Caribbean American Weekly - Issue 163

Somalia on the Brink of Famine: Aid Efforts Risk Failing Marginalized Communities Yet Again

BY NISAR MAJID, THE CONVERSATION

Somalia

facing a humanitarian crisis of enormous severity and magnitude. This follows four failed rainy seasons, protracted conflict, political instability

ing global food prices

significantly worse

the impact

the latter

war

Ukraine

BY SHAQUILLE BAIRD

TheImmigrant’s Journal, in part nership with the Law Firm of Figeroux and Associates and the Chamber Coalition, launched a free 5week online immigration seminar to discuss immigration and related legal

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

685 Third Avenue, 11th Floor

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

630 Third Avenue, 7th Floor New York, N.Y. 10017

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, 4th 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

President Putin’s Actions Are Jeopardizing Economic Peace and Growth: The World Should Say “No More”

BY SIR RONALD SANDERS

“Every bullet, every bomb, every shell that hits a target in Ukraine, hits our pockets and our economies in Africa.” Those were the words of the President of Ghana, Akufo-Addo, at the UN General Assembly on September 21. The Ghanaian President was referring to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, which aggravated an already difficult world wide economic situation, caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

While he spoke as an African, AkufoAddo could have been speaking for every developing region of the world, including the Caribbean.

Several African countries now have inflation rates, surging three to four times higher than they were just two years ago. The situation is no different in the Caribbean region.

If the world was turned upside down because of the Covid-19 pandemic, Russia’s invasion of Ukraine is damag ing it still further. And, with no end in sight.

No region of the world, or any person within regions, has escaped the conse quences of Russian President Vladimir Putin’s ill-advised invasion of Ukraine, clearly aimed at seizure of large tracts of Ukrainian land and strategic access to the sea and global commerce.

In July, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) said “global growth is pro jected to slow from an estimated 6.1 per cent in 2021 to 3.6 percent in 2022 and 2023. This is 0.8 and 0.2 percentage points lower for 2022 and 2023 than pro jected in January”.

The IMF emphasized that the economic costs of the Russian war against Ukraine “are expected to spread farther afield through commodity markets, trade, and—to a lesser extent—financial inter linkages. Fuel and food price rises are already having a global impact, with vul nerable populations—particularly in low-income countries—most affected”.

Therefore, the troubling economic and financial situation should completely dis pel the illusion, held by some in the developing world that the war has noth ing to do with us. In fact, the entire world has a vested interest in encourag ing its immediate end.

The leaders of the two most important developing countries, Xi Jinping of China and Narendra Modi of India recently indicated their concerns about the war. Significantly Recep Tayyip Erdogan, the President of Turkey, has called for an end to the war in Ukraine "as soon as possible through diplomatic channels."

As in all unpopular wars —and this one certainly is—Russian military forces

have been losing ground to the more committed Ukrainian troops. The for mer are soldiers, carrying out orders; the latter are men and women determined to protect their homeland with their lives.

Despite the superior Russian military firepower, especially missiles launched from areas bordering Ukraine, the Ukrainians, armed with improved weaponry —gifted by sympathetic nations — and fortified by a patriotic res oluteness, have pushed Russian troops out of Ukrainian territory that they had earlier seized.

This has caused President Putin to announce conscription of reservists and other civilians. But his plan has met resistance. More than 800 Russians were arrested in anti-war demonstrations in 37 cities, including Moscow and St. Petersburg, according to the independent Russian human rights group OVD-Info. The number of men fleeing the country has increased as has widespread protests by Russian citizens.

The protestors have been assaulted with military force and hundreds have been detained. Journalists in Moscow, with the international news agency, Associated Press, reported that they wit nessed at least a dozen arrests in the first 15 minutes of a night-time protest in the capital, with police in heavy body armour tackling demonstrators and, haul ing some away as they chanted, “No to war!”

Fighting a war, which relies on reluc tant conscripts, is unlikely to bring the success that Putin told the Russian peo ple was imminent. Instead, the Ukrainians have recaptured vast swathes of Russian-occupied territory. In addi tion to sinking confidence in any achievement, resulting from the war, the Russia economy is also suffering.

Despite all this, and in a departure from reality, President Putin is planning to hold referenda “on joining Russia” in areas of the Ukraine that Russian troops occupy.

Referenda in the middle of a war, and with the population living under the guns

of occupying forces, would hardly be credible to any nation in the global com munity. However, the decision to hold them clearly shows Putin’s intention to annex the areas to Russia. Consequently, the war will escalate fur ther, as the Ukrainians intensify their resistance.

The referenda are scheduled to start on September 23 and to continue for 5 days, after which Russia will no doubt announce that the people of the areas have voted in favour, and they have opted to join Russia. In his quest to re-estab lish the Soviet Union, President Putin is doing so by seizing the territory of a neighbouring state and balkanizing it. This is a grave violation of the interna tional legal order, which Russia was party to establishing, and which has been applied by the UN Security Council since 1945.

But, in the way of powerful nations, rules and laws are discarded when it does not suit the ambitions of their govern ments.

Every government, at the United Nations General Assembly this month, at the General Assembly of the Organization of American States next month, and in every international meet ing, should make it very clear to President Putin that the war against Ukraine is not only unpopular, but it is fast becoming a war against global eco nomic peace and growth, which are vital conditions for economic progress in developing countries.

Developing countries, especially, small states, depend on adherence to interna tional law; they also need global peace that facilitates travel for tourism, aid money being spent on development and not on arms, and competitive commerce that reduces high prices for food and other goods.

President Putin has jeopardized all that.l

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

Russian President Putin. Editorial credit: Frederic Legrand - COMEO /

PAHO Calls on Countries to Continue COVID-19 Testing and Increase Vaccination to Avoid a Prolonged Pandemic

Washington, DC, Sept 30, 2022

(PAHO): In an update on COVID-19 presented at the 30th Pan American Sanitary Conference, the Director of Health Emergencies of the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), Ciro Ugarte, stated that “we are transitioning from an acute phase of the pandemic to more sustained control of the virus.”

Since the SARS-CoV-2 virus first appeared until the 17 September 2022, the Region of the Americas has reported more than 177 million cases and 2.8 mil lion deaths, 29.1% and 43% of the global total respectively. In the last 14 days, cases increased by 0.7% and deaths by 0.3%.

Regarding the future of the pandemic, Ugarte said that the worst-case scenario, "particularly if we fail to ensure surveil lance and increase vaccination cover age," is one in which a more virulent and highly transmissible variant appears against which vaccines are less effective, thus prolonging the pandemic.

"We have been on a long journey these past 33 months,” Ugarte said, urging that the way forward requires resilient health systems and services based on primary

care, strong epidemiological surveillance and the expansion of vaccination pro grams. “The experience of COVID-19 showed us that countries need up-to-date emergency procedures, flexible public health measures and health networks that can rapidly deploy human resources and health supplies.”

During his presentation, Ugarte detailed the technical cooperation pro vided by PAHO and the achievements attained. He also highlighted epidemio logical intelligence as well as the strengthening and expansion of molecu lar detection in laboratories in the region, which have made it possible to track the virus and its variants, and to advise on policies to tackle it.

The Director of Health Emergencies at

PAHO also highlighted the progress and challenges of vaccination in the Region. He said that almost 2 billion doses of COVID-19 vaccine were administered in the Americas, 150.8 million of which were delivered through PAHO's Revolving Fund to 33 countries, many of them through donations.

While around 70% of people are fully vaccinated in Latin America and the Caribbean, Ugarte expressed concern that "averages hide the real situation in some countries where coverage remains low,” a factor that puts the region at risk of further waves as well as the appear ance of new variants.

From its strategic reserve in Panama, PAHO has managed 227 shipments of health supplies to 35 countries and terri tories in the region, including diagnostic tests, personal protective equipment and medicines.

PAHO has also given workshops, for mulated guidelines and carried out tech nical missions to strengthen countries' response capacities at the first level of care, clinical management, rational use and sustainable use of oxygen, infection prevention and control, and risk commu nication, among others.l

Immigrant Advocates Continue to Denounce Mayor Adams’ Ad-hoc Plan to Build Relief Camps for Asylum Seekers

NewYork, NY: On Monday, October 3, New York City Mayor Eric Adams announced his Administration will move the location of the City’s first so-called “Humanitarian Emergency Response and Relief Center” for asylum seekers. Citing flooding that occurred over the weekend at Orchard Beach, the relief camps will be relocated to Randalls Island. The new site would accommodate 500 asylum seekers, about half the size of the previ ous site, in tents. The City says it will open additional relief camps across the city.

