Product Officer and Chief Marketing Officer roles at Audible/Amazon, Yodle and Monster Worldwide. As an entrepreneur, Louis created and led five business and social enterprises on four continents, many of which were in the field of reproductive health. He received a Bachelor of Business Administration from Laval University in Quebec City and a Master of Science in Marketing from HECMontreal. His work has been featured in a number of management books and magazines including The Economist.

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DIASPORA CONCERNS

Black Immigrant Advocates Join Current and Potential TPS Holders to Urge Biden Admin Designate Cameroon, Haiti, and Mauritania for TPS BY AMERICA’S VOICE

n May 13, immigrant advocates and current and potential Temporary Protected Status (TPS) holders gathered on a press call to urge the Biden administration to act swiftly on TPS designations in Cameroon, Haiti, and Mauritania and to discuss the unique challenges Black immigrants face. Deportations have continued to Black majority countries in the Caribbean and Africa, while anti-Black racism in the immigration system remains persistent. Amid mounting pressure to designate TPS for Haiti, dire conditions in Cameroon and Mauritania, and inaction from the Biden administration, those gathered on the call discussed the path forward and joined TPS holders and those who would benefit from protection to call for urgent change. Daniel Tse, Asylum Task Force Coordinator at the Haitian Bridge Alliance said, “As an immigrant with firsthand experience in the horrible treatments and eminent discrimination faced by African migrants, it’s important that the Biden administration acts fast to protect vulnerable Cameroonians seeking refuge by granting them Temporary Protected Status. We all know it’s not humane what’s happening in Cameroon, they might not show it on TV but there are arrests, killings, and violence. The Cameroonian government has murdered bystander citizens in its attempts to punish, intimidate, or kill non-violent political demonstrators and activists, and has allowed its assault on Anglophone Cameroonians to create a humanitarian crisis in the country. These conditions are terrible, and people are here in the U.S. to seek freedom and a chance to live, but even then we’re faced with cages in detention. After passing through jungles and oceans to seek freedom in the U.S, they are deported back to their graves. Migrants who are returned to Cameroon are at high risk of death, serious injury, or indefinite imprisonment. The continued armed conflict and attendant political turmoil in Cameroon are precisely the reasons why TPS was created: to protect vulnerable people from crises in their home countries — people who fear for their lives. America has the moral obligation to protect Cameroonians from this crisis and save lives.” Austen, a Cameroonian fleeing state violence who would receive TPS and CASA member said, “It has been a dire situation. In Cameroon I was a teacher and what is going on and what has been going on started with teachers. It is what it is today because teachers decided to stand up. As we hope for a better future we also hope on behalf of the teachers. I always give a

moment of silence to my slaughtered brothers and sisters back home, including my dear father who was killed in the process as well as my own brother and cousin. My story is a sad one but I direct my message to the President of the United States of America. I plead on behalf of all Cameroonians that please, at least for now, we need TPS. People are dying everyday including children, women, and old people. TPS is the only way by which at least our people will be protected. I have visited government offices and the way I was received just because I presented myself in English, showed me that racism is not just a matter of color but it also extends to the culture and tradition of your own heritage. Being a teacher in my country became so dangerous for me. I decided to stand up against how my people were being treated and I said, “Even if it means my life being taken away, I will die happily because I died fighting for my people.” My father was an activist and a member of Southern Cameroon National Congress. He died fighting for his own people. That is why I decided to follow in the footsteps of my father and make sure every human being is respected. The day I was released from a U.S. camp in San Diego, that was the day I got a message from home telling me the military came looking for me but because they couldn’t find me, anyone they saw around my home was in grave danger. I remember the first day I was arrested. They came into my school and I was detained. I was accused of antiterrorism and being in possession of anti government materials and I then was charged with possession. They found my father and he was killed because he could not provide any information about my whereabouts. My home was searched without a search warrant. My wife and children are living in the forest because they cannot afford to show themselves in public. I grew up and I decided to fight for the people and to stand for those who have been tortured. I decided to stand against rape and against inhumane treatment. In the country I come from the government takes pleasure in those who are mistreated but I said no to it. We are all brothers and sisters. Let’s live as one family, no matter where we come from.”

Guerline Jozef, co-founder and Executive Director of Hatian Bridge Alliance, said, “As you heard from my colleague and community members, it is imperative that we find a way to provide protection to Haitians through TPS. Granting TPS to Haiti will provide immediate protections as we continue to push for permanent solutions. I am here to provide a background on what is happening in Haiti right now, and why it is important that President Biden reinstate TPS for Haiti immediately. As we look toward the turmoil that is happening in Haiti such as kidnapping, violence, and other dangerous situations, large scale deportations by the Biden Administration have continued. The earthquake has continued to leave millions of people in complete hopelessness. We are asking President Biden to keep the promise he made to the Haitian American community during his campaign where he committed to protecting the Haitian community. It is time for President Biden to redesignate TPS for Haiti to protect people like Rose, who have been fighting for the United States as essential workers during this pandemic ” Rose Tilus, Nurse Practitioner, TPS Holder from Haiti and member of the Haitian Bridge Alliance said, “I am a Haitian national with Temporary Protected Status (TPS) and have been in the U.S. since I was a teenager. My parents sent me here out of fear for my safety, and I have lived in the U.S. longer than I’ve lived in Haiti. I, along with other Haitian TPS holders, live in constant fear while our status remains up in the air. We don’t know what the future holds. Haiti still hasn’t recovered from the earthquake that originally merited a TPS designation, and since there has been more political and civil unrest including kidnappings, rape, violence… Haiti is a very unsafe place and no one should be sent back to those conditions. I testified in front of Congress just yesterday to demand a pathway to citizenship for essential workers, and I’m on my lunch break right now as a nurse practitioner who has been on the frontlines of the COVID-19 pandemic. I’ve contracted Coronavirus in my workplace, but I will continue to work on the frontlines until this virus is under control. TPS holders are productive members of

society — we are taxpayers and keep this economy running. And when we come forward to demand protections from deportations and a pathway to citizenship, it’s the right and human thing to do. We will keep fighting to bring resolution and results so that Cameroonians and Mauritanians and Haitians will be able to call themselves citizens soon.” Awa Harouna, daughter of Mauritanian immigrants whose father would benefit from TPS and who was featured in Living Undocumented Netflix Documentary said, “My family is originally from Mauritania, and I am currently a U.S. citizen and have been living in the U.S. since I was a child. It has been over three years since my father was released from ICE detainment, but it is no longer the way it once was before his detainment. There is still an echo of what happened. My father would benefit from TPS to prevent him from being returned to Mauritania, where his future would be unknown and dangerous. When he was first detained it came as a shock, and it was the most traumatizing thing I have ever gone through. His absence left a noticeable hole in my family. His detainment taught me about my own strength but also showed me how much I had relied on him all these years. Whenever people talk about how migrants should come legally, they come from a place of ignorance. They don’t understand why people would leave their homes. They don’t understand the dangerous situations that prompt people to leave their home countries and families. If I have one thing to say to the Biden administration it is this: don’t break up families. No child deserves to wonder where their parents are, and no parent wants to be faced with worry about how their child will be taken care of.” “Many of us are happy to see that the Biden administration is reversing course on many of the previous administration’s draconian immigration policies, however there still remains a lot that needs to be done,” said Diana Konaté, Policy Director at African Communities Together. “The administration currently has an opportunity to more boldly and broadly use the humanitarian tools of TPS and DED to protect large numbers of immigrants currently living in the U.S. TPS and DED can be used to protect individuals who would be put in life threatening situations, should they be required to return to their home country. The administration has an opportunity to protect upwards of 2.3 million such immigrants from 18 countries, including Cameroon, Haiti, and Mauritania. We are urging them to do so now.” l Read more immigration news at www.311immigration.com

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CIVIL RIGHTS

Clarke Introduces H.R. 3184, The Civil Rights Modernization Act of 2021

ashington, D.C.: On May 17, Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke (NY-09), announced the introduction of the Civil Rights Modernization Act of 2021 (H.R.3184). The bill will amend Section 230 of the Communications Act to ensure that civil rights laws apply to the targeting of advertisements. There is a history of discriminatory targeting of advertisements that has harmed society by allowing consumers to be excluded from seeing certain ads. These harms are not theoretical and occur in real-time – with particularly troubling implications for communities of color. Personal data such as gender, race, hobbies and interests, and zip code are used to limit the online visibility of many opportunities, thus perpetuating inequities in housing opportunities, credit and employment. “Harmful advertising practices that target communities of color, women, and other marginalized groups are increasing in scale and consequence. To comprehensively address these civil rights implications, Section 230 must be reformed. This legislation is a necessary step to addressing civil rights violations during these unprecedented times,” said Clarke. “We must address platform

