Caribbean American Weekly - Issue 130 by IQ INC.

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ISSUE 130 VOLUME 21

July 29, 2021

SERVING THE CARIBBEAN AND HISPANIC COMMUNITIES!

St Lucians Vote for Change: Philip J. Pierre Is St Lucia’s New Prime Minister BY MARY CAMPBELL SPECIAL TO CAW

ASTRIES, St. Lucia: Saint Lucians voted for a change of government in General Elections on Monday, 26 July 2021. According to the preliminary results issued by the Saint Lucia Electoral Department, the opposition Saint Lucia Labor Party (SLP), led for the first time by Philip J.

Newly sworn-in PM Hon. Phillip J. Pierre

Pierre, captured 13 of the 17 seats at stake. Leader Philip J. Pierre will be sworn as St. Lucia's new Prime Minister. The incumbent United Workers Party (UWP) of Prime Minister Allen Chastanet only retained two seats, with Chastanet keeping his Micoud-South seat. Two independent labor candidates Stephenson King and Richard Frederick continued on page 6

Clarke Leads Priorities for Bilateral Relations with Haiti ....3

Protect Your Property from Deed Fraud .... 9

Brooklyn DA Eric Gonzalez Dismisses Over 3,500 Marijuana Cases Following Legalization

B DA Eric Gonzalez Editorial credit: lev radin / Shutterstock.com

Delta Variant Makes It Even More Important to Get Jab ....20

rooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez today [July 27] asked the Court to dismiss 3,578 marijuana cases that remained on the docket mostly because of open warrants. With this move, nearly all marijuana cases in Brooklyn have been dismissed. Since the State Legislature legalized marijuana in March, the DA’s Office dismissed about 240 active continued on page 5

How to Appear Desperate When Dating....17

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

Remittances From the Diaspora Helped Protect Jamaica ....2

Call 855-768-8845

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

Bolt Offers Financial and Career Advice ....22

AG Garland Brings Back Administrative Closure ....13

Celebrating the Life and Legacy of LeRoy Clark ....15

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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

Remittances From the Diaspora Helped Protect Jamaica From Economic Instability During Pandemic

INGSTON, JAMAICA: amaica benefitted from the uninterrupted flow of over US$2 billion per year in remittances from the Diaspora during the COVID-19 pandemic. This influx of money helped to keep the island nation from suffering extreme difficulties during the worst of the COVID-19 pandemic, which had serious impacts on economic stability, prompting social disruption to arise in other nations, such as Cuba. The pandemic decimated Jamaica’s tourist sector, but Diaspora remittances filled the gap for the direct recipients of the funds and also as a source of foreign exchange that allowed the Bank of Jamaica (BOJ) to operate with confidence and to provide commercial banks with the funding needed to meet demands of capital and consumer goods importers, as well as to keep the

exchange rate from getting out of control. Remittances from the Diaspora, which were consistent throughout the worst of the pandemic, were the “lifeblood” of Jamaica’s economy. From April 2020 to December 2020, net remittance inflows totaling US$175.0 million rose by 31.9 percent (US$526.1

million) relative to the same period in 2019. The BOJ reported in November of 2020 that in spite of the uncertainty caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, Jamaicans who lived overseas sent more money to their friends and families on the home island.l —Jamaicans.com

CDB Provides US$5.3 Million for St. Vincent and the Grenadines Volcano Recovery

INGSTOWN, St. Vincent: The Caribbean Development Bank, (CDB) has approved financing of US$5.3 million for St. Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG) to support the response to the La Soufriere volcanic eruption which ravaged parts of the country in April 2021. CDB President, Dr. Gene Leon, who was in the country on an official visit, announced that the Bank has approved an Immediate Response Loan of US$ 5 million as well as an Emergency Assistance Grant of US$300,000. Speaking at a press conference which was held at the Office of the Prime Minister in Kingstown, St. Vincent, Dr. Leon said the Bank will also be accelerating the disbursement of funds for its development projects currently being implemented in the country. “While we are supporting the recovery, CDB will also be bolstering the country’s development agenda by financing high priority projects that have transformative value,” the CDB President said. Among the interventions is a US$142.5 million initiative to modernize the Kingstown Port. The project, which is being partially financed by the United Kingdom Caribbean Infrastructure Partnership Fund (UKCIF) will entail the construction of a new cargo port in the capital and upgrading of associated roadways to improve traffic flow in the cen-

CDB Delegation with SVG PM Hon. Dr Ralph Gonsalves. Photo: OECS Newsroom

tral business district of Kingstown. Construction work is expected to commence in 2022. St. Vincent and the Grenadines is also set to benefit from the 10th cycle of CDB’s Basic Needs Trust Fund (BNTF) which will finance projects designed to increase access to education and improve conditions in low-income and vulnerable communities. Another initiative is the US $13.6 million School Improvement Project which will see nine schools being rehabilitated to enhance early childhood education. Prime Minister of St. Vincent and the

Grenadines, Hon. Dr. Ralph Gonsalves said, “From the time CDB became operational in 1970, it has had a tremendous impact on the development of St. Vincent and the Grenadines and as we face the current challenges, I am impressed with the programmatic elements of the solutions the new team is providing and I appreciate their approach to partnership.” Dr. Leon and a delegation from CDB were in St Vincent and the Grenadines for an outreach visit which ran until Sunday July 25, 2021. l —OECS Newsroom

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THOUGHTS

Clarke Leads Letter Outlining House Caribbean Caucus and House Haiti Caucus Priorities for Bilateral Relations with Haiti

ashington, D.C.: Today [July 28], Congresswoman Yvette Clarke founding Co-chair of the House Caribbean and House Haiti Caucuses, led a letter to President Biden, Secretary of State Blinken, and Secretary of Homeland Security Mayorkas along with House Haiti Caucus co-chairs: Congressmembers Andy Levin (MI-09), Val Demings (FL-10), Ayanna Pressley (MA-07), Mondaire Jones (NY-17); House Caribbean Caucus Co-chairs: Congressmembers Maxine Waters (NY17), and Stacy Plaskett (VI-at large); Members of the House Haiti and Caribbean Caucus Congressmembers: Frederica Wilson (FL-24), Adriano Espaillat (NY-13), Sheila Jackson Lee (TX-18), Grace Meng (NY-06), Darren Soto (FL-09), and Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-23). Letter Text “As founding co-chair of both the House Caribbean and Haiti Caucuses, I have worked closely with my colleagues to

Congresswoman Clarke Editorial credit: lev radin / Shutterstock.com

insist the Administration prioritize the needs of Haiti and members of the Haitian diaspora that call America home. The signers of this letter come to DC with vastly different backgrounds and from all corners of our country. Yet, we have found common ground in our unwavering commitment to the Haitian people, their wellbeing, and an immutable

desire to see a thriving Haitian democracy,” said Clarke. “Presently, Haiti is at an inflection point, and we must work together to promote peace and a Haitianled democratic government. This letter outlines our urgent concerns and shares our collective caucus priorities regarding Haiti’s continued deteriorating situation. Our duty as Members of Congress is to uplift and support Haiti and advance policies that will promote relationships that substantively and meaningfully engage Haitian civil society in defense of Haiti’s democracy, civil rights, and liberty.” Yvette D. Clarke has been in Congress since 2007. She represents New York’s Ninth Congressional District, which includes Central and South Brooklyn. Clarke is Chair of the Congressional Black Caucus Taskforce on Immigration, a Senior Member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, and a Senior Member of the House Committee on Homeland Security. l