Murad Awawdeh, Executive Director,

New York Immigration Coalition said: "Mayor Adams continues to try to sub vert New York's right-to-shelter law with his poorly-conceived plan to hide asylum seekers in relief camps in remote areas of New York that are prone to flooding. Despite the availability of underutilized buildings that are more accessible to mass transit and the social service needs of asylum seekers, the City continues to remain stubbornly committed to the development of relief camps across the five boroughs. Health, housing, and immigrant rights organizations have repeatedly asked the City to be included in the planning – to ensure that the needs

of these vulnerable communities are inte grated into the Mayor's proposal – but keep getting rebuffed. That's how we ended up here with a contractor who built the southern border wall, and one proposed site that has already flooded. We fear that the Randall’s Island encampment will be no different. Without a real permanent solution to the shelter crisis these encampments will become a stain on New York's reputation as a welcoming city and do nothing more than cause more harm to asylum seekers who have already been treated like pawns in a political game."l

Publisher

Managing

Graphic

Praim

Contributors

being declared later this year and this dire situation is predicted to continue well into next year.

Up to 7.1 million people are considered in need of urgent humanitarian assis tance. That’s nearly half of Somalia’s population. The last two famines in Somalia saw roughly 250,000 people die in each. The people that die largely come from marginalized and minority groups in the country. Experts are worried that the death toll this time could meet or even exceed this level.

I’ve studied and highlighted many of the issues with the humanitarian response in Somalia. Judging by discus sions I’ve had with experts and observers close to the ground I’m dismayed that, once again, not enough aid is reaching marginalized and minority people within the country, by either Government or aid agencies.

In a report that I’ve put together with colleagues – a mix of academic and humanitarian experts – we reveal that many of the problems that our research team highlighted eight years ago remain today.

In particular, the humanitarian commu nity’s failure to help the most vulnerable groups in southern Somalia remains an unresolved challenge. These groups –who are marginalized because of Somalia’s social hierarchies – suffered the highest levels of mortality in the 1991-1992 and 2011 famines.

Since late last year, in anticipation of a potential famine, my colleagues and I have lobbied humanitarian donors and agencies to focus attention on their exclusion from aid resources. This has taken place through presentations and direct advisories with these agencies.

Many individuals within the “system” are genuinely motivated to find solutions in order to ensure that aid is much more equitably distributed. But the humanitar ian sector mirrors broader structural inequalities and power dynamics in Somalia. This reflects vested interests and an acceptance of the status quo in many quarters. It’s a stagnation that must be addressed.

The implications of this situation are that, ultimately, the humanitarian com munity means little, and brings few ben efits, to many groups that it claims to represent and assist – the “most vulnera ble”.

Somalia’s neglected groups

All societies have their marginalized and minority groups. These populations typi cally reflect ethnic or religious identities, racial or caste groups.

Somalia is no different in this respect. It has its own societal hierarchy. There are four main clan families in the country – the Dir, Hawiye, Darod and the Digil and Mirifle.

The Digil and Mirifle are a historically marginalized clan family. The Somali Bantu, are a large minority group, who are not part of the clan system at all.

These two groups are mainly found in the south of the country and are not small minorities. Together they may constitute over 40% of the entire population of Somalia. They comprised the majority of famine victims in both the 1991-1992 and the 2011 famines. They also make up the vast majority of the internally dis placed population.

In the latest warnings of famine, the geographic areas identified that are of most concern are exactly those that have seen famine previously. And a recent study found that they have not been suf ficiently consulted or reached in emer gency assessments. Because of this, we believe that many will not be receiving the cash, food, medical and other inter ventions they are entitled to.

Increased vulnerability

These marginalized groups are already highly vulnerable to food insecurity and famine because of their structural posi tion in society – they are largely rural and missed out on education and interna tional migration. This has limited their members from obtaining formal employ ment (including with government and aid organizations), the creation of business

communities and the establishment of significant diaspora populations.

This is crucial, as our research on the 2011 famine showed. Families and clans that had members (close or distant) in urban employment, as part of a business community or in the diaspora, were able to call on crucial support through their social networks.

Humanitarian sector failures and struggles

This issue of marginalization and minor ity exclusion from aid resources has been a regular topic of conversation in human itarian circles since at least 2014. This followed the release of research, includ ing ours. However, the humanitarian sec tor in Somalia as a whole has failed to turn these words into significant actions and organizational change.

We’ve seen how, in some instances, humanitarian resources and actors empower certain groups over others. For instance, we found that there are few employees or credible NGOs and institu tions from these two groups – the Somali Bantu and the Digil and Mirifle – and where they exist, they are likely to be discriminated against in job and resource opportunities. This maintains, or exacer bates, structural inequalities.

Discord, competition and a lack of leadership often characterize the human itarian sector. It’s beset by a high turnover of staff and, because it’s also so dependent on individuals, struggles to learn from past experience. This makes it hard to develop and maintain an under standing of complex issues and their solutions.

The humanitarian system is currently scaling up – albeit late – in recognition of the scale and severity of the situation,

Somalia is facing a humanitarian crisis of enormous severity and magnitude. This follows four failed rainy seasons, protracted conflict, political instability and the impact of rising global food prices – the latter made significantly worse by the war in Ukraine and the disruption to global food and fuel markets.

however the incentives inherent in the humanitarian response lean towards scale rather than severity. This means that the easiest people to reach are likely to be prioritized rather than those most at risk of death; it is not easy to reach many of the groups we are most concerned by, whether in camps for internally displaced people or in remote areas under alShabaab influence.

There are a number of changes that could address this issue.

Agencies must develop a more strategic approach – and make the organizational changes needed – so that exclusion is addressed as a priority both internally as well as in relation to those they work with. An immediate step that could yield positive results would be to seek out these groups. However, the reality is that these problems are so deeply entrenched it will take years to overcome.

Next, there must be comprehensive research on and with these groups to bet ter understand their predicament and get their input on how to include them in aid practices. Bringing legitimate represen tatives of these groups into humanitarian circles and discussions will give them a greater voice at the table.

Understanding local power dynamics, including majority-minority tensions, let alone resisting them is not easy but it is incumbent on agencies to invest in doing this better.

Without concerted efforts in this direc tion the humanitarian sector will contin ue to neglect and miss its own claimed priority populations.l

Nisar Majid is a Research associate, London School of Economics and Political Science.

Somalia on the Brink of Famine

People are waiting in line for food delivery. Images from the Dadaab refugee camp in Somalia, where thousands of Somalis are waiting for help from hunger.Editorial credit: mehmet ali poyraz / Shutterstock.com

Mistakes Seasoned Home Buyers Often Make

It’s

not uncommon today to move sev eral times during adulthood, whether across town or across the country.

Seasoned home buyers have been through the real estate process, often more than once. However, even if the home pur chase has become routine, there are mis takes that can be avoided.

Stuck in the Past

The real estate market doesn’t stand still. It cycles and shifts, which is why it’s often recommended to rely on a real estate professional for an understanding of the current market. Home buyers with property purchased ten years ago, likely won’t have the same experience buying today. Don’t get stuck in the past, think ing the process will play out the same. It may, but it’s important to be ready for changes.

Skipping Homework

Whether upgrading to a larger home to accommodate a growing family or down sizing as the nest empties, it’s essential to do the homework before placing the cur rent home on the market and committing to a new one. Certain homework needs to be done before beginning the buying process, especially if the purchase is

reliant on the sale of the current home.

•Determine if buying with cash or need to sell current home.

•If need to sell current home first, will seller of new home offer contingency?

•Is a flexible timeline needed for closing on current home/buying new?

Working out these types of critical details, even for seasoned home buyers, can be daunting, which is why it can be helpful to have a trusted real estate agent.

Allowing Emotions to Lead

Maybe the current house wasn’t the “for ever” home. Seasoned home buyers, just like first-timers, can find themselves lost in emotions when searching for the per fect house. It’s a pitfall every home buyer should work to avoid. The home may have some of the exact features desired or be in the ideal location, but if it doesn’t fit the budget or has other issues, it’s not the right one.

Overextending Resources

Home buying is an exciting experience and it can be easy to become caught up in the process. However, overextending resources can make life after the purchase difficult. To help protect against overex tension of resources later, always factor in the following when buying a home:

•Budget

•Time

•DIY abilities

Overextending on budget can directly affect the ability to make any needed repairs and if schedules are hectic, there might not be enough time for projects. In addition, it’s important to honestly take stock of DIY ability, and it’s okay to acknowledge that some jobs/repairs will require professionals or some level of assistance.

Guidance

The key for seasoned home buyers, as well as first-timers, is to never be afraid to ask questions, make lists, and rely on professional help from a real estate agent. We will be happy to meet with you and share our guidance. Schedule an appoint ment today. Call us at 888-670-6791.l

What Ser vices Can a Paralegal Provide?

The

legal profession includes many individuals who are not actually lawyers. This, however, doesn't mean that they cannot do any legal work. There are plenty of services that can be provided by a paralegal, and these serv ices can make all the difference in your case.

Paralegals can perform substantive legal work that has been delegated to them by a lawyer. They often have a mix of work experience, education, and pro fessional training that qualifies them for this job. Below are some of the services that you can request from a paralegal.

Preparation of Documents

Have you ever wondered how a lawyer is able to show up to different court cases on the same day and still have all the documents they need? This is usually because they have a team of paralegals to whom they delegate this work. Individuals in this profession are very good at preparing legal documents. From briefs and contracts to agreements, para legals have the knowledge and experi ence to get these documents ready in a short amount of time.

