Caribbean American Weekly - Issue 169

BY JOLANTA BURKE & JUSTIN LAITI THE CONVERSATION

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

Outgoing CARICOM Chairman: Significant Achievements Made This Year

BY CAW EDITORIAL STAFF

President of Suriname Chandrikapersad Santokhi, the outgoing chairman of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), declared that the region made significant progress in his outgoing statement. He reflected on the past few months of 2022 and CARICOM's achievements. He mentioned preparations to celebrate the 50th anniversary of signing the Treaty of Chaguaramas and the critical decision to amend the Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas to provide enhanced cooperation among Member States. The amendment allows us, for the Member States that are ready to implement decisions, to proceed with these, while the others can join when they can.

He continued to emphasize how the amendment will significantly accelerate the CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME) progress. In that regard, the movement of skilled workers received a boost as the Heads of Government agreed on definitions of and qualifications for household domestics, agricultural workers, and private security officers. In the case of agricultural workers, it could not be timelier, as the boosting of production. That work is being spearheaded by the Co-operative Republic of Guyana, the Lead Head of the CARICOM Quasi Cabinet for Agriculture, who guides the Ministerial Task Force on Food Production and Food Security (MTF) in advancing the CARICOM Agri-Food Systems Agenda. Here are some other highlights:

· Cuba will join that Task Force following our Summit meeting held in December.

· Given the potential to expand production in non-food items that are most heavily imported into the Community, it was decided that a new portfolio of Industrial Policy be added to the CARICOM Quasi-Cabinet of Heads of Government.

· Suriname was assigned the portfolio and is in dialogue with the CARICOM

· The protracted challenges of our Member State, Haiti, continued to demand our attention.

· And a CARICOM Leadership Group on Haiti, comprising Suriname, The Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Jamaica, and St. Vincent & the Grenadines, has been focused on the issues.

· In pursuit of a resolution, Heads of Government have held discussions with the Prime Minister of Canada, the Honorable Justin Trudeau. Ministers and technical teams have been engaged with their counterparts in Haiti, Canada, and the United States.

· A high-level political mission is being organized to meet with Haitian stakeholders.

· The outcomes of the major international conferences were not entirely satisfactory for our Community.

· But emerging from COP27 was an agreement to establish a Fund for Loss and Damages, a significant achievement for Small Island and low-lying Coastal Developing States (SIDS), such as our Member States.

· At the Summit of the Americas, a meet-

· The celebratory meeting in Barbados of the 50-year Cooperation of CARICOM with Cuba has also highlighted the solidarity that binds all Caribbean nations

· We have come to the end of a year that has seen us begin to emerge slowly from the shadows of the adverse social and economic effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.

· The threat of the virus has not evaporated, and neither has the debt crisis nor the climate crisis.

· The attack by Russia on Ukraine has complicated the recovery from the Covid pandemic and has slowed a return to normalcy in a Post-Covid world.

In closing, His Excellency stated that, despite everything, “We have shown that we can overcome the challenges that confront us with determination and the creativity that lies within Caribbean peoples. Every incremental gain, no matter how small, is a step toward achieving our goal of a resilient, sustainable, safe, and viable Community for all.”

He also wished everyone Happy Holidays and a bright and prosperous 2023.l

21 Start Ups Announced for 2nd Cohort of EC Greenpreneurs Incubator Program

The Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI) in partnership with the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) are pleased to announce that twenty-one start-ups from the OECS have been selected to participate in the second cohort of the Eastern Caribbean Green Entrepreneurship Incubator program.

The Incubator program is a free, carefully curated training and mentoring program designed to support green entrepreneurs to build robust and sustainable business models, and the skills, tools, and

confidence to implement them for success. The program features a 12-week virtual green business training based on the lean start-up methodology, a mentorship program, 1-on-1 coaching and networking opportunities culminating in the Business Plan Competition where up to 10 businesses can qualify for grants of US$10,000.

Ninety three (93) businesses applied for the program, however 21 were selected after a rigorous screening, evaluation and selection process conducted by a selection committee composed of key

stakeholders from the business support network in the Eastern Caribbean. The selection criteria sought to identify startups with a green focus, strong entrepreneurial mindset, high growth potential and a level of inclusivity among other considerations.

The Eastern Caribbean Green Entrepreneurship Initiative was launched in 2021 and is being implemented by the Global Green Growth Institute in collaboration with the OECS Commission with funding from the Qatar Fund for Development (QFFD). l

Secretariat and specialized institutions, in preparing a draft action plan, in respect of Industrial Development in the Community, for presentation to the Conference of Heads of Government at the earliest opportunity.

ing with US President Joseph Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris resulted in establishing three Joint Committees to address cooperation on Finance, Food Security, and Energy Security.

Excellency Chandrikapersad Santokhi –President of the Republic of Suriname

Photo: CARICOM

A Year of Getting Stuff Done

Every day when I’m out talking to my fellow New Yorkers across the five boroughs, I hear the same things. All of us want a strong economy, safe streets and subways; more affordable housing; support for working families and a great education for our children.

When I took office as your Mayor a year ago, I pledged that we would Get Stuff Done in these areas, and I am proud to report that we have done just that.

The economy is roaring back, with over 150,000 private-sector jobs added between January and October. Subway ridership is higher than it has been in two years. Tourism has recovered to 85% of pre-pandemic levels, supporting jobs across every sector, from hotels to restaurants, bars and shops.

After two years of the COVID pandemic, New York City is back. I can feel the energy everywhere I go, and I can see the difference from when I was on the campaign trail.

Much of this is due to our determination to focus on public safety from Day One. While New York remains the safest big city in America, we know that people need to be safe and to feel safe. That’s why we worked so hard to address crime, disorder, and quality of life issues on every front.

The good news is that crime is down. Major crimes have dropped this November from where they were a year ago; and transit crime is down nearly 13%—due in large part to our surge of NYPD officers in the transit system. We’ve removed nearly 7000 illegal guns from our streets, and gun arrests are at a 27-year high.

At the same time, we are offering alternative pathways to New Yorkers living in areas that are at high risk for gun violence—for example, job opportunities and training with organizations like BlocPower.

Housing our neighbors has never been

more important; and I have called for an all-hands-on-deck effort to build half a million new units of housing over the next 10 years. We are already scaling up our efforts on this front, building more affordable housing across the five boroughs, and investing in improving the public housing that already exists.

We are also connecting New Yorkers in need to stable housing, and are taking bold measures to help our brothers and sisters with severe mental illness leave the streets and receive the medical support and services they urgently require.

Our young people have struggled over the past two years. We must make sure that they have the tools to recover from the isolation of the pandemic and to succeed in their careers and lives.

So, we expanded the Summer Youth Employment Program to serve 90,000 young New Yorkers over the past summer. We’ve instituted dyslexia screenings in our schools so that all our students can learn to read fluently; and we extended our services to youth in foster care so we can now support young people ages 2126, who are facing the challenges of transitioning to independent adult lives.

And we are supporting our working

families by increasing the Earned Income Tax Credit for the first time in over 20 years, putting $350 million dollars in the pockets of hardworking New Yorkers who need a break.

A safe city is also a clean and environmentally resilient city. We started the largest-in-the-nation composting program in Queens, which we hope to expand citywide. We are making sure that trash doesn’t collect in neglected areas, like underpasses; and we are limiting the amount of time residential trash can be left out on the sidewalk in an effort to reduce our rat population.

Our city continues to face challenges, but as 2022 draws to a close there is much to be optimistic about. It is an honor to be mayor of the greatest city in world, And I’m proud of what our city has accomplished together. I’m looking forward to working for you and with you to Get Stuff Done for our city in 2023 and beyond. 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.

TEAM

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

Publisher I.Q. INC.

Managing Editor & Editor-in-Chief Pearl Phillip

Legal Advisor Brian Figeroux, Esq.

