Caribbean American Weekly - Issue 134

FREE

A D.B.A. OF I.Q. INC.

ISSUE 134 VOLUME 22

September 24, 2021

SERVING THE CARIBBEAN AND HISPANIC COMMUNITIES!

Violent, Racist Deportations of Haitian Refugees is Beyond the Pale

BY JANET HOWARD SPECIAL TO CAW

C

hildren in cages. Mexicans are rapists. Haiti and Africa are “shithole” countries. The image of a mother and her two young children fleeing as they were being tear-gassed.

These words and images were some of the hallmarks of the Trump continued on page 5

Biden Administration Is Not Living Up to Its Promises ....11

Editorial credit: Ringo Chiu / Shutterstock.com

What Can You Do About Domestic Violence During the Pandemic? ....24

10 Signs You Need to Contact a Personal Injury Attorney

Knowledge is Power when you use it!

Get a FREE Consultation!

Ask the Lawyer:

Rep Clarke Calls for the Immediate Halting of Haitian Repatriation Flights ....5

Call 855-768-8845

BY MARY CAMPBELL 311PERSONALINJURY.COM

W

hether you are hurt on the job, involved in an automobile accident or become the unwitting victim of a defective product, protecting your rights is important. You can never continued on page 12

Jamaican Female Dancehall Artist Shenseea Scores Big ....21

Five Self-Care Tips for Improved Mental Health ....22

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

Changed Your Mind About the Vaccine? Not a Weakness ....26

Former NBA Player Caron Butler: I Was 11 the First Time I Was Picked Up by the Police ....4

Estate Planning Guide: Senior Focus ....13

VISIT WWW.CAWNYC.COM FOR THE LATEST CARIBBEAN NEWS, IMMIGRATION UPDATES, VIEWPOINTS, ENTERTAINMENT & MORE!LIKE US ON FACEBOOK @CAWNYC!

CARIBBEAN SPECIAL REPORT Caribbean Consulates Anguilla 845 Third Avenue New York, N.Y. 10022 Tel: 212-745-0200 Antigua & Barbuda 305 East 47th Street, Suite 6A New York, N.Y. 10020 Tel: 212-541-4117 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

2

On the Heels of COVID, Climate Change Swings a Wrecking Ball

BY SIR RONALD SANDERS

T

he public health and economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic has rightly focused the attention and resources of governments around the world on suppressing and containing it.

The cause has been made more costly and more prolonged by those who resist inoculating themselves against a disease that has officially infected 227 million people worldwide, killing 4.7 million of them. Estimates of underreporting in many regions put the death rate, more realistically, at 7 million.

While governments – particularly those in small countries with scarce human and financial resources – have been concentrating on getting out of the trap of the COVID-19 pandemic, the persistent and pervasive threat of Climate Change has been growing alarmingly.

The entire world is now faced with the troubling prospects of long periods of extreme heat; prolonged periods of drought followed by devastating floods and overflowing rivers; severely reduced agricultural production, leading to food shortages; increase in vector-borne diseases such as dengue fever; grave water shortages; and hugely increased costs of energy.

All this will impact businesses of all kinds, causing closures, unemployment, poverty expansion and greater hordes of refugees and migration than we have seen so far.

A new study, conducted by the prestigious, Royal Institute of International Affairs (RIIA) in London, paints a grim picture of the prospects for the next 30 years, unless greenhouse gas (CO2) emissions are significantly reduced by the world’s biggest polluters. These include the United States, China, India, the European Union and Canada.

The figures, produced by authoritative research. reveal that global efforts to reduce CO2 emissions are dangerously off track.

One of the troubling observations is that, while in 2019, a potential 300 billion working hours were lost due to temperature increases globally, 52 percent more than in 2000, COVID-19 resulted in around 580 billion lost working hours in 2020. Therefore, “temperature increases are already resulting in the equivalent of over 50 percent of COVID-19-induced lost working hours”.

Worryingly, the report concludes that if emissions follow the trajectory set by the reduction commitments made by countries, there is less than one percent chance of reaching the 1.5°C Paris Agreement target.

Caribbean islands and continental countries, such as Belize and Guyana, with low-lying coasts would feel the full brunt of this pending disaster. Here are

some of the findings in the report.

fever have occurred since 2000.

Death by heatwaves Globally, heat-related mortality has increased by nearly 54 percent in persons over-65 in the past two decades, reaching 296,000 deaths in 2018. If emissions do not come down drastically before 2030, then by 2040, 3.9 billion people are likely to experience major heatwaves.

Interconnected crises According to the RIIA report, interconnections between shifting weather patterns, resulting in changes to ecosystems, and the rise of pests and diseases, combined with heatwaves and drought, will likely drive unprecedented crop failure, food insecurity and migration of people.

All this, the report argues, could result in the potential breakdown of governance and political systems as societies become increasingly unstable due to lack of income as well as competition over limited food supplies.

The report says that experts are concerned that such situations could lead to a rise of extremist groups, paramilitary intervention, organized violence, and conflict between people and states.

Insecurity by food depletion In recent years, regional drought and heatwaves have caused 20 to 50 percent crop harvest losses. The global food crisis of 2007–08, led to a doubling of global food prices, export bans, food insecurity for importers, social unrest, and mass protests in many countries.

Death and destruction by floods By 2040, almost 700 million people each year will likely be exposed to prolonged severe droughts of at least six months’ duration. One billion people now occupy land less than 10 metres above current high tide lines. In 2020 there were 23 percent more floods than the annual average of 163 events in 2000–19, and 18 per cent more flood deaths than the annual average of 5,233 deaths.

Vector diseases increase Experts are concerned that climate change is likely to increase the prevalence of emerging infectious diseases and vector-borne diseases.

They argue that Climate Change disrupts ecosystems and increases the risk of diseases jumping to new hosts.

Scientists have been warning for many years of the probability of pandemics increasing as a result of climate change.

In 2008, a study published in the journal, Nature, found that over the previous decade nearly one-third of emerging infectious diseases were vector-borne, with the jumps to humans corresponding to changes in the climate. For instance, insects such as infection-bearing mosquitoes follow changing geographic temperature patterns. Nine of the ten most suitable years for the transmission of dengue

Vulnerable States must stand united Caribbean governments have to remain focused on the clear and present danger of the COVID-19 pandemic that is strangling their countries, but no resident of the region should take their eye off the pendulum that is swinging the dangerous Climate Change wrecking ball.

At the COP 26 UN Climate Change Conference, in Glasgow at the end of October, representatives of vulnerable countries – in Africa, Asia, the Pacific and Latin America and the Caribbean – must make it clear to the governments of highly emitting countries that their profligacy must not continue. If – and only if – these vulnerable countries have the courage to stand together, using their collective leverage, do they have a chance of causing the urgent change necessary to the policies and practices of the big polluters.

The alarm bell has been rung in the RIIA’s expert report, and it sounds a death knell for small states. It should be heeded.l Sir Ronald Sanders is currently Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to the United States and the Organization of American States.

VISIT WWW.CAWNYC.COM FOR THE LATEST CARIBBEAN NEWS, IMMIGRATION UPDATES, VIEWPOINTS, ENTERTAINMENT & MORE! LIKE US ON FACEBOOK @CAWNYC!

3

THOUGHTS

Amidst Multiple Crises, Federal Government Must End Accelerated Deportation of Haitian Migrants

BY CARRIÉ SOLAGES

I

am deeply disappointed by the Biden administration’s current plan to accelerate deportation flights to Haiti — a policy which continues the obvious thread of historic racism that runs through U.S. foreign policy in its interactions with the Haitian diaspora.

When former President Trump continued and intensified these racist polices, I called him out for it. I must do the same with President Biden. It is clear to anyone watching that Haiti is deeply in crisis - but once again, Haitian migrants are being treated differently. The current proposal is no different from the ‘wet-foot, dry-foot’ policy that placed Cuban migrants on a fast-track to citizenship while Haitians and others languished.

The people of Haiti are continuing to grapple with the aftermath of the recent assassination of President Moise.

Political instability continues and there is no clear pathway to an election. In addition, the entire southern half of the country is still in the dark due to the recent major earthquake.

At such a fraught time, we must ensure that Haitian migrants are properly vetted

and processed so that their rights are protected. The United States must not send the women and children and others back to Haiti without being processed because some have rights and relationships in other countries such as Chile, where they were before they came to Texas. In addition, the United States has a duty to provide necessary medical care and see if these migrants have any potential claims for asylum.

It is also important to note many of the migrants we are encountering left Haiti years ago and did not leave the country as a result of the recent disasters. While the United States’ involvement in Afghanistan was direct, our military and diplomatic interventions in Haiti’s affairs date back more than a century and must not be overlooked. It is my firm belief that the United States should take a similar level of responsibility for Haitian migrants as they are currently taking for Afghani migrants.

As I continue to see images of my fellow Haitians living under a bridge in Texas, I pray for these migrants who are enduring unimaginable conditions and challenges. I urge the Biden administration to impose a humanitarian moratori-

E

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

Pearl Phillip Legal Advisor Brian Figeroux, Esq. Graphic & Website Designers Praim Samsoondar Kenrick Williams Feature Writers Linda Nwoke Victoria Falk Contributors Jennine Estes Tarsha Gibbons Janet Howard Mary Campbell Travis Morales Chris Tobias

Carrié Solages, Nassau County Legislator Photo courtesy Solages Office

um on deportations in order to resolve the situation in the most equitable way possible. l

Email info@myiqinc.com Telephone 718-771-0988 Website www.cawnyc.com

Carrié Solages, of Lawrence, represents the Third Legislative District in the Nassau County Legislature, which includes the communities of Elmont, Valley Stream, South Floral Park, Meadowmere Park and Inwood, as well as portions of Lawrence and North Woodmere.

COVID-19 Vaccine Series Required for Immigration Medical Examinations ffective Oct. 1, 2021, applicants subject to the immigration medical examination must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 before the civil surgeon can complete an immigration medical examination and sign Form I-693, Report of Medical Examination and Vaccination Record. This guidance applies prospectively to Form I-693 signed by civil surgeons on or after Oct. 1, 2021.

USCIS is updating its policy guidance in accordance with the Centers for

TEAM

Disease Control and Prevention’s Aug. 17 update to the Technical Instructions for Civil Surgeons. We are working on updating Form I-693 and the form instructions to incorporate this new requirement. Applicants must complete the COVID-19 vaccine series (one or two doses, depending on the vaccine) and provide documentation of vaccination to a USCIS-designated civil surgeon before completion of the immigration medical examination.l

REAL ESTATE AGENTS WANTED: APPLY NOW! It's time to make a career choice that you will LOVE. Send your resume to info@equitysmartrealty.com

VISIT WWW.CAWNYC.COM FOR THE LATEST CARIBBEAN NEWS, IMMIGRATION UPDATES, VIEWPOINTS, ENTERTAINMENT & MORE!LIKE US ON FACEBOOK @CAWNYC!