Providing Legal Information

Paralegals can't offer legal advice to someone. However, they can provide legal information to a general audience.

There are many individuals around the country who are unaware of their legal rights in various situations. Employees, tenants, and other parties might be forced to endure certain conditions simply because they are unaware that the law is on their side.

A paralegal can be brought in to provide some legal information to such an audi ence so they are more aware of where the law stands when it comes to certain issues or how they can go about getting

legal aid if they need it.

Explaining Procedural Issues of Law

Many people who have never been to court before will be surprised at how cer tain things are handled. You could spend a day getting ready to argue your case only for proceedings to be postponed. One reason for this is court procedures. There are many procedures that courts are required to follow and paralegals can explain these to you.

Representing Parties in Administrative Law Hearings

An administrative agency can allow a

paralegal to represent you at an adminis trative hearing. However, if the case is appealed to a court, you'll have to find a lawyer to represent you.

Rising Prestige

As paralegals perform more complex and challenging work, paralegal prestige is rising. Paralegals are no longer simply lawyer's assistants; they assume corpo rate management roles, leadership roles in law firms, and entrepreneurial roles in independent paralegal businesses. Over the years, paralegals have transcended the image of glorified legal secretaries to become respected legal team members.

Ready to Take the Leap?

A career as a paralegal can be rewarding professionally and personally and offers a unique opportunity to help others; options vary, depending on the parale gal's practice area. Paralegals in the pub lic interest sector help poor and disad vantaged segments of the population with legal issues ranging from protection from domestic abuse to assistance preparing wills.

Ready to take the leap, the next step? Call us at 718-722-9217 or visit www.freeparalegal.org to complete your registration which includes payment.l

Commission

Teacher

Tackle Covid Learning Loss

Fifteen

thousand educators across the region, will have the opportu nity to benefit from capacity build ing in key components of the Learning Recovery and Enhancement Program (Let’s REAP) for Caribbean Schools, an intervention designed to address the learning loss that occurred or worsened due to COVID-19.

Launched in July 2021, Let’s REAP was developed by the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB), the CARI COM Secretariat and the OECS Commission to provide school leaders and teachers across the region with a roadmap to bridge gaps and accelerate learning outcomes for all students, while improving inclusion. The course focuses on three core drivers: implementing communities of practice focused on stu dent learning, using formative assess ment, and differentiated instruction to drive effective teaching, and leadership for learning.

COVID-related school closures in the Caribbean affected approximately 1.7 million children across 21 countries, dis proportionately impacting marginalized

and vulnerable students. The certification program, which was developed by The Eastern Caribbean and Western Joint Boards of Teacher Education, seeks to address these impacts in the short-term and increase equitable access to quality education and training in the medium to long-term.

Addressing the launch, CDB’s VicePresident (Corporate Services) and Bank

Secretary, Mrs. Yvette Lemonias Seale said, “The Caribbean Development Bank, in its commitment to strengthen ing social infrastructure as a means of promoting human capital and socio-eco nomic development in the region, is strategically investing in the Learning Recovery and Enhancement Programme … to empower schools to improve the quality of teaching and learning.”

CARICOM’s Assistant SecretaryGeneral, Ms. Allison Drayton said, “Let’s REAP as a response to put region al progress against the CARICOM Human Resource Development Strategy (HRD) 2030 Agenda and the Sustainable Development Goal 4, back on track is timely and urgent. Capacity building for educators in formative assessment and differentiated instruction; building com munities of practice focused on student learning, and leadership for learning will go a long way towards improving student success and addressing academic trajec tories and well-being.”

OECS Commission’s Director General, H.E. Dr. Didacus Jules explained that in response to the ‘generational catastro phe’ caused by COVID-19, the OECS Commission, developed and implement ed an Academic Recovery Program (ARP) in 2020. He said, “Understanding the direct link between teacher quality and student learning outcomes, this recovery strategy focused on the capacity of teachers, hence approximately 700

continued on page 10

Photo courtesy CARICOM

Is It Time to Talk With Your Spouse About a Separation?

BY JANET HOWARD, 311DIVORCE.COM

Ifyou and your partner have been struggling to get along, facing impos sible obstacles, or simply fighting constantly, you might be thinking about separating from them. The choice to sep arate can be either temporary or perma nent, but is often viewed as a way for you to enjoy some time apart from one anoth er and re-evaluate how your relationship will function moving forward. Before you talk with your spouse about separat ing, however, it's important to consider how this choice will impact your life. Here's what you need to think about.

1. Will this be permanent?

For some couples, the choice to separate is a temporary one. If you simply need a break from your partner, but aren't inter ested in divorce or permanent separation, make sure you focus on this when you bring up the topic. Let them know that you do not want a permanent separation, but rather, that you need some time to yourself. A temporary separation can be a positive way to decide whether you want to continue living alone or whether your relationship is worth salvaging. Sometimes having some time apart can

give you the clarity you've been search ing for and can help you make important decisions about your future.

2. Is counseling an option?

Before you rush off to rent your own apartment, consider whether you and your partner should attend therapy or counseling together. Sometimes commu nicating in a more effective way can be beneficial. A therapist can help you accomplish this. If you and your partner constantly struggle to demonstrate your opinions and express your ideas in a healthy way, counseling could give you the skills you need to move forward and could prevent you from separating.

Additionally, if you have children, fami ly therapy can be quite beneficial after periods of stress.

3. How will your children be impacted?

When there are children involved, it's important to consider how the separation will affect them. Whether your kids are five years old or seventeen, they will experience changes when you and your partner separate from one another. You'll need to decide who your children will live with, how you'll handle custody arrangements, and whether they'll con tinue attending the same school. For some kids, dealing with separation can

be emotionally stressful, so you'll need to be ready to handle that. Open communi cation is very important for any family, but is especially vital when you're think ing about separating. Your kids will need to be reassured that you and your partner still love them.

Legal Advice

A Separation Agreement is a contract between you and your spouse, in which you both agree to live separate and apart, not to pay each other's bills, decide with whom the children will live, what becomes of the marital property, or any thing else both of you want to include.

No matter what type of situation you're dealing with, it's important to consult with an attorney before you choose to separate. There may be legal steps you need to take before you and your partner take a break, so make sure you reach out to an attorney today. Your lawyer can guide you throughout the separation process and will let you know what steps you need to take in order to make your separation a legal one.

The lawyer you hire does make a differ ence. Visit www.askthelawyer.us or call 855-768-8845.l

America’s Voice on “Ghastly” 5th Circuit DACA Decision

Teacher Training Program/ continued from page 8

Washington,

DC: The 5th Circuit Court of Appeals ruled in the DACA case, State of Texas v. United States, ruling that DACA is unlawful, but sending the case back to the lower court instead of killing it out right at this moment. For now, those with DACA retain their status and can renew their status.

According to Vanessa Cárdenas, Deputy Director of America’s Voice:

This is a ghastly decision and a slap in the face to the hundreds of thousands of young people who live, work, and wor ship among us day in and day out.

DACA opened the door for recipients to finally be able to live their lives and ful fill their potential without the fear of deportation and has been an enormous benefit to the United States for more than a decade.

Today’s decision underscores the urgent need for action by Congress to provide a permanent, durable way for eligible peo ple to remain in the U.S. and continue their lives. The uncertainty around DACA hurts people and families across our nation, it hurts our economy and the thousands of employers who rely on val ued DACA employees, and undermines

our national cohesiveness. The American people have been clear and consistent in supporting a path to citizenship for Dreamers and other deeply rooted mem bers of our society who need legal pro tection. We need permanent solutions now.

Republicans are at a moment of truth –GOP legal challenges to DACA have undermined the program and compel a legislative solution, yet GOP obstruction in Congress has blocked a long overdue legislative solution time after time. For the members of the Republican Party who pledge to support Dreamers and the communities, classrooms, and work places who rely on their contributions,

now is the time to deliver. Listen to the strong majority of Americans, including many Republican voters, and find a way to deliver for Dreamers and the nation before the year is out.

According to Mario Carrillo, the spouse of a DACA recipient and the Campaigns Director for America’s Voice:

DACA recipients can’t continue living from court ruling to court ruling. It’s too much not knowing whether you’ll be able to keep building on the life you have because of DACA. It’s never been enough and DACA recipients, among millions more, deserve stability and per manence.l

primary school teachers have been certi fied in Effective Pedagogy in Distributed Teaching and Learning. Ultimately, almost 40,000 students in the region ben efitted from this program. The Let’s Reap program builds on the ARP which will further support teaching and learn ing. Nonetheless, we know that address ing learning loss will require interven tions even beyond what we have started and are currently embarking on. It will necessitate diagnosis and assessment, meeting learners at their level, access to psychosocial support, and a multi-sec toral approach.”

The 45-hour certification course will be implemented over a two-year period (August 2022-March 2024) and has been designed for blended delivery and flexi ble pacing for participants. It is expected that five mixed cohorts of approximately 3000 educators each, including princi pals, teachers and Ministry of Education officials will complete the course over a 6-to-10-week period.