Graphic & Website Designers Praim Samsoondar Kenrick Williams

Feature Writers

Linda Nwoke Victoria Falk

Contributors

Jennine Estes Tarsha Gibbons Janet Howard Mary Campbell JR Holguin Chris Tobias Email info@myiqinc.com Telephone 718-771-0988 Website www.cawnyc.com

Mayor Eric Adams at a press conference. Editorial credit: Steve Sanchez Photos / Shutterstock.com

Ahead of the Holiday Travel Season, Immigrant Airport Workers Are in Crisis

BY AMIR KHAFAGY DOCUMENTED NY

Last Thursday, nearly 100 airport workers gathered outside the historic Marina Air Terminal at LaGuardia Airport to demand better working conditions from their employer Swissport USA and for Congress to pass the Good Jobs for Good Airports Act. The bill seeks to create a national standard that will ensure airport service workers earn living wages and benefits like paid time off and healthcare.

Immigrant workers employed by Swissport USA, a Swiss-owned international aviation services contractor that handles hospital, cleaning, and cargo handling services, say that the company is routinely stealing their wages, cutting their hours, and failing to provide them with sick days or paid time off.

“We don’t get enough paid time off,” said Omar Rodriguez, a Dominican ramp agent and cabin cleaner employed by Swissport. “We’re supposed to get a week of paid sick days. But we’re so short-staffed they make it almost impossible.”

Thursday’s action, which was organized in anticipation of the upcoming holiday travel season, was part of a larger national protest coordinated by 32BJ

SEIU that saw labor actions in 15 major cities to call attention to the plight of Swissport workers. The company has dozens of employees in New York and 45,000 worldwide. In addition to the rally in New York, Swissport employees in Chicago, Boston, and Newark staged a one-day strike.

At LaGuardia, a large crowd of workers told Documented they are rallying because of the poor and unsafe work conditions they face on regular bases. They are also protesting their low wages, with most of the workers only making $19 an hour and lack benefits like health insurance. This in turn has fueled labor shortages. With fewer employees, workers say

Swissport is forcing them to take on a greater workload and placing them in more dangerous work situations.

“You know how much the bags weigh here bro? I lift 99 pounds by myself,” said baggage handler Jennifer Zambrano.

Swissport did not respond to Documented’s request for comment.

Dave Budra, a Guyanese Swissport worker said on top of his regular duties as a baggage handler, which requires him to load luggage on and off the planes, now because of staffing shortages he is now expected to clean the inside of the cabin as well. Budra as well as several of his co-workers told Documented that workers are pressured to come into work

sick or are denied paid sick days to fill staffing shortages.

“It’s back-to-back flights,” said Budra. “I came to work one day with my lunch and I had to take it back home with me. I had no chance to eat it.”

No matter how hard they work, workers say they are routinely denied breaks. When it rains, Budra is forced to work through it without any relief. “You have to work with wet shoes, and wet clothes, for eight hours. Two days ago I was wet head to toe.”

Between 2017 and 2019 Swissport accumulated over $6,000 in Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) violations for unsafe work conditions. In 2018, a baggage handler in Florida died of an apparent heart attack while on the job. The company was issued an OSHA violation in 2019 because a worker was struck by a baggage tractor, pinning her legs between it and a baggage cart. She sustained serious injuries.

This is not the first time workers at Swissport have fought back against management. Workers around the world have been waving red flags regarding how the company treats them. This past April, Swissport mechanics in Detroit went on strike for a better contract. Australian Swissport Baggage handlers nearly went on strike in September over grueling shifts. In 2017, at Toronto’s Pearson airport, Swissport workers walked off the job over a dispute involving pay and benefit cuts. In 2013, workers at London’s Stansted Airport also went on strike over a similar dispute.

Back in Queens, Omar Rodriquez said the conditions at Swissport have caused such a high employee turnover rate is also contributing to the poor conditions. Several workers say that most new employees don’t stay more than a few weeks before quitting.

“We get blamed for delays, but we’re only given a few minutes to clean and don’t have enough people to do the work,” said Rodriquez. “No one wants to stay because the pay and benefits are not enough for what we do.

During a speech at LaGuardia on Thursday, State Senator John Liu called out Swissport for its mistreatment of its employees who were essential workers during the height of the pandemic.

“Swissport is a company, an employer and we need them to do the right thing,” he said. “It’s not respecting workers as the assets, as the human capital that they truly are? This has to change.” l

Reprinted with kind permission. Article first published on December 16, 2022 by DocumentedNY.

Workers employed by Swissport USA are protesting what they say are grueling work conditions and low pay

Airplane being loaded with cargo, luggage and bags and airport-worker

AG James Delivers $500,000 in Credits to Incarcerated Individuals Who Were Denied Services

NEW YORK: New York Attorney

General Letitia James reached an agreement with JPay LLC (JPay), a technology and financial services provider for corrections facilities, for failing to provide adequate media and communication services to incarcerated individuals at facilities owned and operated by the Department of Corrections and Community Supervision (DOCCS). JPay provides tablets to incarcerated individuals that are used to watch videos, listen to music, and communicate with approved family and friends using a secure messaging system. The Office of the Attorney General (OAG) received numerous complaints from incarcerated New Yorkers that JPay’s tablets were defective, arrived late, or never arrived. The OAG also found that JPay failed to refund consumers or provide technical support when a service they paid for was not delivered. As a result of today’s agreement, JPay will provide $500,000 in credits to incarcerated individuals that can be used to communicate with people outside DOCCS facilities.

“Denying New Yorkers a service or product they paid for is illegal and unjust,” said Attorney General James. “JPay failed to deliver services to incarcerated individuals and did little to fix issues with their devices. As a result of today’s agreement, JPay must improve its services and provide better customer support to incarcerated individuals. Every New Yorker has rights, and my office will continue to defend and protect those rights.”

DOCCS operates 44 correctional and/or treatment facilities that house approximately 30,500 individuals throughout New York. JPay provides tablets to incarcerated individuals — including those at DOCCS facilities — that can be used to buy music, movies, and communications services. The communications services allow individuals to pay to communicate with approved family and friends using a secure messaging system. Family members of incarcerated individuals can add funds or digital stamps into an account to connect with their loved ones.

The OAG received hundreds of com-

plaints

utilize

the items they purchased and/or view their saved messages and pictures. JPay also failed to quickly address technical issues and left consumers without functioning devices or refunds for extended periods.

As a result of today’s agreement, JPay will provide 100 digital stamps to every individual presently at a DOCCS facility, a value of approximately $500,000. Stamps allow incarcerated individuals to send digital messages to approved family and friends. In addition, JPay must hire at least 11 customer service representatives to exclusively handle DOCCS complaints and hire at least 10 site reps to handle Level 2 complaints. JPay must also resolve complaints, or “trouble tickets,” about their devices and services within 14 days of receiving a complaint and accurately inform individuals when they can expect their product or service to be delivered. JPay must also ensure that all their kiosks at DOCCS facilities are properly maintained and that technical support is available and pay the state $50,000 in penalties.l

from New Yorkers about JPay’s poor services and products. The OAG found that JPay repeatedly failed to deliver services and often failed to refund individuals when purchased music and videos did not download. A significant number of JPay’s tablets were not functional, leaving individuals unable to fully

4 Mistakes That Plague FirstTime Home Sellers and How to Avoid Making Them

Are you thinking about selling your home? If this is your first time going through the selling process, you may be wondering just how well things are going to go. Selling a home is usually a smooth process – there are thousands sold each day – but issues can arise if you're not careful. Let's explore four mistakes that are commonly made by first-time home sellers and how you can avoid them.

Trying to Sell Without Experienced Representation

The first and most significant mistake that some first-time sellers make is to try to go it alone. Selling a house is a major financial and legal transaction and one where experience is crucial in getting things right. Invest in an agent who has a track record for quick, efficient sales and you're going to have an advantage.

Choosing Emotion Over Reason

Next, you'll want to avoid letting your emotions control how you react or respond during the selling process. Many homeowners become emotionally attached to their homes, which is fine

while you're living there but can be a problem when you're selling. It's important to let logic and reason guide the sale. Don't let yourself get caught up emotionally or you may make a critical mistake.