4

CIVIL RIGHTS

I Was 11 the First Time I Was Picked Up By the Police

BY ACRON BUTLER

I

want to tell you a personal story about how interactions with police have impacted my life.

The first time I was picked up, I was 11 years old and in the wrong neighborhood—literally on the wrong side of the tracks in Racine, Wisconsin. I didn’t have bus fare, so I was walking home from school and had to pass through a white neighborhood. To the police, I didn’t look like I belonged.

As a teenager, it continued. I was arrested more than 15 times and detained countless others. Can you imagine the impact that has on a kid?

Even when I was a player in the NBA, the harassment continued—most of the time from traffic stops. They’d say there was something wrong with the car I was in, or would find an even more frivolous excuse for stopping me. I had bought a nice foreign car to celebrate playing in the NBA and was pulled over because the police wanted to check it out. They had never seen one like it before. That gave them all the cause they needed to detain me.

If this had happened just once, one might say it’s benign. But after you experience it that many times, you know

Editorial credit: Kathy Hutchins / Shutterstock.com

it isn’t—it made me feel dehumanized.

As a kid, I felt like I should just run from the police. I knew I would always fit the description. I was getting stopped, searched, and detained frequently—for trivial reasons.

There’s an arrest every three seconds in the United States. Many of those are traffic stops. How many stops for minor infractions—used as an excuse to look for evidence of bigger crimes—actually make people safer?

Sandra Bland was pulled over because a police officer said she failed to signal a turn. Philando Castile was stopped for an allegedly malfunctioning brake light.

Daunte Wright was driving a car with an expired registration tag. None of their deaths were necessary. None of those traffic stops were in the interest of public safety.

Police action should make people safer. I feel frustrated and angry thinking back on my experiences and knowing that today Black kids are still experiencing harassment. I’m very fortunate. I made it. I’ve had a very successful career and been able to escape what so many others never do. I’ve lived with the harsh realities of overenforcement in Black and brown neighborhoods, police violence, and racially biased fatal police shootings. Many people are only now waking up to these realities.

Now, we’re celebrating a small victory. In Ramsey County, Minnesota, County Attorney John Choi has announced a new policy to not prosecute cases that are filed as a result of stops for minor violations. Now, when an officer pulls over a driver for a minor traffic or equipment violation and uses the stop as an excuse to look for more serious charges, the DA’s office won’t press

charges.

I’m hopeful that new policies from John Choi and other district attorneys who are interested in true public safety will make people safer by limiting unnecessary interactions with the police.

These policies will save countless lives.

I wish they’d been around when I was a kid.

I know now that there are so many more tools that we can use to reduce crime and the root causes of crime.

We’ve been experiencing cycles of trauma for generations now, and mass incarceration has had its hand in making the situation worse. I’ve been speaking out about this for more than 20 years, and only now do I see bold progress within the criminal legal system. I’m grateful that people are now seeing the tremendous damage caused and are coming out in support of major structural changes.

I joined Vera’s Board because I could see that the work the organization is doing—researching and talking to communities about what needs to be changed—really matters. l Caron Butler here is a trustee at the Vera Institute of Justice and assistant coach for the Miami Heat.

VISIT WWW.CAWNYC.COM FOR THE LATEST CARIBBEAN NEWS, IMMIGRATION UPDATES, VIEWPOINTS, ENTERTAINMENT & MORE! LIKE US ON FACEBOOK @CAWNYC!

5

IN THE NEWS Violent, Racist Deportations continued from page 1

Administration as he and his evil enablers unleased a reign of terror on immigrants in this country. Footage showed Border Patrol agents on horseback, using lariats to whip or threaten to whip Haitian refugees at a migrant camp near Del Rio, Texas. In one scene, a Border Patrol officer tells a group of immigrants, “This is why your country’s shit,” while charging his horse towards a group and nearly hitting a child. The agents were trying to stop the migrants from re-entering the camp after they left to cross back into Mexico in order to get food, Al-Jazeera reported. These images of Haitian migrants being whipped and corralled like cattle were images I didn’t expect to see in the Biden administration. Immigrants had such home when one of us, albeit a different color, was appointed as Secretary of Homeland Security. Speaking to CNN on Tuesday, DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas said he was “horrified by what I saw” and that the images “troubled me profoundly.” He added that, “One cannot weaponize a horse to aggressively attack a child. That is unacceptable,” Mayorkas said. “We will not tolerate mistreatment.

And we will address it with full force based on the facts we learn.” But that’s exactly what was done, sir.

Different Strokes for Different Folks Immigrants of color are watching how America is welcoming refugees from Afghanistan, rightfully so, and wondering why some of that same “Welcome to America” has not being extended to Black and Brown immigrants. Haitians have long been treated as the scourge of immigrants in America and this latest incident is just simply too much to bear.

These shocking images in 2021, of horse-mounted officers corralling Haitian migrants along the US-Mexico border are conjuring dark comparisons to US slavery and the country's historical mistreatment of black people.

Back to Haiti To add further insult to injury, Haitians who migrated from Ciudad Acuña, Mexico, and were living under a bridge in Del Rio, Texas, are being sent back to Haiti. The United States government repatriated 435 Haitian migrants from Texas via three flights that landed in Port-au-Prince over the weekend, according to Haiti’s National Office of Migrants (OMN). The landings were the first of daily flights that the U.S. says it will send to Haiti as it attempts to clear more than 12,000 Haitian migrants.

Many of the Haitian migrants were shocked about being sent back to Haiti.

They stated that they were not informed that Haiti was the destination and that many of them had fled Haiti some ten years ago since the earthquake in 2010 and no longer considered Haiti home.

Plus, there is no “home” really to go back to with this summer’s earthquake.

Outrage and Reaction The images sparked outrage, particular-

U.S. Congresswoman Yvette Clarke Editorial credit: lev radin / Shutterstock.com

ly within President Joe Biden’s own party. Democrats had spent the past several years criticizing the Trump administration’s treatment of families at the border, and the response from some lawmakers reflected those criticisms.

Immigrant advocates expressed their shock, dismay, and disappointment in the treatment of the Haitians immigrants.

Vice President Kamala Harris, speaking to reporters Tuesday, said the images were “horrible.” She lamented that, “Human beings should never be treated that way, and I was deeply troubled about it."

On Monday, White House Press Secretary said she’d seen the video and that she “can’t imagine what context would make that appropriate.”

On Tuesday, Psaki was more forceful, describing the footage as “horrific” and said, “that’s not who the Biden-Harris administration is,” in an interview with CBS News.

Clarke Calls for the Immediate Halting of Haitian Repatriation Flights Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke, Chair of the Congressional Black Caucus Immigration Task Force and Co-chair of the House Haiti and House Caribbean Caucuses, released the following statement calling for the immediate halting of Haitian repatriation flights and emphasizing the need for a comprehensive pathway to citizenship: “More than 14,000 Haitians will be expelled from the United States in the coming weeks, and it is unconscionable DHS would seek to return Haitian migrants to a country in turmoil. My colleagues and I have repeatedly spoken out and penned numerous letters requesting the ceasing of targeted deportations of Haitian migrants.

However, this dangerous and wholly unnecessary practice continues. Haiti is still reeling from a series of compounding crises: rising coronavirus rates and vaccine hesitancy, a political crisis stemming from President Jovenel Moïse’s assassination, increased gang violence, a 7.2-magnitude earthquake where more than 800,000 people have been affected and 650,000 are still in need of emergency humanitarian assistance, a tropical depression leaving almost 2,000 dead, and thousands without shelter. I am calling for a humanitar-

Mexico City, Mexico - September 23, 2021: Haitian migrant families wait in front of the Mexican Commission for Refugee Assistance to request refuge in Mexico. Editorial credit: Nelson Antoine / Shutterstock.com

ian moratorium on these targeted deportations. Now, more than ever, we must reimagine the immigration system in a humane, just, and fair manner. I am the daughter of immigrant parents from Jamaica, and this is personal to me. I have dedicated my career to building an immigration system that lets people live without fear and gives immigrants – like my parents – who sought a better life and to contribute to our nation, a fair opportunity to thrive,” said Clarke.

“Additionally — despite the decision of the Senate parliamentarian to exclude the proposal to create pathways to citizenship for Dreamers, TPS holders, farmworkers, and essential workers in the reconciliation process — we remain committed to advancing alternative proposals for comprehensive immigration

reform. Let me be very clear; we’ve prepared for this, and we have a plan.

Immigration reform isn’t just about mundane policy changes and politicsas-usual; it is about people. It is about our families, friends, and neighbors who have contributed to our country for decades. Opening the door to citizenship would not only provide a necessary measure of justice, but it will also serve as a powerful injection of energy and vigor into our economic recovery.”

Cruel Response to Haitian Migrants at Border Must Be Condemned The following is a statement from Nicole Melaku, executive director of National Partnership for New continued on page 6

IN TROUBLE WITH THE LAW? Are you under investigation or accused of a felony or misdemeanor?

Get legal advice from the law firm you can trust: Figeroux & Associates.

We handle: nDUI (Driving Under the Influence) nCourt Order Violations nPossession of Drugs (with or without Intent to Distribute) nCrimes with Impact for Deportation with Non-Citizens nFraud nCrimes of Economics

PUT YOUR FUTURE IN OUR HANDS. WE CAN HELP. CALL NOW. 718-222-3155.

Remember: The lawyer you hire, does make a difference!

VISIT WWW.CAWNYC.COM FOR THE LATEST CARIBBEAN NEWS, IMMIGRATION UPDATES, VIEWPOINTS, ENTERTAINMENT & MORE!LIKE US ON FACEBOOK @CAWNYC!

6

IN THE NEWS Violent, Racist Deportations continued from page 5

Americans (NPNA), regarding the U.S. response to Haitian migrants at the border: “The cruel treatment of Haitian migrants at the U.S. border is unacceptable and must be immediately condemned. The Biden administration must fully investigate U.S. Customs and Border Protection and hold them accountable for their inhumane actions against the Haitian migrants at our border. The use of whips and other inhumane means of responding to their desperation is a despicable result of both racism and our broken immigration system, and the officers involved must be penalized.

Haitian migrants at Del Rio are refugees in need, and yet they are being treated as less than human. This treatment is rooted in racism and a long history of discrimination against Haitians in our immigration laws and is simply unacceptable. Haitian children and families are at our borders because they were pushed away by a series of crises, including the assassination of President Jovenel Moïse, continuing food insecurity, the recent 7.2 magnitude earthquake and Tropical Storm Grace, as well as decades of the United States contributing to the political and economic reasons why Haitians must leave their country.