The program is in line with CDB’s mis sion to reduce poverty and transform lives through sustainable, resilient and inclusive development, and advances the goals of the CARICOM HRD, as well as the OECS Education Sector Strategy.

The first cohort of 3000 educators will commence training in October 2022. l

Starting a Business: For Profit vs. Non-Profit Businesses – Which is Best for You

BY CHRIS TOBIAS

When

you are starting your busi ness as an entrepreneur, you’ll have to make hundreds of decisions. One of the most important decisions to make is that of the business model. As an entrepreneur, you need to choose whether your business should be for-profit or non-profit. Making this deci sion isn’t as easy as it might seem, so here are some tips to help you make the right choice.

What is the Main Difference?

Generally speaking, the difference between these two forms of business has a lot to do with the reason they exist in the first place. Many non-profit business es tend to arise from the need to serve a humanitarian or environmental need in the community or on a wider scale. But, of course, having a humanitarian cause doesn’t automatically mean that a com pany should be non-profit.

Perhaps the most important difference between these two models is the way you can generate capital for the business. Forprofit business generally raises capital from private investors and other busi nesses. It also provides these sharehold ers a return for this investment. Therefore, the capital generated within the business is shared as a profit with dif ferent shareholders.

For a non-profit business, raising capi tal for the business relies often on possi ble government grants and individual donations. The contributors don’t expect, nor do they receive, a financial return but rather a ‘social return’. All the income generated within the business goes towards the everyday running of the busi ness and towards achieving its specific goals.

The Differences in Transparency

There is also a big difference in trans parency, and this is something to keep in mind when selecting the business model. As a non-profit business, you are respon sible for providing much more scrutiny to why and how your business makes deci sions. Transparency is really important for non-profits, and you need to be able to specify how the money generated by donations is helping your business to achieve its objectives.

To for-profit businesses, this isn’t the main issue. You naturally need to provide transparency but not on the same scale as non-profit businesses do. The income generated by for-profit businesses tends to give them more room for making their own decisions as long as they can pro vide profit back to the key shareholders.

Consider Human Resources

You must also think about the human resources available. Non-profit business es are generally run by a small group of dedicated people with plenty of volun

tary manpower. As the business is usual ly run by donations, it is important to focus on keeping expenses, such as salaries, to a minimum.

For-profit businesses have many more opportunities for hiring paid staff because they are more able to generate income for this purpose. Therefore, you want to consider the kind of manpower your business would need and the options you have available for attracting voluntary workers.

Don’t Forget a Hybrid Model

In recent years, there has also been an

emerging trend towards a hybrid model. Many non-profit businesses have started to look for ways to stabilize their income, and they have turned portions of their business into a for-profit model. This might provide your business the best chance to grow and to achieve your goals. Likewise, many for business own ers are starting non-profits to achieve altruistic goals.

If you are ready to start a non-profit, attend the Chamber Coalition’s FREE 5week Boot Camp by visiting www.nacc.nyc. The sessions will be held via Zoom.l

Looking to make extra cash? A side hustle?

Free Immigration Law Boot Camp

1

matters often overlooked. The Boot Camp, which began on Thursday, September 29, 2022, is set to take place every Thursday on zoom between the hours of 6:00pm to 8:00pm for the next three weeks.

These seminars follow recent develop ments on Texas Governor Gregg Abbott, who has been sending chartered buses full of immigrants and refugees to Washington D.C. and New York City. Since May 2022, over 6,000 migrants have been bused to D.C. from Texas alone, according to Abbott’s office.

“Immigration has always been a major part of America’s history. Right here in New York City, hundreds of thousands of immigrants come in quickly after seeking political asylum at the various border states. And this has been happening for quite a while, but now we’re seeing record numbers,” said Brian Figeroux, Esq, at the first Immigration Law Boot Camp seminar.

Figeroux continued by highlighting the purpose of the seminars. “For many rea sons, different people come to the U.S seeking political asylum or for economic reasons. However, regardless of the rea son, we have found that many migrants experience abuse and are placed at a dis advantage. We must take a more critical look at immigration and the policies to address some of these abuses.”

Politically, the topic of immigration con tinues to cause division among citizens and politicians throughout the U.S. and New York.

In a press conference in Maverick County, Texas, Sheriff Tom Schmerber told the media that he prefers a “Zero tol erance immigration policy that enforces deportation on immigrants who crossed illegally.” A 2021 Cato Institute National Survey on Immigration and Identity reported that 59% of Americans worried that immigration could lead to too many demands on government services. At the same time, 47% were concerned that immigration could increase the risk of terrorism.

For organizations like the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), “Immigrants should be offered basic human rights and treated fairly.” Miguel Santana, Chief of Staff at the NYC Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs, took a similar stance as he presented in the first session of the Immigration Law Boot Camp.

“As you know, New York City is a sanc tuary city. That means we have a respon sibility to house anyone who doesn’t have a place to stay, whether they are immigrants or not. So, we try to ensure that when we make that first point of contact at the Port Authority, we do a fair assessment to help.”

Despite the nation’s division, the

Biden-Harris Administration seeks to create a “fair and orderly immigration system that welcomes immigrants,” according to the official White House webpage. With the recent developments in D.C. and NYC, together with the poli cy goal of The White House, the free 5week Immigration Law Boot Camp is both timely and relevant. There is much need for widespread education and con sensus on immigration.

In attendance at the first session of Boot Camp were the Consul Generals of Trinidad and Tobago and St. Vincent and the Grenadines, the Consul for the Republic of Barbados, representatives from NYC Mayor’s Office of Immigration Affairs, journalists, media

executives, paralegal students, and mem bers of the public.

The Boot Camp will explore topics such as Immigration Fraud: Consequences and Solutions and Consequences of Criminal Activities and Defenses for Deportation, among other issues.

Attendees can expect presentations in the upcoming sessions from the Manhattan and Brooklyn District Attorney’s Offices and the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).

To attend the upcoming Immigration Law Boot Camp seminars, register at immigrationseminar.eventbrite.coml

Thursday, Sept 29-Oct 27 from 6pm via Zoom

Speaker Adams and Council Members Oppose Plan to Site Asylum Seeker Relief and Intake Center at Randall’s Island, Propose New Approach

City

Hall, NY: Adrienne Adams, Deputy Speaker Diana Ayala, and the chair and members of the Council’s Immigration Committee expressed major concerns about the City’s plan to relocate its Humanitarian Emergency Response and Relief Center from Orchard Beach to Randall’s Island. They cited the island's similar environ mental challenges, with flood risks in the middle of hurricane season and the expo sure to increasingly colder weather exac erbated by being on the water surrounded by the East River. They urged Mayor Adams’ Administration to consider alter native indoor locations to more humane ly provide emergency relief and intake services to people seeking asylum. Council members highlighted that there are approximately 10 large-scale hotels in Manhattan, which are currently closed and might offer indoor space to host intake and relief services for newly arriv ing asylum seekers. Staffing for these

hotel-based relief centers could also offer opportunities for hotel workers, who lost their jobs in the closures, to return to work.

In addition, Council leaders also high lighted the urgent need for the City to act to implement solutions to reduce the lengthy stays in its homeless shelters that have historically strained the system.

Permanent affordable housing with sup

portive services must be prioritized as the City faces a growing unhoused popula tion. These solutions include reviewing closed hotels for conversion to support ive housing that can provide permanent affordable housing with supportive serv ices for people to transition out of the City’s shelter system. In addition to the 10 large hotels, with room-counts rang ing from 1,025 to 478, there are over 70

additional closed hotels – like the Gramercy Park Hotel – that could be assessed for conversion to supportive housing. The Council has cumulatively identified that there are over 15,000 such rooms across the city. The Times Square – a former hotel building acquired in 1991, which currently operates as a sup portive housing site of over 650 units, can serve as a practical model. The site provides onsite supportive services for low-income and formerly homeless adults, people with mental health chal lenges, and New Yorkers living with HIV/AIDS. The expansion of supportive housing could help reduce homelessness and ensure New Yorkers in need of men tal health and social services receive assistance to attain stability, addressing two different crises facing the city.

The Council also encouraged the City to eliminate bureaucratic obstacles and pursue policy changes to facilitate the

on page 14

Speaker Adams. Editorial credit: Ron Adar / Shutterstock.com

faster transition of people out of home less shelters to reduce stress on the sys tem that is necessitating emergency expansion of temporary shelters. These changes include improved access to CityFHEPS and supportive housing placements, and adequate staffing of key agency operations by:

•Eliminating the rule that requires people to remain in the shelter system for 90 days before becoming eligible for the CityFHEPS rental voucher program;

•Reducing the number of homeless fami lies with children who are needlessly shuffled between conditional shelter placements by removing administrative barriers and advocating for the State to reevaluate verification requirements (families can be repeatedly required to return to the PATH Intake Center to reap ply and be placed, promoting instability and unnecessarily extending the time frame to access supports transitioning out of the shelter system);

•Resolving bureaucratic errors and inef ficiencies in the application process for CityFHEPS and supportive housing that block people from accessing the opportu nities to transition from the shelter sys tem;

•Prioritizing hiring of Department of Social Services (DSS) staff who help process CityFHEPS applications and supportive housing placements, to both reduce backlogs that currently occur and prepare for an increase in applications;

•Tackling source-of-income discrimina tion that blocks people with rental vouchers from securing apartments by ensuring adequate staffing and opera tional capacity of the Source of Income Unit at the Commission on Human Rights.

