Caribbean American Weekly - Issue 166

BY CLAIRE ANTONE PAYTON THE CONVERSATION

Haiti appears to be on the precipice of foreign intervention yet again.

Gangs have been blockading the coun try’s biggest fuel terminal since midSeptember 2022, strangling Haiti’s food and energy supplies. The World Food Program says that Haiti’s need for humanitarian aid is urgent.

BY LINDA NWOKE

Fossil fuel price volatility has rat tled global energy markets. Caribbean Community (CARI COM) member states are particularly vulnerable, importing more than 85 percent of their energy. This causes consumers in CARICOM countries to

Photo

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 555 5th Ave 3rd Floor New York, NY 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

For more Consulate information go to www.cawnyc.com/directory

Sir Ronald Sanders Statement at the OAS General Assembly in Peru: The OAS is Broke and Broken

As we meet at this 52nd regular session of the General Assembly of the Organization of American States, the OAS is financially broke.

We are trying to run an Organization that costs $118 million on an unrealistic budget of $81 million. The result is that the Secretariat of the Organization is unable to carry out a mountain of man dates from a hill of meagre financial resources.

Sadly, because of this, the staff of the Organization live in uncertainty. Many are seeking better security elsewhere, and there is an exodus of talent, as skilled people flee to seek refuge in destinations with better prospects.

It is little wonder that the peoples of our countries do not see the benefits of the OAS and, therefore, place little or no value in it.

Member states with the financial capac ity to pay, withhold their due contribu tions, and others seek incentives to pay on time what they agreed to pay, and have an obligation to meet.

The Organization is still booking as receivable income, contributions from countries that have severed their ties from it, in fictional transactions that claim these monies, running into tens of millions of dollars, are somehow payable.

If the OAS was a public company, its auditors would have declared it bank rupt.

The Organization is also structurally broken. The OAS is hardly known by the peoples of our states. And, collectively, we do not seem to know if we are an organization of 35 states or of 34.

The OAS has a Charter and rules of procedure that were produced in the days before cellular phones and the internet, before the world became a neighbor hood, and before interconnectivity between nations occurs in the fraction of a section.

Yet its ancient Charter and rules of pro cedure have remained the guide of an Organization, operating in the modern world with unprecedented challenges.

The result is that the Organization moves at the slow crawl of a turtle when it should be moving at the pace of Jamaica's Usain Bolt, responsive to the needs of people at every level.

That is why a General Assembly can impose a violation of the Charter by 19 votes including a disputed representative but cannot change it by 19 votes of fully qualified and accredited representatives as happened this morning,

The Organization has an obligation to respond to the needs of its peoples because its member governments have promised to do so.

That is the compact between govern

ments and people which this Organization was established to fulfil. But there is a gap between what govern ments promised and what is being deliv ered.

And, let it be clear that the failure to bridge that gap is not the fault of the Secretariat and its largely capable staff.

It is the fault of governments that do not provide the resources; it is the fault of an antiquated Charter, and it is the fault of anachronistic rules which urgently need reform.

Therefore, governments must resolve to address these problems, and commit to provide the resources to give the OAS the vibrance, relevance and importance that it should have.

Not for the first time, Antigua and Barbuda urges the establishment of a group of Eminent persons from across our hemisphere to produce a report and recommendations on what must happen to recreate the OAS to serve the needs of our Hemisphere, and the needs of our Hemisphere in the World.

Mr Chairman, there are critical issues that confront all our nations collectively. They are issues that none of us can fully satisfy individually, but we can all meet collectively.

Those issues include:

•The impact of Climate Change from which none of our nations can escape.

•The maintenance and preservation of the international legal order which is the basis for peace and prosperity across the world.

In this regard, we all have an obligation to stand up against any nation that vio lates the global legal order, as Russia has done in Ukraine, creating world econom ic turmoil and instability that looks set to worsen.

That is why Antigua and Barbuda con tributed actively to the resolutions and declarations that sought to tell president Putin that this war must end, and end now.

The innocent and smallest of our nations have been burdened the most, trapped in an international financial system that ignores our needs.

Health issues also confront us all.

COVID-19 is not the last pandemic the world will endure. This hemisphere

needs to be ready for the next one.

And ready – not with nationalistic pro tectionism but in multi-nation collabora tion.

There should never again be vaccine hoarding by the rich and deprivation for the poor.

The mantra of none is safe, until all are safe will continue to be true in the future as it was as we all trembled in fear at COVID-19.

Addressing economic inequalities is also a common challenge for which there can only be a common solution.

Development and economic advance ment must be a goal for all in our hemi sphere, for which all in our hemisphere should work diligently in our collective interest.

Human rights and human freedom must also remain a fundamental objective of this OAS, but we must devise early warning mechanisms, with implementa tion machinery, to address violations before they become so persistent and per vasive, that there are empty chairs and lowered flags at our meetings.

In this regard, my delegation makes it clear that Haiti cannot be left by itself to deal with rampaging, armed gangs who kidnap, terrorize and enrich themselves, defying all laws and tearing down institu tions.

The gangs in Haiti must be brought under control without any further delay.

The countries, in this Assembly, with the resources to help should do so, and the Haitian authorities must provide them with the guarantees, including stomping our corruption, that are necessary to help. The alternative is the creation of a crimi nal state in our midst, and a base for criminal activity in our neighbourhood.

The Haitian people do not want this. They are the victims. This OAS has an obligation to help and help now.

Mr Chairman, the OAS can be a force for good, an instrument of peace and prosperity and an influence for democra cy and development, but only if we reform it, respect it and resource it.l

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

As Democrats Celebrate Averting Election Disaster, We Can't Ignore the Voters We're Losing

BY HON ERIC ADAMS

Election Day is over. And though Americans did not speak with one voice, working-class voters sent a clear message: They are deeply con cerned about the economy, crime and inflation. They are also increasingly looking for leadership that acknowledges their concerns and defends their interests, regardless of party.

Because for America’s working-class voters, elections aren’t about their identi ty – they are about their survival.

A majority of Americans are in a pre carious economic position, many just one illness or job loss away from financial ruin. They will vote for candidates who acknowledge those problems, even if the solutions on offer are less than effective.

So, despite an overall better-thanexpected showing for Democrats on Tuesday, working people continued the long trend of voting more often for Republican candidates. We cannot ignore the continued erosion of their support while we celebrate avoiding electoral disaster.

Democrats' support – and base – is wavering

Many of these voters are from previously reliable voting blocs for Democrats, including Black voters, Latinos and Asians. Those groups seem to be increas ingly unenthusiastic about Democrats, and many voters have already switched teams.

Exit polling by The Associated Press showed that people of color seemed to have voted at lower rates for Democrats on Tuesday, the latest dip in a trend of decline. Just 6 in 10 Hispanic and Asian Americans voted Democrat, down from 7 in 10 and 8 in 10 respectively just four years ago, according to the data.

As the working-class Black mayor of New York City, I hear it over and over again: My street is not safe. I can’t find work. I lost my job, my apartment, my health care. What are you going to do about it?

And I can do more than listen – I can empathize. I am the son of a single moth er, who grew up not knowing if I would come home to food on the table or an eviction notice on the door.

One thing I learned during my cam paign for mayor last year, though, was that just addressing basic concerns is not enough. Public officials need to be able to say what they will do today for those who are struggling and not just make promises for tomorrow.

Republican Party asking the right questions

Republicans do this well. The Republican Party asks the right questions even as they supply the wrong answers.

Democrats have the right answers, but the wrong attitude.

New York is the safest big city in America, but this statistic means nothing to a mother mourning a child lost to gun violence. We might have nearly two jobs available for every American who is unemployed, but that doesn’t help the person laid off from the only job they’ve ever had.