U.S. Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez: “This is a stain on our country.” Editorial credit: Grossinger / Shutterstock.com

President Biden and Sec. Mayorkas must take immediate and aggressive action to put a stop to the mistreatment of Haitian migrants, provide urgent humanitarian relief, and stop deportation flights to Haiti. Haitians should be granted humanitarian parole so they can be transferred to safer conditions, and the U.S. must provide assistance in securing food, water, safe shelter, and health care to those camped out in Del Rio simply awaiting a chance to request protection. The United States should also address root causes for migration in Haiti and create safe paths for migration and family unity, including but not limited to reestablishing the Haitian Family Reunification Program. The administration should also immediately break with

the previous administration and end its continued use of Title 42, which prevents Haitians and other migrants from seeking asylum and other forms of humanitarian protection. These actions are necessary to preserve America’s standing as a nation of refuge.”

Page Out of Trump Playbook The following is a joint statement from Alianza Americas and Presente.org in response to the mass expulsions of Haitian refugees by the Biden-Harris administration: “What we have witnessed over the last few days is despicable, inhumane, and resembles a page out of the Trump playbook. Haitian refugees being met with whips by Border Patrol agents, packed into planes, and deported to Haiti is indicative of an immigration system rooted in white supremacy. We demand that all deportations be stopped immediately and that the administration once and for all end Title 42. The first step to addressing the root causes of forced migration is welcoming refugees with humanitarian support including access to shelter, food, legal assistance, and healthcare,” said Mirtha Colon, Alianza Americas board president, as well as president of the Central American Black Organization.

“Anti-Black violence and racism from the U.S. Customs and Border Patrol (CBP) blaring on our TV screens, newspapers, and social media feeds mirrors the images of bounty hunters from old films glorifying slavery and colonization. The Biden administration’s treatment of Haitian and Central American refugees is abhorrent. The administration needs to end expulsions of Haitians and Central American nationals immediately, hold law enforcement officers accountable, terminate Title 42, and immediately grant humanitarian relief and protection to Haitian, Central American, and other asylum seekers,” said Leticia Casildo, an Alianza Americas board member, as well as executive director at the New Orleansbased Familias Unidas en Acción.

An End to Brutal Treatment of Refugees The Haiti Support Project (HSP) condemned the brutal treatment and mass deportation of Haitian migrants. “We are absolutely outraged by the images of

Editorial credit: Ringo Chiu / Shutterstock.com

Haitians being herded and whipped like cattle” complained Dr. Ron Daniels, Founder of HSP. “In the minds of African Americans, it conjures up traumatic images of water hoses turned on Black children in Birmingham and horses trampling protesters on the Edmund Pettis Bridge. No human being should be brutalized like this. It must stop immediately.” HSP is demanding an immediate halt to the mass deportation of Haitians and the granting of Temporary Protective Status.

HSP is calling on Congressman Gregory Meeks, Chairman of the House Foreign Relations Committee, who has taken a particular interest in resolving the political crisis in Haiti, to mobilize the Congressional Black Caucus, Civil Rights and Human Rights leaders to support the demand for Temporary Protective Status and Humanitarian Assistance to Haiti.

In the meanwhile, Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley of Boston, Co-Chair of the House Haiti Caucus and Congresswoman Nydia M. Velázquez of New York are also appealing to the Biden Administration to immediately halt deportations and take urgent action to provide massive support to assist the Haitian people in the wake of the 7.2 magnitude earthquake that devastated Haiti last month.

“The Biden Administration cannot claim it is doing everything it can to support the Haitian community while continuing to unjustly deport Haitians as the island weathers its worst political, public health and economic crises yet,” said Congresswoman Pressley. “We have a moral obligation to lead with compassion. That means immediately halting the cruel and callous deportations of our Haitian neighbors and leveraging every resource available to support those fleeing the humanitarian crisis on the island.”

Stain on the Country “It doesn’t matter if a Democrat or Republican is President, our immigration system is designed for cruelty towards and dehumanization of immigrants,” Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez said. “Immigration should not be a crime, and its criminalization is a relatively recent invention. This is a stain on our country.”

Your move, Mr. President.l

VISIT WWW.CAWNYC.COM FOR THE LATEST CARIBBEAN NEWS, IMMIGRATION UPDATES, VIEWPOINTS, ENTERTAINMENT & MORE! LIKE US ON FACEBOOK @CAWNYC!

VISIT WWW.CAWNYC.COM FOR THE LATEST CARIBBEAN NEWS, IMMIGRATION UPDATES, VIEWPOINTS, ENTERTAINMENT & MORE!LIKE US ON FACEBOOK @CAWNYC!

FAMILY MATTERS & EDUCATION

8

NYC Schools Brace for Up to 10,000 Missing Teachers as Vaccine Mandate Takes Effect BYAMY ZIMMER AND CHRISTINA VEIGA, CHALKBEAT VIA THE CITY

A

s the vaccine mandate for New York City teachers is set to take effect next week, schools are bracing for this Tuesday when thousands of educators might be barred from their classrooms.

Mayor Bill de Blasio promised to have “thousands and thousands of vaccinated, experienced substitute teachers ready to go.” Central education department staffers could also be deployed to schools, he said at a press conference on Thursday.

But the union representing principals and other school administrators is calling on the city to delay when unvaccinated staffers must stop reporting to schools, saying there won’t be enough time to fill all their slots.

Roughly 13% of the city’s 78,000 teachers remain unvaccinated, according to recent data from education department officials. That translates to more than

10,000 teachers who have until the end of this coming Monday to show proof of having received their first dose. Nearly 20,000 other education department employees also lack proof of vaccination.

“Any situation where additional staffing is needed, we have staff that can be deployed very quickly to wherever they’re needed in the city,” de Blasio said. “The message for parents is that you’re going to have buildings with only

vaccinated adults in them.”

Looking for Substitutes Principals are expected to receive new funding this Monday to cover the cost of staffing shortages based on the number of teachers refusing to comply with the vaccine mandate, according to an email the Office of the Chief Operating Officer sent Thursday.

Schools can hire certified teachers as “regular substitutes” for the remainder of

the year, the letter stated. Additionally, staffers from the education department’s central offices — those with and without teaching licenses — were told this week that they might be redeployed to campuses for various school-based jobs.

The new funding will cover two weeks of coverage, with additional money expected to be sent in the “coming weeks” as schools understand their longterm needs, the letter said.

Mark Cannizzaro, president of the Council of School Supervisors and Administrators, was doubtful the city has enough substitutes to fill all of the positions that could be vacant come Tuesday, saying that he was particularly concerned about low vaccination rates among personnel who don’t work in classrooms, such as cafeteria staff or school safety agents.

And while vaccination rates for teachers and administrators are high across the city, there are pockets of individual schools with much lower rates, he said. continued on page 9

VISIT WWW.CAWNYC.COM FOR THE LATEST CARIBBEAN NEWS, IMMIGRATION UPDATES, VIEWPOINTS, ENTERTAINMENT & MORE! LIKE US ON FACEBOOK @CAWNYC!

FAMILY MATTERS & EDUCATION NYC Schools Brace continued from page 8 “Who’s missing, and how are they concentrated?” he asked. “I’m hearing of schools, large high schools where over 100 people still haven’t uploaded a vaccination card. Whether they’re vaccinated or not, no one knows.”

He called it “irresponsible” to inform schools this Monday about the staff they may or may not have the following day.

“It’s not fair to families, and it’s not good for kids,” he said.

Even if the city is able to find subs to fill in for unvaccinated employees, Cannizzaro said young students need consistent relationships with teachers, and older students need educators with expertise to help them catch up after more than a year of interrupted learning.

“I believe that the mayor thinks that a body is a body — get them in, and we’re good,” Cannizzaro said. “That’s no way to run a school.”

‘They’re Not Going to Be Getting a Paycheck’ Teachers have had more than nine months to get vaccinated, and were given priority in January, following health care workers. Earlier in the summer, de Blasio said that teachers, along with other city employees, would have to be vaccinated or submit to weekly testing.

At the end of August, he announced a vaccine mandate for educators and other

city workers, giving them about a month to comply. A few weeks later, he extended the mandate — with the same deadline — to pre-K and after-school staffers in city-funded programs.

Education department officials did not immediately respond to questions about whether the funding would also be sent to city-funded early childhood education programs.

The United Federation of Teachers had pushed back on the mandate, joining other municipal unions in a lawsuit against the city. A judge on Wednesday said he expected a ruling early next week, and recognized the city’s legal authority to move forward with imple-

menting the mandate, lifting a temporary restraining order that could have delayed it.

Separately, the UFT won an agreement from the city through arbitration to allow unvaccinated staffers without a medical or religious exemption to be placed on unpaid leave. Those with religious or medical exemptions will continue to work for the education department in some capacity outside of the classroom.

Some schools may be more affected than others in terms of the number of unvaccinated teachers. Staten Island City Council member Joe Borelli tweeted that some schools in his district have dozens of unvaccinated teachers — and

9 implied that families support their decisions.

At the Michael J. Petrides School, a K12 school on Staten Island mentioned in the tweet as having 80 unvaccinated staffers, at least four classrooms were closed as of Thursday, according to public data.

De Blasio remained optimistic that a wave of last-minute vaccine-takers over the coming days would help schools.

“People are out there getting vaccinated. I have no question we’re going to close the gap intensely,” he said.

And for those who refused to get their jabs: “In short order, they’re not going to be getting a paycheck,” de Blasio added.

Next week, new rules for quarantines also take effect as COVID testing for unvaccinated students ramps up.

Unvaccinated students who are masked and are spaced three feet apart will no longer have to quarantine if they are a close contact of a positive student, which will likely mean that lunch time will be the major focus for test and trace investigations. Elementary school classrooms still will have to quarantine if a teacher tests positive, education officials said.

COVID testing will ramp up to weekly from biweekly, though only 10% of unvaccinated children who consent will be tested.l This story was originally published by Chalkbeat, a nonprofit news organization covering public education.

YOU ALWAYS KEEP THEM SAFE. WITH VACCINES, THEY’LL BE EVEN SAFER. CHILDREN AGES 12-17 CAN NOW BE VACCINATED AGAINST COVID-19.

Get your child vaccinated for a safe return to school. Children who have been vaccinated against COVID-19 are less likely to get and spread COVID-19.

LET’S KEEP OUR CHILDREN SAFE AND OUR SCHOOLS COVID-FREE. For more information about COVID-19 vaccines and where to get one, visit nyc.gov/covidvaccine.

VISIT WWW.CAWNYC.COM FOR THE LATEST CARIBBEAN NEWS, IMMIGRATION UPDATES, VIEWPOINTS, ENTERTAINMENT & MORE!LIKE US ON FACEBOOK @CAWNYC!

10

DIASPORA CONCERNS

Important Steps to Take If You’ve Been Laid Off

BY CHRIS TOBIAS

L

ay offs have been happening by the thousands and it seems no business is safe from closing or laying off employees. If you’ve been one of the many who have been laid off, or if you know that you are going to be laid off in the near future, there are a few important steps you need to take to help you survive the lay off.