Skin Cancer Safety

kin cancer is by far the most common type of cancer. If you have skin cancer, it is important to know which type you have because it affects your treatment options and your outlook (prognosis). If you aren’t sure which type of skin cancer you have, ask your doctor so you can get the right information. Skin cancer is by far the most common type of cancer. If you know what to look for, you can spot warning signs of skin cancer early. Finding it early, when it’s small and has not spread, makes skin cancer much easier to treat. Some doctors and other health care professionals include skin exams as part of routine health check-ups. Many doctors also recommend that you check your own skin about once a month. Look at your

skin in a well-lit room in front of a fulllength mirror. Use a hand-held mirror to look at areas that are hard to see. Use the “ABCDE rule” to look for some of the common signs of melanoma, one of the deadliest forms of skin cancer: Asymmetry: One part of a mole or birthmark doesn’t match the other.

TEAM 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 Graphic & Website Designers Praim Samsoondar Kenrick Williams Contributors Jennine Estes Erin Telesford Janet Howard Mary Campbell Tarsha Gibbons Travis Morales Email info@myiqinc.com Telephone 718-771-0988 Website www.cawnyc.com

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Border: The edges are irregular, ragged, notched, or blurred. Color: The color is not the same all over and may include shades of brown or black, sometimes with patches of pink, red, white, or blue. Diameter: The spot is larger than ¼ inch across – about the size of a pencil eraser –

although melanomas can sometimes be smaller than this. Evolving: The mole is changing in size, shape, or color.l —cancer.org

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CIVIL RIGHTS

I’ve Navigated the Disability Stigma My Entire Life. Here’s Why Normalizing Our Differences Is Important. BY CAT ROMERO CIVILRIGHTS.ORG

oy for me, as a deaf individual, is when I get accommodation without hesitation. It surprises me when a worker takes their phone out to communicate with me after I tell them I’m deaf — because I deal with the alternative daily. The alternatives include people continuing to speak to me even after I’ve informed them that I am deaf and cannot hear, or rejecting my suggestion to communicate in another way simply because it is inconvenient for them. When I experience these alternatives, I feel small and out of place. So, people who accommodate without any hesitation bring me joy. They make me feel normal for a moment. While the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) has led to major changes for the disability community, one law cannot change the attitudes of everyone in our nation. The stigma attached to the disability community has harmed us — mentally and physically. I cannot speak for every person with a disability, but I am confident that the experience of this stigma — an experience that destroys

Photo: Shutterstock

one’s sense of identity and belonging — is universal. In my life, many encounters have left a sour taste in my mouth, but one that particularly comes to mind is an experience with a doctor. When I was 10 years old in 2010, I had an opportunity to attend a deaf camp in Northern California. A company named Angel Flights graciously provided me with a free flight from Southern California to the camp. One of their flight requirements was to get a liability clearance from a doctor stating I

was in good health to fly. I showed up at the doctor’s office with my mother, feeling super excited about the trip. The doctor I was seeing was new, and my mother acted as interpreter explaining that I was there to get a physical examination and to have the waiver signed. I will never forget the look on the doctor’s face — he was clearly taken aback by the use of sign language. His expression of threatened confusion foretold that the situation would not go well. As he began to inspect me, he noticed the hearing aids in my

ears and became more flustered. The brief examination ended, and his professional determination was that he could not sign the form. Here was a highly respected professional implying I wasn’t fit to fly even after we informed him that I had flown before and that it was not a new concept for deaf people to fly on planes. I left the office with an empty form and a heavy heart. I knew in the back of my head that the situation was uncalled for — but I still couldn’t help but feel like I was a freak. And this brings me to my point of how the ADA can only do so much, and why more work is needed 31 years after its passage. Many hard-working advocates with disabilities are pushing for better rights regarding accessibility, such as adding image descriptions to photos or requesting lightweight doors. This is very important work, but it is equally important for us to uplift disability voices to dispel the enormous amount of ignorance that exists throughout society. Obviously, I never saw that doctor again. A different, more knowledgeable doctor signed the form, and deaf summer camp continued on page 5

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KNOW YOUR RIGHTS Marijuana Cases / continued from page 1 cases where marijuana was charged, while marijuana charges that are included in felony cases are being dismissed in the course of court proceedings. District Attorney Gonzalez said, “For too long, criminalization of marijuana has disproportionately impacted young people and communities of color whose members made up about 90% of those arrested. These arrests ruined the lives of thousands of people over the years, saddling many with criminal convictions that prevented them from pursuing opportunities in life. That was why, in Brooklyn, we stopped prosecuting possession cases in 2014 and went further in 2017, declining prosecution of nearly all smoking cases as well. A year later, we also moved to dismiss warrant cases. “I am gratified that the New York Legislature legalized marijuana earlier this year in a bill that included an automatic expungement provision. Since its passage, my Office has moved to dismiss open cases and stated we will no longer bring pending marijuana charges before grand or petit juries. Today, I asked the Court to dismiss over 3,500 warrant cases that remained in the system, effectively clearing the Brooklyn docket from these vestiges of previous models of policing and prosecution. I hope that these actions will help strengthen community trust in the justice system and allow us to continue moving forward with more fairness and equity.”

Disability Stigma/ continued from page 4

The cases, dating back to the 1970s, remained open mostly because of warrants. About 240 active cases previously dismissed, virtually clearing the docket in Brooklyn The District Attorney today appeared before Brooklyn Criminal Court Judge Keisha Espinal and requested that 3,578 pending marijuana cases be dismissed and that the Court vacate any relevant arrest warrants, judgments of conviction and guilty pleas related to those cases. The District Attorney said his Office has been leading the city in marijuana decriminalization. His predecessor, the late Ken Thompson, stopped prosecuting marijuana possession cases in Brooklyn in 2014. In 2017, District Attorney Gonzalez, as the acting DA, went further and declined to prosecute nearly all marijuana smoking cases as well. As a result, marijuana arrests in Brooklyn, which numbered in the thousands every year earlier in that decade, had slowed to a trickle by 2018. In September of 2018, the District Attorney moved to vacate over 3,000 summons warrants for marijuana possession and dismissed the

underlying cases. In December of that same year, he moved to dismiss over 1,400 criminal court warrants. His Office also initiated a program to erase and seal old marijuana convictions and DA Gonzalez urged Albany to clear those convictions en masse through legislation. Currently, only eight cases that include marijuana charges remain in Brooklyn Criminal Court; they involve allegations of driving while impaired. In Supreme Court, marijuana charges that are included in more serious felony cases will be dismissed in the course of court proceedings and those charges will not be brought before any jury. The District Attorney thanked the Office of Court Administration, especially Antonio Diaz, Acting Chief Clerk of New York City Criminal Court, and Charles Blaha, Acting Borough Chief Clerk of Brooklyn Criminal Court, for facilitating the dismissals. l

was amazing. But the feeling I had that day has never left me. I revisit it again and again in different forms in my interactions with the world. I urge us all to be proactive and take on research in our own time so we don’t end up being the villain in someone’s story — the person who made them feel so small. There is so much to learn about our differences. The information, the debunked myths, and the answers to our questions are all available to us if we are willing to take the time and care. The more we learn, the more we stay open to the beauty of different approaches to life. The only difference between me and an able-bodied person is that I use my hands and eyes to communicate. I hope this idea is not shocking to you, but I do not need to hear to exist or to ride on an airplane. We need to ask not just what policies can do for us, but what everyday people can do for each other. Let’s normalize our differences. Normalize making accommodations a priority. Normalize awkward conversations to ensure we are all heard.l

Cat Romero is an intern at The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights participating in the American Association of People with Disabilities’ 2021 summer internship program.