Pricing Outside of a Realistic Range

Asking too much – or too little! – for their home is another common mistake made by first-time home sellers. It's critical to understand that the local real estate market has a lot of influence on the correct asking price for your home. Current list-

ings and recent sales of similar homes in the area tend to set a price range in the minds of buyers, so these will need to be observed. Your real estate agent will be a big help in choosing the right sale price.

Selling at the Wrong Time

The final mistake we'll cover today is listing your home for sale in the wrong environment. The local real estate market is in constant state of change due to a variety of factors. The seasons, other local home listings, interest rates, new home construction, local municipal zoning changes and all sorts of other factors can influence your sale. Unless you are under a time constraint, it's best to let your agent advise you when it's a good time to list your home.

Selling your first home can be a daunting experience, but with the right frame of mind and professional representation, it will go smoothly. To learn more about the home selling process or to list your home for sale, contact us today. Our real estate team is happy to assist. Call Equity Smart Realty Inc at 888-670-6791. We would be happy to share our guidance.l

Council Releases Report Scrutinizing City’s Coordinated Services for Migrants and New Yorkers, Proposing Policy Reforms to Improve Support Services

City Hall, NY: On December 21, the New York City Council released a report examining the Administration’s policies and efforts to provide critical services to people seeking asylum in New York City and longtime New Yorkers. The report includes a package of policy proposals aimed at improving short-term emergency relief efforts and addressing long-standing structural shortcomings in the City’s supportive services. It puts forth specific policy recommendations to improve city shelters, housing, mental health services, language access, temporary humanitarian shelters, immigration legal services, rental assistance, workforce development, healthcare, education, and more.

“New York has always been a welcoming city where people from all walks of life can access opportunities, no matter where they are from or what language they speak,” said Speaker Adrienne Adams. “Our city will only grow stronger by addressing the immediate and long-term needs of asylum seekers and all New Yorkers. As we prepare for

the potential arrival of more migrants and work cohesively to provide culturally competent and necessary services, the City has an opportunity to strengthen our delivery of essential services to provide the utmost care and services for all. This set of policy recommendations and reforms is the Council’s contribution to advancing thoughtful, comprehensive ideas to better serve all communities.”

The report’s recommendations follow a special two-day City Council Committee of the Whole hearing, which included testimony from members of the public,

service providers, and City agency leaders from the Mayor’s Office of Contracts, Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs, New York City Emergency Management, NYC Health + Hospitals, Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, Department of Social Services, Department of Youth and Community Development, and the Department of Education.

“Tens of thousands of people are choosing to restart their lives in New York and enrich our city with their talents and strengths,” said Deputy Speaker Diana Ayala. “While some are cynically seek-

ing to play political football with their lives and well-being. New York stands ready to embrace our newest arrivals. Instead of pointing fingers at each other we need city, state, and federal leaders to come together to meet the moment with bold, forward-looking policy solutions such as those outlined in this report.”

Among the policy recommendations outlined in the report are the following:

Short-Term Needs:

Pre-arrival Priorities and Immediate Needs

· Increase communication among cities, states, and organizations to anticipate the number and kind of support newly arriving people and families may need.

·Expand efforts to connect migrants with family and intra-city/state transit where newly arriving people may seek to settle or reunite with loved ones.

· Increase funding for urgent basic living essentials so that new arrivals have access to food, clothing, and other necessary items.

·Overhaul and expand City language services to expand interpretation and translation services available to all.

·Connect migrants to culturally appropriate mental health services prioritizing people who may have suffered both physical and mental trauma prior to and throughout their journey.

·Increase the number of beds and shelter programs for young migrants through additional dedicated funding and programming.

· Create standards for temporary humanitarian centers including safety precautions, such as distance between beds, storage facilities for belongings, and access to wraparound services.

Needs within the First Few Days of Arrival

· Culturally competent food assistance to provide and transport reliable supplies of culturally appropriate cuisine to migrants.

·Expand immigration legal services with new funding and public-private partnerships to fill in gaps in service.

·Expand the documents City agencies recognize for IDNYC and other services to include those new arrivals are likely to have.

·Help new arrivals navigate NYC with MetroCards and language-appropriate guidance on using public transportation.

·Multilingual staff at family welcome centers with information on all educational options.

·Work permits for newly arriving migrants through new federal legislation.

Speaker Adams and other members of the Council. Editorial credit: rblfmr / Shutterstock.com

Long-Term Needs:

Housing

·Allow shelter residents to access City rental assistance sooner by considering legislation eliminating the 90-day shelter-stay requirement.

·Speed up approvals for City rental assistance by reducing administrative and procedural hurdles.

·Crackdown on landlords illegally denying City rental vouchers by ensure that the Commission on Human Rights’ Source of Income Discrimination Unit is fully staffed.

·Reduce the documentation needed to enter City shelters by considering legislation to reduce the two-year housing history documentation requirement.

·Ease the process for families seeking shelter by increasing efficiency and staffing at the Prevention Assistance and Temporary Housing (PATH) family intake center,

·Expand social services available at City shelters by considering legislation to expand the number of eligibility specialists and housing specialists available at shelters.

·Build more permanent affordable housing following the framework included in Speaker Adams’ Housing Agenda.

·Evaluate supportive services for New

Yorkers exiting shelters including piloting a new or supplemental aftercare program to support New Yorkers transitioning from the homeless shelter system.

·Make City rental assistance available to all regardless of immigration status.

Economic Opportunity, Food Insecurity, and Health

·Expand workforce development training to build on migrants’ existing skills.

·Provide food assistance program information to migrants with detailed language-accessible and location-specific information about food pantries and soup kitchens

·Connect new arrivals with free and lowcost City healthcare at our public hospitals to ongoing preventative and responsive health care.

·Prepare City workforce to deliver trauma-informed care including initial and

ongoing training to all government personnel who regularly engage with asylum seekers.

Education

·Expand the pool of bilingual and multilingual teachers at City schools.

·Ensure schools receive all available funding including Title I, Title III, and IDEA funding

·Expand English classes for adults to meet the current demand from recent arrivals and long-time New Yorkers.

·Language Access Coordinators in all schools to ensure students and families receive language-appropriate educational support.

·Expand multilingual mental health services for students, providing culturally competent and linguistically appropriate mental health care to students.

·Remove barriers to retaining multilin-

gual teachers by reviewing state requirements for certification.

·Support schools in securing student records for new migrant students.

·Expand childcare to all by building on Council-funded initiatives supporting childcare for undocumented children in NYC.

“To date, our City has welcomed over 31,000 asylum seekers, finding shelter, housing, and support for nearly every single one of them. However, as we prepare for the end of the racist Title 42 policy, we must redouble our efforts to ensure everyone who comes to New York City seeking safety can find it,” said Immigration Chair and Council Member Shahana Hanif. “The Speaker’s call for expanded legal services, permanent housing, multilingual mental health care, and funding for schools, both to meet the short- and long-term needs, for newly arrived New Yorkers, is exactly the response our City government should take. As we mourn the second suicide of an asylum seeker in our City’s care, we must expand our efforts to provide care and pursue this policy package to ensure we meet this moment for the thousands of asylum seekers who are relying on us.”

The full report is available at www.cawnyc.com

Services for Migrants/

Editorial credit: Steve Sanchez Photos Shutterstock.com

Amid Unprecedented Violence, Humanitarian Crisis in Haiti, International Specialized Armed Force Urgently Needed, Deputy Secretary-

General Tells Security Council

Following are UN Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed’s remarks to the Security Council briefing on Haiti, in New York on December 21:

Thank you for the opportunity to make introductory remarks on the situation in Haiti, a country that remains a priority for the United Nations and, more personally, to the Secretary-General and I.