Get it in writing – Make sure you receive a letter from your employer that you were laid off. Being laid off is very different from being fired or let go for poor job performance and will make a difference in collecting unemployment.

It is also important that any prospective employers know that you lost your job due to a lay off instead of being fired. If you haven’t received a formal letter, then you should request one from your employer.

Ask for a recommendation letter from bosses and co-workers – The best time to collect recommendation letters is now because you will need these when you begin applying for jobs later.

Review your unused vacation or Personal Time Off (PTO) – Keep a record of all unused vacation or PTO that you have and discuss with the Human Resource Manager at your company as to when you can expect to be paid for these days in full. Some companies will add this to your last paycheck while others will pay you this amount in a separate check. Make sure you understand when you will receive this money, so you know when to expect it. This extra money will be a great help now that you are no longer working.

may also be granted depending upon your situation. If you have computer access you can apply online at your state’s unemployment website.

Discuss severance pay – While some companies openly offer severance pay to the employees they lay off; others do not offer it at all. Ask your employer about severance pay if you are unsure of whether or not you will receive any so you know right away what kind of compensation you can expect.

Reconciliation Act (COBRA). However, you will be expected to pay the entire premium instead of your current employee portion. In many cases it is still less expensive to stay on your company plan because group insurance costs far less than individual insurance. If the premiums are too high for you to pay you may want to check into state sponsored medical insurance until you are able to find a new job.

Discuss continuing insurance with your employer – If you were receiving health benefits at your job then you do have the right to continue coverage under the company plan for up to 18 months under the Consolidated Omnibus Budget

File for unemployment benefits – You should file for unemployment benefits as soon as you receive your notice of being laid off. Depending upon your state and situation, you can receive 6 to 12 months of unemployment benefits. Extensions

Create Your Success Story in 2021!

Kaplan understands that a successful career in real estate takes time and effort. That’s why we offer flexible course formats to fit seamlessly into your busy life. Take your courses when, how, and where it’s convenient for you.

Get started:Visit www.nacc.nyc/kaplan

At check out enter the code Chamber5

Questions? Call 855-682-9489.

Looking to make extra cash?

A side hustle?

We are looking for persons to sell advertisements.

Experience in advertising sales is needed and preferably experience or a sincere interest in marketing.

Interested?

Send your resume to info@myiqinc.com

Manage your finances – Once you know how much money you will be receiving through severance pay, vacation or PTO payouts and unemployment benefits you should scrutinize your finances and see where you can trim the fat. Realistically, it takes up to six months to find a new job and you need to make the money you have last throughout this time period. Don’t rely on credit cards to get you through this period or you will find yourself deep in debt by the time you find a job. It is better to cut your spending as much as possible, so it won’t take you years to pay off bills from this time period.

Find opportunities to enhance your skills – Being laid off is devastating, but it can also be a time for you to expand on your skills and education. Take advantage of any classes or programs your former employer offers to help you assimilate into the job market. Check for state or federal programs that offer free classes to the unemployed to enhance their skills or learn new ones. The more knowledge you acquire, the more marketable you will be when you apply for a job.

Network – The more people who know you are looking for a job, the greater chance you have of running into someone who may know of a job that is right for you. Let family and friends know you are looking for a job and ask them to keep an eye out for one for you. Keep an eye on legitimate internet job search sites for jobs in your area. Use your free time to volunteer at your church, local senior center, children’s school or any other place you enjoy supporting and network with the people you meet at these places.

Since 70% of all jobs are found through networking, the more people you come in contact with the better chance you have of finding a new job.

Stay positive – It’s hard to look on the bright side when you are struggling to find a new job but it is best to keep moving forward than to sit and do nothing.

Work on improving your strong points and learning new skills that will make you a more valued employee. Even though it was not your choice to be out of work, this is a good time to work toward acquiring a job you will enjoy and will hopefully be even better than the one you had before.

It isn’t easy losing your job, but it helps to know what you should do in the event of a lay off. By being careful with your money and keeping yourself busy learning new skills and networking, you will hopefully find a new job that is even more rewarding than the one you had before.l

VISIT WWW.CAWNYC.COM FOR THE LATEST CARIBBEAN NEWS, IMMIGRATION UPDATES, VIEWPOINTS, ENTERTAINMENT & MORE! LIKE US ON FACEBOOK @CAWNYC!

IMMIGRATION

11

Del Rio Migrant Camp Shows How Biden Administration Is Not Living Up to Its Promises

BY AARON REICHLIN-MELNICK IMMIGRATIONIMPACT.COM

R

oughly 14,000 Haitians arrived at the border across from Del Rio, Texas in mid-September and walked across the Rio Grande to seek asylum. Many first left Haiti in 2010 following a devastating earthquake that killed over 100,000 people and have been pushed from country to country ever since.

With Haiti in disarray following the assassination of the president, economic collapse, and another earthquake that killed thousands, they came to the United States hoping they would be welcomed and allowed to seek asylum. Instead, they were met with attacks from Border Patrol agents on horseback and a Biden administration that insisted it would deport them all.

On the campaign trail and after he took office, President Biden promised to restore a system of humanitarian protection at the border that the Trump administration had devastated. Despite these promises, President Biden has continued

the practice of expelling hundreds of thousands of migrants at the border under Title 42, even those seeking asylum.

Now, as thousands in Del Rio await news of their fate, the disconnect between the Biden administration’s promises and its actions have become visible to the rest of the nation.

All people who are physically present in the United States have the right to apply for asylum, “whether or not” they come through a port of entry or cross the border without authorization. Since Title 42 went into effect at the border in March 2020, the Border Patrol has carried out over 1,100,000 expulsions, regardless of whether the person was seeking asylum or not. Yet even after a federal judge ruled last week that the Title 42 policy was illegal – at least in terms of its use against families with children – the Biden administration chose to immediately appeal that decision.

President Biden’s choice to double down on Title 42 has been disastrous for the most vulnerable at the border seeking our help. Families have chosen to self-

President Biden flanked by VP Harris (l) and House Speaker Pelosi (r).Editorial credit: shutterstock.com

separate, sending their children across the border alone in the hopes they’ll be safe. Thousands of people sent back to Mexico have been the victims of crimes.

Migrant deaths are at their highest level in decades. And the right to seek asylum enshrined in law has been severely damaged.

Making matters worse, the Border Patrol’s response to the Haitians has been a violent crackdown. Lurid images show agents running people down on horseback who were crossing the river to get food and medicine for their families in the camp. Though the White House has promised to investigate the egregious behavior of those agents, it has not

budged on its plan to deport the entire camp.

At a time when the United States has opened its arms to thousands of Afghan refugees, the disconnect between the welcome they are receiving, and the harsh tactics used against Haitian refugees is appalling. It is also a racial justice issue, and one that should be particularly urgent for a president who promised in his inaugural address to “deliver racial justice.”

Haitians have long been a target for the United States’ worst instincts on migration, many of which are rooted in antiBlackness. continued on page 12

VISIT WWW.CAWNYC.COM FOR THE LATEST CARIBBEAN NEWS, IMMIGRATION UPDATES, VIEWPOINTS, ENTERTAINMENT & MORE!LIKE US ON FACEBOOK @CAWNYC!

12

KNOW YOUR RIGHTS Personal Injury Attorney continued from page 1 be too careful when a personal injury has occurred, and one of the best ways to protect yourself is by hiring an attorney who specializes in this part of the law.

Depending on the circumstances it may not be necessary to hire an attorney, and if that is the case you can simply nurse your broken bones and allow your injuries to heal. Even so, there are 10 signs that you should be working with a personal injury attorney, and if you recognize any of them it is time to do your homework and start making some calls 1. You have missed time from work.

Missing work is inconvenient for your employer, but it is expensive for you. If you have had to take time away from work, a personal injury attorney can help you get the compensation you deserve.

2.Your injuries are serious. If you experienced nothing but a few scrapes and scratches, you may not need a personal injury attorney, but you might want to contact a professional if your injuries are more serious.

3. There is a dispute over who was at fault. Whether you were injured on the job or in a car accident, disagreements over which party was at fault can get pretty sticky, and you do not want to end up on the wrong side of the accusation.

Bringing a personal injury expert in now

can preserve your rights and help you avoid unwarranted blame.

4. The insurance company wants you to sign something. Insurance companies will always try to minimize their liability, and that could mean asking accident victims to sign away their rights. Before you sign anything, you need to contact a personal injury lawyer first.

5.Your job is in jeopardy. Being the innocent victim of an accident or injury may not protect your employment status, and it is important to contact a personal injury attorney if you think your job might be at risk.

6. You are getting the runaround. If you keep trying to get satisfaction and fail to get it, you might want to contact a professional to get you the compensation you deserve.

7. You lack sufficient insurance coverage. If you do not have enough insurance coverage in place, the out-of-pocket costs for your injury will add up fast, and you will need help paying for them. Hiring a personal injury attorney now is the best way to protect your rights and get the payment you deserve for your injuries.

8. There are likely to be ongoing costs as a result of your accident or injury.

Even if you do not think you are badly

hurt, you could face years of ongoing costs as a result of your injuries and hiring a personal injury attorney now could help you get them paid for.

9. You do not have any savings. Even if you ultimately get a settlement from the insurance company, you will have bills to pay in the meantime, and that could mean dipping into your savings. If there are no savings to dip into you will want to contact a personal injury lawyer sooner rather than later.

10.You are feeling nervous. Sometimes you do not need a specific reason to contact a personal injury attorney, and it is important to trust your gut. If you are feeling nervous in the aftermath of your injury, talking to an experienced attorney could set your mind at ease.

Being involved in an accident or suffering an injury is a traumatizing experience, but what happens next could be even worse. If you are not careful, you could unwittingly sign away your rights or interfere with your ability to obtain a fair settlement for the injuries you have suffered. If any of the 10 scenarios outlined above sound familiar, it is time to ASK THE LAWYER. Call 855-7688845 for a FREE consultation or schedule an appointment at www.askthelawyer.usl

Del Rio Migrant Camp continued from page 11 In the 1980s, the modern immigration detention system came into existence specifically to lock up Haitian refugees and deter them from coming to the United States. In 1982, Attorney General William F. Smith declared that “Detention of aliens seeking asylum was necessary to discourage people like the Haitians from setting sail in the first place.” Just a few years later, both Presidents George H.W. Bush and Bill Clinton locked up thousands of Haitian refugees at Guantanamo Bay in squalid camps. And under President Obama, Haitians became the first target for “metering,” the practice of limiting the number of asylum seekers at ports of entry.

President Biden’s actions in response to the Del Rio encampment are a measure of his commitment to racial justice and to restoring access to asylum at the border.

Already, hundreds in the Del Rio camp have been deported back to Haiti. But thousands remain at the camp, although hope is dwindling.

It is not too late for the Biden administration to change its mind and show that the United States can finally live up to the promises it has long failed to meet.