That’s why my administration adopted the mantra of "Get Stuff Done," and my team has embraced it. When working people say they want safer streets, we put more officers on them. When they say they want more housing, we move heav en and earth to start building. We’ve immediately helped working families by expanding the earned income tax credit and creating a massive new child care initiative.

None of this is radical. It’s practical. It’s radically practical. And that’s what Democrats should be, too.

Voting is an act of emotional trust, not straightforward logic. It’s about acknowledging peoples’ needs, their

emotions, their reality – and doing some thing about it.

Democrats, put working people first Democrats have to put working people and their communities first, which includes three critical actions we seem to have forgotten how to do: listening, responding and organizing.

The Democratic Party has the right policies, but it must focus its messaging on immediacy, not grand plans. We must put “right now” solutions – such as investments in income tax credits, child care, housing, health care and public safety – front and center and keep them there.

If we fail to hear what working people are saying, to empathize with their con cerns and take action on their behalf, we will lose that bond of social trust that holds small towns, big cities and multi cultural democracies together.

Republicans will also continue to press their advantage in congressional maps, controlling more seats with fewer votes than we can as we become the party of only upper middle class urban and subur ban residents, relegating us to long-term irrelevance.

My fellow Democrats: This is our mis sion going forward. We’re not here to tell people how to feel. We are here to show people they are being heard. The people – working people – are our north star. Their priorities must be our priorities. Their values must be respected. Their voices must be heard.

And following their lead is not just our responsibility; it is our future.l

Mayor Eric Adams has served the people of New York City as an NYPD officer, State Senator, Brooklyn Borough President, and now as the 110th Mayor of the City of New York.

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My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge. —Hosea 4:6

Publisher I.Q. INC.

Managing Editor & Editor-in-Chief Pearl Phillip

Legal Advisor Brian Figeroux, Esq.

Graphic & Website Designers Praim Samsoondar Kenrick Williams

Feature Writers Linda Nwoke Victoria Falk

Contributors

Jennine Estes

Tarsha Gibbons Janet Howard Mary Campbell Travis Morales Chris Tobias Email info@myiqinc.com Telephone 718-771-0988 Website www.cawnyc.com

On Tuesday, Republicans from those communities in Queens and Brooklyn –traditionally deep blue areas – made very strong showings, capturing seats that are traditionally Democrats’.

Mayor Eric Adams Editorial credit: Steve Sanchez Photos / Shutterstock.com

The government of Prime Minister Ariel Henry began in early October to call for foreign troops to come help it gain the upper hand against the gangs. The first international response has been a U.N. resolution placing sanctions on the primary gang leader, former police officer Jimmy “Barbecue” Chérizier.

More direct involvement may be on the horizon. The Biden administration has indicated that the U.S. and Mexico plan to submit another proposal for the U.N. Security Council’s consideration that would authorize a “non-UN international security assistance mission” to quell vio lence and facilitate the distribution of aid.

Conditions in Haiti today are alarming, but as a scholar of 20th-century Haitian history, I am concerned that foreign intervention runs the risk of making a bad situation worse – as has happened repeatedly there for more than 100 years. I believe any response should carefully consider how past aid and military inter ventions have shaped the dire situation Haitians face today.

US occupation

Foreign influences have long exerted power over Haitian internal affairs.

Initially enslaved in a brutal French sugar colony, Haitians won their freedom and independence in 1804 after 13 years of war and revolution.

But a state of free Black people was viewed suspiciously by the surrounding slave-holding empires in North and South America. There were many efforts to weaken, control or contain the young country.

The most expansive of these efforts was the U.S. occupation of Haiti.

In 1915, the U.S. occupied Haiti and ruled it as a client state for 19 years. The pretext for the invasion was to calm political turmoil in Haiti, but scholarship has shown how the U.S. was primarily

interested in protecting and expanding its economic interests in the region.

Many white Americans justified the occupation because of their paternalistic ideas about Black people. And many U.S. Marines in Haiti shared a Jim Crow mentality about race, which shaped gov erning styles and exacerbated tensions between light-skinned and dark-skinned Haitians.

The U.S. military claimed to be a mod ernizing force in Haiti, but the changes it made weakened the country’s institu tions. It undermined Haitian political autonomy by establishing a puppet gov ernment that rubber-stamped legislation drafted by U.S. officials.

The U.S. invested heavily in the capital city of Port-au-Prince while letting the rest of the country fall into decline. When U.S. troops departed in 1934, power had been concentrated in the cen tral government, leaving Haiti’s provinces weak and the country with few counterweights to executive authority.

The Duvaliers

This centralized system became a major liability when, in 1957, François Duvalier was elected president of Haiti.

Duvalier, a Black nationalist, found support by mobilizing racial animosities that had been heightened by the U.S. occupation. He had little respect for dem ocratic norms and leaned on a violent paramilitary to crush his opponents.

Within a few years, Duvalier had estab

lished a kleptocratic dictatorship that ruled over a major decline of Haiti’s eco nomic and political life. After his death in 1971, his son, Jean-Claude Duvalier, took over as “president-for-life.”

The younger Duvalier, who portrayed himself as a modernizer, enjoyed everincreasing amounts of support from the international community, especially the United States. But reforms remained superficial and Haiti’s government was still a dictatorship.

In 1986, a popular uprising fueled by grassroots organizing, spiraling econom ic crises and social discontent pushed the Duvalier family into exile.

Struggles with democracy after dictatorship

Since then, Haitian political life has been a push-and-pull of democratic aspiration and authoritarian repression. In the wake of the dictatorship, Haiti reinvented itself as a constitutional democracy, but the political transition remains incomplete to this day.

Duvalier loyalists and allies in the mil itary violently disrupted the first attempt at an election in 1987. When voting finally took place in 1990, the people elected a left-leaning populist and former Catholic priest, Jean-Bertrand Aristide, in a landslide victory that saw historic levels of voter participation.

But once again, anti-democratic ele ments in the elite and the military inter vened, overthrowing Aristide after just a

few months in office and establishing a violent military junta.

President Bill Clinton sent troops back to Haiti in 1994 to push out the junta and reinstall Aristide.

Aristide was overthrown again in 2004, launching new waves of sweeping polit ical violence. A U.S., French and Canadian coalition sent an “interim inter national force” of troops to restore order and help organize new elections.

They were soon were replaced by a blue-helmeted U.N. peacekeeping mis sion led by Brazil, known as MINUS TAH. Initially planned as a six-month intervention, those forces remained in Haiti until 2017.

When Port-au-Prince was struck by a devastating earthquake in 2010, MINUS TAH forces were already on the ground. The international community launched a massive, ill-coordinated relief and recov ery effort, but, much like the American occupation a century earlier, the primary benefactor was the private sector in the U.S. and other major donor countries.

MINUSTAH’s most enduring legacy was a cholera epidemic caused by poor sanitation practices at a U.N. base in Haiti’s countryside.

The current crisis

MINUSTAH and the Obama State Department oversaw Haiti’s 2010 presi dential elections and had a major hand in securing the victory of President Michel Martelly, a pop star-turned-politician who quickly gained a reputation for cor ruption.

He was succeeded by his chosen suc cessor, Jovenel Moïse, who dissolved parliament in 2020. According to human rights agencies, he worked with local gangs to terrorize his opponents.

Moïse was assassinated in July 2021 –a murder that has yet to be solved. Without a parliament, there is no consti tutional line of succession.

Haiti’s government has since lurched forward under the leadership of Henry, an unelected and unpopular official who has been linked to Moïse’s alleged assas sins.

Despite these concerns, Henry has enjoyed the backing of the U.S. over his rivals. A coalition of Haitian civil society groups drafted a proposal for a new inter im government to take power and organ ize elections.

But negotiations with Henry’s govern ment have gone nowhere. Given the vac uum of legitimate authority, the gangs Moïse empowered have begun asserting themselves as independent political actors. Chérizier has joined many local leaders in demanding Henry either resign or share power.