“Our city is grappling with a homeless ness crisis exacerbated by an internation al emergency that we did not create, but demands effective and compassionate responses,” said Speaker Adrienne Adams. “While an emergency relief cen ter providing more effective intake serv ices for asylum seekers than the Port Authority makes sense, neither outdoor locations of Orchard Beach nor Randall’s Island are adequate. Given its own flood risks in the middle of hurricane season and colder temperatures from exposure to the East River as winter approaches, Randall’s Island is inconsistent with humanitarian relief. There are better options that New York City should explore to provide healthier and safer conditions for people who have already

experienced so much trauma.

“It is also imperative to now fix long standing issues in our approach to home less services that keep people in tempo rary shelters longer than necessary and make us overly reliant on the shelter sys tem,” continued Speaker Adams. “Inefficient policies and bureaucracy slow access to rental housing vouchers and supportive housing placements, which we need to focus on fixing to move people into available permanent housing. Our city also lacks affordable permanent housing stock that can partial ly be addressed by exploring practical conversions of unused properties to sup portive housing. This is a crisis that does not come with easy solutions, but it is our collective responsibility to collaborative ly confront it. The Council is committed to being a constructive partner to address these complex challenges, providing longtime unhoused New Yorkers and people seeking asylum with the support they deserve that can benefit us all. We can address many of the major chal lenges facing our city with a bold, for ward-thinking approach that reduces homelessness, improves public health, and advances safer communities.”

“People seeking asylum searching for safety and stability, face a backbreaking journey to New York City,” said Deputy Speaker Diana Ayala, Chair of the Council’s General Welfare Committee “We must find a way to help and provide them with adequate shelter, and putting them in another location that is a carbon copy of the Orchard Beach location is not a suitable one. We understand this is an unusual and difficult situation which has compounded our overstressed shelter system. The Council is focused on find ing solutions to address the current migrant crisis, which is why we've iden tified more suitable locations for an intake and relief center we believe the administration should consider. At the

same time, we need to address the root of the problem which is the lack of support ive housing and continued bureaucracy of getting people who are already in our shelter system into permanent housing. We cannot afford to keep expanding our temporary shelter system without focus ing on expanding opportunities for peo ple to transition out of shelter into perma nent, stabilizing housing opportunities. We urge the Mayor to seriously reconsid er this proposal and to move forward with a plan that provides safer and humane conditions to those seeking relief in our city.”

“At our Immigration Committee hear ing, the deep-seated issues with the pro posed HERRC on Orchard Beach were painfully clear. However, the Administration's switch to Randall’s Island is not the remedy this Council is looking for or our city needs. Many of the issues we pointed out at the Orchard Beach location still remain. From the substandard living conditions, to the out door tent structure, to its location in a flood zone and transit desert—it is clear that this plan will be both an operational and moral failure if it is carried out,” said Immigration Committee Chair, Council Member Shahana Hanif. “Any facility used to house asylum seekers overnight must be a brick and mortar building. The outdoor tent city model is unnecessary when there are other options, and it simply will not work. Further, conditions must meet the bare minimum standards set by our Right to Shelter laws. As partners in government, we demand transparency and collabora tion in finding solutions. Asylum seekers deserve a compassionate and humanitari an response from our City. We can and must do better.”

“Even before seeing this weekend’s flooding, it was beyond clear that the Orchard Beach HERRC was a wholly inappropriate location and Randall’s

Island is similarly problematic,” said Council Member Rita Joseph. “I urge the Mayor, in the strongest possible terms, to work to find a more thoughtful and humane location to protect the safe ty, health, and well-being of asylum seekers in our city. The asylum seekers who have arrived in our city have already gone through so much trauma, and we cannot allow poor planning to add on to what they have already experienced.”

“All New Yorkers have a right to clean, dignified and safe shelter. That includes our newest arrivals,” said Council Member Shekar Krishnan. “The pro posed tent system for Randall’s Island falls well short of these standards, similar to Orchard Beach. We must do better for those who have been through so much to get here, as well as those who’ve long been through our homeless shelter sys tem. The Council is putting forward sound alternatives that need to be seri ously considered to help address these crises. We urge Mayor Adams and his administration to work collaboratively with us, as well as our partners in federal and state government, to arrive at better solutions. As winter approaches, the situ ation is only going to become more urgent.”

“As we continue to face this humanitar ian emergency, we must do what New York has always done and open our arms as a City of care and compassion,” said Council Member Pierina Sánchez. “As a right to shelter locality, we have a duty to house every individual who needs us and as a sanctuary city, we must care for those who enter the U.S. in search of a better life. Following Friday’s hearing and severe flooding this weekend, I shared grave concerns with the Humanitarian Emergency Relief Center proposed at Orchard Beach, regarding transit and amenity access, as well as protection from the elements. Some but not all these important concerns are mit igated with the announcement of Randall’s Island. When I held an execu tive budget hearing as Chair of Housing and Buildings, my colleagues and I impressed upon the administration the expand our investment to build more affordable and supportive housing. This humanitarian crisis again underscores why it is crucial to unburden our shelter system by creating more permanent affordable housing faster. As we approach winter, we need indoor options to provide migrants protection from the elements. I join my colleagues in calling for the administration to delve into utiliz ing vacant buildings in the City.”l

Oppose

New York City, NY USA August 26, 2022. NYC Council Member Shahana Hanif at City Hall press conference for migrant asylum seekers arriving in NYC.

credit: Steve Sanchez Photos / Shutterstock.com

“...As partners in government, we demand transparency and collaboration in finding solutions. Asylum seekers deserve a compassionate and humanitarian response from our City. We can and must do better.”

- Council Immigration Chair Hanif

Shatta Wale Is First African to Rank Number 1 on US iTunes Reggae Chart

BY STAFF WRITER, JAMAICANS.COM

Thedancehall artist Shatta Wale, who is from Ghana, has become the first person from Africa to reach the top of Apple’s iTunes reggae chart in the United States. His song, “Property,” which was released on December 20, 2020, has been ranked Number 1, surpassing the songs “It Wasn’t Me” and “Angel” by Shaggy, “Three Little Birds” by Bob Marley, Jimmy Cliff, and Wayne Wonder, among others.

“Property” was released as part of the “Jamaican Garrison Christmas compila tion that was produced by the Jamaican marketing firm, Contractor Music Group. Its iTunes achievement follows that of Mr. Eazi of Nigeria, who was the first African recording artist to make the nonreggae chart of the streaming service. Shatta Wale’s song, “On God,” has received the nomination for “Anthem of the Year” for 2022 at the Break Tudo Awards in Brazil.

The dancehall star Shatta Wale was born Charles Nii Armah Mensah Jr., in 1984 in Accra, Ghana. He attended Seven Great Princes Academy in Dansoman, a suburb of Accra, where he displayed a talent for the arts and acted at the National Theater of Ghana in the pop ular drama series, “By the Fireside.” He then attended Winneba Secondary School and obtained his second-cycle education. He began his music career under the name of “Doggy,” which referred to his favorite dancehall artist at that time, Yoggy Doggy. He changed his name to “Bandana,” under which he became famous after releasing a single hit track. He then was “reborn” in music and recorded under a new name, “Shatta Wale,” and created a new identity that resulted in many hit recordings.

In 2014, he reached Number 38 on E.tv’s “Top 100 Most Influential Ghanaian” awards chart, on which he has appeared every year since then. He was named “Most Influential Musician on social media in 2017. His song,

“Dancehall King,” won him the title “Artiste of the Year” at the 2014 Vodafone Ghana Music Awards. As an actor, he appeared in the films, “Never Say Never,” “The Trial of Shatta Wale,” and “Shattered Lives.”

In 2019, he collaborated with American super star Beyoncé on the song “Already” from her album “The Lion King: The Gift,” which received a Grammy nomination that year. In 2021, he received nominations for two awards, winning the “Best Virtual Entertainer of the Year” award at the International Reggae and World Music Awards (IRAWMA). Shatta Wale was the first Ghanaian to organize a YouTube digital concert, the “Faith Concert.” It was cre ated to bring hope to the people in Ghana and around the world during the COVID-19 pan demic. In 2018 he received an honoree award for contributions to reggae in Ghana at the 37th Annual Chicago Music Awards.

The top five songs listed on the iTunes reggae chart in the US are “Property” by Shatta Wales, “Here Comes Hotstepper (Heartical Mix)” by Ini Kamoze, “Angel” featuring Rayvon by Shaggy, “It Wasn’t Me” featuring Ricardo Ducent by Shaggy, and “Red Red Wine” (12inch version) by UB40.