Editorial credit: willy sanjuan / Shutterstock.com

accountability issues thoughtfully, with a robust conversation around the impact of some proposed guardrails that will protect our digital community. H.R. 3184 achieves this.” “Protecting Americans’ civil rights is more important than ever—this bill put forward by Congresswoman Clarke updates and modernizes these bedrock protections for the 21st Century. Targeted ads have been used to exclude people from voting, housing, job opportunities, and other beneficial economic activity on the basis of race, sex, age, and other protected statuses. As more and more of our lives occur online, ensuring that these protections can be enforced online is critical. As we have seen with the pandemic,

the racial justice movement, and the attack on the Capitol on January 6th – these platforms need greater accountability,” said Congressman Mike Doyle, Chair of the Communications and Technology Subcommittee. “I look forward to working with Congresswoman Clarke and with my colleagues on the Committee on this legislation. We also plan to release additional proposals that together will form a comprehensive package to help reform existing law and ensure that online platforms are working to benefit our democracy and not against it.” Organization Support "Social media platforms have argued for

an overly broad interpretation of Section 230 that would allow them to escape liability when they deploy their algorithms to target ads for housing, employment, and financial services toward White users and away from Black, Latina/o, and other users of color. This is wrong. The Civil Rights Modernization Act of 2021 makes clear that social media companies are not immune from landmark civil rights laws. This thoughtful bill is tailored to address a real problem, and it represents a major step in advancing platform accountability,” said Spencer Overton, President, Joint Center for Political and Economic Studies, Professor of Law, George Washington University. "I commend [Congresswoman Clarke for] the Civil Rights Modernization Act of 2021. For over 45 years, it's been illegal nationwide to exclude people from getting ads for jobs, housing, and credit due to their race, sex, or other protected statuses. This bill will ensure that no online platform can claim immunity for profiting from the illegal targeting of ads. It underscores that the internet is not a civil rights-free zone," said Peter RomerFriedman, a principal of Gupta Wessler PLLC and former labor counsel to Senator Edward M. Kennedy.l

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IN THE NEWS Should My Child Get the COVID-19 Vaccine?/ continued from page 1

India Variant Arrives in the U.S.

mendations endorsing use in this age group after their advisory group meeting on May 12. The American Academy of Pediatrics also supports this decision. 1. Does the vaccine work in adolescents? Yes, recently released data from PfizerBioNTech shows that the COVID-19 vaccine seems to work really well in this age group. The COVID-19 vaccine was found to be 100% efficacious in preventing symptomatic COVID-19 in an ongoing clinical trial of children in the U.S. aged 12 to 15. Adolescents made high levels of antibody in response to the vaccine, and their immune response was just as strong as what has been seen in older teens and young adults 16-25 years of age. 2. How do I know whether the vaccine is safe for my child? So far, the COVID-19 vaccine appears to be safe and well tolerated in adolescents. All of the COVID-19 vaccines authorized for use in the U.S. have undergone rigorous study, but we don’t want to assume that children are little adults. This is why it is so important to study these vaccines just as carefully in children before health authorities could recommend use. Ongoing studies will continue to follow vaccinated children closely and robust safety monitoring will help rapidly identify rare or unexpected concerns if they emerge. 3. I thought children were low-risk – do they still need to get the vaccine? Currently, children represent nearly onequarter of all new reported weekly COVID-19 cases in the U.S. While serious illness from COVID-19 is rare in children, it does occur – thousands of children have been hospitalized and at least 351 children have died from COVID-19 in the U.S. Some children who get seriously ill from COVID-19 may have underlying health conditions, but not all do. Vaccination will help protect children from developing serious illness. Additionally, since adolescents can transmit COVID-19 to others, vaccinating children may prove to be an important part of safely getting back to normal activities of life, including attending school in person, participating in team sports and spending time with friends. A large survey of school-aged children

T showed that children in full or partial virtual school reported lower levels of physical activity, less in-person time socializing with friends and worse mental or emotional health compared with those receiving full in-person schooling. Children are experiencing unprecedented increases in indirect adverse health and educational consequences related to the pandemic, and we need to find ways to help them get quickly and safely back to normal life. Vaccination is one of them. 4. What side effects might I expect for my child? Nonsevere side effects may be experienced following vaccination. The most commonly reported side effects have been pain and swelling at the injection site. Other common side effects include tiredness and headache. Similar to young adults, some adolescents have experienced fever, chills, muscle aches and joint pain, which may be more common after the second dose. These effects are short-lived, however, and most resolve within one to two days. Some adolescents may faint when receiving an injection. If this is a concern for your child, let your vaccine administration site know ahead of time – your child can be given the vaccine while they’re seated or lying down to avoid injuries from falling. 5. Have there been any severe reactions among children? No serious adverse events related to vaccination were reported in the PfizerBioNTech clinical trial. Serious allergic reactions have rarely been reported in older people. Anyone with a known severe or immediate allergy to the vaccine or any component of the vaccine should not get the vaccine. If your child has a history of any severe allergic reactions or any type of immediate allergic

reaction to a vaccine or injectable therapy, let the vaccine site administrator know so that your child can be monitored for at least 30 minutes after getting the vaccine. Parents should talk to a trusted health care provider or allergist if they have specific questions about the possibility of an allergic reaction in their child. 6. When will a COVID-19 vaccine be authorized for children younger than 12 years? COVID-19 vaccine makers have begun or are planning to begin testing COVID19 vaccines in younger children. As more information becomes available, the authorized age recommendations may change. Children ages 2-11 years old could potentially be eligible as early as the end of this year. 7. If I’ve been vaccinated but my child hasn’t, could I still give the virus to them? The COVID-19 vaccines do not contain live COVID-19 virus, so they cannot cause COVID-19. Rather, getting vaccinated will help protect both you and your children from COVID-19. Studies have shown that vaccinated pregnant and lactating mothers can pass protective immunity on to their young infants across the placenta and in breast milk – one more benefit of vaccination. Though researchers are still learning how well the vaccine can help prevent spread, vaccination is still an important way to limit infecting people who are not yet eligible for the vaccine, like younger children. l Dr. Debbie-Ann Shirley is an associate professor of pediatrics at the University of Virginia specializing in pediatric infectious diseases.

he B.1.617 variant that was first identified in India and has since ravaged the country, has now been spotted in the United States. This is an extremely contagious triple-mutant variant that the WHO has called a “variant of concern,” indicating that it is, in fact, nothing short of a global health threat. US Health officials are not panicked by the arrival of the deadly variant, insisting that the nation is now far better equipped to combat the virus threat with its high vaccination rates and a recently destressed health care system. Wary experts, however, still insist on vigilantly monitoring it. The B.1.617 variant appeared in the U.K at the end of April and quickly multiplied into hundreds of cases. And in the last week its cases more than doubled, going from 520 to 1313, proving just how extremely contagious this particular strain can be. According to the most recent CDC estimates, the B.1.617 variant may have already jumped from claiming 1% of the infections in the U.S. to 3% of the infections. Moreover, the agency believes this variant accounts for over 10% of the infections in New York and New Jersey regions while accounting for more than 17% of the total infections in Western states. WHO’s technical lead for Covid-19, Maria Van KerKhove shared that preliminary studies have shown that B.1.617 possesses higher transmissibility and may be able to evade the immune system more efficiently. In fact, it may even be able to evade antibodies resulting from the vaccines but this needs further research. Regardless, the vaccine shots are still considered effective and must be given. So what does all this information translate to? What does it mean for us? Van KerKhove explained, “What it means for anybody at home is any of the SARS-CoV-2 viruses circulating can infect you and spread and everything in that sense is of concern. So, all of us at home, no matter where we live, no matter what virus is circulating, we need to make sure that we take all of the measures at hand to prevent ourselves from getting sick.”l

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IN THE NEWS

Herd Immunity Appears Unlikely for COVID-19, But CDC Says Vaccinated People Can Ditch Masks in Most Settings herd immunity for polio. When the Global Polio Eradication Initiative was formed in 1988 there were 125 countries with endemic polio and over 300,000 children paralyzed annually. Today, after 33 years of immunization campaigns, Afghanistan and Pakistan are the only countries with wild polio virus, with only two cases of paralysis due to wild poliovirus this year. So herd immunity can be achieved worldwide, but only through extraordinary efforts with global collaboration.

BY WILLIAM PETRI THE CONVERSATION

hen COVID-19 first began spreading, public health and medical experts began talking about the need for the U.S. to reach herd immunity to stop the coronavirus from spreading. Experts have estimated that between 60% and 90% of people in the U.S. would need to be vaccinated for that to happen. Only about 35% of the population has been fully vaccinated, and yet the CDC said on May 14, 2021 that fully vaccinated people can lose their masks in most indoor and outdoor settings. An important question now arises: What happens if we don’t reach herd immunity? Dr. William Petri is a professor of infectious diseases at the University of Virginia who helps lead the global program to achieve herd immunity for polio as the chair of the World Health Organization’s Polio Research Committee. He answers questions here about herd immunity and COVID-19.

What is herd immunity? Herd immunity occurs when there are enough immune people in a population that new infections stop. It means that enough people have achieved immunity to disrupt person-to-person transmission in the community, thereby protecting nonimmune people. Immunity can result from either vaccination or prior infection. Herd immunity may exist globally, as it does with smallpox, or in a country or region. For exam-

ple, the U.S. and many other countries have achieved herd immunity for polio and measles, even though global herd immunity does not yet exist. Has herd immunity been achieved globally for other infections? This has happened only once on a global scale, with the eradication of smallpox in 1980. This was after a decadelong worldwide intensive vaccination campaign. We also are also approaching global

It seems as though the goal posts for herd immunity keep changing. Why? Experts estimate that between 60% and 90% of the U.S. population would need to be immune for there to be herd immunity. This wide range is because there are many moving parts that determine what is needed to achieve herd immunity. Factors influencing whether the target is 60% or 90% include how well vaccination and prior infection prevent not continued on page 8

GET BACK TO FRIENDS

COVID-19 vaccines are safe, effective and will help us all get back to the people and activities we have missed.

Get 琀e facts. Get facts. Get Get 琀e vax. vax To get the facts about COVID-19 vaccines, visit nyc.gov/covidvaccine. Visit nyc.gov/vaccineﬁnder or call 877-VAX-4NYC (877-829-4692) to ﬁnd a vaccination site to get your COVID-19 vaccine.