Critics are worried that Henry, unre strained by a democratic mandate or a functioning parliament, plans to use for eign troops to reinforce his political posi tion.

And while past foreign interventions in Haiti have often been launched in the name of stability and democracy, they have not proved capable of providing either. l

Claire Antone Payton is the Manager of the Memory Project, Karsh Institute of Democracy, University of Virginia

Buying a New Home? Use This Checklist to Ensure Your Finances Are in Order

Buying a home is a significant expense. It doesn't matter whether you're a first-time buyer or have experience. Unless you have a large pile of cash, you'll need to ensure your finances are in order before closing. In this post we'll explore four financial items you'll want to check off before buying a new home.

Figure Out Your Current Monthly Budget

First, you're going to want to sort out your monthly budget. If you've never done a budget before, start with something basic. Open up a spreadsheet or take out a piece of paper. Make two columns: 'income' and 'expenses'. Fill in each column with the amounts that you make or spend each month. Bank, credit card and other state ments can help with this process. It's a good idea to go back at least 3 months to ensure you're capturing your true spend ing.

Make A Debt Management Plan

Do you have any debts? If so, you'll want to make a plan for how you're going to manage these when you buy a new home.

For example, you may have a car pay ment, student loans, a line of credit or credit card debt. Write down your debts, how much you owe and when payments are due. If any debts are due monthly, make sure you include those in your budget.

Keep in mind that your outstanding debts may impact your ability to borrow for a mortgage as well. If you plan on tak ing out a mortgage to pay for your new home, it's best to get your debts figured out beforehand.

Understand All Your Real Estate Costs

Next, you'll want to determine what all your real estate costs are going to be. If you're not yet close to the bidding or clos ing process, this might be a bit challeng ing. But ask your real estate agent for a breakdown of what you can expect to pay for a home in your price range.

Set Up An Emergency Savings Cushion

Finally, you'll want to set up a financial cushion in case of emergencies. It's not much fun to think about, but losing a job or having a health event is possible. Most financial experts recommend having at least six months of expenses saved up. Of course, this is always easier said than done. What's important is that you have at least some cash tucked away, just in case. If you can, save a bit extra each month or from each pay check and add to this emergency fund.

When you're ready to buy a new home, a licensed real estate agent is your best bet for success. Reach out today and learn more about how affordable a new home in your community will be! Call Equity Smart Realty Inc at 888-670-6791. We would be happy to share our guidance.l

Murders Increase, Seven Parishes Placed Under States of Emergency

BY WIREDJA NEWS TEAM

KINGSTON, Jamaica, November 15, 2022: Faced with a serious increase in the murder rate across Jamaica, the Government has announced the imposition of States of Emergency (SOEs) in seven parishes — St. James, Hanover, Westmoreland, Clarendon, St. Catherine — and parts of the Corporate Area, Kingston, and St. Andrew.

Prime Minister Andrew Holness announced the security measure at Jamaica House on Tuesday morning. It came in the wake of a significant rise in serious crimes, particularly murder, this year. Statistics show that there has been a 6.8 percent increase in murders this year over 2021. According to Police Commissioner Antony Anderson, on November 13, there had been 1,360 mur ders since the start of the year.

According to Prime Minister Holness, gang activities in many sections of the country have given cause for "grave con cern." He used the press conference to appeal for support from the opposition People's National Party (PNP) for the imposition of the States of Emergency. The PNP has argued that SOEs are inef fective in fighting crime. The PNP has

long maintained that the Government cannot continue to use the State of Emergency as a normal crime-fighting tool as it was meant to be used as an extraordinary measure for a short period.

Opposition Spokesperson on National Security Peter Bunting has maintained that the State of Emergency has not proven efficient. Mr. Bunting accused the Government of implementing SOEs as a distraction and pointed out that the mem bers of the security forces suffered finan cially amid the SOEs.

Earlier in the year, Bunting has dis missed the state of emergency in western Jamaica as a mere "PR stunt" by the Andrew Holness-led administration with no positive effect on crime. Bunting then charged that the young men detained under the SOEs were not children of priv ilege. If so, the outcry from Jamaican cit izens would be so strident that the

Government would be forced to revoke them immediately.

"If two dozen young men, the sons of the leaders of the private sector or the sons of those living in upper St Andrew, were detained without charge for one week in this country, we would have no more states of emergency. It would not be tolerated," Bunting said while addressing a recent press conference of the Office of the Leader of the Opposition.

However, in support of his argument that the imposition of the State of Emergency resulted from gang opera tions, the Commissioner reported that gang killings accounted for 71 percent of the murders committed.

The Prime Minister, answering ques tions at the press conference, reiterated the "abnormal" level of serious crime in Jamaica, which requires strong measures in response. He said criminal organiza tions seek to corrupt and integrate legiti mate agencies into their networks and influence government policies and out comes.

He stressed that the threat to the state's legitimacy must be combatted.l

Reprinted with kind permission.

FOCUS: TRINIDAD & TOBAGO

Minister Stuart Young/ continued from page 1

pay almost double the average price for electricity than those in the United States.

CARICOM houses a mixture of hydro carbon and renewable reserves that can strengthen regional energy. The United States can be an important partner in helping CARICOM capitalize on its ener gy resources and strengthen USCaribbean relations in the process. How can US initiatives such as the USCaribbean Partnership to Address the Climate Crisis 2030 support energy resilience and security in the Caribbean? What steps should the US government and private sector take to support the region's energy plans? How can USCaribbean energy cooperation advance the region's economic development?

In a recent discussion with the Atlantic Council, the Honorable Stuart Young, Minister of Energy and Energy Industries from the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, shared insights on how they intend to advance energy security in the Caribbean and their role in the Caribbean and neighboring countries.

The Situation Minister Young confirmed the growing clamor for investments in the renewable energy sector, especially in Guyana, Suriname, Trinidad and Tobago. These countries have significant hydrocarbon

reserves that can support short-term ener gy security. However, it needs capital and investment from countries to keep the energy transition.

Importance of Energy Security

He explained that energy security had become a critical priority for most gov ernments in the world because of its impact on food security. In the past months, the CARICOM region was allowed to engage directly in discussions with the highest levels of the US govern ment. "And coming out of the Summit of the Americas is the decision taken by President Biden, along with Vice President Harris, for a meaningful engagement with the CARICOM region and the Dominican Republic on energy security, food security, and the financial side."

Role of Trinidad and Tobago

The twin-island state has over a century of experience exploring oil within the hydrocarbon industry. In twenty-five years, it had become a significant player in the gas side of hydrocarbon fossil fuels.

Recently, Guyana found significant oil reserves and began exploring. Suriname is still exploring its resources to deter mine the number of liquids and gas.

The three sovereign states within the CARICOM region have become part of the global energy security solution.

Trinidad is positioning itself as part of the decision-making countries with other key players because of the number of gas reserves, ammonia, methanol, and urea on their land. "And when I say gas, half of our gas production is used in liquefied natural gas (LNG) production. The Atlantic LNG is a four-train facility with three trains up and running and our petro leum chemicals," says Minister Young.

He explained that since February 2022, fertilizer and ammonia have become even more essential in global conversations. A sector they had been ranked as the second largest exporter of ammonia globally. Therefore, the country has significant capacity for production in all its plants. The Minister explained that they have been exploring becoming a stable energy security entity. They generate electricity from their natural gas in and beyond the CARICOM region.

How the United States Can Work with Trinidad and Tobago

They have decided to work responsibly with Guyana and Suriname by strengthen ing their partnership within the hydrocar bon sector. Therefore, discussions have commenced on ways to clean up ammo nia production and support their plants to produce ammonia for better food security. The United States, since the summit and other direct engagements with the Energy Security Committee, they have been dis cussing the role and assistance that the US

can render in the CARICOM region. "A lot of our small island systems, neighbor ing countries are suffering from the high cost of electricity," says Minister Young.