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ISLAND FOCUS: ST LUCIA St Lucians Vote For Change/ continued from page 1 comfortably won their seats. Richard Fredrick in Castries Central and Stephen King, former UWP candidate, and Prime Minister, ran as an Independent in Castries North, alluding to several issues with the UWP. King, who has held the Castries North constituency for nearly three decades, faced a challenge from Jeannine Giraudy-McIntyre, whose father, the late Henry Giraudy, was a founding member of the Party. The widow of the late Sir John Compton, founding member of UWP, and former Prime Minister for over 30 years, Janice Compton, supported King's candidacy in a video released by the local press. SLP leader Philip J. Pierre, speaking on Choice TV, said that he was "elated" thanking also his supporters in Castries East, who ensured that he won the seat for the sixth consecutive occasion. He amassed a total of 3700 votes, 1877 better than his nearest rival. "Here we are; we have won the government, and I intend to be a government for the entire country. A government of inclusion, a government that will listen to people, a government of tolerance, and we are hoping to take this country all the way from…the division and conflict it is in now." Pierre told viewers that the priority of his administration would be health, education, and particularly the young people. "The youth economy was the flagship of our Party, and I can assure you …we have to get our young people back on stream to feel included. "So it is exciting times, we know there

Former PM and UWP Stalwart, Hon. Stephenson King Photo: UWP Facebook

are challenges, the country has over four billion dollars (One EC dollar-US $0.37) worth of debts," Pierre said, adding "most of all the country is divided, it is unsettled. "The country is bitter. There is a bitter taste in the mouths of the people of the country, so we have to sort that out. So tonight, I will go celebrate with my constituents. They mean everything to me. They stuck by me, they have been maligned, but they stuck by me. "This time is my sixth victory. I haven't known what I won by, but it is a huge margin," Pierre said, "thanking my opponents …the better man won." Ousted Prime Minister Chastanet said the results of Monday's general elections that resulted in his Party's suffering a landslide defeat has come as a "shock." However, he remains optimistic that the policies and programs initiated by his Government over the last five years would put St Lucia "on the right foot to true progress." In his message, the outgoing Prime Minister thanked all the supporters "who stood with me and our government in this

Outgoing PM Hon. Allen Chastanet & UWP Party Leader Photo: OECS Pressroom

election and over the last five years. We have stayed focused and strong". He expressed his gratitude for their prayers, and it was a privilege to serve them as Prime Minister. "It was also a special honor to serve with a remarkable team of men and women. I am proud of the slate we put forward during this campaign," he said. He added, "I believe that everything we have done is to put St Lucia on the right footing to true progress, and our policies will continue to benefit St Lucians from all walks of life. "If there is one thing that remains true as you look around our island, is the work of the UWP is present in both our country's physical development and the development of our people. "I know the results came as a shock to many of you; still, I call on you pridefully to continue to hold the torch up high. We will take time to heal, regroup and keep the Flambeau flame burning," Chastanet said. "No one person can define our historic Party for us," he added. "We know in our hearts the core values

that have carried us through: honesty, respect, teamwork, and commitment," he said, confirming that he has since called Pierre "to congratulate him, and I wish him the best." "The United Workers Party is bigger than any one person. We all love this country. Let us pray for peace and tranquillity in St Lucia, as we do our part as good citizens to see progress continue. Stay strong, stay united. May God continue to bless our island home." More than 160,000 registered voters cast ballots on Monday to elect a new government in St. Lucia with the two main political parties: the ruling United Workers Party (UWP) led by Allen Chastanet and the opposition St. Lucia Labor Party (SLP) led by Phillip J. Pierre. Apart from the two major parties, the newly formed Green National Party (GNP) fielded eight candidates. The polls were monitored by observer teams from the Commonwealth, the Organization of American States, and the Caribbean Community (CARICOM). l

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FAMILY MATTERS

What a Divorce Court Considers in Determining Child Custody •Consideration of which parent historically has been the primary caretaker of a child •Current residential situation of parents •Overall physical, mental, and emotional health of parties •Consideration of which parent is more likely to encourage a child to maintain a meaningful relationship with the noncustodial parent

BY JANET HOWARD 311DIVORCE.COM

ivorce cases oftentimes prove to be among the most complicated and emotionally charged of all legal proceedings in the United States. If issues surrounding child custody are part of marriage dissolution proceedings, divorce cases have the potentially for becoming even more legally complex and acrimonious. A party to a divorce involving children is better able to maintain a sense of emotional balance if they have a decent understanding of what a court considers in determining child custody in marriage dissolution proceedings. The primary points a party to a divorce needs to understand when it comes to how a court determines child custody include: •Overarching application of the best interests of a child standard •Factors commonly considered by court in applying child custody standard •Custody agreement reached by parties •Rights of noncustodial parent Overarching Application of the Best Interests of a Child Standard When it comes to how a divorce court

makes a determination regarding child custody, all states utilize what is known as a judicial standard. Courts utilize what is known as the best interests of a child standard in determining custody issues. There is no specific formula for the best interests of a child standard that dictates how it is used in any and all cases. Rather, the best interests of a child standard involve a consideration of the specific facts and circumstances of a case.