Health

Bill de Blasio Mayor Dave A. Chokshi, MD, MSc Commissioner

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IN THE NEWS

Herd Immunity Appears Unlikely/continued from page 7 only illness due to COVID-19, but also infection and transmission to others. Additional considerations include the heightened transmissibility of new variants of SARS-CoV-2 and the use of measures to interrupt transmission, including face masks and social distancing. Other important factors include the duration of immunity after vaccination or infection, and environmental factors such as seasonality, population sizes and density and heterogeneity within populations in immunity. What is the biggest barrier to herd immunity in the U.S.? Two factors could lead to failure to achieve high enough levels of immunity: not every adult receiving the vaccine because of “vaccine hesitancy” and the likely need to vaccinate adolescents and children. The FDA cleared the emergency use of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine for adolescents 12 to 15 years of age on May 10, 2021, so that could help. But an added barrier is the constant pressure of reintroduction of infection from other countries where vaccination is not as readily available as in the U.S. Achieving herd immunity to the extent of totally blocking new infections is therefore, while a laudable goal, not easily achievable. I think that for COVID-

19 at this time, it will be possible only with the concerted global effort over years, similar to what led to smallpox eradication.

because of competing priorities for time. Convenience issues include the availability and complexity, such as having to get two doses.

Why are there ‘vaccine hesitant’ individuals? People may be vaccine hesitant for several reasons, including lack of confidence in the vaccine, the inconvenience of receiving the vaccine, or complacency – that is, thinking that if they get COVID-19 it will not be severe. Lack of confidence includes concerns for vaccine safety or skepticism about the health care providers and public health officials administering them. Complacency reflects a personal decision that vaccination is not a priority for that individual because she or he perceives that the infection is not serious or

Since herd immunity will not be reached, what will our lives look like? At least into 2022 and likely for much longer, I do not expect there will be herd immunity for COVID-19. What there will be, probably by the end of this summer in the U.S., is a new normalcy. There will be far fewer cases and deaths due to COVID-19, and there will be a removal of social distancing and year-round masking, as evidenced by the CDC’s new guidelines issued May 13, 2021, that vaccinated people do not have to wear masks in most places. But there will be a seasonality to coronavirus infections. That means there will

be less in the summer and more in the winter. We’ll also see outbreaks in regions and population subgroups that lack adequate immunity, short-lived lockdowns of cities or regions, new and more transmissible variants and a likely requirement for vaccine booster shots. We cannot let down on the research and development of treatments and new vaccines, as studies show that COVID-19 is here to stay.l

Dr. William Petri is a professor of infectious diseases at the University of Virginia who helps lead the global program to achieve herd immunity for polio as the chair of the World Health Organization’s Polio Research Committee.

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LANDLORDS USING CONSTRUCTION AS A FORM OF TENANT HARASSMENT IS ILLEGAL. Renters have rights, including not being intimidated or harassed by landlords. Construction can be used as a form of tenant harassment. This can include cutting off essential services like heat, hot water, or gas and doing excessively noisy work at odd hours. The Ofﬁce of the Tenant Advocate. Enforcing tenants’ rights when landlords are wrong. TO FILE A COMPLAINT, CALL 311 AND ASK FOR DOB’S OFFICE OF THE TENANT ADVOCATE.

WWW.NYC.GOV/BUILDINGS

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ISLAND FOCUS: HAITI

A Storm Brewing Over Haiti at the OAS BY SIR RONALD SANDERS

was shocked to read the various news reports of gender-based violence occurring in recent weeks in Jamaica, and especially a report by the United Nations that 700 new cases of gender-based violence were reported in Jamaica between March and April 2020. Fear, intimidation, and a subtle normalizing of the unthinkable continue to make it difficult to hold fully accountable those who perpetrate such awful acts of violence. There is a dramatic deterioration in the moral fiber of our beloved Jamaican society. This decline is demonstrated by a distressingly high crime rate in general and an embarrassing decrease in respect for women in particular. We are aware of the worldwide increase in domestic violence partly due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Unfortunately, Jamaica has become a part of this global disgrace of genderbased violence. Strong disagreement may be brewing at the Organization of American States (OAS) on how to respond to the ongoing, grave political and constitutional crisis in Haiti. Since January 2020, the Haitian president, Jovenel Moïse, has been ruling the country by decree without any legislative oversight. The mandates of the members

of the Haitian parliament, except for ten of them, were terminated because elections were not held. The rising tension in the country, including use of lethal force by the police against protestors, widespread kidnappings and killing, rape of women, and an arbitrary decision by Moïse to hold a controversial referendum on a new constitution, as well as heightened political contention, caused concerned member states at the OAS, including nine CARICOM countries, to sponsor a Resolution at the organization’s Permanent Council to address the situation urgently. Specifically, the Resolution, adopted on March 17, offered “the good offices of

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the OAS under the authority of the Permanent Council to facilitate a dialogue that would lead to free and fair elections”. It requested the secretarygeneral, Luis Almagro, “to advise the government and other major stakeholders in Haiti, of the Permanent Council’s offer to undertake a good offices role and to invite the president of Haiti to consider inviting the Permanent Council to do so”. Whether or not Almagro wrote to the Haitian president and “other major stakeholders” is unclear. Certainly, no major political party or human rights group in Haiti has confirmed receipt of any communication from him. There has also been silence from him to two official requests, asking for details of stakeholders to whom he might have written and when. There is no need for this – a straight answer is all that is required. This matter will be mired in controversy, because while uncertainty prevails over whether or not the secretary-general did write to the president and other major stakeholders in Haiti, a letter dated April 28 was sent to him by Claude Joseph in the latter’s capacity as minister of foreign affairs. The letter is significant. First, it does not refer to any communication received from Almagro. Instead, it references the Permanent Council’s Resolution of March 17 as the basis for writing. Second, it states that “the government of the Republic of Haiti is willing to receive an OAS mission in support of the ongoing dialogue with all the nation’s stakeholders with a view to concluding a political agreement that will facilitate the organization of the constitutional referendum and elections at all levels during the course of 2021”. On the second point, the OAS Resolution of March 17 did not offer its good offices “to facilitate the organization of the constitutional referendum”. The proposed referendum is entirely of president Moïse’s making and is mired in claims of unconstitutionality. The highly respected US Congresswoman, Maxine Waters, describes it as “Moïse’s most audacious and dangerous power grab”. Legal experts inside and outside Haiti have opined that the existing Constitution specifically prohibits referenda to decide constitutional changes because a former dictator, Jean Claude ‘Baby Doc’ Duvalier, had used that artifice to pro-

claim himself president-for-life. Therefore, if the OAS accepts that facilitation of the referendum is a condition of its good offices’ role, its purpose and credibility are undermined even before it starts. No stakeholder would participate in any dialogue where organization of a constitutional referendum is a condition. It is important to recall that, prompted by the rapidly deteriorating democratic and human rights situation in Haiti, the offer of good offices by the Permanent Council resolution was “to facilitate a dialogue that would lead to free and fair elections”. Nowhere did the Resolution venture to suggest that the OAS’ role would include facilitating the organization of a referendum to alter the constitution. Particularly significant is that on April 26, two days before Joseph sent his letter to Almagro, 68 members of the US Congress wrote to Secretary of State, Antony Blinken, pointing out that Moïse “lacks the credibility and legitimacy to oversee a constitutional referendum scheduled for June 2021, or to administer elections that are free and fair”. This position by such a large number of US Congress persons, led by Gregory W. Meeks, the Chair of the Foreign Affairs Committee of the House, is a remarkable development. It shows that important US lawmakers are deeply concerned about what they describe as, “lack of preparedness of electoral institutions to hold elections, as well as the unconstitutional composition of the prevailing electoral council”. Contrary to law, Moïse handpicked the members of the Council. Of especial note is that the 68 US Congresspersons urged Secretary Blinken to use the US vote within the OAS “to ensure US taxpayer dollars are not spent in support of this referendum”. Last year, the OAS and CARICOM, held all the parties in Guyana to account to deliver a credible result to general elections held on March 2. It took five months of the active attention and diligence of CARICOM, the Commonwealth, the European Union and the OAS to ensure that democracy and the rule of law were upheld in Guyana, and that general and regional elections were not stolen by the incumbent government. What is happening in Haiti now is no less egregious than what was resisted in Guyana in 2020 and is now being condemned in other member states of the OAS – and even in countries outside of it. The OAS must act in the interest of Haiti and the Haitian people to uphold their rights to democratic governance, human rights, and the opportunity for economic development. The governing Charters of the OAS mandate it.l

Sir Ronald Sanders is currently Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to the United States and the Organization of American States.

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FAMILY MATTERS

Could I Lose My Child Because I Have a Mental Health Condition?

higher proportion of parents with serious mental illness lose custody of their children than parents without mental illness. There are many reasons why parents with a mental illness risk losing custody, including the stresses their families undergo, the impact on their ability to parent, economic hardship, and the attitudes of mental health providers, social workers and the child protective system. Supporting a family where mental illness is present takes extra resources that may not be available or may not be offered. Also, a few state laws cite mental illness as a condition that can lead to loss of custody or parental rights. One unfortunate result is that parents with mental illness might avoid seeking mental health services for fear of losing custody of their children. Studies that have investigated this issue report that: •Only one-third of children with a parent who has a serious mental illness are being raised by that parent. •In New York, 16 percent of the families involved in the foster care system and 21 percent of those receiving family preservation services include a parent with a mental illness.

suspected child abuse or neglect concerning their clients. The loss of custody can be traumatic for a parent and can exacerbate their illness, making it more difficult for them to regain custody. If mental illness prevents a parent from protecting their child from harmful situations, the likelihood of losing custody is drastically increased.