Other ongoing discussions with multi lateral lending agencies, and investors with capital, is how to organize projects utilizing renewable resources to spread energy security throughout the Caribbean states. "And I think if we engage and work together, there will be more benefi cial for the region," he says.

Post the summit, and there are two sig nificant issues in the energy security space being discussed:

One is how to access financing for renew able resources to help the smaller Caribbean countries that make up CARI COM, a region that suffers significantly from the devastating effect of climate change.

Secondly, it advocates that the richer, developed countries should provide con cessional financing to smaller islands that can't afford it. "I mean, an island like the Dominican Republic had a hurricane pass through in 2018 that wiped out over 50% of their GDP. They are yet to recover and can't repeat their concessional loans. So, there is a global responsibility for the more affluent and developed countries to come forward and provide grant funding.

To get some of these projects off the ground so they can offer better energy sta bility, “he requested.l

A Chat with the Hon. Rondy McIntosh, Consul General of St Vincent and the Grenadines

BY CAW EDITORIAL STAFF

On October 27, Mayor Eric Adams participated in the flag-raising ceremony of Saint Vincent and Grenadines in celebration of its 43rd Independence Anniversary. For the com munity, it was a historical moment, as it was the first time a mayor would partici pate in the memorable ceremony, which has existed since 1996.

In his remark, the Mayor acknowledged and appreciated the importance and con tribution of immigrants in New York City. "This is a city of not only people who have generations but a city of those who come here from various islands to make New York City their home. And when we raise the flag here at Bowling Green, the cornerstone of our financial strength and power, we are saying to you that we respect and see you. You are contributors to this fantastic city we call New York," he said.

The Mayor recalled immigrants' vital role in keeping the city moving during COVID. In his words, "Immigrants don't need New York. New York needs the immigrant communities of this city. And no one personifies that more than St. Vincent and the Grenadines."

He applauded the community's resilience, warmness, spirit of engagement, and con tribution to the borough of Brooklyn. "I am proud to raise your flag here at Bowling Green for the first time. It is a day of remembrance and a day of acknowledgment, and it's a day of lifting the spirit of our city. New York City is back, and we're back because of you," said Mayor Eric Adams.

We followed up after the event with the Consul General, Honorable Rondy McIntosh, and the Investment and Trade Promotions Officer of the Consulate of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Ms. Bernadette Ambrose-Black. We explored opportunities in the islands and the proce

dures for accessing them by the nationals and prospective investors. We also talked about community programs.

Reviewing the 43rd Independence Anniversary Celebration

The Consul General recalled the ceremo ny, especially the celebration commemo rated by the first flag raising at Bowling Green and the lighting of the iconic Empire State Building.

"It was a grand time; our spirits were lifted. And to come out of all and emerge, you know, as a resilient people, we thought it best to do something signifi cant to lift our people's spirits and tell the

world that we are here. We have our own identity," says Consul General McIntosh. While addressing the different expecta tions of nationals, diaspora living in the Tri-state, and New Yorkers, the Consul General mentioned that his role is bring ing the community's people together, irrespective of their location in the United States, by creating a community and providing support.

"And the mission is to unite our people, regardless of where they live. As one big community, we maintain our "Vincyness," culture, identity and share ideas. For our homeland and people back home with our remittances and the sup port in times when they really need that help. At the consulate to help and assist with the camaraderie and that whole community spirit that we know best from the Caribbean."

The Consul General explained that beyond providing the core functions of replacing passports and other forms of documentation - birth, marriage, or death certificates. The consulate also helps per sons with other immigration challenges like repatriation or deportation. "Any issue that Vincennes may encounter here in the US, they can reach out to us, and if

Consul General Hon. Rondy McIntosh speaking at the flag-raising ceremony at Bowling Green, NY, NY. Photo courtesy: Joanne Legaire

we can't help at the consulate, we can guide you on where to find that help."

He explained that they operate on a hybrid between 9am-4 pm on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays for a walkin or appointment. "You can call us at the consulate, and we are ready to accommo date you because we try to answer every single call on the office line 212-6874490. And in cases whereby we can't take your call, we will return the call to our constituents." You can also reach the consulate can via Facebook.

Traveling Protocols and Business Opportunities in St Vincent and the Grenadines

Speaking with the officer in charge of investments and trade promotions Ms. Ambrose-Black, she explained that the COVID protocols are lifted, and the islands are open for business. "Like other countries in the Caribbean, we have lift ed the protocol for persons entering Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. "We are always open for business and tourists," she explained.

Due to St Vincent & the Grenadines being an archipelago of islands, several opportunities exist, including foreign direct and diaspora investments. "We welcome the investment from persons

living on the island and nationals living within the diaspora. Investments and opportunities exist in all the economic niche sectors like agriculture, tourism, education, health, ICT, and financial services."

Cannabis and Saint Vincent

In agriculture, the Investment and Trade Promotions Officer acknowledged the ongoing debate over the potency of

cannabis species from the island, alluding to the soil type. "We have the volcanic soil, and cannabis is a new industry to us."

Thus, the country is working in the industry, striving to become a leader in exporting cannabis for medical purpos es. "We have revolutionized that industry. There is a cannabis office and a cannabis authority. And we are export ing medical cannabis, and we are the first."

According to Ms. AmbroseBlack, the agricultural indus try is viable. There are several plants they export, including cannabis, which she claims research shows has health ben efits for the users. "One of the benefits is that it is good for pain management in cancer patients. They also use them as well for sleep therapy."

Beyond cannabis, the country also has other agricultural products with health benefits, such as soursop, moringa prod ucts, and herbal teas for export.

Investing in Industries and Incentives from St Vincent and the Grenadines There are several incentives for potential investors in the country's economy, albeit

it depends on factors such as the nature and size of the investment. "There are incentives embedded in the law. Like the Fiscal Incentive Act, which deals with manufacturing, and the hotels IT Act, which deals with tourism, building hotels, rooms, and stock," buttressed Ms. Ambrose-Black.

Furthermore, most incentives are based on the discretion of the cabinet. "Therefore, it depends on the nature of the investment, size, and the nature," she explained.

Prospective investors can contact her through the consulate, which has expanded jurisdiction in recent years to accommodate trade and investment pro motions within North America and Canada. The consulate number is 212687-4490.

Investing in St Vincent and the Grenadines appears seamless because of the structures, guides, and resources like the website available for prospective investors. "So once things are submitted to me, it's transmitted to the investment promotion agency, and there is an import-export guide that would aid in that. And there's our Doing an online business platform that lists all the incen tives as well as the opportunities for investment within St Vincent and the Grenadines," says Ms. Ambrose-Black.

St Vincent & the Grenadines/

Ambassador Lou-Anne Gilchrist, Permanent Representative to the OAS and Ambassador to the United States for Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, with Mayor Eric Adams and Consul General Hon Rondy McIntosh receiving a procla mation making October 27, 2022, St. Vincent and the Grenadines Heritage Day.

In the background, Investment & Promotion Officer, Ms. Bernadette AmbroseBlack. Photo courtesy: Joanne Legaire.

Multimedia, Multicultural Maternal Health Public Education Campaign Launched

BROOKLYN, NY: Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso on November 16, launched a multimedia, multicultural maternal health public education cam paign to connect Brooklynites with infor mation and resources for healthier preg nancies. The campaign includes English, Spanish, and Haitian Creole ads at select Brooklyn bus stops, urban panels at sub way stations, and digital ads on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube that lead people to an online resource guide. The ads at bus shelters and subway sta tions can be found in the primarily Black, Brown, Caribbean, and Latino communi ties where the highest rates of maternal mortality and morbidity have been reported, including Bed-Stuy, Brownsville, Bushwick, Canarsie, Crown Heights, East Flatbush, East New York, Flatbush, and Williamsburg.