And the way to do so is clear: immediately halt all deportations to Haiti and allow those in the Del Rio camp to access the asylum process.l

VISIT WWW.CAWNYC.COM FOR THE LATEST CARIBBEAN NEWS, IMMIGRATION UPDATES, VIEWPOINTS, ENTERTAINMENT & MORE! LIKE US ON FACEBOOK @CAWNYC!

www.willsandestates.nyc

September 2021

1

Estate Planning

Law Firm of Figeroux & Associates

Estate Planning Guide:

Senior Focus

INSIDE: •The

Importance of Estate Planning

•Important

Informaton About Bedsore Injury Cases

•Nursing

Home Neglect and Abuse Are Very Real •Do

I Need a Living Trust?

•Become

an Organ Donor

•What

Happens If You Die Without a Will?

•Tips

to Keep Your Brain Active

•Choosing

An Estate Attorney

VISIT WWW.CAWNYC.COM FOR THE LATEST CARIBBEAN NEWS, IMMIGRATION UPDATES, VIEWPOINTS, ENTERTAINMENT & MORE!LIKE US ON FACEBOOK @CAWNYC!

September 2021

www.willsandestates.nyc

2

Estate Planning

The Importance of Estate Planning

BY JANET HOWARD

N

o one likes thinking about death, but sooner or later, we all need to make plans for the inevitable. Some people assume that their possessions will automatically transfer to their spouse or other family members if they die.

Unfortunately, this is not always the case. Estate planning offers some control over what happens to your assets in the event of your death, enabling you to ensure the right assets go to the right people. side of estate planning.

What is Estate Planning?

Estate planning encompasses a range of measures that individuals can take to ensure their assets are distributed appropriately in the event of their death or incapacitation. Writing a will that specifies who gets what after someone dies is an example of estate planning. However, while most people are familiar with the concept of leaving a will, estate planning can involve a wide range of other activities. Most estate planning is conducted with the advice and supervision of an attorney. There are also estate planning advisers who aren't lawyers but can advise clients on the financial

Examples of common estate planning practices include: •Deciding how assets should be preserved, managed, and distributed after the owner's death or incapacitation and which assets should go where.

•Writing a will.

•Setting up trusts to hold or manage assets on behalf of beneficiaries.

•Making charitable donations and taking other measures to limit the estate's tax liability.

•Naming beneficiaries and executors.

•Making funeral arrangements.

Why do you need a Lawyer to Assist with Estate Planning?

Technically, you don't have to have a lawyer to assist you with estate planning. However, unless you happen to have the qualifications yourself, working with a lawyer is strongly recommended. Estate planning can be simple or complex, depending on the estate in question, but it is always a serious undertaking. If there are any problems with estate plans, they often won't become apparent until they are executed after the estate owner's death.

While many of the strategies and instruments available for estate planning are the same across the US, each

state has its own rules regarding who can and can't serve as a personal representative. In cases where the beneficiaries of an estate reside or the nominated personal representative of the deceased are in different states, things can become more complicated.

To ensure that everything proceeds smoothly, you should hire an experienced lawyer with estate planning experience. Estate planning lawyers will know the relevant state laws inside and out.

Working with an attorney to formulate a plan for your assets after your death will give you and your beneficiaries peace of mind that everything is in place and your plans are indisputable. They will work with you to ensure all the necessary documentation is available, utilize the most suitable financial instruments to achieve your objectives, and ensure the wording and procedures you use will stand up in court.

But perhaps the most compelling reason to make your plans under the supervision of a lawyer is that you will minimize unnecessary expenditures. If there are any issues with your estate plan or the documents you submit, your beneficiaries could end up drowning in legal fees. continued on page 3

VISIT WWW.CAWNYC.COM FOR THE LATEST CARIBBEAN NEWS, IMMIGRATION UPDATES, VIEWPOINTS, ENTERTAINMENT & MORE! LIKE US ON FACEBOOK @CAWNYC!

www.willsandestates.nyc

September 2021

3

Estate Planning Importance of Estate Planning/continued from page 2 out a will in place, your assets will most likely be distributed according to local state laws or left in the hands of a judge. As well as indicating how you want to distribute your assets, a will can also specify your wishes regarding the care of minor children and other similar issues.

It is a common misconception that only those with significant assets need to bother with a will. Even if you have minimal assets to distribute after your death, there are many reasons why leaving a will is a good idea. For example, you can ensure that any assets you leave behind are distributed to the right people and, just as importantly, kept out of the hands of those you don't wish to pass them on to. Wills are also crucial for settling issues regarding childcare.

Wills are a core component of any estate planning strategy, but not all wills are created equal. Some types of will, such as oral wills expressed in front of witnesses, aren't widely recognized by US courts. The most effective kind of will is called a testamentary will. Testamentary wills are the type that most people are familiar with; the testator puts their wishes in writing, and witnesses sign the document. If you produce a testamentary

will under the supervision of an attorney, it will be very difficult for anyone to challenge it in court after you die successfully.

Wills are commonly used alongside trusts to distribute assets to beneficiaries. By utilizing both mechanisms, you can set conditions for the distribution of your assets while minimizing your beneficiaries' tax liabilities.

Each trust usually only holds specific assets, such as a piece of property.

They are frequently used to hold or manage assets on behalf of underage beneficiaries. Once the recipient is able to manage the assets themselves, they can take possession of the trust and the associated assets.

icance when a child with special needs is involved. Estate planning isn't just about dividing financial assets; it's also an opportunity for parents to ensure their children receive the appropriate type of care when they're gone.

If the child is likely to receive government benefits, their parents can establish a "special needs trust" for them as part of their estate planning.

These trusts need to be drafted carefully to ensure they don't affect the child's eligibility for government benefits. The idea is that while the government benefits cover the recipient's basic needs, the trust provides funds for other trips and activities.

How Estate Planning Can Provide for Those with Special Needs Estate planning is always important, but it takes on an even greater signif-

What Happens When Someone Dies Without a Will or Estate Planning?

If someone dies without a will, they are said to have died "intestate." This

can create numerous problems for the deceased's heirs. Without a will to specify how an estate should be divided, the estate goes into probate.

Probate is a legal process in which a probate court determines who inherits what according to state law. The probate process can take anywhere from a few months to a few years to resolve, depending on the complexity of the estate.

In most cases, intestate succession laws are used to determine who inherits an estate in probate. These laws differ from state to state, but most states will split the estate between the deceased's spouse and children if there are any. If the deceased is single and has no children, the state will determine which relatives should inherit their assets.

In most states, only certain people can inherit assets under intestate laws. These are usually limited to spouses and registered domestic partners and blood relatives.

Estate planning is vital for anyone who wants some degree of control over the distribution of their assets after they die. Dying intestate can create significant stress and tension among surviving heirs and spouses.

You should always work with an estate planning lawyer to ensure that estate planning is thorough and robust.p

VISIT WWW.CAWNYC.COM FOR THE LATEST CARIBBEAN NEWS, IMMIGRATION UPDATES, VIEWPOINTS, ENTERTAINMENT & MORE!LIKE US ON FACEBOOK @CAWNYC!

September 2021

www.willsandestates.nyc

4

Estate Planning

Important Information about Bed Sore Injury Cases

BY TIFFANY DAVIS

L

ong-term residents of nursing homes often fall prey to various complications related to a sedentary lifestyle. Their personal health status will often be the defining factor when activity and movement are considered by medical staff.

Some of these living situations, however, are less than adequate. Neglect, unfortunately, is a common occurrence and can result in the development of bed sores, among other health issues. A loved one in nursing home care should be monitored regularly by family and friends to assess the standard of care. If a bed sore should appear and worsen while in the facility, there are some options to consider before seeking legal recourse.

Bed Sore Facts Bed sores appear on the skin and can reach all the way to the bone in severe cases.

These sores are caused by the sedentary lifestyle of elderly and ill patients. Pressure from one's own weight, while remaining in one bodily position long term, causes the decrease in blood flow and oxygen to the area. The tissue eventually becomes infected and dies. This open wound can lead to serious secondary infections and even death.

The best treatment is prevention with proper care and movement of the patient.

They can be very difficult to control and cure once the descent of health is underway.

First Appearance of the Sore and Documentation It is necessary to have proper evidence of the nursing

home's role in the bed sore issue. Check the person in care at every visit, so you can be sure of the exact date of the bed sore's appearance. If the patient will be sent from hospital care directly to a nursing home, have the hospital staff check and document the condition of the skin prior to discharge. This will help to show evidence of prior bed sore absence or condition. You will also be able to tell if the affected area improves or worsens while in residence at the nursing home in question.

Evidence of the negative progression of the bed sore is a necessity when defending your loved one in legal encounter.

Your lawyer will ask for any documentation you have collected in relation to the case you are proposing.

Preparation for this will involve your dedication to retrieval of medical records, dated pictures of the sore, and securing of witnesses. Be sure to meet with the doctor on appointment days. Ask for written documentation of the bed sore progression. You can also form your own written notes when you go for visits.

These notes should accompany pictures taken on a digital device where a time stamp is included. Be sure to also include the treatment plan from the nursing home staff and documentation of daily medications and applications.

This treatment plan should include regular removal of the patient's weight from the offending area. If you visit and repeatedly find the patient in the same position, they are at risk for increased amount of bed sores, as well as the deterioration of present ones.

Are Bedsores Cause for a Lawsuit?

The answer to this may vary from case to case. This is why proper documentation of the issue is so important. Cases where bed sore lawsuits may be advisable are those where the condition first appears in the new residential location, and where a worsening of a present condition is observed.

Secondary infections, further health complications and fatalities are also circumstances that may warrant legal action. If the nursing home staff can gather enough evidence to prove they are properly treating the symptoms and show improvement in the status of the sore, you may need to hold off on pressing for legal compensation.

Bedsore Settlement Amounts Settlements that are approved in bed sore cases will vary in the final amounts offered.

These variances will be due to the different stages of health concerns related to the bed sore. If the bed sore is fairly new, and has worsened minimally, your compensation will be on the lower side. Bed sores that lead to secondary infection and surgical procedures

will obtain a much higher amount. Compensation can reach in to the millions when severe health problems come about. You can expect most cases to remain at 1 million or under, usually in the hundreds of thousands. Abuse and neglect are often determined to be the cause of these cases, leading to employee removal and facility reorganization, as well. These costs are considered to be related to health expenses, emotional trauma, and sometimes funeral necessities.

Who Pays for Bed Sore Treatment in Nursing Homes?

Medical procedures are usually covered by the patient's insurance once they are residing in a nursing home. Many elderly rely on state funded insurance plans. These plans can have strict policies on coverage or denial of specific ailments. In the case of bed sores, treatment cost may be expected to be covered by the institution that failed to properly prevent the development of the sores. Since bed sores usually happen when patients are bedridden, it is up to facility staff to follow proper preven-

tion procedures. If a patient wins a legal case against a nursing home, care costs will then fall to the nursing home or be included in the settlement price. Out of pocket expenses are not usually incurred by sores that come into being in a certified and licensed care facility.