•Grandparents and other relatives are the most frequent caregivers if a parent is psychiatrically hospitalized, however other possible placements include voluntary or involuntary placement in foster care. The major reason states take away custody from parents with mental illness is the severity of the illness, and the absence of other competent adults in the home. Although mental disability alone is insufficient to establish parental unfitness, some symptoms of mental illness, such as disorientation and adverse side effects from psychiatric medications, may demonstrate parental unfitness. A research study found that nearly 25 percent of caseworkers had filed reports of

Legal Issues All people have the right to bear and raise children without government interference. However, this is not a guaranteed right. Governments may intervene in family life in order to protect children from abuse or neglect, imminent danger or perceived imminent danger. When parents are not able, either alone or with support, to provide the necessary care and protection for their child, the state may remove the child from the home and provide substitute care. Adoption and Safe Families Act The Federal Adoption and Safe Families Act, Public Law 105-89 (ASFA) was signed into law November 19, 1997. This legislation is the first substantive change in federal child welfare law since the

Adoption Assistance and Child Welfare Act of 1980, Public Law 96-272.4 It is intended to achieve a balance of safety, well-being and permanency for children in foster care. It requires that state child welfare agencies make "reasonable efforts" to prevent the unnecessary placement of children in foster care and to provide services necessary to reunify children in foster care with their families. ASFA establishes expedited timelines for determining whether children who enter foster care can be moved into permanent homes promptly—their own familial home, a relative's home, adoptive home, or other planned permanent living arrangement. While ASFA is designed to protect children, it also includes provisions pertaining to parental rights. For example, under ASFA, parents have the right to receive supports and services to help them retain custody and keep their families intact. The child welfare system must provide these services according to an individualized plan that has been developed and agreed upon by all parties to ensure parents with mental illnesses are not discriminated against due to their illness. l —mhanational.org

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JOBS & RECESSION

Do I Need a College Degree to Be a Real Estate Agent? BY KAPLAN REAL ESTATE EDUCATION

ecoming a real estate agent is an attractive career option for many people because of the minimal requirements to get started. Regardless of educational or professional background, most people can start a new career as a real estate agent within a few months. For motivated self-starters, the combination of minimal requirements and high earning potential makes real estate sales a perfect fit. No degree? No problem. You don’t need a college degree to become a real estate agent in most states. A degree or certificate program can help you learn skills that you’ll use while on the job, but it’s not required. In fact, there are only a few things required to become a real estate agent in each state. Familiarizing yourself with those requirements is the first step you can take towards starting your career in real estate. How do I become a real estate agent without a college degree? To become a licensed real estate agent without a college degree, the process is straight-forward. Each state has its own

set of requirements for real estate licensure, but they all involve taking a certain amount of pre-licensing education and passing an exam. Once you figure out how to satisfy your state’s requirements, you can start taking your pre-licensing education and preparing for your exam. Luckily, there are many options out there to help you succeed, including online and weekend real estate courses and exam prep tools. It’s a good idea to plan out the next few months of your time so that you can stick to a schedule of completing your prelicensing education and preparing for your exam. Choose a real estate school that’s approved by the state where you want to earn a license and offers courses

that fit your schedule and instructional preferences. Many people find the prelicensing education usually isn’t enough to fully prepare for their real estate exam. You can get a head start on your exam day prep by investigating exam study tools and making a plan for success on exam day. What are the best college majors for real estate agents? Popular majors for future real estate agents include marketing, finance, accounting, psychology, and business. Even though going to college isn’t required, you may find it helpful to complete a degree or certificate program to gain knowledge that would help you succeed as a real estate agent. Passing your exam and completing your pre-licensing education doesn’t guarantee you a thriving career, which is why many agents find it beneficial to have additional background knowledge in marketing themselves, maintaining their finances, and understanding the psychology of their clients. You don’t need to spend a lot of money or time at a four-year university to gain an understanding of these topics, either. For a busy parent or professional, it might not be feasible to find the time and money needed to earn a four-year degree in real estate. Local community colleges offer two-year associate degrees in areas like marketing, business, and accounting, and many offer night and online classes. Boosting your marketing or business knowledge could be as simple as taking a few classes. Which schools offer degrees or certificates in real estate? If you’re looking for something more comprehensive, some four-year colleges and universities have begun offering specific real estate degrees and certificates. Attending a four-year university to study real estate is a good option for prospective students who are planning to attend college regardless of their major. At many of these colleges, you’ll receive a solid educational background in real estate law, finance, and development. One of the benefits of the real estate salesperson’s licensure process is that its accessible to people from a variety of academic and professional backgrounds. You don’t need a college degree, and the requirements are minimal. Ready to start preparing? Visit www.nacc.nyc/kaplan l

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No. 31

Are Judicial Foreclosures on the Rise Amid the COVID 19 Pandemic? BY NORMA LEWIS, LLM

a judicial foreclosure, the property owner gives a mortgage and note to a lender in exchange for a loan. The real property is collateral for the loan. Suppose the borrower fails to repay the loan or otherwise defaults on the loan by failing to follow the loan terms. In that case, the lender may file a foreclosure action in the appropriate New York State Court, which would be the Supreme Court in the county in which the property is located. Most foreclosure cases in New York State are of the judicial type. Another type of non-judicial foreclosure involves a mezzanine loan. A mezzanine loan consists of a security interest

2020." However, not every foreclosure case in New York is a judicial foreclosure or requires the lender to go through the Court. Non-judicial foreclosures occur most commonly in proceedings instituted on behalf of cooperatives.

in the company's stock shares that owns the real estate in question, similar to a coop loan. Because New York State currently has a moratorium, due to the effects of the

Covid-19 pandemic, on judicial foreclosures. Under this Administrative Order, "no auction or sale of property in any residential or commercial matter shall be scheduled to occur before October 15,

Now let's explore the Judicial Foreclosure Process in New York State: To commence judicial foreclosure litigation here in New York State, there are (3) three court pleadings that the lender usually prepares to initiate a foreclosure lawsuit, i.e., the comcontinued on page 4

Avoiding Real Estate Scams!

f any part of a transaction seems to good to be true, you may be the victim of a real estate scam. There are many types of real estate scams. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) warns consumers to beware of the many, increasingly sophisticated tactics criminals are using to swindle their victims. Loan modification scams If you’re in danger of losing your home, it can be a time of desperation, but keeping your wits about you will help you avoid a common loan modification scam. Typically these scams involve someone posing as a financial advisor or debt relief consultant asking you to pay an up-front fee and sign a contract, with promises of lowering your payments or eliminating debt. They may even try to convince you to sign over the title of the property, or redirect your mortgage payments to their own bank accounts. According to the Homeownership Preservation Foundation, these kinds of scams became so prevalent during the recent housing crisis that the FTC issued a rule in 2011, forbidding companies from accepting up-front fees to negotiate mortgage-reduction payments on behalf of a homeowner.

The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) suggests that homeowners facing foreclosure instead contact a HUD-approved housing counselor to explore their options. Deed scams Scammers around the country looking to capitalize on misinformation about the legal proceedings surrounding homeownership have been perpetrating a deed scam. This usually involves a mailed letter offering to provide a certified copy of your property deed, usually for a fee around $90$100. The fee for obtaining a copy of your deed is usually much lower, and you can easily obtain the document yourself from the county clerk’s office. The cost can be as little as $1 per page for a regular copy and about $10 for a certified copy.

Rental scams If you find your dream property in an online listing and the price seems like a steal, you may be dealing with a rental scammer. Rental scams are relatively easy for criminals to pull off. They swipe legitimate listing photos and details, pre-sent a peach of a deal and ask for a cash deposit or credit or application fee. They may even invent a property entirely. They walk away with your cash, and you’re left with nothing but regret. According to the FTC, the surest sign of a fraud is if you’re asked to wire money. “Wiring money is the same as sending cash — once you send it, you have no way to get it back,” according to the FTC. Working with an “agent” who’s located outside the U.S. or being asked to put down money before signing a lease are also red flags. Report scams It’s important to report scams to help prevent others from being victimized. To report a loan modification scam, contact local police. Rental scams should be reported to local law enforcement authorities as well as to the FTC at www.ftc.gov.n

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EQUITY SMART REALTY

Increasing Your Home’s Value

BY JOE SZYNKOWSKI

ot all home improvement projects are the same. The impact of a project or upgrade depends on factors such as the market you’re in, and your existing home value. Some projects like adding a pool or wood floors tend to have bigger increases for more expensive homes, while projects like a kitchen remodel or adding a full bathroom tend to have a bigger increase for less expensive h o m e s . With housing prices increasing again, there has never been a better time to invest in your home. There are always ways to improve the value of your home — no matter your budget. Check out the following suggestions, categorized into three

modest price points: Improvements under $500 lPaint. Simple and cost effective, fresh paint will have a dramatic impact on a space. lRemove outdated ceilings. In the 1980s and 90s, popcorn ceilings were all the rage. And now, their time has come to an end. This project requires more elbow grease than money. lAttend to small repairs. This means things like a loose hinge on a kitchen cabinet, burned out light bulbs, squeaky doors and jiggly handles. While these things may not seem like much, they speak to the care of a home. Improvements $500-$1,500 lInstall closet storage. Closets can be a

blank canvas for clutter. Installing organizers keeps things in their place and provide a little luxury. lImprove small bathrooms. This could be as simple as new light fixtures, an updated vanity or a new shower curtain. You are guaranteed to see a return on investment on most bathroom upgrades, so this is a safe area to spend on. lUpgrade old appliances. Kitchens add big value to your home, so even updating the sink or swapping out a microwave range hood for a sleek drop down will maximize value. Improvements $1,500 and Up lUpdate flooring. This could be as simple as replacing the tiles in the small hall bath or removing the wall-to-wall carpeting and installing hardwoods throughout. lRefresh exterior paint. Curb appeal is a

big deal and can increase the property values of an entire neighborhood. A fresh coat of paint keeps things looking clean and crisp. lResurface concrete. While a cracked driveway or walkway may not seem like much, the weeds growing in the cracks whisper of neglect. A solid surface stained eith an attractive color shows that a property is well-looked-after. Remember that the cost and payback of each project will vary depending on your region of the country, neighborhood within that region, as well as the overall condition of your home.n

Need assistance? We will be happy to meet with you and share our guidance. Schedule an appointment today. Call us at 888-670-

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KNOW YOUR RIGHTS

File for Bankruptcy, Save Your Home BY D.S. HILDEBRAND

ew research from the University of North Carolina (UNC) Center for Community Capital and the UNC School of Law suggests that homeowners in foreclosures who file for bankruptcy have a better chance to retain their home. Specifically, the report, "Bankruptcy During Foreclosure: Home Preservation Through Chapters 7 and 13," says that filing for Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 bankruptcy reduces the chance of foreclosure by 70 percent. Surprisingly, the study also found that only about 8 percent of homeowners actually file for bankruptcy. Differences between Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 Bankruptcy While Chapter 7 relieves unsecured debts, Chapter 13 protects home ownership with a debt repayment plan. Regardless, both types of bankruptcy protection stop foreclosure proceedings. In general, Chapter 7 liquidates unsecured debt, such as credit cards and medical bills, for those with little or no disposable income. A court-appointed trustee oversees the case. The trustee's job is to review the filing documents and sell all assets not exempt from the proceedings.