Entirely guided by the Borough President’s Maternal Health Taskforce, the campaign is his latest in a string of maternal health announcements aimed at making Brooklyn the safest place in New York City to have a baby as a Black or

Brown person. One-third of pregnancyrelated deaths in New York City are resi dents of Brooklyn, with the ratio on aver age 9.4 times higher for Black mothers compared to their white counterparts and the crisis in maternal health most acute among Haitian women. Borough President Reynoso’s $250,000 maternal health public education campaign was designed with this in mind.

“Every day, we’re making this borough

a little bit safer for Brooklynites dreaming of growing their fami lies,” said Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso. “To truly end the maternal mortality crisis facing our Black and Brown mothers will take longterm and large-scale structural change – like our upcoming renova tions to the maternal healthcare facilities at our public hospitals –but in the meantime, there are steps we can take right now to empower our expecting parents through their pregnancy journey. I’m so grateful to my Maternal Health Taskforce for their incredible expertise as we take yet another step toward saving lives and making Brooklyn the safest place for someone to have a baby.”l

The campaign’s resource guide can be found atwww.brooklynusa.org/healthypregnancy

St Vincent & the Grenadines/ continued from page 10

Upcoming Special Programs

As part of the effort to reach community members, the consulate of St Vincent and the Grenadines will set up a satellite passport office at Friends of Crown Heights in Brooklyn. This will be launched during a community event.

According to the Consul General, they realized that many people were busy. Many of them work during the weekend and cannot make time to visit the con sulate, so we are bringing the consulate closer to the people.

"So, we're bringing the consulate to our constituents. And at that event, we intend to have a health fair and insurance fair. Where someone can speak to our people about funding and scholarships, so it's for the Caribbean and black people. It's going to be a combination of many things happening on Saturday, December 3," says Consul General McIntosh.

He reaffirmed their willingness to share information and serve the Caribbean and CARICOM community. "And we are always happy to share information with the diaspora. As a Caribbean and CARI COM community," he explained, "We can exist in the great United States of America and maintain our values and dis ciplines. We must ensure that the next generation of children born here in the United States also recognizes our home country as their own."l

BBP Antonio Reynoso speaking at the launch with other elected officials and members of the Maternal Task Force. Photo courtesy: BBP’s Office.

Hiring Foreign Seasonal Workers Doesn’t Hurt American Workers, New Study Finds

BY WALTER EWING

Do fewer U.S. workers get hired when employers also hire tem porary seasonal labor from abroad? A new study of firms applying for H-2B visas suggests that the answer is no.

The H-2B visa allows workers from abroad to enter the United States to fill temporary, non-agricultural jobs that do not require a high level of formal educa tion. The number of new H-2B visas that can be issued each year is capped at 66,000 and visa recipients are randomly selected through a lottery.

By analyzing hiring at firms that partic ipate in this lottery, the new study finds that firms which hire larger numbers of H-2B workers experience increased pro duction with no adverse effects on the employment of U.S.-born workers. In some cases, the numbers of H-2B work ers and U.S. workers employed by a firm increase together.

The H-2B program U.S. employers wishing to hire H-2B workers must first obtain a temporary labor certification from the Department

of Labor (DOL). For an employer to receive certification, DOL must deter mine that: (1.) not enough qualified U.S.born workers are available to fill the tem porary jobs for which the employer wants to hire H-2B workers; and (2.) the employment of H-2B workers will not adversely affect the wages or working conditions of U.S.-born workers per forming similar jobs.

In recent years, the demand for H-2B workers has far exceeded the annual cap of 66,000, and demand is often so high that DOL and DHS exercise their author ity to add additional H-2B visas to the pool throughout the year. As a result, DOL conducts a lottery to determine which of the firms that applied for tem porary labor certification will actually receive certification.

Employers who receive the temporary labor certification must then apply to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) for permission to employ H-2B workers. Once USCIS approves the petition, foreign workers can apply for an H-2B visa from a U.S. embassy or consulate in their home coun try. Some foreign workers may not need a visa if they are already in the United

States and received USCIS approval for an extension of their current H-2B status or a change from a different status to H2B status.

The longest a foreign worker in H-2B status can remain in the United States is three years. The worker then must remain outside of the United States for three months before they can be readmitted in H-2B status. The spouse and unmarried children under the age of 21 may accom pany an H-2B visa recipient to the United States, but they are not allowed to work while they are here.

New study finds no decrease in employment of U.S.-born workers

The new study surveyed firms that par ticipated in DOL’s 2021 lottery for pro cessing of H-2B temporary labor certifi cations and compared those that won with those that lost.

Firms that were winners of the lot tery—and were therefore able to hire more H-2B workers—experienced an increase in revenue. The winning firms also experienced either a slight increase in the employment of U.S.-born workers or no change at all. There was no evi dence that hiring more H-2B workers resulted in a decline in employment for U.S.-born workers.

The study also found that employers which lost the H-2B lottery did not tend to hire more U.S. workers. As a result of losing the lottery, those firms generally hired fewer workers overall and suffered from lower revenue than those firms which were able to hire more foreign workers. The economists carrying out the study suggest that this result occurs because there are “few substitutes” in rural areas for the labor carried out by individuals receiving H-2B visas, lend

“Title 42 Has Never Been About Public Health or Safety”

BY AMERICA’S VOICE

Washington, DC: Late November 15, U.S. District Judge Emmet G. Sullivan ruled that Title 42 violated the law, hold ing that the policy was “arbitrary and capricious.” This morning, Judge Sullivan granted the Biden administra tion’s request to stay the ruling for five weeks, meaning that the federal govern ment has until December 21 to end Title 42 – a public health measure used as a pretext by Stephen Miller to restrict asy lum and ruled as unnecessary by the CDC.

The following is a statement from Vanessa Cárdenas, Executive Director of America’s Voice:

“Keeping Title 42 in place has perpet uated the cruel legacy of the Trump Administration and made border enforcement much more difficult and chaotic. It’s only fitting that Judge Sullivan’s important ruling came on the same day that Donald Trump announced another run for office and only a week after the American people largely reject ed the extremist vision of Stephen Miller’s approach to the border and

immigration, the tens of millions he spent on ugly nativism, and many of the GOP candidates who took an extreme position on immigration in the midterms.

Title 42 has never been about public health or safety. Instead, it was a central front in the Trump/Miller war on immi grants and was used as a pretext to tram ple on America’s proud tradition of offer ing safety to migrants fleeing oppression,

violence and death by offering them a legal process by which they can ask for asylum. Even as a border control meas ure, Title 42 has failed, helped drive up border apprehension statistics and forced the flow of asylum seekers away from our border ports of entry. It also has been a humanitarian disaster, evicting many of those seeking safety back to danger with out allowing them to even seek asylum.

This is an opportunity for a reset for the Biden administration to enact a function al, orderly and humane set of policies that upholds and advances our values and laws. The U.S. must recognize that the complicated dynamics that lead to forced migration do not begin or end and cannot only be addressed at the U.S. southern border nor solely through deterrencefocused policy.

Now it is also the time for the President and Democrats to reaffirm their vision for immigration, border management, regional cooperation, asylum and refugees. The American people are clear ly uncomfortable with the Trump and Miller approach that dominated GOP messaging during the midterms, and now there is a renewed opening for action.”l

Workers/ continued from page 12

ing support to the need for the program.

Immigration and employment

The study supports the conclusion of many economists that immigration expands the job market for U.S.-born workers.

This occurs in several ways. First, immigrant workers and U.S.-born work ers tend to have different skill sets, so they complement each other rather than competing for the same jobs. Second, immigrant workers spend most of their wages in the U.S. economy, which cre ates new jobs by increasing consumer demand. Third, U.S. businesses respond to the presence of immigrant workers and consumers by expanding their operations within the United States rather than abroad. And fourth, immigrants expand the U.S. labor market when they create new businesses.