Factors Commonly Considered by Court in Applying Child Custody Standard Remember, the best interests of a child standard necessitate a consideration of the unique facts and circumstances of a case in making custody determinations. With that said, there are some common factors that are considered when it comes to applying the best interests of a child standard in custody proceedings:

Custody Agreement Reached by Parties Courts do encourage divorcing parents to attempt to settle issues surrounding child custody, parenting time, and associated matters through negotiation. The reality is that successfully coparenting following divorce proceedings depend on the ability of parents to be able to communicate effectively with one another. Starting that process during divorce proceedings themselves is thought to lay a better foundation for effective coparenting going forward into the future. If divorcing parents are able to reach an agreement regarding child custody and related matters, that accord must be put in writing. If the parties are represented by legal counsel, a divorce attorney will continued on page 8

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FAMILY MATTERS Determining Child Custody/ continued from page 7 undertake this task. The verbal agreement and committing it to writing is not the end of the process when it comes to a meeting of the minds between parents in regard to child custody and other matters associated with a marriage dissolution case. When it comes to child custody, the agreement of the parties must be approved by the court. The court considers what agreement the parties have reached and whether it is in the best interests of their child or children. If the agreement meets muster, the court will approve it and include it within the final order of the court or divorce decree in the marriage dissolution proceedings. Rights of Noncustodial Parent The considerations of a court in regard to child custody in a divorce case also include an examination of the rights of the noncustodial parent. While the best interests of a child are paramount when it comes to custody, the parents have certain rights as well. Chief among the court's considerations in regard to the rights of the noncustodial parent is whether or not a particular custody arrangement will promote or hamper a noncustodial parent's ability to develop and maintain a meaningful relation with the child or children born during the course of a marriage. In the final analysis, navigating a divorce involving children pro se, which means without legal representation, is challenging. Parties to a divorce with issues surrounding child custody are best served by retaining representation from qualified, experienced divorce attorneys. As a general practice in the United States, a divorce lawyer schedules a no-cost, no-obligation with a prospective client. During this consultation, a person seeking of involved in a marriage dissolution case is able to garner basic information about a lawyer, divorce proceedings, and custody law.l

Sponsor a Student Project

he Jamaican American International Chamber of Commerce (JAICC) of Atlanta, in partnership with Mango Errands, is excited to announce that we have created a Sponsor a Student project. This project is for the school year, September 20212022. Our ultimate goal is to sponsor at least 40 students across Jamaica who need finance for tuition, uniforms, electronic devices, meals, and transportation. In addition, the students who will benefit from this program include those who are struggling academically and who are preparing for the Primary Exit Profile (PEP) exams as well as the Caribbean Examinations Council (CXC) and Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examinations (CAPE). JAICC aims to solicit business owners and individuals in the Jamaican Diaspora to give back positively to students in Jamaica. Support will build and continue sponsors’ brand, increase sponsors’ profile, build their client base, cultivate relationships, and increase visibility, to name a few benefits. Mango Errands is based in New York and is a Jamaican-led Company that facilitates and provides a platform where funds will be securely transferred to banks for tuition to stores to purchase books. For example, Sangster’s Book

Marcia Parker President, JAICC, Atlanta Photo courtesy: JAICC

Store or other stores to buy uniforms, electronic devices, and more. The JAICC and Mango Errands have formed a partnership to help as many students as possible. A list of students is curated from teachers, counselors, and children’s organizations. Sponsors will be encouraged to select from this list but will also have the opportunity to select students from their communities of choice. A Coordinator will be available to assist parents, guardians, and students as they receive their gifts and answer questions that may arise about the program. l For those interested in sponsoring a student back to school in our Sponsor a Student Project, please visit the JAICC and Mango Errands’ websites at www. Jaicc.info and www.mangoerrands.com

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Protect Your Property from Deed Fraud

DON’T LET SOMEONE STEAL YOUR HOME.

eed fraud happens when criminals record fraudulent deeds, mortgages or other liens against a property without the owner’s knowledge or consent. Anyone can be a victim of deed fraud, but seniors, immigrants, and people of color are most at risk. Deed fraud is a serious crime. The City Register’s Office at the Department of Finance reviews documents submitted for recording and reports suspicious activity to the Sheriff’s Office for investigation, but you can take action to protect yourself from deed fraud. How to Prevent Deed Fraud? There are two key steps every New Yorker should take to prevent deed fraud: Check your property's deed: Check the City Register’s records at least once a year to make sure that no deeds or mortgages have been recorded on your property without your consent. Visit ACRIS to check your deed for properties located in the Bronx, Brooklyn, Manhattan & Queens. Visit the Richmond County Clerk’s website to check your deed if your property is located in Staten Island. You will need to know your property’s borough, block, and lot number, which can be found at www.nyc.gov/bbl or on your most recent property tax bill. Sign up for the Notice of Recorded Document Program: The City Register will automatically mail you a notification when a new document is recorded against your property. Additional Steps You Can Take to Prevent Deed Fraud nMake sure that the Department of Finance has the correct mailing address for you or the person who should receive notices about your property. nContact the Department of Finance if you stop receiving property tax bills and the Department of Environmental Protection if you stop receiving water

bills. nIf your property is vacant, check it often to make sure it is not occupied illegally. nAsk someone you trust to look after your house if you are going to be away for a long period of time. nDo not let mail pile up if you are going out of town. nMake sure your will clearly states who should inherit your property when you pass away. nWhen a family member passes away and someone else inherits the property, make sure you update the deed with the new owner’s name. nBuy title insurance. It's a one-time fee that varies depending on the purchase value of your home. nDiscuss with your trusted family members or consult a lawyer before making any decisions that affect ownership of your property, such as adding or removing someone from a deed or taking out a new mortgage, reverse mortgage, or second mortgage. What to Do If You Think You May Be a Victim of Deed Fraud: nAct quickly! Report fraud to the Sheriff's Office online or by calling (718)707-2100 nGet a certified copy of the fraudulent document via ACRIS or by visiting the City Register, if your property is located in Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, or the Bronx. nIf your property is located in Staten Island, contact the Richmond County Clerk. nContact the district attorney’s office in the borough where the property is located and report the crime. nYou may want to consult an attorney to confirm your ownership in the property.l

Criminals prey on unsuspecting homeowners to illegally transfer property deeds. Anyone can be a victim. Be on the lookout: check the status of your property with the NYC Department of Finance and sign up for alerts on any changes to your property documents. Act now to check your deed! Visit www.nyc.gov/deedfraud or call 311 for more information.

—nyc.gov/deedfraud

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EDUCATION

Canceling Student Loan Debt Will Barely Boost the Economy, But a Targeted Approach Could Help Certain Groups BY WILLIAM CHITTENDEN THE CONVERSATION

t the end of June 2021, 43 million borrowers – or about 14% of all adults in the U.S. – owed approximately US$1.59 trillion in outstanding federal student loans. Although in many cases the media has focused on borrowers with extremely large balances – such as the orthodontist who owes over $1 million in student loans – the average balance is a more modest $39,351 per borrower with an average monthly payment of $393 per month. The standard repayment period for $39,351 in student loans is 20 years. The amount of student debt outstanding varies greatly based on the type of degree pursued. The average bachelor’s degree debt is under $29,000 while the average dental school debt is more than 10 times higher at over $290,000. In general, those who pursue careers that pay lower salaries owe less in student debt. Policymakers have put forth proposals to forgive anywhere from $10,000 to $50,000 or more per borrower.

President Biden has stated that he is “prepared to write off a $10,000 debt,” but not $50,000. If up to $10,000 per borrower were to be canceled for all 43 million student loan borrowers, the cost would be $377 billion. This would completely eliminate the student loan balances for over 15 million borrowers. The total cost of forgiving up to $50,000 for all 43 million borrowers would be just over $1 trillion. It would also wipe clean the student loan balances for over 36 million people.