The trustee repays the creditors from the money gained. On the other hand, a Chapter 13 bankruptcy reorganizes rather than liquidates debts. It is for those with a regular income who can repay their debts, but need time and legal protection to do so. It allows homeowners to retain both their exempt and non-exempt assets in exchange for repayment (or partial repayment) of debts. As in Chapter 7 bankruptcy, Chapter 13 follows similar procedures. After a homeowner files the papers and pays a fee, the court appoints a trustee. Homeowners make a monthly payment to the trustee

who repays creditors according to a specified order. Which bankruptcy a homeowner chooses depends on current income, amount of assets and debts, and desired goals. However, it's important to note that Chapter 7 generally takes four to six months to complete. Chapter 13 bankruptcy can take up to five years to complete. Deciding if Bankruptcy is the Right Choice Before deciding that filing for bankruptcy is the right move, homeowners need to take into account the impact of this action.

First, homeowners should consider if there are alternative actions they might take, such as borrowing from a family member or liquidating an asset instead of waiting for the court to do so. Next, understand the laws and ramifications. Homeowners need to determine if they are eligible. Additionally, they need to learn which assets (such as pension, car, and home) they will lose and what debts (such as credit card, medical, and loans) the court will forgive. Finally, homeowners should understand the impact a bankruptcy has on their life. It's intrusive. The court will review every inch of their financial life. It's invasive. In Chapter 7, the trustee sells off personal items. It's long lasting. Chapter 7 bankruptcy stays on the homeowner's credit record for 10 years. Chapter 13 bankruptcy stays on a credit record for seven years. While bankruptcy offers homeowners an opportunity to retain their home, there are downsides to consider. It's important that homeowners understand all angles and talk to an expert before they take action. Free Consultation Need assistance? We will be happy to meet with you and share our guidance. Schedule an appointment today. call us at 855-7688845. n

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Judicial Foreclosures/ continued from page 1

What is the Complaint for Foreclosure? The "complaint," sometimes called a "petition," for foreclosure sets out the claims of the foreclosure lawsuit. It generally describes the following: •the mortgage •the promissory note •the property to be foreclosed. •the default •the amount due, and •the defendants, along with their interest in the property. The complaint will also state the type of relief or remedy the lender is seeking; For example, the complaint will ask for the right to sell the property and apply the sale proceeds to the mortgage debt. The complaint may also request a deficiency judgment if the proceeds at the foreclosure sale do not fully cover the total debt amount. What is a Summons in a Foreclosure Lawsuit? In a judicial foreclosure, a summons is issued by the Supreme Court for each Defendant named in the foreclosure lawsuit. Once prepared and dated, the Summons should be filed in the Supreme Court of the county where the property is located. Typical defendants in a foreclo-

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sure lawsuit are the: •homeowners (borrowers) •lienholders •judgment holders, and •occupants (if any). The Summons notifies Defendant their right to file an answer to the suit and how many days Defendant has to respond, which is usually 20 to 30. As per CPLR[1] §3012(d), a party may extend the time to appear or plead or compel acceptance of a pleading untimely served, upon such terms as may be just and upon the showing of reasonable excuse for delay or fault. Additionally, the parties stipulate to extend the time to answer if it is so warranted. The Summons is generally issued to the Defendant in his/ her native language. If you want to answer the complaint's claims and fight the foreclosure, you must file your answer within this time frame once you duly served. What is a Notice of Lis Pendens? "Lis pendens" is a Latin phrase that means "suit pending." When a lender starts a foreclosure, a notice of lis pendens is recorded in the County Clerk's records. The notice of Lis Pendens' purpose is to inform the public that a lawsuit involving the property is pending. In other words, the lis pendens serves as actual and constructive notice to the world that there is a pending lawsuit concerning the real property. The notice of lis pendens is typically a one- or two-page document that includes the legal description of the property and states that a foreclosure has been started. How to answer the Foreclosure complaint? In your answer, you need to address all of the allegations in the complaint. For each numbered paragraph in the complaint, you should admit, deny, or say you don't have sufficient information to admit or reject (and therefore you deny) the allegations contained in that particular paragraph. You may also ask that the lender prove its causes of actions, like how much it says you owe and the fees it says are due. Remember that if you admit an allegation, the lender doesn't have to prove it. You'll also need to raise any defenses, and affirmative defenses in your answer, such as the lender doesn't have standing (the right to foreclose) or improper service of process. Also, as well as any counterclaims, like the servicer violated federal mortgage servicing laws when you applied for a loan modification, if applicable. Suppose this is your first foreclosure lawsuit, and you decide to answer the foreclosure complaint without an attorney's assistance and represent yourself in court proceedings. In that case, you'll need to devote a substantial amount of time to conducting research, getting your paperwork in order, and preparing your arguments. Because the law is complicated and court procedures vary quite a bit, it's a good idea to hire a skilled attorney to assist you in the process. In conclusion, because your home is your castle and you may have invested a significant amount of money and resources before default, you should consult with a professional attorney to assist you in the judicial foreclosure process. n

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IMMIGRATION

17 Immigration Fraud

Health Insurance Visa Ban/ continued from page 1 wealthy enough not to need it. Those needing health insurance would have to be covered within 30 days of entering the United States. This health insurance visa ban would have amounted to a wealth test for most noncitizens wanting to immigrate to the United States. Biden’s May 14 presidential proclamation overturning Trump’s order makes the case that “access to quality, affordable healthcare” can be achieved “without barring the entry of noncitizens who seek to immigrate lawfully to this country but who lack significant financial means or have not purchased health insurance coverage from a restrictive list of qualifying plans.” The Trump-era health insurance visa ban would have excluded 65% of all immigrants to the United States. Trump’s order was aimed not only at keeping noncitizens who lacked health insurance out of the country. It also sought to exclude noncitizens who had publicly funded or subsidized health insurance plans, like those purchased through the exchanges created under the Affordable Care Act. The stated justification for the health insurance visa ban was that immigrants “should not further saddle our health care system, and subsequently American taxpayers, with higher costs.” This rationale overlooked the fact that immigrants are also taxpayers. They also contribute to

the U.S. economy through their labor and entrepreneurship. Trump’s order was quickly challenged by a lawsuit filed in Oregon federal court. In response to the lawsuit, the order was temporarily blocked by a federal judge one day before it was supposed to go into effect. Although the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals upheld the order in December 2020, President Biden took office weeks later and the order was never implemented. The health insurance visa ban was one among several measures the Trump administration implemented to limit legal immigration to the United States. Trump especially focused on limiting immigration from less-developed countries. In fact, the ban was issued days before

the Trump administration’s “public charge” rule was due to go into effect. That rule made it easier for the federal government to deny a visa or green card to immigrants deemed likely to receive public benefits at some point in the future. The public charge rule survived several legal challenges and went into effect in February 2020. But it was ultimately dismantled by the Biden administration. Both the public charge rule and the health insurance visa ban attempted to limit legal immigration to this country based on wealth. The Biden administration was right to rescind them. Had they gone into effect, the right to live in the United States would have become a reward reserved for only a handful of privileged people.l

ederal law enforcement agents arrested Arleigh Louison on July 18, 2019, and he was indicted in Vermont on 12 counts of making false statements and submitting over 1,800 fraudulent immigration applications to the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). “A federal grand jury returned a 12count indictment against Arleigh Louison, 53, of Brooklyn, New York, charging him with running an immigration fraud scheme that included the filing of false statements with the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services, including over 1,800 fraudulent applications for over 1,000 petitioners within the last four years. Diplomatic Security Service (DSS) agents arrested Louison in Brooklyn, New York, and executed a federal search warrant at his office,” said the U.S. Department of Justice press release. Louison has since passed. However, he has left a carnage of victims facing deportation and a myriad of immigration issues. Since Louison was arrested for immigration fraud, the files of all his clients will be reviewed. Additionally, every single client will be served a Notice to Appear (NTA) and be interviewed by ICE agents with the sole purpose of seeking admission to initiate deportation proceedings. For a FREE case evaluation, call 855-768-8845.l

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As US Birth Rate Declines, Programs Like Social Security Need Immigration to Survive BY WALTER EWING

irth rates are falling in the United States at the same time more Americans are reaching retirement age. Together, these two trends present enormous economic challenges for the nation. A growing number of retirees are leaving the labor force and relying on programs like Social Security and Medicare. But there aren’t enough younger workers able to take their place. If not for immigration, this pool of younger workers would be even smaller than it already is. As a result, immigration is playing a key role in supporting the country’s labor force, tax base, and contributions into benefits programs. According to the National Center for Health Statistics, the number of births in the United States in 2020 was down 4% from the previous year. This marked the sixth year in a row that births have declined and amounts to the lowest number of births in the country since 1979. The decline in the birth rate is a major factor underlying the sluggish growth of the U.S. population. The first round of data to come out of the 2020 Census reveals that the 2010s witnessed the second-lowest population growth rate in U.S. history. Between 2010 and 2020, the number of people in the United States grew by only 7.4%. The only time population growth ever fell lower than that was during the Great Depression in the 1930s. The last year the United States saw the number of births increase was in 2014.