During my last visit to Haiti in February, I was encouraged by the nationally led efforts towards recovery. I saw strong efforts to rebuild after the tragic earthquake that struck the southern peninsula in 2021. I was encouraged by nationally led efforts towards recovery. And I was heartened by the solidarity of Haiti’s international partners. Efforts to eliminate cholera were yielding results. And there were high hopes that political negotiations would set a new course for stability and sustainable development. But, at the end of 2022, Haiti is in a deepening crisis of unprecedented scale and complexity that is cause for serious

alarm. Efforts to engage in dialogue continue to be made on the way forward. Insecurity has reached unprecedented levels and human rights abuses are widespread. Armed gangs have expanded their violent criminal activities, using killings and gang rapes to terrorize and subjugate communities.

Gang violence is paralyzing the country and obstructing the freedom of movement of people, of goods and humanitarian aid. It has fueled the resurgence of cholera, increased food insecurity to unimaginable levels, displaced 155,000 people and disrupted the education of thousands of children.

The Secretary-General and the whole United Nations, stand in solidarity with the people of Haiti during these extremely difficult times. Special Representative of the Secretary-General La Lime, His Excellency Ambassador Michel Xavier Biang and Kim Ives will brief you on the details of the situation unfolding before the eyes of the world.

Allow me, in these brief remarks, to

draw attention to two aspects of the crisis. First, Port-au-Prince and the regions beyond are suffering the worst human rights and humanitarian emergency in decades. As always, vulnerable communities are suffering most. For example, 90 per cent of cholera cases are in areas already suffering high rates of severe acute malnutrition.

I condemn in the strongest terms the reports of widespread sexual violence by armed gangs. The harrowing accounts in the report issued two months ago by the United Nations Integrated Office in Haiti (BINUH) and the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) are a call to action and accountability.

The United Nations will continue to provide a voice for women and girls living in communities that are controlled by gangs; to work to reduce their vulnerability to violence of all kinds; and to call for justice and accountability for the perpetrators of these heinous crimes.

Second, there is an urgent need for

international support and solidarity. Now is certainly not the time for the world to turn away from Haiti. It is time to step up and turn the current crisis into an opportunity for Haiti to bounce back stronger.

I urge every country with the capacity to do so to give urgent consideration to the Haitian Government’s request for an international specialized armed force to help restore security and alleviate the humanitarian crisis. I have seen it on the ground. This is absolutely essential if Haiti is to return to institutional stability and get back on the road towards peace and sustainable development. I reiterate the Secretary-General’s call for international support to the Haitian National Police, as set out in his letter of 8 October.

Despite the end of the siege at the Varreux oil terminal, there is a continued need for solidarity and action from the international community. Haiti’s people, like people everywhere, have a right to go about their daily lives without the threat of kidnapping, rape or murder; to access basic and life-saving services; and to exercise their political and civil rights, including the right to vote in elections. There are many other crises around the world. But, very few crises, if any, test our commitment and values like the one that we are witnessing in Haiti. It is a test of the common humanity that should be at the heart of international cooperation. It is a test of our solidarity with the people in deep suffering.

During my visit last February, I spoke with civil society, students, women and girls. Those conversations gave me hope. Now we need to help Haitians keep that hope alive, for today and for tomorrow.

There is clearly an urgent need to respond to the most immediate emergency. But, Haiti will also need international support to address the structural causes of this crisis and break the cycles that have constrained its development for so long. Inclusive, sustainable development is essential in its own right; it is also humanity’s ultimate crisis prevention tool.

The Secretary-General and I, and the entire United Nations, reaffirm our solidarity and commitment to stand with Haiti and its people, and to support the country’s recovery towards sustainable development, democracy, stability and peace. For this new year, I call for unity and solidarity in support of a solution to the crisis in Haiti, led by Haitians, and for all Haitians. l

Read more stories at

Estate Planning Guide

Advance Care Planning: Health Care Directives

Advance care planning is not just about old age. At any age, a medical crisis could leave you too ill to make your own health care decisions. Even if you are not sick now, planning for health care in the future is an important step toward making sure you get the medical care you would want, if you are unable to speak for yourself and doctors and family members are making the decisions for you.

Many Americans face questions about medical treatment but may not be capable of making those decisions, for example, in an emergency or at the end of life. This article will explain the types of decisions that may need to be made in such cases and questions you can think about now so you're prepared later. It can help you think about who you would want to make decisions for you if you can't make them yourself. It will also discuss ways you can share your wishes with others. Knowing who you want to make decisions on your behalf and how you would decide might take some of the burden off family and friends.

What is advance care planning?

Advance care planning involves learning about the types of decisions that might need to be made, considering those decisions ahead of time, and then letting others know—both your family and your health care providers—about your preferences.

These preferences are often put into an advance directive, a legal document that goes into effect only if you are incapacitated and unable to speak for yourself. This could be the result of disease or severe injury—no matter how old you are. It helps others know what type of medical care you want.

An advance directive also allows you to express your values and desires related to end-of-life care. You might think of it as a living document—one that you can adjust as your situation changes because of new information or a change in your health.

Making your advance care wishes known

There are two main elements in an advance directive—a living will and a durable power of attorney for health care. There are also other documents that can supplement your advance directive. You can choose

which documents to create, depending on how you want decisions to be made. These documents include: •Living will •Durable power of attorney for health care

•Other advance care planning documents

Medical issues that might arise at the end of life include: •DNR orders •Organ and tissue donation •POLST and MOLST forms

How to choose your health care proxy

If you decide to choose a proxy, think about people you know who share your views and values about life and medical decisions. Your proxy might be a family member, a friend, your lawyer, or someone in your social or spiritual community. It's a good idea to also name an alternate proxy. It is especially important to have a

detailed living will if you choose not to name a proxy.

You can decide how much authority your proxy has over your medical care—whether he or she is entitled to make a wide range of decisions or only a few specific ones. Try not to include guidelines that make it impossible for the proxy to fulfill his or her duties. For example, it's probably not unusual for someone to say in conversation, "I don't want to go to a nursing home," but think carefully about whether you want a restriction like that in your advance directive. Sometimes, for financial or medical reasons, that may be the best choice for you.

Of course, check with those you choose as your health care proxy and alternate before you name them officially. Make sure they are comfortable with this responsibility.

Making your health care directives official

Once you have talked with your doctor and have an idea of the types of decisions that could come up in the future and whom you would like as a proxy, if you want one at all, the next step is to fill out the legal forms detailing your wishes. Don't depend on the lawyer to help you understand different medical treatments. Start the planning process by talking with your doctor.p

National Institute on Aging

Updating Your Will

Wills are designed to be ironclad documents that set forth how you want assets dispersed to loved ones.

They take the guesswork — or, in some sad cases, the arguments — out of a critical moment in this very emotional process. But they’re not ironclad at all. In fact, there are several instances in which you should go back and update this document so that it doesn’t end up creating the very end-of-life problems you’re trying to avoid.

Marital Status

If you get married after executing a will, you’ll need to add your new spouse as a beneficiary. Most states allow a spouse to receive their portion of an estate, even if a will is not in place. But securing that benefit can be a lengthy and difficult process. Obviously, your will might also be changed if you get a divorce, since your spouse would typically no longer be a beneficiary. Spouses are also generally named as guardians for minor children and estate executors in wills, so those designations may also need to be updated when a marriage ends.

Tax Laws

Work directly with a professional

estate planner when crafting this document, since they will have the most upto-date information on your will’s tax implications. But be aware that these laws change, and sometimes your final document has to be updated in order to remain in the appropriate legal standing. A legal representative should make periodic reviews of your will, with an eye toward updating things like estate-tax issues.

Financial Situation

If you endure an economic downturn, it may be necessary to pay out less to your beneficiaries to make sure that the estate’s other obligations are still met in your absence. On the other hand, if you experience a notable financial uptick, you may want to increase the benefit for those you leave behind — or maybe even add a new beneficiary.

Adding a ‘P.S.’

If you’re only adding a small change after the will has been competed, you may choose to make what’s called a codicil — basically a legal “P.S.” to your will. An extra page is written, signed and witnessed, just as your original will was, then attached. After death, both documents are to be read and followed. More important chances should involve an entirely new will.