Some limited student loan forgiveness has already begun. The Biden administration has canceled a combined nearly $3 billion of student loans for 131,000 borrowers who either had been defrauded by their school or have a total and permanent disability. The effects of loan forgiveness Some economists view the staggering amount of outstanding student debt as a drag on the economy. These economists argue that any forgiveness of student debt

will stimulate the economy. However, I and other economists argue that any boost to the economy from student loan forgiveness would be small compared to the cost to taxpayers. If $10,000 per borrower is forgiven, it is not as if the borrower is receiving $10,000 that they can go out and spend today. Rather, it is estimated this would free up only about $100 per month for the average borrower to spend or save over 10 years. If all $1.5 trillion in federal student loans were forgiven, the average borrower would have an extra $393 per month. It is estimated that the economy would only grow by about $100 billion, or about 0.5%, if all $1.5 trillion in federal student loans were canceled. For perspective, it would be like making $20,000 a year and getting a one-time raise of $100 for a new salary of $20,100, but it costs the company $1,500 today to give you that $100 raise. The immediate economic impact would likely be lower, as the Department of Education is currently allowing 90% of borrowers to not make their required continued on page 11

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EDUCATION Canceling Student Loan Debt continued from page 10 monthly payments through September 2021 due to the pandemic. Since most borrowers are already not making payments on student loans, the financial benefit may already be reflected in the current level of economic activity. Overall, the evidence suggests that broad-based loan forgiveness may have a modest positive impact on the economy. It is estimated that every dollar of student loan forgiveness translates to only 8 to 23 cents of economic benefit. By comparison, the stimulus checks had an estimated economic benefit of 60 cents for each dollar sent to taxpayers. Eliminating some or all student debt may help with other issues beyond the economy. Borrowers may delay marriage or buying a home because of the amount of student debt they owe. The student debt burden has been shown to be the cause of mental and physical health problems and “less overall satisfaction with life.” Uneven benefits One criticism of forgiving student debt for everyone is that most of the benefits will go to those with higher incomes. In addition, relatively few of the benefits would go to those who borrowed to finance an undergraduate education. Sixty-eight percent of those who took out student loans for a bachelor’s degree bor-

11 rowed less than $10,000. Only 2% borrowed more than $50,000. Borrowers with the highest loan balances tend to have graduate degrees earning higher incomes. Households with incomes above $74,000 owe nearly 60% of the outstanding student loans. If the idea behind loan forgiveness is to stimulate the economy, I believe loan relief should be targeted to those most likely to spend any savings from student loan forgiveness. This suggests student loan forgiveness should be targeted to those with low incomes, who typically have less than $10,000 in student loan debt but are more likely to default on those loans. Any student loan relief program should consider the effect it may have on borrowers, as student debt impacts some groups more than others. For example, women owe approximately two-thirds of the outstanding student loan debt. About 69% of white college graduates owe student loans, compared to 85% of Black college graduates. The point is that women and people of color would benefit the most from student loan forgiveness. A matter of fairness If the government forgives current student loans and then continues to make new student loans, this may lead future students to borrow with the assumption or hope that the government will cancel their loans too. Unless the underlying issue of the increasing cost of a college degree is

addressed, a similar student debt “crisis” may occur again. Another difficulty of any student loan forgiveness program is the perceived fairness or unfairness of the program. Assume two students pursued the same undergraduate degree, took out the same amount in student loans to finance their education and secured jobs with the same salary in cities where the cost of living is the same. Both borrowers have been making their monthly payments for the last five years, but borrower number 1

made larger payments than required. Because of this, borrower number 1 just completed paying their loan off, while borrower number 2 still has a balance. Is it fair for borrower number 2’s loan to be forgiven? Should borrower number 1 be compensated for paying the loan off early? Lawmakers will need to consider the issue of fairness. l William Chittenden is a Presidential Fellow, Texas State University

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IMMIGRATION

New Poll: By 70 – 24%, Americans Support a Path to Citizenship for Dreamers, TPS Holders, Farm Workers and Essential Workers BY AMERICA’S VOICE

ew polling from Data for Progress finds that the citizenship proposals to be included by Senate Democrats in their human infrastructure package are overwhelmingly popular with Democrats, Independents and Republicans. The question asked: “Do you support or oppose legislation that would create an earned path to citizenship for undocumented immigrants who were brought to the United States as children, people who are contributing and working here legally due to war or natural disaster in their home countries, and farmworkers and other essential workers?” The key findings: nOverall: By 70 – 24%, voters support a path to citizenship for Dreamers, TPS holders, farm workers and essential workers.

nSupport by party ID: Democrats support by 82 – 12%; Independents support by 75 – 17%; Republicans support by 53 – 40%. nIntensity: 34% of voters strongly support the proposal; 14% strongly oppose the proposal. As Crooked Media co-founder Jon Favreau tweeted: “70%! Immigration can be a divisive issue that Republicans use as a cudgel, but it’s important to remember that Democrats’ proposed policies for reconciliation are OVERWHELMINGLY popular.” The Data for Progress findings mirror those in other recent polls. In addition, new immigration polling from Gallup finds that over the past quarter century Americans have become increasingly pro-immigrant. Currently, Americans believe that immigration is a good thing rather than a bad thing by a 75-21% margin. Gallup has been asking this question

since 1965 and these results are near record-high. According to Frank Sharry, Executive Director of America’s Voice: The American people have been engaged in a fierce debate about immigrants and immigration for the past three decades. They have heard every argument from every angle, and, in the end, have reached a consensus. The overwhelming majority believe that immigration is good for America and that it’s time for Congress to recognize undocumented immigrants as the Americans they already are. Democrats are gearing up to include pathways to citizenship in the Senate budget resolution expected to hit the Senate floor in August. This will make it possible to win a long-overdue breakthrough through a budget reconciliation process that depends on the pro-immigrant unity of Democrats, not the bad faith nativism of Republicans. While some Beltway purveyors of con-

ventional wisdom believe that immigration is a political winner for Republicans and a political loser for Democrats, evidence over the past four years of elections suggests just the opposite. After all, Trump nationalized the 2018 midterms and Republicans suffered the biggest midterm loss in history, and Trump ran on nativism in 2020 and lost to his proudly pro-immigrant opponent by 7 million votes. On immigration, as on many other issues, the public is fed up with political gamesmanship. They want their elected leaders to enact solutions that change lives. If Democrats hang together and get this done, they will get the lion’s share of the credit. If they don’t, they will get the lion’s share of the blame. This is the year. Democrats have an historic opportunity to keep their promises and deliver a popular solution strongly supported by Americans from across the political spectrum. They should seize it.l

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IMMIGRATION

Attorney General Garland Brings Back Administrative Closure for Immigration Judges BY EMMA WINGER IMMIGRATION IMPACT

ttorney General Merrick Garland vacated Matter of Castro-Tum on July 15, reviving a key tool to help judges prioritize cases in the overburdened immigration court system and allow people facing deportation to pursue all available paths to legal status. In Matter of Cruz-Valdez, the attorney general reversed a decision by prior Attorney General Jeff Sessions. Garland restored the ability of immigration judges (IJs) and the Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA) to administratively close deportation proceedings nationwide. Administrative closure is an important tool long used by IJs and the BIA to temporarily pause removal proceedings in appropriate circumstances. When a case is administratively closed, it is removed from the court docket and there are no future hearing dates. The case is not dismissed or terminated entirely. Instead, it will be put back on the court docket when either the noncitizen or the U.S. Department of Homeland Security