Report: Citizenship for a Stronger Recovery

Demographers predict that there will be a greater decline in births following the COVID-19 pandemic. But the latest Census doesn’t reflect that potential change yet—most babies born in 2020 were conceived before the pandemic began. Rather, financial instability, growing student loan debt, and a lack of social safety net programs (such as universal paid family leave) can in part explain the continual decline. As births continue to decline and population growth slows, the adult population of the United States is growing older. The Census Bureau projects that by 2030 all baby boomers will be over the age of 65. At that point, immigration will overtake “natural increase” (the number of births minus the number of deaths) as the main engine of U.S. population growth. Even at the levels of immigration projected by the Census Bureau, people over the age of 65 will outnumber children for the first time in U.S. history by 2034.

There simply are not enough workingage taxpayers to support programs upon which a growing number of retired older Americans depend. It is an unsustainable situation. For instance, Social Security’s board of trustees predicts that the system “will be depleted in 2034.” The U.S. economy depends on growth of the labor force to generate the tax revenue needed to maintain programs like Social Security. And a key component of labor-force growth is immigration. Immigrants tend to come to the United States when they are relatively young and still in the workforce. That is why immigrants account for 17% of the U.S. labor force even though they are 13.7% of the total population. Immigration alone will not save Social Security or reverse the aging of the U.S. population. But immigration is part of the solution. Arbitrary restrictions on immigration will only make the problem worse. l

ASHINGTON: Removing cost barriers to naturalization could be a powerful tool for economic recovery, a new National Partnership for New Americans (NPNA) briefing paper shows, citing more than a decade’s worth of research on the benefits of citizenship, as well as recent data on immigrants and the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. The paper, Citizenship for a Stronger Economy: How waiving naturalization fees can accelerate America's COVID19 recovery, lays out data showing that naturalized U.S. citizens earn about 50 percent more than non-citizens and are significantly likelier to be employed in a skilled occupation and to have health insurance. They’re also far likelier to own a home, have a mortgage, and access other types of formal credit that Americans rely on to improve their lives, such as auto loans and credit cards. The briefing paper release comes while NPNA and its 41 member organizations across the nation are calling for the jobs and infrastructure bill proposed by the Biden administration to include fee waivers for naturalization applicants for 12 -18 months, through reconciliation if necessary. The NPNA coalition is holding a national virtual advocacy event today, where over 40 meetings are scheduled between members of Congress and constituents from NPNA member organizations to advocate for the passage of the New Deal for New Americans Act, which includes a fee waiver provision for naturalization. “The evidence is overwhelming that citizenship helps immigrants and their families realize their full economic potential, and that’s good not only for them, but for their communities and the country as a whole,” said Nicole Melaku, executive director of NPNA and a daughter of naturalized U.S. citizens. “This is why we’re urging Congress to waive the $725 fee entirely for an 18-month period, at least for essential workers or those earning less than $75,000 per year. We also need to pass the New Deal for New Americans Act, which would permanently reduce the fee to $50 and further facilitate naturalization.” “Citizenship is the great equalizer: It enables people who’ve lived and worked in this country for years, paid taxes, and contributed to their communities, to enjoy the same rights and privileges as those born in the United States,” the paper says. “That deepens their ties to this country, opens up new opportunities, and enables them to contribute even more.”l

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IMMIGRATION

When Hell Is At Home: Getting a Green Card Through VAWA BY MARY CAMPBELL

hey say, “Charity begins at home.” Well, hell can also be at home. “Home” can be the word where there is fear, anxiety, anticipation of what’s coming, suffering—domestic violence. That violence can be physical, mental, and emotional.The Coronavirus pandemic demands that we stay at home. But for many, added to the fear of the coronavirus and financial uncertainty is domestic violence. Being confined at home with their abuser makes victims more vulnerable because there is no escape. On top of that, multiple studies have found that emotionally stressful events can lead to an increase in aggressive behavior at home. The non-profit organization, Futures Without Violence, states that “People who are surviving violence in their relationships and families may be experiencing increased isolation and danger caused by social distancing measures during the Coronavirus pandemic. Survivors often have specific needs around safety, health, and confidentiality. We also realize that people who are already more vulnerable to economic

and health insecurity are facing additional challenges during this unprecedented time.” Cognizant of all of the above, they have compiled resources and tools victims of domestic violence. Visit www.futureswithoutviolence.org According to the National Domestic Hotline (www.thehotline.org), here’s how COVID-19 could uniquely impact intimate partner violence survivors: •Abusive partners may withhold necessary items, such as hand sanitizer or disinfectants. •Abusive partners may share misinformation about the pandemic to control or frighten survivors, or to prevent them from seeking appropriate medical attention if they have symptoms. •Abusive partners may withhold insurance cards, threaten to cancel insurance, or prevent survivors from seeking medical attention if they need it. •Programs that serve survivors may be significantly impacted –- shelters may be full or may even stop intakes altogether. •Survivors may also fear entering shelter because of being in close quarters with groups of people. •Survivors who are older or have chronic heart or lung conditions may be at

increased risk in public places where they would typically get support, like shelters, counseling centers, or courthouses. •Travel restrictions may impact a survivor’s escape or safety plan – it may not be safe for them to use public transportation or to fly. •An abusive partner may feel more justified and escalate their isolation tactics. Immigrants and Domestic Violence Immigrants in the US. have the right to live life free of abuse. Due to the victim’s immigration status, abusive partners have additional ways to exert power and control over their victims. If you are an immigrant or refugee in an abusive relationship, you may face unique issues that make it hard to reach out for help. VAWA As a victim or survivor of domestic violence, there are laws that can allow you to gain legal status in the United States. The Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) was created in 1994 by then Senator Joe Biden, to protect victims of domestic violence, and offers specific protections for people without legal sta-

tus in the US. VAWA also protects men and children who are victims of domestic violence. As part of the perpetration of domestic violence, abusers often may refuse to assist you with applying for immigration status, may promise to apply for you, but never actually help, or threaten to contact immigration and report you. VAWA helps victims of domestic violence allowing them to self-petition for their own legal status without the abuser’s help or knowledge. A specialized immigration attorney should always be your first point of contact when it comes to immigration questions and concerns. You can also listen to Ask the Lawyer Radio Program on WVIP 93.5FM on Thursdays, 10pm11pm and Sundays, 11pm to 12am. The program provides great information and also an opportunity for a FREE, no obligation legal consultation. The number to call is 855-768-8845. You can also visit www.askthelawyer.us Domestic violence is against the law regardless of one’s immigration status. Be a loving family member, good friend, and caring neighbor: please share this information. l

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

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PUT YOUR FUTURE IN OUR HANDS. WE CAN HELP. CALL NOW. 718-222-3155. Remember: The lawyer you hire, does make a difference!

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5 Steps to Help Stop the Rise in Deaths From Heart Attack and Stroke

Kitchen Corner

CucumberMango Salad

t 42, ShantaQuilette CarterWilliams never saw herself as someone who had a heart problem. She was active, paid attention to what she ate and felt healthy. But one day, while on her usual run, she felt her heart flutter and went to the doctor. Six years later, after several trips to the emergency room and misdiagnoses, she had a heart attack and a stroke. That's when she learned she had cardiovascular disease, which can lead to both. She also was surprised to learn that it runs in her family — her mother had suffered a heart attack at a young age and hadn't told her about it. Carter-Williams' story is not uncommon. Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death each year in the US, and it is on the rise. Black Americans are 30% more likely to die of this disease than others, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. There are many reasons for these higher rates, such as family history, implicit bias within the medical community and unequal access to health care. "Cardiovascular disease is not usually discussed in Black culture," says CarterWilliams, "but we need to talk about these real issues — it could potentially save lives." Today, Carter-Williams is an advocate for women, especially Black women like herself and her mother. Her goal is to help others take charge of their cardiovascular health, so they don't have to go through what she did. Carter-Williams offers the following tips: 1) Put your health first Making your health a priority can go a long way to curb the risk of cardiovascular disease. This can include getting regular check-ups and making lifestyle changes like a heart-healthy diet, daily exercise and reducing stress. For example, Carter-Williams scaled back her hours at work and made time for healthier habits such as exercising more and spending more quality time with her kids. A lower-stress lifestyle gives her