Kitchen Corner

Chicken and Dumplings Casserole

This

chicken and dumplings casserole is comfort food at its best. ecipe by Henni Bartel

—Henni Bartel, AllRecipes.com

Ingredients

pound skinless, boneless chicken

cut into small pieces

cup sliced carrot

cup sliced celery

cube chicken bouillon, or more

butter

chopped onion

minced garlic

all-purpose flour

poultry seasoning

dried basil

dried thyme

ground black pepper

chicken broth

milk

frozen peas

ounce) package refrigerat

biscuit dough, separated

Directions

1

the oven to 350 degrees F

degrees C). Grease a large baking dish.

Step 2

chicken, carrot, celery,

bouillon in a large pot and add

water to cover. Bring to a

cover, and cook until chicken

longer pink in

to 15 minutes. Drain, reserving chicken and broth in another pot or bowl.

Step 3

Melt butter in the same pot over medium heat. Cook onion and garlic in the hot butter for 5 minutes. Stir in flour, poultry seasoning, basil, thyme, and pepper. Stir in chicken broth and milk slowly. Add chicken mixture and peas. Simmer over mediumlow heat until thick, 10 to 15 minutes. Pour mixture into the prepared baking dish.

Step 4

Bake in the preheated oven until mixture is bubbling, 20 to 25 minutes. Remove from the oven and place biscuits on top. Cover and bake for 15 minutes. Uncover and continue baking until biscuits are golden brown, 15 to 20 minutes more.

Cook's Note

Dish may be made ahead of time. At this point, cool and store in the refrigerator or freezer. When ready to use, bake at 350 degrees until slightly bubbly. Top with biscuits. Cover and bake as instructed.

Nutrition Facts

Per serving: 503 calories; total fat 23g; saturated fat 10g; cholesterol 75mg; sodi um 1465mg; total carbohydrate 48g; dietary fiber 3g; total sugars 10g; protein 25g; vitamin c 8mg; calcium 111mg; iron 4mg; potassium 471mg. l

Prep Time: 20 mins

Cook Time: 1 hrs 20 mins

centers, 10

Total Time: 1 hrs 40 mins

Photo: Shatta Wale Facebook

Breast Cancer Awareness Campaigns Too Often Overlook Those With Metastatic Breast Cancer – Here’s How They Can Do Bet ter

BY RACHEL KRAUS

Recognizing people with metastatic disease

Is

there anyone who isn’t aware of breast cancer? Since 1985, cancerrelated nonprofits, along with phar maceutical firms and other businesses, have sponsored an international cam paign to observe October as “Breast Cancer Awareness Month.” During these weeks, the public is bombarded with awareness and education messaging fea turing the campaign’s symbol, a pink rib bon.

A wave of pink products typically appears, too, including clothing – think about the “Save the Ta-Tas” shirts – as well as events like marches and walkathons. This onslaught has led some to term the campaign “Pinktober.”

These efforts often focus on encourag ing women to get screened with mammo grams to increase the possibility that the cancer will be detected early. Breast can cer patients are celebrated for “beating” cancer, “winning” the battle, having sur vived and being cured. But these mes

sages overlook the experiences of mil lions of breast cancer patients.

I am a sociology professor who special izes in studying gender as well as how having a serious illness affects identity. These themes also hit close to home for me: In 2009, I was diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer – also referred to as stage 4 on a scale from 0 to 4 – which means a cancer that has spread beyond

the breasts to other parts of the body. Since that time, I have participated in face-to-face and online support groups, joined retreats and met myriad health professionals who specialize in oncology while also continuing my research.

In 2019, I began a nationwide study to examine the experiences of women with stage 4 breast cancer. The first of my papers on religion’s role in coping with metastatic breast cancer was recently published in the Journal for the Scientific Study of Religion. I am now working on research that examines metastatic breast cancer and a range of spiritual experi ences.

The seriousness of metastatic breast cancer, which is the only breast cancer that kills, is rarely discussed. This leaves people with this diagnosis feeling ignored and angry – and largely invisible to most of the organizations focused on breast cancer.

A need for inclusion

Breast cancer is the second most com mon cancer in women in the U.S. after skin cancer. One in 8 American women will be diagnosed with breast cancer at some point in her life.

Although women of color are less like ly to get breast cancer, they are more likely to die from it. Male breast cancer makes up less than 1% of all cases of breast cancer.

Nearly 30% of people with early stages breast cancer will see their cancer metas tasize to stage 4, which kills about 44,000 American women and men each year.

GREEN CARD SLAVERY?

To find participants with stage 4 breast cancer for my survey, in 2019 I sent out requests through online support groups, cancer organizations and societies, and word of mouth. Ultimately 310 women completed a questionnaire about their experiences with metastatic breast can cer, such as perceived support, feelings about breast cancer organizations and the pink ribbon, and ways of coping.

I selected 33 of those women to partic ipate in in-depth interviews to provide additional information about some of their survey answers.

I’m a member of several metastatic breast cancer social media groups. For the purpose of this article, I asked people in these groups to share their thoughts about Breast Cancer Awareness Month and specifically the term “survivor.” Most people who responded aren’t over ly excited about October: They don’t find terms like survivor and related lan guage relevant. Nor do they feel the pink ribbon represents them.

Of the women who took my original survey, the majority – at least 70% – felt that pink-ribbon events tend to minimize the seriousness of metastatic breast can cer and tend to ignore stage 4 altogether. They also believe that pink-ribbon cam paigns focus too much on breasts and selling products and services, a practice known as “pinkwashing.”

As one respondent in a social media group wrote, “I don’t like the term sur vivor. That and October are aimed at early stage cancer, not at supporting peo ple who have Stage 4 cancer. We won’t survive. We aren’t going to be cured. Early detection didn’t save many of us. Removing boobs didn’t save us. All the pinkwashing does nothing to help us.”

Asking women to rate their preferences on a scale of 1 to 4, from “not at all” to “a great deal,” I found that far more metastatic people prefer “patient” and “a person who has cancer” over the term “survivor.”

On average, many participants also say there isn’t much recognition that those with metastatic disease have a different treatment plan. Often, stage 1 to 3 patients can look forward to a treatment end date after they finish radiation, sur gery – mastectomy or lumpectomy – and what are called systemic therapies, such as chemotherapy. The vast majority of metastatic patients will be in treatment for the rest of their lives.

For stage 4 breast cancer, there is some debate as to whether lumpectomy or mastectomy are effective options. The effectiveness of radiation treatment is also debatable. So metastatic patients more typically receive chemotherapy and – more recently – immunotherapy, with no surgery.

I also learned that many stage 4 breast cancer patients find it necessary to man age the diagnosis in ways that don’t apply to those with earlier stages. Metastatic patients must go into treat ment simultaneously hoping the drugs will calm the cancer and confronting potential end-of-life issues. They may worry about leaving their families. Some may set milestones, such as seeing their children or grandchildren graduate from school or get married.

They may also be contending with issues like how many possible treatment

Although women of color are less likely to get breast cancer, they are more likely to die from it.

How to Help a Friend in an Abusive Relationship: Tips for Suppor ting Your Loved One

NOTICE OF DIVORCE

SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK, COUNTY OF KINGS, INDEX NO. 51230/2019 – Date Purchased: March 12, 2019 – SUMMONS WITH NOTICE – Plaintiff designates Kings County as the place of trial – Basis of Venue: Plaintiff’s Residence –PETRACH LYNDONA ANDERSON against WIN STON GEORGE POWELL – ACTION FOR DIVORCE

BY MARY CAMPBELL

Itcan be difficult to know what to do when a loved one is in an abusive relationship. You may feel like you are walking on eggshells, not wanting to say or do the wrong thing. The most important thing you can do is offer your support. Here are some tips for how to help a friend in an abusive relationship.

Tip #1: Listen

The first and most important thing you can do is to listen. Let your friend know that you are there for them and that they can come to you with anything. Offer a shoulder to cry on and an ear to lend, without judgment.

It might not seem like much to you, but knowing that someone cares and is will ing to listen can make a world of differ ence for someone in an abusive relation ship.

Tip #2: Don't Try to Fix the Situation

While it may be tempting to try to fix the situation or tell your friend what to do, it's important to remember that this is not your decision to make. Your friend is the only one who can decide what is best for them.

All you can do is offer your support and let them know that you are there for them, no matter what they decide to do. Similarly, you can suggest solutions without putting pressure on your friend to take a certain course of action.

Tip #3: Respect Your Friend's Decisions

Even if you don't agree with the deci sions your friend is making, it's essential to respect their choices. Remember, you are not in their shoes, and you cannot possibly know what is best for them. Moreover, even if the best course of action may seem obvious to you, people in abusive relationships often have a complicated relationship with their abus er.

Leaving an abusive relationship is not always as simple as it may seem, and there are often many factors to consider. Your friend may be worried about their safety, the safety of their children, or what will happen if they leave.