Compensation Legal action is best pursued under the supervision of a legal firm knowledgeable with similar cases. Take the time to meet with a legal representative claiming past experience with nursing home and bed sore cases. A decent amount of medical knowledge is necessary to ensure excellent representation. There is hope for the possibility of compensation in relation to bed sore symptoms and obstacles.

How do you find our if you have a legal case or can be compensated? Call the Law Office of Figeroux & Associates for a FREE consultation at 855-758-8845.

Remember, the lawyer you hire, does make a difference!

Get the right information, to make the right decision for yourself and your family.p

VISIT WWW.CAWNYC.COM FOR THE LATEST CARIBBEAN NEWS, IMMIGRATION UPDATES, VIEWPOINTS, ENTERTAINMENT & MORE! LIKE US ON FACEBOOK @CAWNYC!

www.willsandestates.nyc

September 2021

5

Estate Planning

Nursing Home Neglect and Abuse Are Very Real

BY MARY CAMPBELL

T

he United States Census Bureau estimates that within three decades those persons age sixty-five or older will make up 20% of the population, i.e., an estimated 60 million persons. As the "baby boomer" population ages, more people will reside in nursing homes.

So the problem of nursing home injuries and abuse, unfortunately will likely see a corresponding surge, and it will become more and more important to recognize and report any incident where a nursing home resident has been harmed.

What Is Nursing Home Abuse and Neglect?

While nursing home neglect is similar to abuse in the nursing home, there are key differences among the two.

Nursing home abuse implies that the caregiver intends to harm the elderly person, while nursing home neglect is a form of substandard care, or a breach of duty, that causes harm to the patient.

An Increasing Problem A study conducted and documented a few years ago by the National Center on Elder Abuse (NCEA), researchers revealed that 44% of the nursing home residents surveyed stated they had been abused or maltreated in the previous twelve (12) months. That same survey found that 95% of those surveyed had either witnessed instances of neglect or had suffered neglect during that same time period. Unfortunately, similar studies documented by the NCEA estimate that only one out of every 24 instances of nursing home abuse is reported.

What Are the Warning Signs?

The Administration on Aging states that depending on the nature of the abuse or neglect, there are a number of warning signs that may indicate that abuse or neglect is occurring.

These may include: Physical or Sexual Abuse •inadequately explained fractures, bruises, welts, cuts, sores, or burns •unexplained sexually transmitted diseases

Financial Exploitation •lack of affordable amenities and comforts in an elder’s home •giving uncharacteristically excessive gifts or financial reimbursement for needed care and companionship •a caregiver has control of an elder’s money but fails to provide for the elder’s needs •an older adult has signed property transfers (power of attorney or will, for example) but is unable to comprehend what the transaction means Emotional Abuse •unexplained or uncharacteristic changes in behavior, such as withdrawal from normal activities, or unexplained changes in alertness •caregiver isolates the elder (doesn’t let anyone in the home or doesn't let visitors speak to the elder) •caregiver is verbally aggressive or demeaning, controlling, or uncaring Neglect •lack of basic hygiene or appropriate clothing •lack of nutritional food •lack of medical aids (e.g., glasses, walker, dentures, hearing aid, or medications) •person with dementia left unsupervised •person confined in bed is left without care •home is cluttered, dirty, or in disrepair •home lacks adequate facilities (stove, refrigerator, heating and cooling, plumbing, or electricity) •untreated bed sores or pressure ulcers

A Worker’s Experience Workers’ World Today spoke with Arlene (name has been changed for privacy) about her experience as a home health aide and nursing home caretaker. She had this to say, ”Homecare is a pleasure; taking care of someone is a great incentive for me. My last case with an elderly Jewish lady, a doctor comes to her home. He has no recollection of her mental health and just provides medication to her, day on, day on. A sore broke out on her while I wasn’t there; the other two home attendants did not attend to it. ...The other Sunday, when I got there; I reported the case immediately. My nurse was so surprised that the two other home health aides did not make a call. And I let her know that these are the people that we are hiring who only want money and do not care about the lives they are supposed to take care of....And lives have been deteriorating under the hands of person who are supposed to care for them. I have been doing this job from since 2000.

I've been doing this for a while and I have seen the changes and this is about making money; it’s a hustle, it’s about making a quick dollar. I would like to see a change. It is a suicide you are creating ... you’re killing that person's life instead of making that life enjoyable, until they're ready for the Lord to take their life.

son, Benny Gomez, says his mom was assaulted and posted a picture of his bruised and injured mother on social media, which has been shared nearly 9,000 times.

“What does she mean to me?

Everything," Gomez said. He added, “She has double fractures in her face," he said. "Her nose is broken. She has stitches."

Eyewitness News met the heartbroken, shaken and angry son with his attorneys, days after his mother was rushed to the hospital from the Westfield Center Nursing Care facility in Westfield.

State officials and police are trying to figure out how an 86-year-old nursing home patient in New Jersey ended up with severe injuries to her face.The Department of Health and Westfield police are investigating, so no charges have been filed. Gomez's mother has not been returned to the facility.

In the News According to an article on www.abc7ny.com on September 26,

by Toni Yates, an 86-year-old woman was assaulted at a nursing home as reported by her son. The patient's

Legal Help If a family member or someone you know, has suffered abuse or neglect, help is available. Call the Law Office of Figeroux & Associates at 855-7688845 for a FREE consultation.p

Researching Nursing Homes While there’s no way to know about abuse that goes unreported, one can look up the name of a nursing home in federal inspection data and see whether it has been cited for sexual abuse or other issues in the past three years.

This can be done at www.medicare.gov/nursinghomecompare/search.html

ADMINISTERING & SETTLING ESTATES "The Law Firm of Figeroux & Associates was founded to serve our clients, but also to contribute to the greater good."

- Figeroux & Associates

To schedule or refer a client, call 855-768-8845 VISIT WWW.CAWNYC.COM FOR THE LATEST CARIBBEAN NEWS, IMMIGRATION UPDATES, VIEWPOINTS, ENTERTAINMENT & MORE! LIKE US ON FACEBOOK @CAWNYC!

September 2021

www.willsandestates.nyc

6

Estate Planning

Do I Need a Living Trust?

Become an Organ Donor

BY CHRIS TOBIAS

hen you make a commitment to donate healthy organs or tissue at the time of your death, you positively impact the lives of numerous others. When planning your legacy, it’s easy to have your loved ones at the forefront of your mind, but a simple registration could influence the health of a stranger.

According to the United States Department of Health & Human Services, there are two ways to sign up to be an organ donor. From the comfort of your home, visit their website and fill out a simple form. If you would rather complete the process with a representative, the experts at the local Department of Motor Vehicles can help.

W

E

veryone has heard of wills.

However, how many know about living trusts. So what exactly is a living trust you may ask.

Put simply, it is a written legal document that partially replaces a will.

Will you need one though? That’s the question many people find hard to answer.

Unless you have assets or children, living trusts are probably not the best option. However, if you have significant assets, living trusts allow you to remain in control of your assets and manage them according to your wishes. You an also name a secondary trustee should you not be able to manage them yourself. Anyone with simple estates, or that wishes to have court supervision over their assets and accounts should not consider a living trust either.

One major advantage of living trusts is the absence of court interference.

With wills, court supervision and approval is required. Being able to control one’s own assets is appealing.

Face it no one likes dealing with court officials especially after a death. There are no arguments as to who has control of your assets or your will. You

will normally be the trustee of your own living trust with a secondary trustee named in the event your become incapacitated.

Should you die, your name successor will manage the trust according to your wishes. No lawyers will be involved which save every one left behind time and money. It is important to discuss the planning of a living trust with a lawyer to better understand how it works. If you name the wrong person as the trustee, you may be taken advantage of. A lawyer can provide guidance so you make the right choices. Remember, no court or judge to come to your defense with a living trust.

You should still have a will with a living trust. This is especially important when children are involved. A will can serve to name their legal

guardian. Also, your will contains any assets not listed in your living trust. It is always best to have all your bases covered.

Some benefits to living trusts include protecting property for beneficiaries, reducing or eliminating taxes, managing property while incapacitated, avoiding probate, avoiding a will contest, and privacy. When looking at all the benefits and the ease of setting up a living trust, the biggest question is why shouldn’t you have a living trust?

Always consult a lawyer or other similar professional before setting up a will or living trust. They can answer any questions you have and clear up any confusion. It is always best to have all the facts before creating a will or living trust. When everything is set up correctly, that is one less thing to worry about later on.p

How You Can Help Adults who are legal citizens of the United States are eligible to donate organs at the time of death, and, in some cases, during their lifetime. Of course, certain diseases may inhibit you from becoming a donor; be honest about your health conditions during registration.

Make sure to discuss your wishes with your family. Conversations regarding death are never easy. You should approach the subject with sensitivity by discussing the benefits that registration offers to others.p

VISIT WWW.CAWNYC.COM FOR THE LATEST CARIBBEAN NEWS, IMMIGRATION UPDATES, VIEWPOINTS, ENTERTAINMENT & MORE! LIKE US ON FACEBOOK @CAWNYC!

September 2021

www.willsandestates.nyc

7

Estate Planning

What Happens If You Die Without a Will? final wishes, which may include instructions for your desired funeral arrangements and interment, the distribution of personal items of great sentimental but minimal monetary value, or your choice of a guardian for your young children.

Without a doubt, dying without a will robs you of your right to have a say in the settling of your affairs and creates unnecessary hardship for those closest to you, as they are left to deal with the legal technicalities on their own.

BY MARY CAMPBELL

Y

ou know you should make a will, but you never seem to be able to drum up much enthusiasm for the idea. It seems like a big, complicated pain-in-the-butt undertaking and you’re not planning on dying anytime soon anyway. You know that lawyers cost a fortune, and who knows if you really can legally use one of those online will kits? Differing opinions abound. So, you wonder, what does happen if you don’t make a will?

Can the government really take all your possessions that the bank doesn’t already own most of?

The short answer is probably not.

Unless you are truly completely alone in the world with no blood ties whatsoever, there is likely a relative somewhere that is eligible to inherit, if they can be found. In fact, British television has aired a program called Heir Hunters, which is described as “a series following the work of heir hunters, probate detectives looking for distant relatives of people who have died without making a will”. In the U.S., private investigation firms will attempt to find a potential heir, but someone presumably must hire them before they will begin to look. Of course, if the estate is

large, anyone may undertake to find lost relatives in hopes of receiving a commission for the information from a grateful heir. In the end though, it is possible that if an heir cannot be found after a reasonable length of time has passed, then yes, eventually your estate will escheat (pass) to the appropriate governing body.