ShantaQuilette Carter-Williams

more opportunities to teach her kids how to make healthy choices and reduce their risk of cardiovascular disease. 2) Talk about your family history Lasting change starts with education. Black Americans have a disproportionately higher risk of cardiovascular disease, in part due to genetic factors. Carter-Williams encourages everyone, especially Black women, to learn about their family health history and discuss it with their health care teams. 3) Find the right health care team for you Bias can exist in the health care system, even if it's not intended. These biases can affect the way patients with cardiovascular disease and other chronic conditions are understood and treated. CarterWilliams now looks for doctors who "look like her." "I need someone who understands me culturally," she says. "To relate to my doctor in that way makes a difference." It's important that she trusts her health care team and feels comfortable talking with them. A good relationship with your doctor — with regular checkups and conversations about cardiovascular disease — can help you manage your risks over the long-term. 4) Take steps to know your cholesterol numbers and manage them The majority of deaths from cardiovascular disease are a result of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD), which

can cause stroke, heart attack or even death. ASCVD is caused by high levels of bad cholesterol (LDL-C) in the blood. But there are steps you can take to manage your bad cholesterol and lower your risk. Regular testing can help detect high levels of bad cholesterol in the blood. Talk to your doctor about how often you need to have your cholesterol checked and what you can do to help lower high bad cholesterol and keep it low - including following a healthy diet and adding or adjusting medication, if needed. 5) Take the pledge There are many more steps you can take to contribute to a healthier future for yourself and others. A great place to start is by taking The Legacy We Lead pledge to help lead a legacy of fewer lives lost to cardiovascular disease and signing up to receive resources that will help you turn your pledge into action. The Legacy We Lead is a national effort led by Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation dedicated to help stop the rise of cardiovascular-related deaths. With stories and inspiration from people like Carter-Williams, the program aims to inspire individuals to make a commitment to create a healthier future. "My heart matters and so does yours," says Carter-Williams. "The Legacy We Lead urges everyone to take care of their own heart health and to support others."l(BPT) Permission granted by ShantaQuilette Carter-Williams

his is a salsa my friend from Trinidad taught me when I was in the Navy. We serve this at all Super Bowl parties and picnics in our family! Delish! —Chrissy, Allrecipes.com Ingredients Ingredients Ingredient Checklist 3 mangos - peeled, seeded and diced 1 cucumber - peeled, seeded, and diced 2 jalapeno peppers, seeded and finely chopped 1 large onion, finely diced 1 clove garlic, minced ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro 1 tablespoon lime juice, or to taste salt and pepper to taste Directions Instructions Checklist Step 1 Stir together the mango, cucumber, jalapeno pepper, onion, garlic, and cilantro in a mixing bowl. Season with lime juice, salt, and pepper. Refrigerate at least 2 hours before serving to allow the flavors to blend. Nutrition Facts Per Serving: 32 calories; protein 0.4g; carbohydrates 8.2g; fat 0.1g; sodium 1.8mg.l Prep: 30 mins Additional: 2 hrs Total: 2 hrs 30 mins Servings: 16 Yield: 4 cups

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High blood pressure, diabetes & your heart Type 2 diabetes puts you at higher risk for heart disease, but there are steps you can take to lower your risk. Managing your blood pressure is one way to lower your risk of heart disease.

High blood pressure is anything above 120/80 mmHg.

What can you do? Start simple

What’s the connection?

Ask your doctor to check your kidney function and blood pressure.

Adults with diabetes are

Know your numbers

MORE LIKELY TO HAVE A HEART ATTACK OR STROKE THAN PEOPLE WITHOUT DIABETES.

The combination of high blood pressure and diabetes drastically increases your risks. That’s why it’s vital to keep your blood pressure in a healthy range. If you have diabetes, there is a lot you can do to manage your high blood pressure. Talk to your doctor about your next steps.

Keeping your blood pressure and blood glucose in your target ranges is vital for your overall health.

Keep it up Take care of yourself with exercise, healthy diet and taking your medications as prescribed.

You’re not in this alone. Find answers to your questions and join the initiative at: https://KnowDiabetesbyHeart.org/join © 2020 American Heart Association, Inc. and American Diabetes Association, 501(c)(3) not-for-profits. All rights reserved. Know Diabetes by Heart is a trademark of the American Heart Association and American Diabetes Association. Unauthorized use prohibited. Citations available upon request.

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LOVE & RELATIONSHIPS

When You Feel Like You're Falling Out of Love with Your Spouse BY MARY CAMPBELL

robably the most misguided belief in marriage is that once the initial feeling of romantic love subsides, the connection you once had has ended. That isn't always true. Most of the time, the love is still there, it just feels different. If you're feeling like you don't love your spouse anymore, try not to panic! It doesn't have to mean that your marriage is over.

Recognize Lust Versus Love Don't confuse not feeling lust with not feeling love. When you're young and full of life, lust comes easy. When you're a little older and slowing down, it doesn't always come so easy. Just because you're not as busy in the bedroom as you used to be, doesn't mean that you don't love each other anymore. Mature love with your best friend and life partner won't always be a lusty affair. Real love is commitment. Adapt to Changing Interests As the years go by and you have been married for some time, you will both continue to change and grow. Are you

feeling lost, like you are not on the same page anymore? If your spouse has a new job or hobby, take an interest in it. If you don't like to do the same things that you used to do together, find new things to do together. Keep adapting to each other as things change to help you grow closer, rather than drifting apart. Never Skip the Little Things The little things really do mean a lot when it comes to keeping the spark of love in your marriage. If you used to

dance in the kitchen, call just to say hello, send flowers, or go on impromptu date nights, don't stop doing those little things — they are really the big things. Loving actions can keep those loving feelings flowing. If You Don't Know What Needs Fixing Sometimes, the reasons that your love has faded can't be pinned down to any of the simple reasons above. In that case, there might be a more deeply rooted

problem in your relationship. Seek the help of a professional marriage counselor. Don't just give up on your spouse. Many marriages can be saved if you can get those lines of communication open, and work on the issues together. A marriage is an ever-changing, everevolving relationship. Don't assume that love will always feel the same. If you think that you're not still in love, think again. Try to rekindle that flame before you decide it's not burning anymore.l

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TRAVEL & LIFESTYLE

Plan For a Future Vacation

Reading for Spring

fter a long year stuck at home, many people are dreaming about when they can travel once again. While counting down the days may feel like torture, planning and booking a vacation for later this year can give you something to look forward to. Now may be the perfect time to start thinking about your next adventure. Consider these tips for planning a future trip – even if you’re not certain exactly when you’ll take it. Research Travel Restrictions For any kind of travel, it’s important to make sure you’re up to date on any restrictions your potential destinations may have in place. Though the vaccine may help lessen restrictions in some places, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention maintain updated guidance and travel warnings based on the risk level of certain areas, which can help you make decisions. Once you’ve booked travel plans, it is prudent to check in frequently as your trip approaches and prepare a backup plan. Account for High Demand Many hotels, vacation rentals and resorts may already be booked for summer in popular locations due to optimism around the vaccine, increased demand for domestic travel and families planning multiple trips this year. “In years past, we’ve recommended families book their summer vacations by late April to stay ahead of the curve, but this year there are several reasons why

families are eager and ready to book,” Vrbo President Jeff Hurst said. “These signs are telling us families should start looking for the perfect vacation home now before options become more limited.” Take Advantage of Deals with Longer Stays Many sectors of the travel industry offer special deals for reserving trips in advance, and some of the best deals can be found by bundling airfare and lodging or booking extended week- or monthlong stays. These longer vacations can lead to fewer available dates to choose from, but some travel companies offer search filters that help travelers find discounts for staying longer periods of time. Opt for Flexible Booking If you’re eager to plan a vacation right

away, be sure to review and understand cancellation policies for your preferred accommodations, airline and activities. Many have changed their policies due to the pandemic, so be sure to know how long you have to cancel or change dates without incurring additional fees or penalties. Start Saving Now While it may not be practical for everyone to save money amid uncertain times, setting even a small amount aside for your vacation can be worthwhile. Consider setting up a dedicated travel savings account or directing the change from each transaction made with your debit card to a separate account. Being able to periodically check the balance of the account can also help increase excitement for your upcoming adventure.l (FamilyFeatures)

ead from the Outside is a necessary guide to harnessing the strengths of being an outsider by Stacey Abrams, one of the most prominent black female politicians in the U.S. Leadership is hard. Convincing others―and often yourself―that you possess the answers and are capable of world-affecting change requires confidence, insight, and sheer bravado. Lead from the Outside is the handbook for outsiders, written with the awareness of the experiences and challenges that hinder anyone who exists beyond the structure of traditional white male power― women, people of color, members of the LGBTQ community, and millennials ready to make a difference. In Lead from the Outside, Stacey Abrams argues that knowing your own passion is the key to success, regardless of the scale or target. From launching a company, to starting a day care center for homeless teen moms, to running a successful political campaign, finding what you want to fight for is as critical as knowing how to turn thought into action. Stacey uses her experience and hard-won insights to break down how ambition, fear, money, and failure function in leadership, while offering personal stories that illuminate practical strategies. Stacey includes exercises to help you hone your skills and realize your aspirations. She discusses candidly what she has learned over the course of her impressive career: that differences in race, gender, and class are surmountable. With direction and dedication, being in the minority actually provides unique and vital strength, which we can employ to rise to the top and make real change.l About the Author Stacey Abrams is an author, serial entrepreneur, nonprofit CEO and political leader. She has founded multiple organizations devoted to voting rights, training and hiring young people of color, and tackling social issues at both the state and national levels; and she is a lifetime member of the Council on Foreign Relations. Abrams is the 2012 recipient of the John F. Kennedy New Frontier Award and the first black woman to become the gubernatorial nominee for a major party in the United States.