Ask for Advice

A will is your ironclad way to disperse your assets to loved ones as you wish. Don’t be afraid to ask your legal expert for advice on other moments that may benefit your last will and testament. Remember, this document is incredibly important to keep accurate as it articulates your vision and solidifies your legacy.p

Choosing An Estate Attorney

Organizing your estate can be overwhelming without the help of an expert. With the assistance of an estate planning attorney, you can discuss your vision for your assets before death. Don’t risk creating a plan that doesn’t specify your decisions to the exact details.

When searching for a specialized attorney, it’s important to chat with a few different experts in your area. Make sure you feel comfortable in their office as the discussions of

Planning for a Disabled Child

Estate pre-planning should be an important part of everyone’s financial regimen, but this process becomes even more important when you have a child with disabilities.

A lot of factors go into creating a uniquely designed plan, depending on their unique personal challenges and whether they are a minor or adult. The goal is to help your special-needs child continue to lead an enriching, happy life even in your absence.

A Lifetime of Care

The larger goal of special-needs planning is to preserve public aid while also supplementing your child’s care. There are additional benefits to taking care of this right away: If plans are put in place while you’re still alive, the estate avoids probate. Others interested parties, like their grandparents, can contribute to a trust. Named co-trustees can also get hands-on experience in helping with childcare and administering the guardianship. Depending on the child’s capability, this money-management program may be critically important since it will be the only

future path to protecting eligibility for benefits. It will provide additional funds for a broader scope of care and create a financial resource should benefits become restricted or end all together.

Special-Needs Trust

Children are at particular risk if they are unable to live independently after the death of a parent of guardian. A special-needs trust can ensure that they are provided with needed resources and care over the course of

their lifetime. Parents or guardians should name the trust as a beneficiary in their will, according to the American Bar Association, instead of the child. Many public-aid options are designed to be resource dependent, meaning recipients aren’t eligible if they have access to a certain amount of money. These trusts allow for an inheritance without endangering aid provided by Medicaid, SSI or other government programs because assets held in trust are not directly available to the child. Funds from life-insurance policies, IRAs and retirement plans can also be directed to the trust, and the child still has access to other programs.

Designating a Caretaker

Beyond the obvious financial considerations, parents and guardians must select a designated caretaker to look after their special-needs child — or to manage their care, if the child is in an assisted-living environment. Work with an attorney who specializes in estate planning in order to create both a trust and this succession plan, since states have differing regulations and laws regarding who may serve as a legal guardian.p

finances and final wishes can be intimate. Once you find several attorneys to interview for the role, here are some questions you should ask before deciding:

How Long Have They Been Practicising Estate Planning Law?

Many general attorneys will advertise that estate planning is a part of their practice. They can be a great help when creating legal documents like a will, health care directives and power of attorney. However, if your financial situation is more complicated, an experienced estate planning lawyer will have better knowledge of the ever-changing laws and know how to protect your legacy.

You should also know how long they have been in practice. Someone who has extensive experience in the industry has likely discovered flaws in previous cases and has learned how to correct them. Ensuring your final wishes are in good hands, is great peace of mind for both you and your loved ones.

Do They Regularly Update Plans?

To stay on top of your estate, find an attorney who offers an updating and

continued on page 4

Importance of a Living Trust

Most know how critical it is to create a last will and testament when estate pre-planning. Despite its name, however, a will isn’t the final document you need to ensure a smooth transferal of your earthly possessions to the next generation. Here’s a look at how a living trust smooths the way for the proper execution of your will.

How Trusts Work

Without a living trust, you risk sending your surviving family members through a drawn-out legal proceeding known as probate. These hearings first determine whether a will is valid. They then turn their attention to locating and valuing a decedent’s assets. Any outstanding bills and tax debts are paid. Finally, probate hearings make a determination on distributing whatever remains to those who are named in your will. Living trusts streamline the process, proving for a designated family member or friend to manage your property. They can then quickly resolve these end-of-life issues.

Appointing Someone

The very first requirement is finding an executor who you completely trust to handle this important process in your absence. Your executor should also be someone who is mature enough to deal with a very difficult assignment. If you can’t find the right person — or if the intention is to leave out all direct beneficiaries — then you can name a representative from your bank or trust company to handle things.

Setting Them Up

A person who you appoint handles everything that the court would slowly work its way through, transferring ownership to your intended

beneficiaries and following any other instructions. Seek out the advice of an attorney who specializes in living trusts and wills, so that you can be assured that everything in these documents is legally binding. What if you change you mind? Living trusts are revocable, as long as you’re deemed mentally competent.

Potential Problems

There is one notable downside. Living trusts are typically far more costly to set up than the average straight-forward will. In the long run, however, that additional cost will be worth it in your absence since your family won’t have to deal with probate. Be aware that some banks and mortgage companies require that any real estate be removed from the trust before refinancing. A pre-planning professional can walk you through the process. Also, be sure to name yourself and spouse as trustees in your living will, so you’ll remain in control of all assets before your death. your finances will be fixed and approved, allowing everyone else to move on with grieving.p

Choosing An Estate Attorney/ continued from page 3

maintenance program. The service may cost more, but they will contact you throughout the year and discuss new techniques, life-changing events which may impact your plans and alterations to laws.

Working with a lawyer who stays in contact with you about your estate plan ensures your documents will be up-to -date when it’s needed.

How Do They Charge?

Estate planning is necessary to prepare your family before your death. Ask about the fees the attorney charges. During the interview, find out if he or she charges a fixed rate or hourly. You don’t want to be surprised with unexpected fees. p

Mr. Vegas Graduates with Sociology Degree & 3.9 GPA

BY STAFF WRITER, JAMAICANS.COM

Jamaican dancehall artist Mr. Vegas, 47, who was born Clifford Smith in Kingston in 1974, has graduated from Florida International University (FIU) with a degree in Sociology/Anthropology and a minor in Hospitality Management. During his studies, he maintained a GPA of 3.9. He announced his achievement on Instagram with a post that included a photo of him in his FIU gown.

The dancehall star accompanied the announcement with the story of his journey, which began in 2019 when he decided to re-educate himself and obtained a General Education Diploma, a high school equivalency diploma that he received after taking the General Educational Development Test. Mr. Vegas had not graduated from high school in his youth as he dropped out of school in the ninth grade. He then attended Broward College and earned a degree in Mass Communication in 2021.

He went on to tell his 170,000-plus followers on Instagram that “getting a taste” of college life increased his desire to do more, so he applied and was accepted to FIU. He changed his major to Sociology/Anthropology with a minor in Hospitality Management. The challenges arising from the COVID-19 pandemic and difficult school assignments threatened his achievement, but he kept studying and eventually earned his degree with a 3.9 GPA.

In his Instagram post, Mr. Vegas also thanked all the people who helped him on his way to academic success, especially his nephew and several colleagues who encouraged him throughout his journey.

He also thanked his teachers, in particular “Dr. Sammy.”

Mr. Vegas is optimistic about his future, noting that furthering his education has been a great event in his life. He wrote that he will now be an inspiration to his children and that he now wants to share his experiences with others. The singer’s accomplishment has earned him considerable praise from celebrities, including Khadine Hylton, better known as “Miss Kitty.” Etana also congratulated him, as did many of his fans.

Mr. Vegas continued his pursuit of higher education while also being involved in copyright litigation against VP Records in a lawsuit that was filed in 2020. A settlement has recently been reached prior to trial.

The musical resume of Mr. Vegas includes several Billboard-charted songs and a MOBO Award for “Best Reggae Artist.” He is well known in Jamaica for songs like “Nike Air” released in 1997 and among others, “I am Blessed,” “Tek Heh Yuself,” “Party Tun Up,” “Daggering,” as well as collaborations like “Taxi Fare” with Mr. Lexx and “Bad Man Nah Flee” with Beenie Man. The artist’s latest track, “Bhuff,” was released in October 2022.l

This is a great little entree or appetizer. Ideal for a romantic meal for two!By Scratch, AllRecipes.com

Ingredients

½ sheet puff pastry 3 tablespoons butter ¼ pound mushrooms, sliced 2 cloves garlic, crushed ½ cup crumbled goat cheese 4 teaspoons finely chopped fresh parsley

Directions

Step 1

Preheat an oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). Lightly grease a baking tray.