Tip #4: Encourage Your Friend to Seek Help

If your friend is in an abusive relation ship, encourage them to seek profession al help. There are many resources avail able to those affected by domestic vio lence, and a professional can help your friend assess their situation and make a plan for moving forward.

Tip #5: Offer Practical Support

There are many ways you can offer sup port, even without being directly involved in the situation. You can help your friend by offering to babysit, giving them a place to stay, or simply being there for them when they need someone to talk to.

You can also show your support by attending a support group alongside your friend since attending these alone can be difficult. Finally, you can offer to go with your friend to court appearances or doc tor's appointments related to the abuse.

Final Thoughts

Abusive relationships are complicated and often very difficult to leave. However, by offering your support, you can make a world of difference for your loved one. Just remember to listen, respect their decisions, and encourage them to seek help. If you are unsure of what to do, there are many resources available to both you and your friend.

If you or someone you know is in an abusive relationship, please call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 800-799-SAFE (800-799-7323) in the US or contact your local police depart ment. If you are an immigrant depending on your spouse for immigration benefits, visit www.askthelawyer.us

- To the above named Defendant, YOU ARE HEREBY SUMMONED to serve a notice of appearance on Plaintiff’s attorneys within thirty (30) days after the serv ice of this summons is complete and in the case of your failure to appear, judgment will be taken against you by default for the relief demanded in the notice set forth below. Dated: March 11, 2019, Brooklyn, New York. Law Offices of FIGEROUX & ASSOCIATES, 26 Court Street, Suite 701, Brooklyn, New York 11242.

NOTICE: The nature of this action is to dissolve the mar riage between the parties on the grounds of: irretrievable breakdown of the relationship for at least six months pur suant to DRL §170(7). The relief sought is a judgment of absolute divorce in favor of the plaintiff dissolving the marriage between the parties in this action.

NOTICE OF ENTRY OF AUTOMATIC ORDERS. Pursuant to DRL §236(b)(2), the parties are bound by certain automatic orders which shall remain in full force and effect during the pendency of the action. For further details you should contact the Clerk of the Matrimonial Part, Supreme Court, 360 Adams Street, Brooklyn, New York 11201 Tel.: (347) 296-1714.

NOTICE CONCERNING CONTINUATION OF HEALTHCARE COVERAGE (DRL §255). Please be advised that once the judgment of divorce is signed in this action, both parties must be aware that he or she will no longer be covered by the other party’s health insur ance plan and that each party shall be responsible for his or her own health insurance coverage, and may be enti tled to purchase health insurance on his or her own through a COBRA option, if available.

NOTICE OF GUIDELINE MAINTENANCE. Pursuant to DRL §236(B)(5-a), there is an obligation to award the guideline amount of maintenance (spousal support) on income up to $175,000 to be paid by the higher income spouse to the lower income spouse after the divorce is final according to a formula, unless the parties agree oth erwise or waive this right.

Immigrants and Domestic Violence: Help Is Available

BY CAW STAFF WRITER

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. And, immi grants 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, immi grants 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 vic tim’s immigration status, abusive part ners 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 legisla tion seeking to improve criminal legal, and community-based responses to domestic violence, dating violence, sexu al assault, and stalking in the United States. This federal law provides numer

ous forms of protection for noncitizen women—and men—who are the victims of domestic violence or other qualifying crimes. There are three forms of protec tion: “U” visas for victims of crime, “T” visas for victims of severe forms of traf ficking, 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 protec tions. If you are experiencing domestic violence in your home, you are not alone. A specialized immigration attorney

should always be your first point of con tact 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

Contact:

Stacy Young Board Certified

Holistic Health Coach

Tel: 917-459-8431

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

It’s Time to Get Your Flu Shot and Your COVID19 Booster – Get Both in One Appointment

The Health Department is urging New Yorkers to roll up (both of) their sleeves to protect themselves against COVID-19 and the flu. With updated bivalent boosters – that offer stronger protection against the omicron variant and sub-lineages – and flu season upon us, now is the perfect time to get both shots in a single appointment.

“As we head into the fall and winter seasons, the best way to protect yourself against COVID-19 and influenza is to be up-to-date on your vaccinations,” said Health Commissioner Dr. Ashwin Vasan. “The flu vaccine has protected New Yorkers for decades and this is the perfect time of year to pair it with a COVID-19 booster shot if eligible.”

All New Yorkers 6 months and older should get a seasonal flu vaccine. New Yorkers 50 and older, children 6 months to 5 years, those with chronic conditions and pregnant people are at particular risk of serious outcomes from influenza. Every year, about 2,000 New Yorkers die of seasonal flu and pneumonia, which can develop as a complication of the flu. Flu vaccine lowers the risk of hospitalization and death due to flu.

Everyone ages 6 months and older

should get the COVID-19 vaccine, including a booster dose for everyone ages 5 years and older. The updated, biva lent COVID-19 boosters are more effec tive at protecting against the latest vari ants, and are available for all New Yorkers ages 12 and older, whose last COVID-19 vaccination was more than two months ago. While 80% of New Yorkers have completed their primary series of vaccination, only 40% have received an additional dose.

The Health Department is taking steps

to promote the new boosters, launching a vaccination advertising campaign, engag ing with providers, activating community partnerships and supporting work through the Public Health Corps.

New Yorkers can find a flu vaccine and a COVID-19 booster nearest them by using the City’s Vaccine Finder. The flu and COVID-19 vaccines can be given at the same time.

Among people 18 years of age and older, 49% reported that they received a flu vaccine. The U.S. Healthy People

2030 goal for flu vaccine coverage is 70% for all ages, so New York City is signifi cantly below that among its adult popula tion. Additionally, there were significant inequities in vaccination by race/ethnici ty. Compared to non-Latino White adults, adults who identify as non-Latino Black, Latino, and non-Latino Other Race received flu vaccine at lower rates (54.5% vs 40.9%, 45.1%, and 44.3%, respective ly). Asian adults had similar rates to White adults (55.8%).

Among adults aged 65 years and older, little difference was seen by race/ethnici ty. Overall, 68.5% of older adults report ed that they received the flu vaccine; cov erage was 65.5%, 67.7%, 70.2%, and 70.8% in Latino, non-Latino Black, nonLatino Asian/Pacific Islander, and nonLatino White older adults, respectively.

A typical influenza season usually starts in the late fall and lasts throughout the spring. Since influenza activity can be unpredictable and influenza viruses can be found year-round, it is important to get the vaccine as early as possible, though it is never too late to be vaccinated. A flu vaccine is necessary each year because the vaccine provides protection for only one season.l

The OECS Expresses Condolences on the Passing of Dwight Hillocks

TheOrganization of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) express es condolences on the passing of Dwight Hillocks, Chief Executive Officer of All Island Recycling Inc, St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

All Islands Recycling Inc (AIR Inc.) is a company that specializes in the gather ing and packaging of recyclables. Since the introduction of AIR Inc. to St Vincent and the Grenadines in September 2011, the company has significantly contributed to a reduction in plastics in the environ ment. An existing private-public partner ship between AIR Inc. and the Solid Waste Management Agency, has resulted in approximately 38 million containers (plastic bottles and aluminum tins) being removed from the environment and exported for recycling. This program is sustained by the Environmental Levy Act of 1991, which imposed a customs deposit on the importation of items pack aged in non-returnable containers (bottles and cans). This deposit-refund strategy provides a financial incentive to collec tors, primarily individuals of the lower income strata who are removing the

empty containers that litter their commu nities. The program is also contributing to the alleviation of poverty among women, who make up 60% of approximately 300 harvesters who sell containers to AIR Inc. monthly.

Through the ReMLit Project (Building Resilience in the Eastern Caribbean through a Reduction of Marine Litter) and a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), in 2021, the OECS provided sup port to AIR Inc. to tackle marine litter.

Dwight Hillocks’ contribution to the region demonstrated a successful publicprivate partnership to address plastic

waste in the region, and his efforts are commendable, which now serve to inform the OECS Commission on best practices in developing a model program for waste separation, collection, and recy cling for OECS Member States that take into account self-financing, sustainability, and business viability.

Dwight Hillocks’ commitment to mak ing a difference in reducing plastic pollu tion in the region will continue for years to come. He will be profoundly missed, and his memory will live on through our work at the OECS.l

Photo courtesy: OECS Press

Hillocks’ contribution to the region demonstrated a successful public-private partnership. His commitment to making a difference in reducing plastic pollution in the region will continue for years to come.

The Queen’s Death Certificate Says She Died of ‘Old Age’. But What Does That Really Mean?

BY RACHEL KRAUS THE CONVERSATION

QueenElizabeth’s newly released death certificate contains just two curious words under her cause of death – old age.

We might talk about people dying of old age in everyday speech. But who actually dies of old age, medically speaking, in the 21st century?

Such a vague cause of death not only raises questions about how someone died, it can also be hard on family and loved ones left behind.

The many ways people die

The leading causes of death in England and Wales are dementia and Alzheimer’s disease; heart disease; cerebrovascular diseases (such as stroke); cancer; and COVID. Other notable causes include chronic lower respiratory diseases (such as asthma); influenza; and pneumonia.

