Caribbean American Weekly - Issue 187 by IQ INC.

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ISSUE 187 VOLUME 24

Nov 30-Dec 13, 2023

SERVING THE CARIBBEAN AND HISPANIC COMMUNITIES!

What to Do If a Self-Checkout Store Accuses You of Shoplifting BY JANET HOWARD

Editorial credit: lev radin / Shutterstock.com

continued on page 4

Barbados Prime Minister Hon Mia Mottley: Continue to Look Out For Our Children ....3

Editorial credit: Vidpen / Shutterstock.com

alk into retail chains and pharmacies, and you will find one common occurrence: most items are under lock and key. Is New York experiencing a shoplifting wave? There have been reports of shoplifting from both traditional and social media. Check-in on Instagram, and you will see reels of thieves raiding stores. Some stores also have a policy of following

A Window for Deeper US Economic Ties with Latin America and the Caribbean ....2

Jamaica: Strong Emphasis on Churches in Plan to Eliminate Gender-Based Violence

Senators Schumer and Gillibrand Should Join Pushback Against Senate Negotiations ....13

BY E. HARTMAN RECKORD JAMAICA INFORMATION SERVICE

trong emphasis is being placed on faith-based organizations in the National Strategic Action Plan to Eliminate Gender-based Violence (NSAP-GBV) in Jamaica. The Plan, which was launched in 2018 by the Ministry of Culture,

Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment & Sports, Hon Olivia Grange Photo: Mark Bell

continued on page 18

PAHO and UNAIDS Highlight Key Role of Communities in Advancing Towards the Elimination of AIDS ....3

INSIDE: Personal Injury | Auto Accident Guide ....9 to 12

Four Ways to Gain Respect From A Man ....16

New Research: Dad’s Drinking a Significant Factor to FAS ....6

What Are the True Costs of Selling a Home? Let's Take a Look ....8

People Who Experienced Childhood Adversity Had Poorer COVID-19 Outcomes, New Study Shows ....17

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CARIBBEAN SPECIAL REPORT Caribbean Consulates Anguilla 845 Third Avenue New York, N.Y. 10022 Tel: 212-745-0200 Antigua & Barbuda 305 East 47th Street, Suite 6A New York, N.Y. 10020 Tel: 212-541-4117 The Bahamas 231 East 46th Street New York, N.Y. 10017 Tel: 212-421-6420 Barbados 820 Second Avenue, 5th Floor New York, N.Y. 10017 Tel: 212-551-4325 Belize 675 Third Avenue, Suite 1911 New York, N.Y. 10017 Tel: 212-593-0999 Dominica 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

The APEP Leaders’ Summit Opened a Window for Deeper US Economic Ties with Latin America and the Caribbean BY JASON MARCZAK AND MARTIN CASSINELLI, THE ATLANTIC COUNCIL

alf of the United States’ free trade partners are Latin American countries, with hemispheric neighbors comprising eleven of the United States’ top forty-five export partners. Amid rapid global transformations, US economic security will increasingly be tied to economic prosperity in the Americas and ensuring that the United States is a strategic partner in defining that economic future. These are some of the reasons why it was a big deal that, for the first time in recent memory, a sitting US president convened a White House summit with eleven of the United States’ hemispheric partners. The Americas Partnership for Economic Prosperity (APEP) Leaders’ Summit was held on November 3. It zeroed in on advancing responsible, sustainable investment and accelerating new commercial flows. In advancing the summit’s focus on prosperity, leaders worked on creating a roadmap to foster regional competitiveness, make supply chains more resilient, and mobilize new sustainable investment across the hemisphere. The initial partners of APEP are a select group of ten Latin American and Caribbean countries, as well as Canada and the United States. Together, these countries represent about 90 percent of the Western Hemisphere’s gross domestic product. More importantly, the United States has trade agreements with eight of these countries, which gives APEP an underlying institutional framework in which to operate. For the APEP to yield results over time, however, the initiatives announced at the summit must be accompanied by ambitious trade integration efforts, targeted investment goals, and an expansion of the countries included in the partnership. The motivation behind the summit The Biden administration’s push to increase the United States’ economic presence in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) comes at a critical time in hemispheric relations, as Chinese influence in the region has dramatically increased over the last decade. Whereas China imported 1 percent of the region’s exports in 2000, it now imports 15 percent. Chinese companies are also major investors in the energy and infrastructure sectors, as China’s Belt and Road Initiative has found many partners in Latin America, including among at least eight APEP member countries. The region’s trade flows have shifted toward Beijing, and China has surpassed the United States to become South America’s largest trading partner. LAC govern-