The new study and the findings of many other economists undermine the common myth that every job filled by an immigrant worker is one less job avail able to a U.S.-born worker. In fact, immi gration increases job opportunities for the majority of U.S.-born workers.l

Read more at www.cawnyc.com

Hiring Foreign Seasonal

Group of Guatemalan migrants crosses the border of Mexico and the United States to try to ask political asylum Editorial credit: David Peinado Romero / Shutterstock.com

Join the Bes t Online Paralegal Program

BY THE CHAMBER COALITION

The rise in popularity of online education programs means that it is easier than ever to find the right one for you. Deciding on the best parale gal online program requires research and time. By weeding out the level mills and sub-standard institutions, you can earn a quality certificate at an affordable price. When researching online paralegal pro grams, you will want to consider several factors: cost and institution reputation are the most important. With this in mind, one program rises above the rest.

The Chamber Coalition, which compris es the New American Chamber of Commerce (NACC), the African American International Chamber of Commerce (AAICC), and the Hispanic American International Chamber of Commerce (HAICC), offers the best online Paralegal Studies program. The competitive tuition rate, coupled with the impeccable reputation of the Coalition, makes this an obvious choice for anyone serious about their education. While no online program is ABA-approved, this one still maintains the highest standards.

Requirements

To be admitted to the Chamber's Paralegal Certificate program, you must be at least eighteen years old, have strong computer skills, and have a high school diploma. If these qualifications fit you, you can continue the admission process. Applications are accepted online anytime during the year. A mandatory orientation describes your upcoming classes, guide lines, and expectations.

The tuition for this respected program

is very competitive with other online paralegal degrees. It costs less than $1000 for the entire program. The aver age student can finish the degree in any where from six to twelve months. Books are extra and will run around a few hun dred dollars for everything. If you want the best paralegal online program at the best price, the Chamber Coalition Paralegal Certificate Program is the answer. The program is excellent for aspiring and current paralegals, individu

als who plan to attend law school, com munity advocates, persons who want to understand the law and their rights, and prospective political candidates.

Is Being a Paralegal Worth It?

Yes. The Bureau of Labor Statistics proj ects a 10% job growth between now and 2029. The median salary nationwide in 2019 was $51,740, and the average mean wage was $61,810. It truly is a presti gious and significant profession. Simply put, paralegals help people. They help their employers be more efficient in their jobs, increase a firm's revenue and pro ductivity, and help the clients.

A career as a paralegal can be reward ing professionally and personally and offers a unique opportunity to help oth ers; options vary, depending on the para legal's practice area. l

Ready to take the leap, the next step? Visit www.freeparalegal.org to complete your registration which includes payment of $550 for the entire year. Payment includes individual membership to the Chamber Coalition.

Caribbean Star

Bihari Lall, Guyanese Food Maven Receives Award for Outs tanding Entrepreneurship at CARAH Gala

Bihari Lall, the Franchise owner of Denny’s Brooklyn and Jackson Heights, will receive the Outstanding Entrepreneurship Award at the prestigious 29th Annual Caribbean-American Heritage (CARAH) Awards Gala held on Friday, November 18, 2022, at the JW Marriott Hotel, Washington, DC.

Mr. Lall is also the owner of two businesses in the Brooklyn Terminal Market, the Blue Water Seafood Company, which is an importer and distributor of seafood from the Caribbean and the Americas. The second is Gitto Farmers Market, a retail and wholesale supermarket specializing in Caribbean and African Food products. Additionally, a Key Food Stores Cooperative member, he rounds out his food service holdings with Caribbean Depot, a Cash & Carry Wholesale distributor that sells to restau rants, wholesalers, distributors, grocery stores, and greengro cers. And Total Products Distributors, a USDA-approved meat packing facility. Lall’s other business interests include invest ments in the medical cannabis industry and real estate develop ment.

Lall is an active member and volunteer of the Indo-Caribbean Alliance (ICA), a 501(c)3 non-profit organization based in Queens, New York, founded in 2008 to support the underserved Indo-Caribbean and South Asian enclaves of South Queens. The Richmond Hill Lions Club, an affiliate of Lions Clubs International, an organization committed to service worldwide, is stronger because of members like Bihari Lall. As a communi ty outreach leader and a Lion Club member, Bihari has given back in many ways. A member of the Harmony Lodge No. 241, Lall has donated thousands of dollars of healthy groceries to community distribution sites and delivered free meals, especial

ly during the Covid-19 pandemic. He is the unsung hero of the challenging Covid-19 era.

Bihari Lall’s journey began as part of a father/son duo at Ramela International, a specialty food distribution company his father started. His success was built over the last two decades of hard work and a strong desire to help the less fortunate, to which his 280 employees can attest. He is a mentor to many young entrepreneurs. Bihari Lall was born in Manhattan to Guyanese parents, who he credits for the values that made him successful.

The other 2022 Honorees include Professor Carole Boyce Davies of Trinidadian heritage; Dr. Trisha Bailey, philanthropist and entrepreneur of Jamaican heritage; Ainsley Gill, Trinidadian business executive; Josanne Francis, Trinidadian steelpan performer, and arts educator; Eric Adolphe, AI expert of Haitian heritage; Stacey Mollison, Guyanese business woman; Dwight Thanos Smith, Jamaican tech wizard.l

Bihari Lall. Photo courtesy CARAH Gala

Diabetes Distress: Balancing Mental Health and Diabetes

BY JR HOLGUIN

Individuals with diabetes are prone to diabetes distress and are more likely to be diagnosed with depression than those without diabetes, which can affect one's condition.

Diabetes distress is feeling discour aged, anxious, frustrated, or exhausted by routine diabetes care. These feelings leave individuals believing all their effort to keep up with their diabetes care are fruitless, which could drive people to sink into harmful routines.

Routine diabetes care, such as diet, physical conditioning, and medication, is essential to maintaining hemoglobin A1C (HbA1c), blood pressure, and cho lesterol levels and preventing or delaying diabetes-related complications.

When stressed, the body emits stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline, producing an energy boost for a fight-orflight response. But the hormones make it harder for insulin to function correctly, known as insulin resistance. Blood sugar levels rise as energy can't get into one's cells.

The American Diabetes Association (ADA) estimates that "33% to 50% of

people with diabetes have diabetes dis tress."

The CDC states that those with diabetes are 2 to 3 times more likely to have depression than those without diabetes.

And with fewer than half of people with diabetes and depression getting diag nosed and treated, those with diabetes need to speak with their healthcare provider to seek support.

The ADA recommends periodic depres sion and diabetes distress screenings, especially "if patients with type 2 dia betes experience comorbidities, diabetesrelated complications, changes in life

events, or changes in their diabetes treat ment plan."

Diabetes distress emulates depression or anxiety but can't be treated with med ication like those conditions. So, the ADA has compiled a list of approaches that have shown to help:

•See an endocrinologist for diabetes care. They are likely to have a deeper under standing of diabetes challenges than a regular doctor.

•Ask a doctor to refer a mental health counselor specializing in chronic condi tions.

•Get one-on-one time with a diabetes

educator to problem-solve together. •Focus on one or two small diabetes management goals instead of everything all at once.

Additionally, the ADA encourages those with diabetes to go to diabetesdis tress.org and take their Diabetes Destress survey, which tells how distressed an individual might be (low, moderate, high) so that they can decide what kind of further action to take and identify the specific sources of the diabetes distress.