In fact, “old age” as a cause of death –alongside the vague description of “frailty” – is often categorized under “symptoms, signs, and ill-defined condi tions”.

This latter category is in the top ten causes of death. But this currently trails

well below COVID, and on average over a five-year period, below influenza and pneumonia.

An interesting history

Old age, as a category for causing death, has a long history. It was a leading cause of death in the 19th century, alongside the vague description of “found dead”.

In the mid-19th century, registering someone’s death moved from clerical to secular, with the Births and Deaths Registration Act 1836 (UK).

There was then the landmark publica tion, the Bertillon Classification of Causes of Death, written by French statis tician and demographer Jacques Bertillon.

Canadian philosopher Ian Hacking wrote that dying of anything other than what was on the official list was “illegal, for example, to die of old age”. We may say this is a bit hyperbolic. Surely, by the end of the 19th century, it was not illegal to die of old age?

What this suggests is that providing a pre cise cause of death is important because it’s a valuable tool for tracking mortality trends at different levels of the popula tion.

Eventually, “old age” became a last

resort phrase to describe an unknown cause of death. Or it became useful where a person may have died from a number of complications, but where it was not prac tical or ethical to order an autopsy to find the precise underlying cause of death.

There’s no closure

The other reason why “old age” has been seldom used as the cause of death in the 20th and 21st centuries was that it doesn’t provide any closure to families of the deceased.

Research shows families want infor mation about how their loved one died, not only because it can be useful for managing their own health concerns, but also because it provides a resolution to their loved one’s death.

An unknown cause of death can exacer bate grief and trauma, particularly if the death was sudden or unexpected.

Researchers have long argued families form continuing relationships with their loved one after they die. Ascertaining how they died is one part of how the fam ily members left behind manage their grief and memorialize the deceased.

A good death

We may decide that asking for more information about how the queen died at the age of 96 is just macabre titillation. We may decide the royal family deserves privacy surrounding intimate details of the queen’s death.

However, a specific cause of death of someone who lived a privileged life and who died at an old age, for instance, can tell us much about how to lead a healthy life and plan for a good death.l

Marc Trabsky is a Senior Research Fellow, La Trobe University.

Queen Elizabeth

Shutterstock.com

New ‘Ghosts‘ Haunt Brooklyn Machine as Rodneyse Bichotte Hermelyn Barely Claims Second Term

BY GEORGE JOSEPH AND YOAV GONEN THE CITY

Brooklyn Assemblymember

Rodneyse Bichotte Hermelyn secured reelection as party boss with a narrow victory in a closed execu tive session, after a day of heated public deliberations marred by allegations of “ghost” appointments to the County Committee of people with no idea they’d been added.

In a packed ballroom at the Marriott in downtown Brooklyn, delegates fought for hours on Monday over appointments to the County Committee that’s supposed to give a hyper-local voice to roughly 4,000 Democrats across the borough and that decides on party rules.

But the proceedings, which picked up from a meeting last month that started hours late and ended with almost nothing accomplished, came to a halt numerous times as delegates raised concerns that party leaders had put forward appointees on establishment-backed slates without their knowledge.

Such alleged gamesmanship could have helped establishment Dems gain power in Assembly districts where the county committees have been dominated by progressives and other opposition members. Those county committees play a significant role in nominating candi dates in special elections for state office they are sure to win and contribute to the votes on party policies.

Councilmember Mercedes Narcisse, a newly elected party executive from East Flatbush who has clashed with Bichotte Hermelyn‘s camp, called for an audit after introducing the crowd to a party member from her neighborhood who did not know his name had been included on a list of county committee appointees supported by the party establishment.

In an interview with THE CITY, the man, John Dixon, 62, said that he was “disturbed” by his lack of say in the mat ter.

“I had no conversation with anyone regarding being put on another slate,” he said.

Despite Narcisse’s concerns, the meet ing chair, a Bichotte Hermelyn ally, moved forward without an audit — prompting a chorus of boos from the audience.

Likewise, in an Assembly district that includes Red Hook and Sunset Park, the party leadership put forward a slate that included the name “Patrick Hayes,” an apparent reference to Patrick Hayes Torres, a nominee for civil court judge.

In an interview, Hayes Torres said that he had initially agreed to be an appointee but then asked to be removed to make sure that his vote would not be used as a proxy in his absence.

“That shouldn’t have been on there,” Hayes Torres said in a phone call with THE CITY. “That’s something that should be rectified.”

Despite such irregularities, executives allied with the party establishment — relying in part on proxy votes — pushed through their county committee appoint ments in contested Assembly districts, including in neighborhoods controlled by the party’s self-styled reform wing. That was a break from the previous practice in which appointees had generally been left up to local party leaders.

“It seems like people do whatever they want to,” Narcisse said on Monday. “It’s a dictatorship approach.”

THE CITY has reported previously on the controversial — and at times, possi bly illegal — attempts by the party’s leaders and their allies to consolidate power, including forging the signatures of residents in Brownsville and East New York on Board of Election documents in a bid to kick opposition candidates for low-level party positions off the ballots. Tactics also included running at least 20 unwitting “ghost” candidates for lowlevel party positions in southern Brooklyn, in an apparent effort to trans fer their power over to the establishment through proxy votes.

In June, a coalition of government watchdog groups asked the Brooklyn District Attorney’s Office to investigate the Brooklyn Democratic Party over the allegedly fraudulent filings with the BOE.

‘There Is Fear’

After Monday’s county committee meet ing, just 20 of the party’s 44 executives met in a separate part of the hotel for a closed-door vote on its leader, in a vote where the other two dozen execs — including Bichotte Hermelyn, who is pregnant— gave those present proxy power for their votes.

“The reason why I am getting all the votes,” Bichotte Hermelyn told City & State just ahead of Monday’s meeting and votes, “is because everybody sup porting me, and everybody outside, and the whole world and everybody connect ed to county and the party and con stituents, they’ve all reached out to me and said, ‘We know you have a lot on your plate, but please stay, please stay, we need your leadership.’ And so I said, OK. I’ll stay and do my full two terms.”

Indeed, Tori Kelly, a South Brooklyn party leader dropped out of the leader ship race at the eleventh hour despite being within striking distance of taking the throne, was not present for the vote.

With Kelly out, Martiza Davila, a party executive and Assemblymember from Bushwick and Williamsburg, mounted a late challenge.

“We need to change, we really need an opportunity to listen to each other,” said Davila, adding, “I understand that there is fear. I understand that people are being called.”

But she could not win over votes from South Brooklyn centrists allied with Kelly, leaving her with 12, just under a third of the potential votes.

With several other party leaders abstain ing or failing to give their proxy votes to other party leaders, Bichotte Hermelyn won a second full term with 23 votes — a bare majority and a far cry from her near unanimous support two years ago.

“Just remember we are the political center of the universe,” Bichotte Hermelyn said on Zoom after her victo ry.

“I want to thank all of you for partici pating in this democratic process [and] for all of your support in making this as successful and transparent as this can be.”l

Breast Cancer Awareness

options are left, or maximizing both quantity and quality of life amid a range of side effects.

Overturning worn-out narratives

I surveyed participants about the degree to which they feel excluded from breast cancer organizations, and why. They firmly indicated feeling a recognition gap among breast cancer organizations and awareness campaigns. So many seem to emphasize early detection and survivorship, and leave out the concerns and needs of metastatic patients.

One respondent talked about the “early detection mantra.” Another referred to the “ringing of the bell,” a common cele bratory ritual when one is done with chemotherapy or radiation. I’ve been known to use the phrase “that damn bell” to express frustration that I will always be on treatment and won’t get to ring that bell.

People echoed these same sentiments when I posed my question in social media groups. One woman wrote, “I am not going to ever be a survivor. Feels like we are the under belly. … No ‘you got this.’ … There is no stage 4 fanfare.”

Many women with stage 4 breast can cer also feel like little is being done to showcase the less optimistic and more frightening aspects of metastatic disease.

Several organizations are starting to fill these gaps. Some are devoting them selves to funding research for breast can cer, while others are now paying more attention to stage 4 patients – or at least moving in that direction. Metavivor is one organization focused exclusively on serving the metastatic breast cancer com munity. The Susan G. Komen organiza tion has also begun offering resources and information about metastatic breast cancer.

I see hopeful signs that some of these efforts are making a difference. Just the other day, I stopped by my cancer cen ter’s gift shop to buy some mastectomy bras and saw that they were handing out pink-ribbon bracelets. So I asked the woman running the shop if they could get bracelets representing metastatic breast cancer. I was encouraged that –without hesitation – she said it shouldn’t be a problem.l

This is an updated version of an article originally published on Oct. 29, 2021.

Rachel Kraus is a Professor of Sociology, Ball State University

Monday’s chaotic meetings ended with the party leader winning with just 23 of 44 executive committee votes.

Rodneyse Bichotte Hermelyn Photo: Hiram Alejandro Durán/ THE CITY.

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