Attorney General Garland Photo: Wikimedia Commions

(DHS) successfully move to “recalendar” the case. Until 2018, IJs and the BIA used administrative closure to pause proceedings for a range of reasons. Administrative closure allowed noncitizens to pursue legal status that could only be obtained outside of deportation proceedings, through U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Individuals facing deportation due to unlawful criminal convictions could pursue appeals or other post-con-

viction challenges. Administrative closure also helped protect the rights of individuals with mental illness, including pausing proceedings to allow for mental health treatment. Administrative closure could also deprioritize certain cases. DHS would agree to administrative closure of removal proceedings for immigrants who were not a high priority for removal. In 2018, Attorney General Sessions issued an opinion in Matter of Castro Tum declaring that IJs and the BIA did not have the authority to administratively close most cases. Since that decision, three federal courts of appeals have rejected Castro Tum. Only the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit agreed with Castro Tum. Even the Sixth Circuit later found that immigration courts still had authority to administratively close cases for individuals pursuing a certain waiver with USCIS in order to apply for a green card. In December 2020, the Trump adminisation enacted a rule that would have eliminated administrative closure. Two federal courts enjoined that rule, finding

that it violated the Administrative Procedure Act. The Department of Justice (DOJ) is reconsidering that rule. In Matter of Cruz-Valdez, Attorney General Garland finally put an end to Castro Tum, noting that it “departed from long-standing practice.” The decision restores administrative closure nationwide, with the possible exception of cases within the Sixth Circuit. Garland ordered IJs and the BIA to evaluate requests for administrative closure under the standards in place before Castro Tum was decided. In addition, DOJ will pursue notice-and-comment rulemaking which will allow the public to participate in any future rule on the availability of administrative closure. Garland’s decision is common sense. By recognizing and restoring the wellestablished legal authority to administratively close cases, the attorney general gives IJs and the BIA an essential tool that will ease the burden on the backlogged immigration courts and allow for more flexibility in pursuing the fair and just resolution of deportation proceedings. l

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Celebrating the Life and Legacy of LeRoy Clark

eRoy Clarke was born in Belmont, Port of Spain on 7th November 1938. Considered to be one of Trinidad and Tobago’s finest contemporary artists; in 1998, he was the first to be conferred the title Master Artist by The National Museum and Art Gallery of Trinidad and Tobago. Following in a list of local community awards such as the prestigious Sylvester Williams’ 2000, presented by The Emancipation Support Committee of Trinidad and Tobago; in 2003 he was acclaimed a National Icon, presented by the Government of Trinidad and Tobago. Also in 2003, he was a distinguished guest of The President of The Republic of Suriname for Carifesta VIII; in their recognition of achievers in that year, Trinidad Hilton confirmed him as Icon, a National Living Treasure. He was further garlanded, by N.A.E.A.P, The National Association for the Empowerment of African People, with the Achievement of Excellence Award. However, the crowning event came when he was awarded a “Staff of Eldership” and Chieftaincy Title in the Orisha community by the Ile’ Eko Shango/Oshun Mil’osa (I.E.S.O.M.) during the sixth annual Shango/Oshun Rain Festival in 2005; the title reads: Chief Ifa’ Oje’ Won Yomi Abiodun of Trinidad and Tobago. Also in that year he was made an Honorary Fellow of the University of Trinidad and Tobago and in December of 2008 received an Honorary Doctor of Letters from the University. Self-taught, Clarke’s prowess as a visual artist grew from a compunction to “see and, to go deeper than surfaces allowed”

as he used his life experiences to shape the worldview to which he, as artist champions today. His hometown, Gonzales, “Behind De Bridge” was his training ground. He was nurtured in the security of community; his study was as casual as play, a hobby, he states, from which he has not really awaken! The rituals of Shango Yard, Hindu Ceremonies, Hosay Celebrations, Shouter Baptists, and Pan exposed his impressionable mind to the varying dimensions of the cultural mix of Trinidad and have proven to be fundamental to the integrity of his Art. A man of many talents, this former schoolteacher was also a lead singer in a popular singing, group THE BEAMERS (1958-65) and, was seriously involved in the theatre community. He was an early member of The Trinidad Theatre Workshop, where he earned a fine reputation as its Stage Manager and Set Designer. Visual art however was what put Clarke above the rest. At 27 he held his first solo exhibition titled “A Labour of Love” at the Bank of Nova Scotia, Independence Square, Port of Spain. That accent will distinguish the careful deliberations in his oeuvre of fifty years. A sojourn in the United States from the 16th December 1967 to 1980 helped to broaden his experience and set him on the path to greatness. During his stay in the United States, Clarke was the first Artist-In-Residence at the Studio Museum of Harlem 1972-1974. A proficient writer he has contributed many essays on issues of national importance and is the author and publisher of five books: Taste of the Endless Fruit

LeRoy Clarke Chief Ifa’ Oje’ Won Yomi Abiodun Photo: leroyclarke.com

(1972); Dounes (1976); Eyeing De Word- Love Poems For Ettylene (2004) and the Cinderella edition of De Distance Is Here, The El Tucuche Poems 19842007, (2007) and Secret Insect of a Bird Deep In Me, Wanting to Fly (2008) a chronicle of his drawings (pen and ink) from the 1960’s to 2008. In 1972, he had his first One-man exhibition in New York’ Studio Museum in Harlem. That series of paintings was called Fragments to Spiritual. The Trinidad Art Society with assistance from the Government brought the exhibition to Trinidad; it created quite a stir at the St. Mary’s Centenary Hall where it was on display. Back in New York after the success of “Fragments…” Clarke is reported saying that he was so overwhelmed that he chose to take a rest by revisiting the folklore of Trinidad & Tobago. As he puts it,

he simply wanted to re-write and re-draw the characters that fascinated him most of his life. That adventure changed in intensity when he began to draw them, “not as Alf Codallo saw them as Anancy stories but rather as cognitive symbols that could alert social conscience.” Soon enough, “…he was initiating them as surrogate agents in the critical, but more psychological engagement in the debates on change.” That shift of paradigm unsuspectingly set him on a personal quest of self-discovery where he hoped that his life would reflect his birthing community as a whole and its identical role in building a Society – World! He declared that he would dedicate his life to rising to the highest form of expression in that of fully “languaging” himself – Man as Poet! With Fragments of a Spiritual (19681972) and Douens (1973-1976) completed and shown both in the USA and at home, he was immersed sufficiently in the idea that the vista before him begged epic challenge. Today, both as painter and, writer he is already hailed by some who have followed his work, now fortyseven years in the making, as the region’s first epic Poet! His life experiences quite evidence the substance that has shaped and informed his philosophy–OBEAH. Fearlessly unorthodox, he continues to be serious about the role art plays in the critical aspects of developing a society and about “His Calling” to be a “Pointerman, pointing the way to O-be-ah-man-ness!” l —www.leroyclarke.com

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LOVE & RELATIONSHIPS

How to Appear Desperate When Dating date may come off as an attempt to buy their time and affection. If you think you need to use your money to keep someone's attention, you might not have good self-esteem. The person you're dating might feel guilted or pressured into continuing to see you if you shower them with gifts. It's also easy for someone who isn't interested in you to take advantage if they see you're willing to give endlessly.