However, for an average individual with no shortage of relatives in line to legally inherit your worldly goods, the application of the relevant inheritance laws certainly doesn’t mean that your estate will be distributed in a manner that you would approve of. Intestacy (the legal term for dying without a will) laws vary widely, depending on where you live. Your spouse, for instance,

may find that the laws of your state are not altogether favourable to him or her when you have children involved, perhaps from a previous marriage.

Common law and same sex partners may or may not be recognized as eligible to inherit. A close relative you cannot stand the sight of may be first in line if you have no spouse or children.

Read our informative website at www.willsandestates.nyc Finally, it is important to note that in addition to the disposition of your estate, regardless of the value, your will also functions as the vehicle through which you will make your final wishes known. You will appoint a trusted executor/executrix to a position of authority to administer your

Changes in Tax Laws It can be hard to stay up-to-date on constantly changing tax laws, but it’s necessary to keep your final document in good legal standing. Especially if your will takes actions to address estate tax issues, it’s a good idea to receive periodic reviews by an attorney.

Ask for Advice A will is your ironclad way to disperse your assets to loved ones as you wish.

Don’t be afraid to ask your legal expert for advice on other moments that may benefit your last will and testament.

Remember, this document is incredibly important to keep accurate as it articulates your vision and solidifies your legacy.p

VISIT WWW.CAWNYC.COM FOR THE LATEST CARIBBEAN NEWS, IMMIGRATION UPDATES, VIEWPOINTS, ENTERTAINMENT & MORE!LIKE US ON FACEBOOK @CAWNYC!

Join the Fastest Growing Industry: Enroll in our Paralegal Certi昀cate Program Why you Should Enroll in this Program: Fastest Growing Industry with Jobs Available Path to Law School Business Purpose: Start up or Expand your Business Advocacy: Labor Rights, Civil Rights and Immigration Fastest Growing Industry Jobs Available

Choose your Certi昀cate Program: Paralegal and Pre Law Legal Marketing Shop Stewards and Union Leaders Faith Based Leaders and Executive Sta昀

For more information and to register, visit: www.freeparelegal.org www.freeparalegal.org

Get on the path to success!

VISIT WWW.CAWNYC.COM FOR THE LATEST CARIBBEAN NEWS, IMMIGRATION UPDATES, VIEWPOINTS, ENTERTAINMENT & MORE! LIKE US ON FACEBOOK @CAWNYC!

nHEALTH

nENTERTAINMENT

nRELATIONSHIPS

nRECIPES

Shenseea First Jamaican Female Dancehall Artist to Appear on Billboard Hot 100 Chart in17 Years

nSPORTS

nHOROSCOPE

Kitchen Corner

Caribbean Sorrel Tea

BY STAFF WRITER, JAMAICANS.COM

J

amaican dancehall star Shenseea has made her debut on Billboard’s Hot 100 Chart with her collaboration with rapper Kanye West on “Pure Souls,” a song on West’s 10th studio album “Donda.” Shenseea’s song entered the Hot 100 at Number 52 on September 7, 2021, making her the first Jamaican female dancehall artist to make the chart in 17 years. The last female Jamaican singer to rank on the Hot 100 chart was Tessanne Chin, who had six entries between 2013 and 2014. Chin’s biggest hits were “Tumbling Down” in 2013 and her cover of “Many Rivers to Cross” in 2014, both of which peaked on the Billboard chart at Number 32. The last Jamaican female dancehall star to make the Hot 100 was Miss Thing in 2004 with a collaboration with Beenie Man on “Dude,” which reached the Number 3 spot.

Commenting on her historic feat, the singer told an interviewer from the Jamaica Observer that she was “honestly over-elated!” She went on to say that she intended to make the music charts, but

G

Step 3 Strain sorrel mixture through a fine-mesh sieve into a pitcher; discard solids. Serve over ice.

Ingredients 9 ounces dried red sorrel buds 3 teaspoons grated ginger 3 strips dried orange zest 1 white clove 1 quart water ⅔ cup white sugar ice cubes

Nutrition Facts Per Serving: 177 calories; protein 0.9g; carbohydrates 44.7g; fat 0.5g; sodium 12.2mg.l

et dried sorrel flowers from Asian, African, or Caribbean stores.

—Rabbi Ryan, AllRecipes.com

Photo Shenseea Facebook

didn’t expect it to happen so soon. “I am truly one of God’s favorites to be receiving big blessings in my career in such a short space of time. I’m on a mission to take this worldwide, as I’ve said countless times, and to see it all manifesting makes my heart skip a beat. I’ve been waiting my whole life to experience moments like these,” she added.

Shenseea noted that the chart exposure for “Pure Souls” definitely serves to boost her career and expects the ranking to motivate other artists to work with her.l This is an abbreviated version. Read the full article at www.cawnyc.com

Directions Step 1 Combine sorrel, ginger, dried orange zest, and clove in a bowl.

Prep: 5 mins Cook: 5 mins Additional: 8 hrs Total: 8 hrs 10 mins Servings: 4 Yield: 1 pitcher

Step 2 Bring water to a boil in a saucepan or kettle; pour over sorrel mixture. Stir in sugar until dissolved. Let mixture steep at room temperature, 8 hours to overnight.

VISIT WWW.CAWNYC.COM FOR THE LATEST CARIBBEAN NEWS, IMMIGRATION UPDATES, VIEWPOINTS, ENTERTAINMENT & MORE!LIKE US ON FACEBOOK @CAWNYC!

22

HEALTH

Five Self-Care Tips for Improved Mental Health

BY CHRIS TOBIAS

L

ong before the COVID-19 pandemic, we faced a mental health crisis in New York City. New Yorkers experience mental illness, substance misuse, and daily struggles with anxiety or depression every day. The COVID-19 pandemic has only amplified these issues, especially with the lockdown, changes, and adaption to the new “normal.” There was a time when discussing mental health issues, such as depression, anxiety or social phobias, was completely taboo. Luckily, society has made strides in recent years, allowing for more open conversations about such issues. Given that roughly a quarter of Americans experience mental health issues (per Johns Hopkins), there are plenty of conversations to be had, indeed.

Increasingly, professionals and individuals alike are discussing the importance of "self-care," or taking the necessary time to address your own needs and ensure you maintain your mental health.

These actions can help individuals live not just happier lives, but longer ones as well. Depression, anxiety, and stress have all been shown to take years off the lifes-

pans of otherwise healthy individuals.

Practicing some of the tips below can help restore a sense of balance and improve an individual's overall wellbeing.

1. Set Aside the Appropriate Time for Sleep The importance of this self-care tip cannot be overstated. Sure, there are always things to do. There always will be.

Depriving yourself of sleep to accom-

plish tasks, however, is counterproductive. First, there will still be more to do the following day. Secondly, you'll be running at a less efficient pace if you're not getting the appropriate sleep, making it take longer to accomplish items than it usually would. This can create a cycle where you're perpetually behind, thus skipping on sleep, which makes you fall further behind.

Insufficient sleep can also cause longterm health issues and has also been linked to increased anxiety and stress. No matter what other steps you take to improve your physical and mental health, they'll all be for nothing without adequate rest. Try keeping to something like a routine on worknights to help your body build a natural rhythm.

2. Schedule Time for Yourself It is easy to get caught up in the daily tasks and responsibilities of life.

Unfortunately, getting too caught up in these can mean forgetting to take care of your own needs and wants. Without the appropriate time to pursue your own hobbies and interests, burnout can set in.

Even if it is for as little as half an hour a day, set aside a regular period of time

Are you looking to get into the health & wellness business?

Contact:

Stacy Young Board Certified Holistic Health Coach Tel: 917-459-8431

for putting yourself above all else. This can be reading a book, or practicing a hobby such as writing, painting, gardening, and the like. Not only are you pursuing things you enjoy, but you'll also subconsciously be stepping away from the daily stresses of life. This can improve your mental wellbeing dramatically.

3. Learn to Say No Obligations, both real and perceived, can take a toll on your mental health. Being able to differentiate between legitimate obligations and social ones that aren't really necessary is an important first step. The second step is being able to say "no" to the latter.

Attending events and functions that have no interest to you or, worse, make you uncomfortable, helps no one. Your disinterest will likely be evident to the people around you. Your desire to leave will manifest itself as stress or anxiety.

Life is too short to force yourself into unnecessary, unenjoyable situations.

Consider skipping these events a gift to yourself and your mental health.

4. Take the Time to Step Outside For office workers or those who are now working remote, this is essential. Studies have demonstrated that even a few moments outside can help relieve stress and provide a barrier against depression and burnout. It can be easy to become laser-focused on the job at hand, spending hours at a desk or drilling down into a project. Unfortunately, not only is this poor for your physical health, but it can also take a mental toll as well. Even just a few minutes away from your workstation taking in your surroundings can have a large impact.

5. Spend Time with Friends and Loved Ones Don't let your social life be a casualty to your work life. More and more companies are talking the talk on work-life balance, but it is up to the individual to walk the walk. Having friends, family, or partners to vent to or just escape everyday life with can greatly improve your mental health. Having other people around can also provide a voice encouraging you to slow down or take time for yourself if they notice something is "off."

Shared passions can also lead to more time for activities you enjoy, as mentioned earlier.

Conclusion Mental health and physical wellbeing are inextricably linked. Failure to take care of one can results in issues in the other. It is not enough to simply stay in physically good shape. Stress, anxiety, or depression can each take a toll on your overall health, so take the proper measures to ensure your mental wellbeing for the future. The self-care tips described above are a good first step towards healthier living.l

VISIT WWW.CAWNYC.COM FOR THE LATEST CARIBBEAN NEWS, IMMIGRATION UPDATES, VIEWPOINTS, ENTERTAINMENT & MORE! LIKE US ON FACEBOOK @CAWNYC!

HELP WITH DEPRESSION

GRIEF SUPPORT

Mental Health ALL FOR

CRISIS SUPPORT

SUBSTANCE USE SERVICES

24/7 COUNSELING

CONNECT TO CARE: 1-888-NYC-WELL (1-888-692-9355) or visit mentalhealthforall.nyc.gov No matter who you are. No matter what you need.

NYC is here for you.

VISIT WWW.CAWNYC.COM FOR THE LATEST CARIBBEAN NEWS, IMMIGRATION UPDATES, VIEWPOINTS, ENTERTAINMENT & MORE!LIKE US ON FACEBOOK @CAWNYC!

24

LOVE & RELATIONSHIPS

What Can You Do About Domestic Violence During the Pandemic?

BY WIFE.ORG EDITOR

U

nfortunately, domestic violence (also known as domestic abuse, relationship abuse, and intimate partner violence), is a reality for many women and even some men within their relationships and marriages. It is also a common factor in divorce. As much of the United States has gone into lockdown as a result of the coronavirus pandemic, domestic abuse victims are being trapped in their homes with their abusers. Unsurprisingly, this has led to a rise in domestic abuse and domestic violence. If domestic abuse is a reality in your relationship, keep reading to learn what you can do and how you can prepare for a divorce from your abuser.