It is important to remember that routine diabetes care is crucial. Those with dia betes must take medications as directed and eat healthy meals. Relaxation tech niques such as deep breathing positively impact stress and anxiety if an individual is stressed out. Those who can exercise should; do activities such as dancing, biking, or a ten-minute walk to reduce stress. Sharing what one goes through with friends and family can relieve stress and solve those problems. And if addi tional moral support is needed, join a support group to meet people with simi lar issues and make new friends. And always seek professional help to talk about concerns. l

Diabetes is Leading Cause of N ew Blindness in Adults; Many Don’t Know They Have It

New York, NY: According to the 2022 National Diabetes Statistics Report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than 11% of the U.S. population (approximately 37.3 million people) has diabetes.

The study also found that 38% of adults 18 and older in the U.S., some 96 million people, have prediabetes. Diabetes is the leading cause of new blindness among adults from 18 to 64, according to a Prevent Blindness news release.

Dr. Daniel Laroche, a top New York City eye specialist, said, “To help pre vent diabetes, it is essential to have an excellent diet with salads, vegetables and fruits, and reduce bread and rice intake. Exercise 30 minutes a day. Meditate for 15-30 minutes a day. Drink green tea and reduce sleep apnea and snoring by sleep ing on the side and not directly on your back. Controlling weight helps to reduce diabetes and retinopathy.”

Many people with diabetes may not know about the damaging effects the dis ease can have on vision. “Regular dilated eye examinations are essential to detect

diabetic retinopathy early and provide vision saving treatments when ready,” he added.

Dr. Laroche is a glaucoma specialist who wants people to be aware that glau coma, cataracts, macular degeneration and retinopathy can begin to surface between the ages of 40 and 70.

“Over time, these diseases can lead to blindness, so it’s best to address them as soon as possible,” said Dr. Laroche. “We have new treatments with earlier surgical options that can help preserve (or restore) their vision with faster recovery times.”

Glaucoma is the leading cause of blind ness in African Americans and people from the Caribbean, and the simple way to prevent the devastating effects of glau coma is to maintain regular eye visits.

“Eyesight or human vision is one of the most important senses,” Dr. LaRoche said. “As much as 80 percent of what we feel comes through our sense of sight. By protecting the eyes, people will reduce the chance of blindness and vision loss while also staying on top of any develop ing eye diseases, such as glaucoma and cataracts.” l

The Number of People with Diabetes in the Americas has More Than Tripled in Three Decades, PAHO Report Says

Washington D.C. , Nov 11, 2022

(PAHO/WHO): Growing rates of obesity, poor diets, and lack of physical activity, among other factors, have contributed to a more than threefold increase in the number of adults liv ing with diabetes in the Americas in the past 30 years according to a new report by the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO).

The PAHO Panorama of Diabetes in the Americas, released in the run up to World Diabetes Day (November 14) calls on countries to improve early diagnosis, increase access to quality care for dia betes control, and develop strategies to promote healthy lifestyles and nutrition.

At least 62 million people live with dia betes in the Americas, a number which is expected to be much higher given that around 40% of those with the disease are unaware they have the condition. If cur rent trends continue, the number of peo ple with diabetes in the region is project ed to reach 109 million by 2040.

The increase in cases of diabetes over

three decades is linked to an increase in risk factors – two-thirds of adults in the Americas are overweight or obese, and only 60% get enough exercise. The report also points to an alarming trend among young people in the region: over 30% are now considered to be obese or overweight – almost double the global average.

“These high rates of diabetes highlight the urgent need for countries to focus on prevention and the promotion of healthy lifestyles,” said Dr. Anselm Hennis, Director of the Department of Non-com municable Diseases and Mental Health at

PAHO. “At the same time, it is crucial to ensure early diagnosis and good disease management, which are key to control ling diabetes and preventing diabetesrelated disability and poor health.”

The report shows, however, that just 12 countries in the region have the six basic technologies required for the manage ment of diabetes in public health facili ties, including equipment for measuring blood glucose, tests for the early diagno sis of complications, and urine test strips for glucose and ketone analysis. “It is crucial that everyone, everywhere has access to these basic diagnosis and man

agement tools needed to prevent related disability,” Dr. Hennis added.

The report also notes that people with diabetes have higher risks for severe forms of COVID-19 and death, high lighting the importance of integrating diabetes care into preparedness and response plans for emergencies.

In order to reduce the prevalence of the disease and enable those with diabetes to lead healthier lives and avoid complica tions, the report calls on countries to:

•Improve the capacity for early diagnosis of diabetes and for the prevention of dia betes-related complications;

•Increase availability and access to qual ity diabetes care, including essential medicines such as insulin, glucose-moni toring devices, and self-management support;

•Build strategies and policies to promote healthy lifestyles and nutrition and pre vent obesity.

•Strengthen surveillance and monitoring to ensure good diabetes control.

Diabetes in the Americas

Diabetes is a chronic, metabolic disease, characterized by elevated levels of blood glucose. Type 2 diabetes is the most com mon type, which usually occurs in adults when the body becomes resistant to or fails to produce enough insulin. Type 1 diabetes occurs when the pancreas pro duces little or no insulin by itself.

Diabetes is the sixth leading cause of mortality in the Americas and was responsible for over 284,000 deaths in 2019. It is also the second highest cause of disability in the region, preceded only by ischemic heart disease. Diabetes is the leading cause of blindness in people aged 40 to 74, lower extremity amputations, and chronic kidney disease. In addition, diabetes triples the risk of death by car diovascular disease, kidney disease, or cancer.

While type 1 diabetes cannot be pre vented, it can be managed. Measures are available, however, to prevent type 2 dia betes, including policies and programs to promote good health and nutrition, regu lar exercise, avoiding smoking and con trolling blood pressure.

PAHO continues to support countries in designing, implementing, and evaluating strategies to prevent and control diabetes.

PAHO’s Strategic Fund works to strengthen universal access to essential medicines and technologies for the treat ment of diabetes in the region, enabling Member States to obtain insulin at lowcost prices. The WHO Global Diabetes Compact also reinforces this commit ment and provides a roadmap for coun tries to tackle diabetes.

World Diabetes Day is held every year on November 14 on the birthday of Dr. Frederic Banting, a co-discoverer of insulin, to raise awareness of diabetes. l

How to Meet Your Own Emotional Needs

BY MARY CAMPBELL

People often enter into a romantic relationship expecting their partner to meet all of their emotional needs. They may be disappointed when those expectations are not met. Although there is nothing wrong with wanting a supportive partner, it is important to learn how to meet our own emotional needs.

Defining Emotional Needs

Emotional needs may vary according to the individual. However, there are basic emotional needs that generally pertain to everyone. Those basic needs include security, attention, privacy, value, social connection, and a sense of control over your own life. Although it is wonderful to connect with people who will support you emotionally, it is also necessary to be able to meet those needs on your own. Here are a few ways to do that.

Develop a Sense of Security

Be aware of your own capabilities. Know that you can take care of yourself. People often underestimate their own mental and emotional strength. However, most peo ple are emotionally stronger than they realize. Learn to rely on your own inter nal strength.

Focus Your Attention on Yourself

Everyone likes attention to some degree. However, if you find yourself craving attention and not getting enough of it, find ways to focus your attention on your self. Pamper yourself with a day at the spa or just have a relaxing day at home. Find a hobby that you enjoy and immerse yourself in it.

Staying in Control

It is a basic human need to feel as though you are in control of your own life. Although we know we can't control every aspect of life all the time, we can main tain a level of control. You always have control over the choices you make; there fore, you are in control of your life more than you realize. Recognize the moments

Being able to meet your emotional needs offers you a sense of freedom, knowing that you are confident in who you are, alone or with others.

It is important to remember that we are responsible for our own emotional needs.

when you make small, habitual decisions and remember you always have the option to choose differently.

Connect to Others

Human beings have an innate desire to socialize with other people. If you live alone and don't get enough social interac tions, you may feel lonely or even isolat ed. Whether you have a significant other in your life or not, it is still important to get together with friends and family.