BY CHRIS TOBIAS 311DIVORCE.COM

ne of the quickest ways to scare someone off is to appear desperate and needy. No matter how much you like someone, there are certain things you must hold yourself back from doing. Here are five ways you can appear desperate when dating. 1. Text them constantly When you text someone constantly, you make it appear that you have no life. No matter how much you like someone, you don't want to text them all the time. It's a good idea to leave some mystery and allow them to miss you. If you're always telling them where you are (especially when they haven't asked), you are going to seem desperate to be in a relationship. If you don't allow the person to respond before you are texting them again, you are going to seem needy. 2. Pressure them to move too fast If you have been on a few dates with someone and you suggest meeting each other's families, going on a weekend trip together, or moving in together this might make you look desperate. Also,

avoid asking them to accompany you to your cousin's wedding in six months if you've only known them one month. It's important to take things at a comfortable pace when dating. Moving too fast when you barely know each other is a recipe for disaster. Even if the person agrees to what you suggest, it doesn't mean things will work out. 3. Discuss marriage and kids often One of the most obvious signs of desperation in the dating world is when someone discusses marriage and kids early on

in the relationship. If you are talking about these things within the first few dates, even to gauge where your date stands on them, you will come off as desiring them in an unhealthy way. It is important to know if your date has the same goals, but you don't need to find out on the first or second date exactly how many kids they want and if they want a summer wedding. 4. Shower them with gifts Showering the person you're dating with gifts or insisting on paying for every

5. Profess your love quickly If you tell someone you love them too soon, this makes you appear desperate. You can't know you love someone after the first date or a week into a relationship. It takes a few months to know someone enough to express these kinds of feelings. You will likely scare off someone you attempt to admit deep feelings for too early on. When you're seeing someone, you might have the urge express to them just how much you like them, but it's a better idea to hold back a little instead of coming off as desperate. If the relationship is meant to be, it doesn't need to be rushed.l

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TRAVEL & LIFESTYLE

The Summer of Road Trips

t’s officially summer road trip season, which means it’s time to pack your bags, pick a destination on the map and go. According to the U.S. Travel Association, while nearly 9 in 10 American travelers have plans to travel in the next six months, it won’t be overseas. With cities starting to loosen travel restrictions and more parks reopening, this summer offers the perfect opportunity to visit places you’ve always wanted to see and the people you’ve missed the most. As you get ready to pile into your car, there are a few things you should check to make sure your vehicle is ready to face both the miles and the elements. Automotive DIY experts Emily Reeves and ChrisFix recommend these tips before you step on the gas.

Kick your tires Make sure your tires have tread and appropriate air pressure. If they’re too low it, could create drag, which decreases fuel mileage and can wear the tires out. Also be sure to check the air pressure in your spare. Keep the bugs and rain away It’s important to ensure you have enough washer fluid and your windshield wiper blades are intact should you drive into a swarm of bugs or a surprise torrential rainstorm. “Maintaining clear visibility is extremely important when driving, whether it be keeping your windows clean or being able to see the road through rain,” ChrisFix said. Its important to keep bugs and dirt off the glass. it’s time to change it.

Check your oil Motor oil is the lifeblood of your car – it keeps your engine running smoothly and reduces wear and tear caused by the open road. For those driving older cars, it could be the determining factor between keeping your engine intact or a costly trip to the repair shop. Make sure you have the correct level of oil and that it’s fresh. Your vehicle should have a dipstick to help check the level, and the owner’s manual should contain details on when

Keep your engine cool Coolant is crucial to keeping your car cool during your trip. It prevents your engine from overheating and protects it from the extreme temperatures that come with operating your vehicle. This includes extended time on hot pavement or stop-and-go traffic when passing through bigger cities. Also, when using your air conditioning, you are putting extra strain on the cooling system, so

making sure it is in good shape is important to keep you cool as well. “I recommend PEAK 10x Antifreeze & Coolant as it not only helps keep your engine from overheating, but also has additive properties that help keep your coolant system healthy,” Reeves said. “Based on extensive research and development, the product has been developed to ensure it protects from the elements while also flushing out any residue from previous use.”

Pack the essentials Should the worst situation arise, and you need an immediate fix, having car care essentials on-hand is a time and money saver. Packing extra washer fluid, coolant, a portable toolbox, tire patching solutions and a first aid kit can help avoid an emergency. While it can be a little costly upfront, a small jump starter kit earns its dividends should you stall out.l(FamilyFeatures)

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GENERATIONS

Study Links Younger Age of Onset of Type 2 Diabetes to Increased Risk of Dementia

eople who develop type 2 diabetes at a younger age have an increased risk of dementia, according to a new study funded in part by NIA and published in JAMA on April 27.An older adult checks their blood glucose level with a home glucose meter. Type 2 diabetes is a serious chronic condition that affects many older adults. This disease is becoming more common and is occurring at younger ages. Previous studies have shown that diabetes is associated with an increased risk of dementia. However, these studies did not address whether the age at which a person is diagnosed with type 2 diabetes influences this risk. For this new research, scientists led by a team at the Université de Paris explored the link between age of onset of type 2 diabetes and the risk of dementia. They examined data from the Whitehall II Study, a long-term longitudinal study of health in British government employees. Participants were between the ages of 35 and 55 when they enrolled. The researchers used results from blood tests

conducted every four to five years and electronic health records (EHRs) spanning about 32 years to identify participants who had type 2 diabetes or were taking medicine to treat this condition. The team used EHRs to determine which participants were later diagnosed with dementia. Out of 10,308 participants, a total of 639 were later diagnosed with dementia. Of the 1,710 diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, 153 were later diagnosed with dementia. The researchers found that, people who were diagnosed with diabetes between 65 and 70 years old were

24% more likely to have dementia than people who did not have type 2 diabetes at age 70. Likewise, people who were diagnosed with diabetes between ages 60 and 64 and before age 60 were each 24% more likely to have dementia than people who were diagnosed with diabetes five years later. Participants who were diagnosed with diabetes after age 70 did not have an increased risk of dementia. Interestingly, people who had pre-diabetes, a condition in which a person has high blood sugar levels but not high enough to be diagnosed with diabetes, did not have a higher risk of dementia.