Step 2

Lay puff pastry out on a lightly floured surface and cut into 8 squares. Prick the squares in several places with a fork. Place the puff pastry squares on prepared baking sheet.

Step 3

Bake the puff pastry squares for 7 minutes. Remove tray from the oven, flatten the squares using the backside of a spatula. Return puff pastry to the oven to bake until golden brown, 5 to 8 minutes. Remove from oven.

Step 4

Meanwhile, melt butter in a skillet over high heat. Cook and stir the mushrooms and garlic in the butter until mushrooms are tender, 5 to 7 minutes. Remove from heat.

Step 5

Top the baked puff pastry squares evenly with the mushroom mixture. Crumble goat cheese over mushrooms and sprinkle with parsley.l

Cook's Note

If you don't have goat cheese, feta is a rather tasty substitute.

Nutrition Facts

Per serving: 630 calories; total fat 51g; saturated fat 24g; cholesterol 73mg; sodium 458mg; total carbohydrate 31g; dietary fiber 2g; total sugars 2g; protein 14g; vitamin c 6mg; calcium 126mg; iron 3mg; potassium 304mg

Mr Vegas Photo Instagram

Health Department Releases 2021 Hepatitis A, B, and C Annual Report

The Health Department on December 22, released its 2021

Hepatitis A, B, and C Annual Report, which includes surveillance data for 2021. The report includes updates on Health Department-funded services and programming, recommendations for health care providers, and updates on progress toward implementing last December’s Plan to Eliminate Viral Hepatitis as a Major Public Health Threat in New York City by 2030 (Viral Hepatitis Elimination Plan).

“Hepatitis is preventable and treatable,” said Health Commissioner Dr. Ashwin Vasan. “However, the greatest threat to people living with hepatitis are barriers to care. We have to do all we can to reduce inequities and ensure that preventive services and treatment are available.”

According to the 2021 Hepatitis A, B, and C Annual Report, cases of chronic hepatitis B and chronic hepatitis C in New York City increased from 2020 to 2021, as more people accessed health care and screening services in 2021 following the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2021, New York City received increasing reports of hepatitis A among people who use drugs and people

experiencing homelessness, populations affected by ongoing outbreaks of hepatitis A nationwide.

In 2021 in New York City, among all people newly reported with chronic hepatitis B, 56.7% were male and 43.2% lived in neighborhoods of high or very high poverty. Among all people newly reported with chronic hepatitis C, 62.9% were male and 43.1% lived in neighborhoods of high or very high poverty. People with a history of injection or intranasal drug use made up 47% of people ages 18 to 34 years newly reported with chronic hepatitis C in New York City in 2021. While the number of newly reported cases of chronic hepatitis B and C have declined since 2016, not all New Yorkers have equitable access to viral hepatitis screening, prevention, and medical care due to structural racism, discrimination, and underinvestment in certain neighborhoods and communities. These factors prevent many marginalized communities from accessing critical viral hepatitis services and other health care, placing them at increased risk of infection and, for people living with hepatitis B or C, putting quality medical care further out of reach. As a result, inequities by gender, neighborhood poverty level,

and age persist, indicating opportunities for programming and services designed for communities at increased risk for acquiring hepatitis infection.

“While it is encouraging to see an overall decline in hepatitis B and C cases in New York City since 2016, we have more work to do to ensure all New Yorkers have access to care and treatment,” said Dr. Sarah Braunstein, Assistant Commissioner for the Health Department’s Bureau of Hepatitis, HIV, and Sexually Transmitted Infections. “We must continue to reduce discrimination and inequities that put many communities at risk for viral hepatitis and impact quality care and access to treatment. We thank the New York City Council for its continued investment in the Viral Hepatitis Initiative, and look forward to deepening our work with community partners to implement our Viral Hepatitis Elimination Plan. The Health Department remains committed to elevating the voices and experiences of New Yorkers with hepatitis B and C and ensuring they have the tools and resources to thrive.”

The 2021 Hepatitis A, B, and C Annual Report includes updates on Health Department partnerships and funded programming and services designed to prevent new infections, improve outcomes, and reduce health disparities. As highlighted in the report, in 2021, the Health Department’s hepatitis B and C tele-navigation program reached 965 New Yorkers living with hepatitis B or C by phone to offer health care navigation services. Of these, 201 people with hepatitis B received linkage to care services, 61% of whom were linked to hepatitis B medical care. Additionally, 273 people with hepatitis C received linkage to care services, 75% of whom were linked to hepatitis C medical care. In 2021, the Health Department’s Perinatal Hepatitis B Program provided case management services to 676 people with chronic hepatitis B and their infants to help prevent perinatal transmission. The Health Department funds 15 syringe service programs across New York City to provide

health care services to people who use drugs, including hepatitis B vaccination, hepatitis C testing and care coordination, overdose prevention and harm reduction education, access to buprenorphine treatment, and distribution of sterile syringes and other drug use equipment to prevent the transmission of viral hepatitis and other blood-borne diseases. In 2021, the programs provided services to 20,191 New Yorkers.

The report also reminds health care providers of reporting requirements related to hepatitis cases, and sets forth a series of recommendations for providers related to screening, prevention, vaccination, and treatment as part of broader efforts to eliminate hepatitis B and C in New York City.

In June 2022, the New York City Council announced continued funding for the Health Department’s Viral Hepatitis Initiative. Established in 2014, the initiative supports community organizations to provide hepatitis B and C prevention, linkage to care, clinical services, and training. From July 1, 2020, through June 30, 2021, the Viral Hepatitis Initiative supported patient navigation programs that reached 3,155 people at risk for or living with hepatitis B or C, and supported the training of 180 peer and patient navigators and 2,882 clinical providers in hepatitis B and C prevention, testing, linkage to care, evaluation, and treatment.

In December 2021, the Health Department and community partners released the Viral Hepatitis Elimination Plan, a set of strategies to reduce the number of hepatitis C infections, improve the health of people with hepatitis B and C, and reduce health inequities related to viral hepatitis infection in New York City. The 2021 Hepatitis A, B, and C Annual Report features status updates on plan implementation.

As of 2019, more than 300,000 people are estimated to be living with hepatitis B or C in New York City. Without care and treatment, more than 75,000 people may progress to serious liver disease, liver cancer, or premature death. The Health Department works to improve the health of people affected by hepatitis B and C through prevention, screening, and vaccinations; reporting and surveillance; outbreak response; linkage to care; health care capacity building; community engagement and public education; and research and publication.

For information on hepatitis A, B, and C, or to find a location offering low- to no-cost hepatitis A vaccination; hepatitis B testing, vaccination, or treatment; or hepatitis C testing or treatment, visit nyc.gov/health/hepatitis or call 311.

For information on Hep Free NYC, a community coalition of clinical and community health providers, researchers, advocates, and people with lived experience of hepatitis B and/or C, or to get involved, visit HepFree.nyc.

5 Heart Health Tips for the Holidays

Food, drinks, gifts and time with family make the holidays a merry occasion for people across the country. However, all that celebrating can sometimes become a distraction from maintaining heart health.

In fact, the joys of the season can become marred for many as research shows an uptick in cardiac events and heart attack deaths during the final week of December. According to a study published in the American Heart Association journal, “Circulation,” more cardiac deaths occur on Dec. 25 than any other day of the year, followed by the second largest number on Dec. 26 and third largest on Jan. 1.

“The holidays are a busy, often stressful time for many of us,” said American Heart Association Chief Clinical Science Officer Mitchell S.V. Elkind, M.D., M.S., FAHA. “Routines are disrupted. We may tend to eat and drink more and exercise and relax less. We’re getting too little sleep and experiencing too much stress. While we don’t know exactly why there are more deadly heart attacks during this time, it’s important to be aware that these factors can snowball, increasing the risk for a deadly cardiac event.”