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CONVERSATIONS

Screaming Without Vocal Cords: Many Black Men Are Falsely Accused and Silenced BY DR PATRICK GRAHAM

he revelation by the Innocence Project and American Civil Liberties Union that DNA and fingerprint evidence did not match Ledell Lee, a Black man executed in 2017 for the murder of a white woman, is part of a larger issue that we rarely discuss. Too many Black men face false accusations without true redemption or justice. With all the protests for police and judicial reform, the rising issue of false accusations is buried in our conversations and focus on addressing blue bravado and the immunities afforded to prosecutors, judges, and clerks of the court. We must provide protection under the law for a group of victims that are truly voiceless, the falsely accused. Black men represent less than seven percent of the U.S. population but account for forty-seven percent of those proven wrongfully accused or convicted. Some studies suggest that over fifteen percent of convictions are wrongful, but this percentage is higher for Black men with little consequences within our criminal and judicial systems. In most cases of wrongful accusations against Black men, the police, prosecutors, judges, lawyers, or false accusers involved are

NYC, YOU’RE RIGHT, YOU SHOULD KNOW!

rarely punished due to immunities or misguided advocacy. The examples are egregious and should create more anger and movement. What makes so many cases appalling are the examples of misconduct, ignorance or hiding of evidence, and the lack of respect for the lives of the falsely accused. In the Ledell Lee case, Governor Asa Hutchinson of Arkansas dismisses DNA and fingerprint evidence and the malpractice of Lee’s defense attorney. He orders the execution and murder to move forward as if to save face for the state. In another case, Ronnie Long of North Carolina served 44 years in prison. Newly obtained evidence led to his exoneration, revealing police and prosecutorial misconduct. The police and prosecution failed to disclose fingerprints, hair, and semen samples to the defense, which did not match Long. Like the well-documented 'Exonerated Five' in the Central Park jogger case, none of the false accusers or ill-acting members of the criminal and judicial systems were criminally charged in either case. There is a save the system mentality that supersedes the innocent lives left to deal with the fallout. As a witness to the misconduct of crim-

inal and judicial systems toward the falsely accused, I have a greater understanding of how these systems shield themselves at times through incestuous and political relationships. Even lawyers are sometimes silent in false accusation cases for fear of losing favor with judges and prosecutors. I watched one falsely accused Black man face biased systems in Charlotte, North Carolina, after a false accuser made wrongful allegations of assault during a preliminary hearing using a twominute spliced tape and organizational relationships in the judicial system. After the judge and prosecution received a fuller version of the audio (30-minutes),

it revealed the accuser was the attacker and lied about several facets of the event. A second judge exonerated the wrongfully accused man. Still, nothing ever happened to the false accuser, the judge who failed to act, lawyers with misconduct, or the prosecution who knew the false accuser committed several counts of perjury. When this was made evident by advocates, many lawyers went silent for fear of judicial and political retribution. As a part of criminal and judicial reform, we need stricter penalties for false accusers and misconduct in our police and judicial systems for wrongful prosecutions and convictions. Clauses that address wrongful accusations and convictions may be additions to the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act, Emmett Till Anti-Lynching Act, or legislation of its own. Black men are disproportionately the victims of thousands of false accusation cases. Their voices are like screaming without vocal cords within systems designed to protect themselves. We must believe Black men too.l Dr Graham has served as the President and CEO of the Martin Luther King Center on Long Island, Urban League of Central Carolinas, Charlotte WorksWorkforce Development Board.

What should you EXPECT when you get a COVID-19 VACCINE?

THIS IS WHAT: # 1 YOU MIGHT NEED TWO DOSES

Depending on the vaccine, you may have to get a second dose 3-4 weeks after the 昀rst.

2 YOU MAY HAVE SIDE EFFECTS

You may get short-term side effects like arm soreness, headaches, body aches, chills or fever.

3 YOU WILL STILL NEED TO BE SAFE

Keep wearing your face covering, washing your hands, physically distancing and staying home when you’re sick.

4 YOU WILL BUILD IMMUNITY

It takes two weeks after your last dose to get full protection from a COVID-19 vaccine.

Learn more at nyc.gov/covidvaccine.

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5/13/21 3:24 PM 5/13/21

NYC ELECTIONS

African & Caribbean Immigrants Influence on NYC Elections BY LINDA NWOKE, SPECIAL TO CAW

efore COVID-19, New York City was a land of possibilities. A city of great attraction to people all over the world. In business, it is the world's financial center; such representation and influence make it one of the top powerful cities in the world. New York City is a dynamic, upward, progressive and prosperous city with endless possibilities that make politics a big deal. Every election in the City has enormous consequences. Hence the 2021 municipal election carries great weight. Dating back to the early 19th century, the Mayoral election to select the Chief Executive of New York City is keenly contested, and voters wield a lot of power. In the past, only American-born citizens had the right to vote until the introduction of the Fifteenth Amendment in 1870. This empowered naturalized citizens to vote and contribute to the selection of leaders in the community and country. Data shows in 2000, just over 37% of immigrants were eligible to vote, but this has increased over the years. Presently, over 50% (more than half) of black and Asian immigrants are eligible to vote, reports Pew Research Center (2020). Immigrant African and Caribbean Americans in New York The U.S Census (2000 Census) shows that 19.4% African-Americans, 5.7% Afro-Caribbean's, and 0.8% Africans in New York City were eligible U.S. citizens who could vote. Hence, only naturalized immigrants could vote, and fewer immigrants could influence an election. New York City is a sanctuary and reportedly the home base of over 3 million immigrants. Many immigrants New Yorkers have become naturalized U.S. citizens; a large population has permanent resident status and over 500,000 undocumented immigrants. Of the over 2 million blacks residing in New York City, 1 in 4 persons is an African-American, immigrant African or

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The table above presents an overview of the 'policy stand 'on issues that affect immigrants of the selected candidates. (NB: √ stands for-Positive stand, X stands for Negative, ? stands for unclear responses. Responses are based on various interviews and details on each candidate's campaign sites. The symbols are the writer's adjudged interpretation of the candidates' position and not the view of the newspaper. Caribbean, and makeup 25% of the City's population. New York City Municipal Elections, Candidates, and Policies on Immigration The New York City 2021 elections will yield a range of leaders, including a mayor, city comptroller, a public advocate, four borough presidents, and about thirty-five City Council members will serve the City for a minimum of 2 years and above. The chosen leaders for the different municipal seats will significantly affect the quality of life for many New Yorkers in the City. From accessibility to healthcare, protection from immigration institutions, the right to vote, civil rights, and law enforcement – immigrants have a lot at stake in NYC's 2021 municipal election. Over 45 candidates are vying for the job of the Mayor of New York City, and the election is arguably the most influential in New York City in a long time. So far, eight candidates have stood apart in their campaign ahead of the democratic primary in June 2021. Overall, mayoral hopeful Diane Morales has proposed policies and plans that will immensely benefit many blacks and Brown immigrants in New York City. However, her stance on the immigrant's pathway to citizenship is unclear. All candidates except Scott Stringer have proposed a robust healthcare plan that will benefit immigrants. On accessibility to benefit, 4 out of the eight candidates, Andrew Yang, Diane Morales, Maya Wiley, and Kathryn Garcia, shared a detailed

plan for immigrants. Unfortunately, many lacked a comprehensive roadmap towards protecting immigrant workers' rights, especially as wage theft issues remain a significant challenge for immigrants. The pathway to citizenship under their administration remains vague. Role of African and Caribbean American Communities in NYC Election It is evident that this election is important, especially for immigrants. For many, feeling secure, without fear of violence from law enforcement, deportation by ICE, or enduring hate crimes in addition to having an economic blueprint that will enable immigrants to recover economically as other New Yorkers are some of the crucial issues of concern. Mr. Gbenga Omotayo, Executive Director, USAfrica Trade & Business Network, says, "This election is just too important, and this is a great opportunity for our community to let our voices be heard. So the goal is to mobilize the Nigerian votes into one block." An essential view from a State lead for the Nigerian-American Public Affairs Committee, New York. For Aldane Smith, a JamaicanAmerican, he feels that the system failed many immigrants during the COVID -19 pandemic. "…We were left to deal with the situation, people felt lost, everything seemed like it collapsed, from education, health. Loved ones died, and because of a failed system, we couldn't even bury them properly. We need to elect someone who can deal with such an emergency in case it happens again." This idea was his view about the City and concerns about the election. Mr. Jean-Pierre resides in the Bronx, feels that New York City needs a strong, confident leader with a competent team for recovery. 'If the City is to pull out from this pandemic and move forward, immigrants are crucial to this," said Mr. Jean-Pierre, a Haitian who has lived in the City for over a decade. He explained that most of the candidates, in his view, have ideas that might not stand the unfolding reality in the City. Yet, Ms. O (not real name) maintained

that she would support any candidate who understands the fears and struggles of people trying to survive. Especially women," I will vote for any candidate that prioritizes the need of women -childcare support, women's health, transportation." Several experts, including nonprofits, journalists, and other professionals, share similar views in expressing concerns over the plans of various candidates for immigrant welfare. Across the board, they acknowledged that immigrants remain essential to New York City's identity and future, despite being vulnerable to harsh policies as experienced under Trump's administration or unforeseeable and ill-prepared situations as COVID-19. Ben Marx (Gotham Gazette) and Jarrett Murphy (City Limits) discussed the importance of the 2021 mayoral election to immigrants. They concluded that candidates like Andrew Yang, Diane Morales, and Shaun Donovan had addressed immigration issues to an extent. Still, other candidates have remained unclear or non-committing, thus leaving immigrants in limbo. Issues about language integration for adults and children, housing affordability, refugee policies, and advocacy at the federal level remain unaddressed. Getting immigrant's buy-in, especially from the Black and Brown communities in New York City, remains pertinent to the success of any administration. Any Mayor and City Council members who prioritize and act as advocates for 'immigrant' policies will win their support. Such policies as "… educative programs, policies and access (because we are passionate about it); and the quickest access and pathway to achieving the American dream, policies on immigration and support for new immigrants. "says Gbenga Omotayo. No matter who wins, my take is that prioritizing concerns on immigration enforcement in the City, deportation, and citizenship policies will help build the confidence of existing immigrants. Creating a foundation for attracting new immigrants into New York City as it rises out of the shadows of the pandemic and will help to bring back the "Big Apple," Omatayop added.l

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Caribbean American Weekly - Issue 123

Articles inside

Without Vocal Cords

Clarke Introduces The Civil Rights Modernization Act