Results showed that participants who were diagnosed with type 2 diabetes at a younger age also had dementia at a younger age. Participants with diabetes and cardiovascular diseases such as coronary heart disease, heart failure, or stroke had an even higher risk of dementia. Because the EHRs did not indicate which type of dementia the participants had, the researchers could not determine whether type 2 diabetes was more strongly linked to specific types of dementia. The researchers believe that in people with type 2 diabetes, insulin resistance, problems with a person’s blood vessels, and frequent changes in blood sugar levels over several years might cause problems with blood flow and metabolism in the brain. Signs of dementia usually start more than a decade before diagnosis, and further research is needed to understand how type 2 diabetes affects dementia progression. This research was supported in part by NIA grants R01AG056477 and RF1AG062553.l —National Institute On Aging

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HEALTH

Delta Variant Makes It Even More Important to Get a COVID-19 Vaccine, Even If You’ve Already Had the Coronavirus BY JUSTIN VESER THE CONVERSATION

s someone who studies immune responses to respiratory infections, I’ve watched news of the emerging coronavirus variants with concern. I wondered whether vaccination or previous infection would provide protection against SARS-CoV-2 strains, especially the new, highly transmissible delta variant, which has rapidly spread to at least 70 countries. A person can develop immunity – the ability to resist infection – in two ways: either after being infected with a virus or by getting vaccinated. However, immune protection isn’t always equal. Vaccine immunity and natural immunity for SARS–CoV–2 can differ in terms of the strength of the immune response or the length of time that the protection lasts. Additionally, not everyone will get the same level of immunity from infection, while immune responses to the vaccines are very consistent.

The difference in immune response between vaccination and infection seems to be even greater when dealing with new variants. In early July, two new studies were published that show COVID-19 vaccines, though slightly less effective than they are against the older strains of the virus, still seem to provide excellent immune response against the new variants. Researchers looked at how antibodies bind to new variants of the coronavirus and found that people who were previously infected with coron-

avirus might be susceptible to the new strains, while people who were vaccinated were more likely to be protected. COVID-19 vaccines offer a safe and reliable path to immunity against both the older strains of coronavirus and against emerging strains, especially the new delta variant. Immunity after infection is unpredictable Immunity comes from the immune system’s ability to remember an infection.

Using this immune memory, the body will know how to fight off an infection if it encounters the pathogen again. Antibodies are proteins that can bind to a virus and prevent infection. T cells direct the removal of infected cells and viruses already bound by antibodies. These two are some of the main players that contribute to immunity. After a SARS-CoV-2 infection, a person’s antibody and T cell responses can provide protection against reinfection. Roughly 84% to 91% of people who developed antibodies against the original strains of coronavirus were unlikely to be infected again for six months, even after a mild infection. People who had no symptoms during the infection are also likely to develop immunity, though they tend to make fewer antibodies than those who felt ill. So for some people, natural immunity may be strong and long-lasting. One big problem is that not everyone will develop immunity after a SARScontinued on page 21

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HEALTH Delta Variant/ continued from page 20 CoV-2 infection. As many as 9% of infected people do not have detectable antibodies, and up to 7% don’t have T cells that recognize the virus 30 days after infection. For people who do develop immunity, the strength and duration of the protection can vary a lot. Up to 5% of people may lose their immune protection within a few months. Without a strong immune defense, these people are susceptible to reinfection by the coronavirus. Some have had second bouts of COVID-19 as soon as one month after their first infection; and, though it occurs rarely, some people have been hospitalized or have even died after reinfection. A growing problem is that people who were previously infected by strains present earlier in the pandemic may be more susceptible to reinfection from the delta variant. One recent study found that 12 months after infection, 88% of people still had antibodies that could block infection of cultured cells with by the original coronavirus variant – but fewer than 50% had antibodies that could block the delta variant. To top this all off, a person who is infected may also be able to transmit the coronavirus, even without feeling sick. The new variants are especially problematic in this case, as they are more easily transmitted than the original strains.

Party Rentals for All Occasions Vaccination leads to reliable protection COVID-19 vaccines generate both antibody and T cell responses – and these responses are much stronger and more consistent than immunity after natural infection. One study found that six months after receiving their first dose of the Moderna vaccine, 100% of people tested had antibodies against SARSCoV-2. This is the longest period that has been reported in published studies so far. In a study looking at the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines, antibody levels were also much higher in vaccinated people than in those who had recovered from infection. Even better, a study in Israel showed that the Pfizer vaccine blocked 90% of infections after both doses – even with new variants present in the population. And a decrease in infections means people are less likely to transmit the virus to the people around them.

For those who have already been infected with the coronavirus, there is still a big benefit to getting vaccinated. A study with the original COVID-19 virus showed that vaccination after infection produces roughly 100 times more antibodies than infection alone, and 100% of people who were vaccinated after infection had protective antibodies against the delta variant. The COVID-19 vaccines aren’t perfect, but they produce strong antibody and T cell responses that offer a safer and more reliable means of protection than natural immunity – especially with new variants on the loose.l This is an updated version of an article originally published on May 25, 2021. Jennifer T. Grier is a Clinical Assistant Professor of Immunology, University of South Carolina

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CONVERSATIONS

Jamaican Olympian Usain Bolt Offers Financial and Career Advice BY STEPHANIE KORNEY JAMAICANS.COM

amaican eight-time Olympic gold medal winner and one of the world's wealthiest athletes says the biggest lesson he learned about money is to save more than half of what he earned. According to Forbes Magazine's list of the world's 100 richest athletes, Bolt ranks at Number 45, earning $31 million when he retired from competition officially in 2017. Bolt, 34, admitted that at age 18, early in his career, when he started to make money, he got into spending more than was prudent. At the time of his first Olympic appearance in 2004, Bolt told CNBC Make It that he "spent a little more than I wanted to." He was lucky enough at the time to have finances explained to him by his teammates, who he credits with teaching him how to save. If you save more than half of what you earn, Bolt says, "Then you can spend the rest and pay bills… I tell people if you make $10, save $6, and then you can figure out what to do with the rest."

Bolt. Editorial credit: Petr Toman / Shutterstock.com

Although Bolt has retired, some of his sponsorships continue. For example, he has a lifetime partnership with the sports brand Puma and has recently signed on to be a spokesperson for CarMax. Bolt is also the co-founder of Bolt Mobility, an

electric scooter firm, and a real estate investor. He still emphasizes the advice he would give to his younger self to save as much money as possible. He notes that he has seen many athletes who get

injured face financial difficulties when they can no longer compete. "There are a lot of athletes out there who got injured," Bolt says, "And that's something that I learned, and I saw with my own eyes." Bolt said that his father gave him the best advice he ever received in terms of career advice. His father told him, "Son, anything you want, just work hard and be dedicated and you will be fine." Bolt said he has always lived by that. Usain Bolt, who still holds the title of the world's fastest man, maintains his position as the official world record holder in both the men's 100-meter and 200-meter sprints, records he achieved at the 2009 World Championships in Berlin. He ran the 100 meters in 9.58 seconds and the 200 in 19.19 seconds. Bolt was also a member of the 4×100meter relay team that broke the world record at the Summer Olympics in London in 2012. Bolt was required to return the Olympic gold medal he received for the 4×100-meter relay in 2017 when one of the Jamaican relay team members failed a drug test.l

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Caribbean American Weekly - Issue 130

Articles inside

How to Appear Desperate When Dating

Bolt Offers Financial and Career Advice