Being aware of this annual phenomenon

and taking a few important, heart-healthy steps can help save lives. Consider these tips from Dr. Elkind and the experts at the American Heart Association.

•Know symptoms and take action. Heart attack signs vary in men and women, but it’s important to recognize them early and call 9-1-1 for help. The sooner medical treatment begins, the better chances of survival and preventing heart damage.

•Celebrate in moderation. Eating healthfully during the holidays doesn’t have to mean depriving yourself. There are ways

I’m always doing two things

to eat smart, such as by limiting sodium intake and looking for small, healthy swaps so you continue to feel your best while eating and drinking in moderation.

•Practice goodwill toward yourself. Make time to take care of yourself during this busy season. Reading a favorite book, meditating or even playing with pets are productive ways to reduce stress from the family interactions, strained finances, hectic schedules, traveling and other stressors that can be brought on by the holidays.

Catch the signs early

Don’t wait to get help if you experience any heart attack warning signs. Some heart attacks are sudden and intense, but others start slowly, with mild pain or discomfort. Pay attention to your body and call 911 if you experience:

Chest discomfort. Discomfort in other areas of the upper body. Shortness of breath. Other possible signs include breaking out in a cold sweat, nausea or lightheadedness.

•Keep moving. The hustle and bustle of holiday preparation often pushes exercise to the side, but it’s important to stay active as much as possible. Get creative to keep moving by going for a family walk or playing physically active games with loved ones.

•Stick to your medications. Busy schedules can cause some people to skip medications, sometimes even forgetting them at home or not getting refills in a timely manner. Try using a medication chart as a reminder, and be sure to keep tabs on your blood pressure numbers.

Discover more ways to live hearthealthy during the holidays and throughout the year at heart.org. l (FamilyFeatures)

Eric L. Adams L

Mayor

Ashwin Vasan, MD, PhD Ashwin PhD Commissioner Health

5 Communication Strategies That Will Transform Your Relationships

BY MARY CAMPBELL

Effective communication is a crucial component of any healthy relationship. It allows us to connect with others, share our thoughts and feelings, and work through conflicts in a constructive way. Without effective communication, relationships can suffer and break down.

Here are five communication strategies that can help transform your relationships for the better:

1. Practice active listening. One of the most important communication skills is the ability to listen actively. This means giving your full attention to the other person, showing that you are interested in what they have to say, and making an effort to understand their perspective. To practice active listening, try repeating back what the other person has said, asking clarifying questions, and avoiding interruptions or distractions. Active listening helps to build trust, respect, and connection in a relationship.

2. Use "I" statements. "I" statements are a powerful tool for expressing your own feelings and needs without attacking or blaming the other person. For example, instead of saying "You always forget to take out the trash," you could say "I feel frustrated when the trash isn't taken out because it's part of our agreement to share household responsibilities." "I" statements help to defuse tension and encourage open and honest communication.

3. Set boundaries. Setting boundaries is an essential part of any healthy relationship. It means making it clear what you are and are not comfortable with, and what you are willing and able to do. Boundaries can be physical, emotional,

or mental. For example, you might set a boundary around the need for personal space, or the need to have time alone to recharge. Setting boundaries helps to protect your own well-being and respect the well-being of others.

4. Have difficult conversations. Conflicts and misunderstandings are a normal part of any relationship. The key is to address them in a healthy way. When having a difficult conversation, try to stay calm and focused, and avoid getting defensive or attacking the other person. Instead, use "I" statements to express your own feelings and needs, and listen actively to the other person's perspective. If necessary, you might want to set a time

limit or use a mediator to help facilitate the conversation. Having difficult conversations in a healthy way can help to resolve conflicts and strengthen your relationship.

5. Use nonverbal communication. Nonverbal communication includes body language, facial expressions, and tone of voice. It can convey a lot of information about how we feel and what we mean, even without words. Paying attention to nonverbal cues can help you better understand the other person and respond appropriately. For example, if someone is crossing their arms or avoiding eye contact, they might be feeling closed off or upset. By using nonverbal communication, you can strengthen your bond with others and improve your overall communication skills.

By implementing these strategies, you can improve your communication skills and build stronger, more fulfilling relationships. Remember, effective communication takes practice and patience, but it is worth the effort. l

Enforcement of DWI/ continued from page 1

crack down on speeding and drunk driving ahead of the holidays. Agency leaders also announced that New York City will urge passage of state legislation that would lower the legal blood-alcohol concentration (BAC) threshold from .08 to .05%, which is estimated to significantly decrease fatalities in New York State related to driving while intoxicated (DWI).

“The safety of our community is a top priority. As we do each year during the holiday season, we will be deploying our assets with our agency and government partners to ensure that all New York City road users remain safe,” said NYPD Chief of Transportation Kim Y. Royster. “High-visibility enforcement will take place on our highways and local streets during peak times. Our ongoing public education is critically important and will play a large role during this festive season. The NYPD is raising awareness about the dangers of impaired driving and reinforcing the importance of motorists making good choices behind the wheel. Our message is simple. No matter what you drive — a passenger car, pickup, sport utility vehicle, or motorcycle — if you are stopped for driving while impaired, you will be arrested. No exceptions. Officers will be patrolling the city to get more drunk drivers off the

road and save lives that might otherwise be lost. Traffic safety is public safety.”

“DOT is dedicated to keeping our streets safe this holiday season and all year long. We are proud to work with our Vision Zero partners on annual holiday enforcement – working to reduce speeding and DWI so everyone who walks, cycles, drives, or travels in New York City can celebrate safely,” said NYC DOT Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez. “But even with expanded enforcement, too many crashes around the holidays will involve reckless drinking and driving, so we are making a strong call for Albany to reduce the BAC threshold to .05 to save even more lives.”

“As we celebrate the holiday season with friends and family, it’s worth remembering that the upcoming week is always one of the deadliest when it comes to car crashes, largely due to alcohol consumption,” said New York City Taxi and Limousine Commission Chair David Do. “If you are going to be

drinking, the easiest way to protect yourself and others is simply not to drive. Hire a cab or a car, make it a present to yourself or your group. In the long run, it could be the most valuable gift you’ll ever give.”

As reported this week, traffic fatalities in New York City are likely to decline this year, stopping increases that began in 2019. This year, pedestrian fatalities were among the lowest in New York City’s recorded history, defying national trends where pedestrian fatalities have risen to their highest levels in four decades.

Today’s Vision Zero announcement includes:

NYPD Holiday Enforcement: NYPD will be actively enforcing laws against speeding and Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) throughout the holiday season and beyond. Enforcement will occur along highways and on local streets where excessive speeds have been observed, including by DOT speed cameras. Enforcement will be conducted by NYPD Highway Patrol as well as by local precincts, each of which now has a radar detector.

Reducing the BAC Threshold: More than 30% of crashes in New York State involve alcohol. The share of traffic fatalities in New York City related to Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) has increased dramatically, reflecting disturbing pan-

demic trends involving alcohol consumption: in 2021, 43 traffic fatalities were directly tied to DWI, a 60 percent increase over the prior 3-year average of 27 fatalities.

As part of its legislative agenda to combat dangerous and reckless driving, New York City will advocate in Albany for state legislation that would lower the DWI threshold from .08 to .05%, aligning New York with peer countries across the world — including Australia, Argentina, France, Ireland, and the Netherlands. At a .05 BAC, a person may not feel drunk, but they are still impaired for essential safe driving tasks. Research shows lowering the threshold to .05 could lead to an estimated over 10 percent decrease in DWI fatalities across New York State. In the last Albany legislative session, Senator John Liu and Assembly Member Jo Anne Simon sponsored a bill (S131/A7197) that would lower the threshold to .05.

“Ensuring protection for drivers, pedestrians and cyclists using our city streets becomes even more important during the holiday season,” said Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg. “I thank our partners in city government for taking these proactive steps and advocating for this legislation, and we will work together to keep our streets free of dangerous crashes that result from drunk and reckless driving.”l

Speeding ruins lives. Slow down.