Everyone Needs Their Own Space

Although human beings are social, they also need their own space for privacy and quiet time. Even if you live in a house hold full of noisy chaos, you can still manage to find moments of privacy. Get

up an hour earlier or go to bed an hour later if necessary to get some alone time. You could also take a walk in nature or take a drive in the country.

Value Yourself

Feeling valued is another emotional need. We often see how people are undervalued and overlooked, especially in the work place. People may not always value you and your contributions as much as you deserve, but you can learn to value your self. When you value yourself and your abilities, other people will take notice. Know that you are a valuable person and you make valuable contributions to your family, your job, and your community.

Conclusion

It is fine to have someone in your life that helps meet your emotional needs. However, it can be devastating when the person you depend on for validation can no longer be there. Being able to meet your emotional needs offers you a sense of freedom, knowing that you are confi dent in who you are, alone or with others. It is important to remember that we are responsible for our own emotional needs. You can do so by accepting and loving yourself. l

Travel is Good for the Soul

BY HARRY JOHNSON, ETURBO NEWS

To travel and discover, to explore new places, meet new people, encounter different cultures is in people’s DNA. Travel plays valuable role in emotional well-being. We all know that. And if anything, it’s a feeling that has been reaffirmed (over and over!) as we return to a sense of normalcy – in life in general and travel specifically.

The results of a recent survey of 2,000 Americans, who traveled abroad over the last 14 months, proves that travel and emotional well-being go hand-in-hand. According to the survey, 77 percent of Americans questions have said they felt more like themselves because of their recent travels, while 80 percent said that returning to travel in the past 14 months has been good for their soul and for their well-being.

And the same sentiment holds true towards future travels – after the pause on international travel, 80 percent said they need a vacation in 2023 more than ever before. Not that travel has been easy over the last year or so – changing COVID-19 restrictions forced some respondents to reschedule (37%), while other dealt with lost luggage (35%) or delayed and can celled flights (31%).

However, the good news is that even of those who faced issues while traveling, 84 percent said their trip was still com pletely worth it – and 84 percent said that, despite any difficulties, they’d happily do it all over again if given the chance. To travel and discover, to explore new places, meet new people, encounter dif ferent cultures and experience nature’s wild beauty is in people’s DNA.

Television, movies, social media, books… these were all great substitutes

while travel was on pause, but for many Americans getting out in the world and setting out on new adventures is an intrin sic part of who they are. So, despite some of the challenges that this post-pandemic return to travel has thrown at travelers –the flight delays and cancellations, lost luggage, long line-ups, etc. – the results of the poll show that the joy of 2022 and 2023 travel, and the happiness it brings with it, far outweighs any hiccups we encounter along the way.

Take Your Revenge

Of the 2,000 Americans polled, 66 per cent stated to have a desire to “revenge travel” — defined as wanting to travel more, after feeling like they missed out on time and experiences due to the pan demic. And respondents are making the most of the return to travel; as many trav el restrictions have lifted, 57 percent of those surveyed were able to take a “oncein-a-lifetime” adventure in 2022. For those who did, this included seeing something or someone who won’t be there in 10 years (22%), using a travel agent to take the stress out of traveling (21%) and traveling to where their family is originally from (21%). But whether it was a “once-in-a-lifetime” adventure or not, the survey found that Americans were generally positive about any travel experience in the past 14 months.

Trust the Pros

When it comes to planning a future get away – something themajority of respon dents have already done (71% have an international trip booked and 65% a domestic trip) – along with recommend ing people book now to take advantage of many airlines offering no fees for can celling or changing flights (58%), the next piece of advice they had was to book with a tour operator or travel agent so they can help if something unexpected happens (57%).

What Advice Would Respondents Share, as People Plan Trips?

● Book now, to take advantage of many airlines offering no fees for canceling or changing flights — 58%

● Traveling through a tour operator or a travel agent so they can help if something unexpected happens — 57%

● It’s worth the extra money to fly on an airline without change fees, in case of changing COVID-19 cases — 56%

● Always have a book or activity for the airport, in case of delays — 49%

● Try to travel with just a carry-on — 37%

What Made it a “Once-in-a-Lifetime” Adventure?

● Saw something/someone who won’t be there in 10 years (ex. a changing land scape, an older relative, etc.) — 22%

● Used a travel agent, which took the stress out of traveling — 21%

● Traveled to where my family is origi nally from — 21%

● It was a longer trip than I would nor mally take — 20%

● Saw something I’ve always wanted to (ex. the Northern Lights) — 20%

● Got engaged while traveling or went on my honeymoon — 20%

● Used a tour operator, which took the stress out of traveling — 19%

● Met a new friend/started a new rela tionship — 19%

● Traveled to a new continent — 19%

● Traveled internationally for the first time — 18%l

Are you looking to get into the health &

Hakeem Jeffries: The Democrat Who Could Replace Nancy Pelosi

BY SAM CABRAL BBC NEWS, WASHINGTON

US lawmaker Hakeem Jeffries has formally launched a bid to suc ceed Nancy Pelosi as the Democratic leader in the House of Representatives.

The New York congressman, 52, has served in the fifth-highest rank of Democratic leadership since 2019. If Mr. Jeffries ascends to the top spot, held by Mars Pelosi for two decades, he will be the first black person to lead a party in the US Congress. But he would be minority leader, and not the speaker.

Republicans regained a slim majority in the House of Representatives, the lower chamber of Congress, in last week's midterm elections. California Republican Kevin McCarthy, who cur rently serves as minority leader, has been nominated as the party's choice to be House speaker.

In a letter, Mr. Jeffries asked his Democratic colleagues for their support "as we once again prepare to meet the moment".

All eyes were on Mrs. Pelosi, 82, a day earlier, as she took to the chamber floor to announce her retirement.

"The hour has come for a new genera tion to lead the Democratic caucus," she said.

The move appeared to be coordinated with Mrs. Pelosi's top two deputiesSteny Hoyer, 83, and Jim Clyburn, 82who quickly followed suit by releasing statements on their future plans.

Both men offered endorsements for Mr. Jeffries, with Mr. Clyburn writing that his focus was "doing whatever I can to assist our new generation of Democratic Leaders, which I hope to be Hakeem Jeffries, Katherine Clark, and Pete Aguilar".

Congresswoman Katherine Clark, 59,

of Massachusetts is tipped to run for the post of whip, the number two Democratic leadership job. Pete Aguilar, 43, of California, currently vice-chair man of the caucus, is being talked about as successor to Mr. Jeffries for caucus chairman.

Mr. Jeffries, for his part, quickly lauded Mrs. Pelosi as "the most accomplished Speaker in American history", writing that she had been "the steady hand on the gavel during some of the most turbulent times the nation has ever confronted".

The leadership shuffle may help quell complaints from some Democratic voters that their party's leaders are too old.

But the trio of young up-and-comers is closely aligned with the party's establish ment wing, and Mr. Jeffries in particular has been known to clash on occasion with his party's left flank.

A lawyer who was born and raised in the Brooklyn borough of New York, he has represented the state's eighth con gressional district in the House since 2013.

He once paid tribute on the House floor to rapper The Notorious B.I.G., who was born as Christopher Wallace in Mr. Jeffries' district and gunned down in Los Angeles in 1997.

On the 20th anniversary of his death, the congressman said that the hip hop artist represented "the classic embodi ment of the American Dream" and rapped some lyrics from his 1994 hit sin gle Juicy.

In 2020, Mr. Jeffries served as one of seven Democratic managers at President Donald Trump's first impeachment trial. With Democrats retaining power in the upper chamber of Congress, Senate majority leader Chuck Schumer is likely to remain at his post. That could mean the Democratic leaders in both chambers of Congress will hail from the state of New York.l

Congressman Hakeem Jeffries Editorial credit: lev radin / Shutterstock.com