What Is Domestic Abuse?

A lot of people assume that domestic abuse requires physical violence or that it only happens to women. In fact, domestic abuse takes many different forms, and it can affect anyone, regardless of their gender, age, race, religion, or sexual orientation. According to the National Domestic Violence Hotline, domestic violence is “a pattern of behav-

iors used by one partner to maintain power and control over another partner in an intimate relationship.”

The NDVH additionally explains: “Domestic violence includes behaviors that physical harm, arouse fear, prevent a partner from doing what they wish or force them to behave in ways they do not want. It includes the use of physical and sexual violence, threats and intimidation, emotional abuse and economic deprivation. Many of these different forms of domestic violence/abuse can be occur-

ring at any one time within the same intimate relationship.”

Domestic Violence Levels Rise During the Coronavirus It shouldn’t be surprising that rates of domestic violence have risen steeply during the coronavirus. As couples are forced to shelter in place together, the abuser has nowhere to go to blow off steam, and the victim cannot escape to work or other public places to avoid the abuse. On top of everything else, health

worries, economic fears, and staggering job losses have dialed up the stress within many relationships.

It’s the perfect recipe for disaster.

According to an article in the New York Times, domestic abuse hotlines around the world have seen a growing number of calls, usually around 10 days after a lockdown is announced. In Spain, calls to a domestic violence hotline shot up 18% during that country’s lockdown. In France, domestic violence calls to the police increased 30%.

Here in the United States, we have not been immune to this trend. According to The Economist, police data from five large cities has shown a decrease of total crime by 25% while showing an increase in domestic violence by 5% while in lockdown. At the same time as it reported these numbers, The Economist cautioned its readers that “domestic violence is thought to be one of the most under-reported crimes. In lockdown, it may be even more so. Forced to stay with a violent family member or partner, it may be more difficult, if not dangerous, for victims to seek help when the abuser is always around.” continued on page 25

GREEN CARD SLAVERY? Don’t put up with ABUSE anymore! Whether married or not, whether your spouse is a U.S. citizen or Green Card Holder, we can get a Green Card for you and your children PLUS a divorce.

Call 718-222-3155 now for a FREE consultation!

ENOUGH IS ENOUGH! VISIT WWW.CAWNYC.COM FOR THE LATEST CARIBBEAN NEWS, IMMIGRATION UPDATES, VIEWPOINTS, ENTERTAINMENT & MORE! LIKE US ON FACEBOOK @CAWNYC!

25

LOVE & RELATIONSHIPS

Immigrants and Domestic Violence

BY CAW STAFF WRITER

I

mmigrants are particularly vulnerable because many may not speak English, are often separated from family and friends, and may not understand the laws of the United States. For these reasons, immigrants are often afraid to report acts of domestic violence to the police or to seek other forms of assistance. Such fear causes many immigrants to remain in abusive relationships.

Immigrants in the US. have the right to live a 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.

The Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) is a landmark piece of legislation seeking to improve criminal legal, and community-based responses to domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking in the United States. This federal law provides numerous forms of protection for noncitizen women—and men—who are the victims of domestic violence or other qualifying

crimes. There are three forms of protection: “U” visas for victims of crime, “T” visas for victims of severe forms of trafficking, and “self-petitions” under the VAWA. Any victim of domestic violence — regardless of immigration or citizenship status — can seek help. An immigrant victim of domestic violence may also be eligible for immigration-related protections. If you are experiencing domestic violence in your home, you are not alone.

A specialized immigration attorney should always be your first point of contact regarding immigration questions and

concerns. You can also listen to Ask the Lawyer Radio Program on WVIP 93.5FM on Thursdays, 10pm-11pm, and Sundays, 11pm to 12am. The program provides excellent 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

Domestic Violence continued from page 24 What Can You Do If You Are Experiencing Domestic Violence or Domestic Abuse If you are experiencing domestic abuse and feel your safety or the safety of others in your household is in jeopardy, remove yourself from the situation immediately. If your spouse has been threatening or violent toward you, your children, or anyone else in your household, call the police.

Though public services have been reduced during the pandemic, the police are still operating and will be able to assist you. While it is difficult to get complete information, it does seem that most (if not all) states consider the issuance of restraining orders to be an essential service. If possible, request a restraining order against your abuser to prevent them from returning to your home.

Not everyone in an abusive relationship feels comfortable calling the police.

Maybe you aren’t sure where to go or what resources are available, especially now. If this is the case, we strongly encourage you to reach out to the National Domestic Violence Hotline.

Website: www.thehotline.org/help/ (Live chat available). National Domestic Violence Hotline Number:1-800-799SAFE (7233) (Available 24/7)l Reprinted with kind permission.

VISIT WWW.CAWNYC.COM FOR THE LATEST CARIBBEAN NEWS, IMMIGRATION UPDATES, VIEWPOINTS, ENTERTAINMENT & MORE!LIKE US ON FACEBOOK @CAWNYC!

26

CONVERSATIONS

Changing Your Mind About Something as Important as Vaccination Isn’t a Sign of Weakness

BY ART MARKMAN THE CONVERSATION

C

ulturally, this is an era in which people are held in high esteem when they stick with their beliefs and negatively labeled as “flip-floppers” or “wishy-washy” when they change what they think.

While the courage of convictions can be a plus in situations where people are fighting for justice, sticking with beliefs in a dynamic world is shortsighted and dangerous, because new evidence can and should be taken into account.

Rapidly changing environments are uncomfortable for people, because you can’t effectively use experience to guide choices about the future.

Consider the COVID-19 pandemic. All aspects of the pandemic response have evolved over time because knowledge of the disease and its prevention and treatment has changed significantly since the coronavirus made its appearance in early 2020.

The problem is many opponents of

masking and vaccination made bold public pronouncements on social media, broadcasting positions like they’ll never get the COVID-19 shot. Once someone’s taken a strong stand like that, it can be hard to make a switch. As a psychology researcher who focuses on decision-making, I know there are powerful psychological and social forces that promote consistency of belief and action. Early commitments can be difficult to dislodge – though sometimes outside forces can help.

Changing course once you’ve doubled down Social psychologists know that, on the one hand, people are motivated to maintain consistency across their beliefs.

Because people want their web of beliefs to be coherent, they tend to give a lot of weight to beliefs that are consistent with their overall worldview and to discount those that are contradictory. As a result, people will continue to hold on to a set of beliefs even in the face of mounting evidence that they should revise what they think.

Call 888-670-6791 26 Court Street, Suite 701, Downtown Brooklyn

need to feel bound to act in a way that is consistent with the attitudes they have expressed. This is where external forces come to play.

Psychologists describe this unconscious strategy as a way for people to minimize any cognitive dissonance they experience – when things don’t add up, it can be disturbing, so to avoid those uncomfortable feelings, they ignore what doesn’t fit well with their existing beliefs as a way to maintain balance.

In the context of COVID-19, for example, someone who is predisposed to dislike the vaccine will give little weight to new evidence of vaccine effectiveness, because that evidence contradicts their current worldview.

Eventually, though, enough counterevidence can lead to what psychologists call a shift in coherence, in which people can come to believe that their initial viewpoint was wrong. But additional social forces such as the desire to appear consistent or to show solidarity with a community can still lead people to resist changing their beliefs and behavior. +Indeed, there is considerable research on the trade-off between what psychologists call exploitation and exploration in decision-making. Exploitation refers to people’s tendency to pick the option that has been best in the past. As a simple example, exploitation would be choosing your usual favorite dish from a restaurant where you often order takeout.

Exploration describes picking options that were not optimal in the past but may now be better than the best previous choices. In the restaurant scenario, exploration involves choosing a new dish or one that you tried in the past and didn’t like as much as your old standby.

Exploration gives you information about options other than your current favorite.

When environments change a lot, exploration is important. Good decisionmakers will often forego the best-known option in order to determine whether other options are now actually better. If your favorite restaurant is constantly hiring new cooks and tinkering with the menu, then exploration is probably a good strategy. The tendency toward consistency that people display – particularly in situations where they have expressed a strong preference – is most harmful in environments that change.

The COVID-19 pandemic is just such a case.

In these situations, helping people to change behavior requires reducing their

When a mandate pushes against your position As an example, think about two people: Al and Barb. Both of them are opposed to getting vaccinated for COVID-19 and have a variety of reasons for that – like being mistrustful of the science and concerned about long-term safety. Both of them have also posted their opposition to vaccination to their social media sites.

Al doesn’t know anyone who has gotten sick from COVID-19 and hasn’t really read many stories about the effectiveness of the vaccine, so he has a strong coherent set of beliefs against vaccination.

Barb has friends who have gotten sick, and one died from COVID-19. She has read some of the news articles with data supporting vaccination. While this information isn’t enough to flip her opinion, she is wavering.

Al and Barb are likely to have different reactions to the government-issued mandate that employers with more than 100 employees must require their staff to be vaccinated or frequently tested.

Al is strongly opposed to vaccination, so the mandate is outweighed by all the rest of his beliefs. He is likely to fight the mandate and to make a public display refusing to get vaccinated.

Barb is in a different position. The vaccination mandate fits with some of her beliefs. While Barb may be uncomfortable getting the vaccine, she is more likely to use the mandate as social cover to get vaccinated, blaming the mandate for her ultimate choice.

For people who are on the fence about whether to get vaccinated because they have conflicting knowledge and beliefs, vaccine mandates serve two purposes.

First, mandates provide one more fact that can make their pro-vaccine beliefs more consistent than their anti-vaccine beliefs. Second, even for people who are still largely anti-vaccine, it allows them to get vaccinated while still saving face by blaming the mandate for an action that they are not as strongly opposed to as they appear to be.

More generally, people are creatures of habit. You likely feel most comfortable doing what has worked for you in the past. The more you learn to pay attention to how much change there is in the environment, the more you can work to push yourself to explore new options and change your beliefs and behavior based on new evidence.l Art Markman is a Professor of Psychology, The University of Texas at Austin College of Liberal Arts

VISIT WWW.CAWNYC.COM FOR THE LATEST CARIBBEAN NEWS, IMMIGRATION UPDATES, VIEWPOINTS, ENTERTAINMENT & MORE! LIKE US ON FACEBOOK @CAWNYC!

The lawyer you hire, does make a difference!

VISIT WWW.CAWNYC.COM FOR THE LATEST CARIBBEAN NEWS, IMMIGRATION UPDATES, VIEWPOINTS, ENTERTAINMENT & MORE!LIKE US ON FACEBOOK @CAWNYC!

VISIT WWW.CAWNYC.COM FOR THE LATEST CARIBBEAN NEWS, IMMIGRATION UPDATES, VIEWPOINTS, ENTERTAINMENT & MORE! LIKE US ON FACEBOOK @CAWNYC!