Aggressive

DA Bragg. Photo courtesy: Manhattan DA’s Office

Holiday Burnout/

continued from page 1

have come and gone. This feeling has even been termed “festive burnout” or “holiday burnout”. Here’s why this happens – and what you can do to recover after the holidays are over.

Many of us are exposed to numerous stressors over a very short period of time throughout the holiday season – whether it’s queuing for presents, sitting in traffic on the way to visit friends or family, worrying about money or even the stress of seeing family.

As soon as your brain perceives a stressor, it ignites your sympathetic nervous system, which is responsible for the body’s “fight or flight” reaction. It does this to prepare your body to stay alert and get you through a stressful situation.

When the sympathetic nervous system is activated, the body produces adrenaline and begins working harder – with more blood being pumped through the heart, the lungs increasing their air intake, and eyesight and hearing being enhanced. You may experience these changes as feeling more sweaty or having a pounding chest.

But as we face up against repeated stressors during the holidays, this can lead to lasting changes within the body systems connected to this stress response – ultimately leaving you feeling burntout.

Specifically, it can make the sympathetic nervous system more prone to activation and dampen the effects of the parasympathetic nervous system, which helps your body balance out stress responses. Add to that the increased production of cortisol, a hormone essential in controlling your energy levels, and you may find it difficult to sleep at night, become irritated for no reason, or feel over-excited and unable to relax.

At the same time, when your cortisol activation lasts too long because of a cascade of small stressful events leading up to Christmas, your body may start producing lower daily cortisol levels, leaving it feeling drained. Eventually, the constant activation of the sympathetic nervous system inhibits your body’s ability to recover from stress and feel energised throughout the day, contributing to feelings of festive burnout.

If you’re finding you feel burnt-out after the holidays, here are a few things you can do to feel better and recover.

1. Reminiscence

One way to reduce the negative impact of stress is to experience positive emotions. Reminiscing can also help you get a new perspective on your experiences, which helps you see your life in a more balanced way.

You can do this activity on your own or, better yet, with your loved ones. Reminisce about the good times using prompts such as photographs. Discuss them with family and friends. If you’re on your own, close your eyes and think about your memories carefully, or write them down. The more effort you put into this activity, the better your results.Trying to re-experience the positive emotions you had during the holiday season will help remind your body what it feels like to feel good.

2. Listen to music

If you find it difficult to relax, have difficulty sleeping or feel tired even after sleeping for many hours following the

holiday season, try bringing more music into your life. This is especially important before you go to sleep. Music is associated with stress reduction, and reducing stress will help ease symptoms of burnout.

It can be any music you like, so long as it does actually make you feel better. It you want to maximise the positive effect of music, listen to it throughout the day or try dancing to it – either on your own or with loved ones.

3. Anticipate a good day

For the next week, before going to bed, try to vividly imagine four positive events that could happen to you the next day. They might be as simple as receiving a text from someone you care about, going for a walk, or doing one of your favourite things.

Try to use all your senses when imagining this – then as soon as you are ready, go to bed. This technique will help you get a good night’s sleep – and sleep is important for helping you to rebuild all your depleted resources and recover from burnout after the festive season.

Although Christmas can certainly be a stressful time for many of us, remembering why we choose to celebrate with friends and family can help us to overcome any stress and burnout that we may now be experiencing.l

Caribbean American Claudine Gay Named at 30th President of Harvard University

BY HARVARD UNIVERSITY NEWS

Claudine Gay, a widely admired higher education leader and distinguished scholar of democracy and political participation, will become the 30th president of Harvard University on July 1.

Since 2018, Gay has served as the Edgerley Family Dean of Harvard’s Faculty of Arts and Sciences (FAS), the University’s largest and most academically diverse faculty, spanning the biological and physical sciences and engineering, the social sciences, and the humanities and arts. As dean, she has guided efforts to expand student access and opportunity, spur excellence and innovation in teaching and research, enhance aspects of academic culture, and bring new emphasis and energy to areas such as quantum science and engineering; climate change; ethnicity, indigeneity, and migration; and the humanities. She has successfully led FAS through the COVID pandemic, consistently and effectively prioritizing the dual goals of safeguarding community health and sustaining academic continuity and progress. The disruptive effects of the crisis notwithstanding, she has also launched and led an ambitious, inclusive, and faculty-driven strategic planning

process, intended to take a fresh look at fundamental aspects of academic structures, resources, and operations in FAS and to advance academic excellence in the years ahead.

The daughter of Haitian immigrants, Gay received her bachelor’s degree in 1992 from Stanford, where she majored in economics and was awarded the Anna Laura Myers Prize for best undergraduate thesis. In 1998, she received her Ph.D. in government from Harvard, where she won the Toppan Prize for best dissertation in political science. A quantitative social scientist with expertise in political behavior, Gay served as an assistant professor and then tenured associate professor at Stanford before being recruited to Harvard in 2006 as a professor of government. She was also appointed a professor of African and African American Studies in 2007. She was named the Wilbur A. Cowett Professor of Government in 2015, when she also became dean of social science at FAS.

“Claudine is a remarkable leader who is profoundly devoted to sustaining and enhancing Harvard’s academic excellence, to championing both the value and the values of higher education and research, to expanding opportunity, and to strengthening Harvard as a fount of ideas and a force for good in the world,”

said Penny Pritzker, senior

“As the Edgerley Family Dean of the Faculty of Arts and Sciences since 2018, and previously as dean of social science, Claudine has brought to her roles a rare blend of incisiveness and inclusiveness, intellectual range and strategic savvy, institutional ambition and personal humility, a respect for enduring ideals, and a talent for catalyzing change. She has a bedrock commitment to free inquiry and expression, as well as a deep appreciation for the diverse voices and views that are the lifeblood of a university community.

“As her many admirers know, Claudine consults widely; she listens attentively; she thinks rigorously and imaginatively; she invites collaboration and resists complacency; and she acts with conviction

and purpose,” continued Pritzker. “All of us on the search committee are excited by the prospect of her bringing her high aspirations and interdisciplinary outlook across the Yard from University Hall to Massachusetts Hall. We are confident Claudine will be a thoughtful, principled, and inspiring president for all of Harvard, dedicated to helping each of our individual Schools to thrive, as well as fostering creative connections among them. She is someone intent on affirming the power of curiosity-driven learning. And she is someone eager to integrate and elevate Harvard’s efforts — throughout the arts and sciences and across the professions — to address complex challenges in the wider world.

“For all her professional accomplishments, even more impressive are Claudine’s personal qualities — her quality and clarity of mind, her broad curiosity about fields beyond her own, her integrity and fair-mindedness, and her dedication to creating opportunities for others. She will be a great Harvard president in no small part because she is such a good person,” said Pritzker.

Speaking after her election, Gay said, “I am humbled by the confidence that the governing boards have placed in me and by the prospect of succeeding President Bacow in leading this remarkable institution. It has been a privilege to work with Larry over the last five years. He has shown me that leadership isn’t about one person. It’s about all of us, moving forward together, and that’s a lesson I take with me into this next journey.

“Today, we are in a moment of remarkable and accelerating change — socially, politically, economically, and technologically,” said Gay. “So many fundamental assumptions about how the world works and how we should relate to one another are being tested.

“Yet Harvard has a long history of rising to meet new challenges, of converting the energy of our time into forces of renewal and reinvention,” she continued.

“With the strength of this extraordinary institution behind us, we enter a moment of possibility, one that calls for deeper collaboration across the University, across all of our remarkable Schools. There is an urgency for Harvard to be engaged with the world and to bring bold, brave, pioneering thinking to our greatest challenges.

“As I start my tenure, there’s so much more for me to discover about this institution that I love, and I’m looking forward to doing just that, with our whole community.”

fellow of the Harvard Corporation and chair of Harvard’s presidential search committee.

Claudine Gay. Photo:nStephanie Mitchell/Harvard Staff Photographer