ments, in turn, have criticized the United States for remaining an observer to this trend, unable or unwilling to match Chinese influence with a cohesive economic policy that offers alternatives to regional policymakers. The APEP Leaders’ Summit represented the United States’ effort to rise to the occasion and to further position itself as an attractive partner to LAC countries. What the summit accomplished At the APEP Leaders’ Summit, US President Joe Biden announced new initiatives and programs that seek to define the pillars of US economic engagement with the region for years to come. The focus of the new hemispheric economic policy is on development financing and mobilizing new, sustainable investment in the region, with the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) taking on a central role. Among the most prominent announcements at the summit, the US International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) and the IDB will launch an investment platform to channel “billions of dollars into building sustainable infrastructure and strengthening critical supply chains.” By mitigating investment risk, the White House aims to unlock barriers to private sector financing in the region. Moreover, Biden announced that the United States will work with the IDB to establish a fund for nature to mobilize more investment in climate-based solutions, such as debt-for-nature swaps, as well as blue and green bonds. Other initiatives to enhance workers’ skills in the region and to benefit migrant-hosting countries were also announced. The announcements are welcome, but what will be most important is ensuring that the new money and financing opportunities actually reach the region and the people whose lives could be most improved by these initiatives. Assessing the APEP summit The summit shows the United States’ intention to deepen economic cooperation with the region, even amid geopolitical crises that might otherwise eclipse the US government’s capacity to offer a cohesive economic policy approach. Mobilizing new development finance and sustainable investment, including the new initiatives announced at the White House, will unlock private sector investment and channel much-needed resources into industry. If done correctly, the United States could marshal its weight—through the IDB—to de-risk private sector investment and reassure investors that are looking to move resources to the LAC region. An inflow of new capital in the form of foreign direct investment or US compa-

nies bidding for infrastructure projects would offer Latin American policymakers an alternative to Chinese capital. The United States matching China’s investment dollar for dollar is unlikely, as China’s state-led investment model cannot be replicated by the United States’ private sector-led capitalist economic diplomacy model. However, the United States can leverage its leadership by choosing projects wisely and investing in those areas that ultimately trickle down to citizens of the Americas. What should come next? While the DFC-IDB investment platform is a welcome first step, the administration should set investment targets to ensure that the platform results in an increase in US capital flowing to current and potential future APEP members. Furthermore, for the platform to be effective, it will be necessary to lift the DFC’s lending restrictions to middle- and upper-middleincome countries, categories that include most LAC countries. While the summit focused on development financing and sustainable investment, what was noticeably missing were any agreements on commercial integration through trade policy. US partners clamor for new trade openness, but that is not on the current US agenda. It is unclear how much investment can be mobilized without accompanying updates to broader commercial integration. And the APEP should be static: The inclusion of more countries into the APEP framework should be a priority, with Brazil and Central American countries top of mind. Central America is the primary source of migrants to the United States, but it also holds significant potential to contribute to nearshoring efforts. One day before the summit, former US Senator Chris Dodd, an instrumental figure in convening it as Biden’s special presidential advisor for the Americas, cautioned leaders that in politics “windows open and windows close.” With the APEP Leaders’ Summit, a window has opened. For the region to benefit from deeper US-LAC cooperation and for the United States to offer LAC policymakers a new vision of what long-term economic partnership could mean, it’s now time to open not just the window, but the door to an economic partnership model that can stand the test of political cycles. l Jason Marczak is vice president and senior director of the Adrienne Arsht Latin America Center at the Atlantic Council. Martin Cassinelli is a project assistant in the Adrienne Arsht Latin America Center at the Atlantic Council. Reprinted with kind permission.

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THOUGHTS

PAHO and UNAIDS Highlight Key Role of Communities in Advancing Towards the Elimination of AIDS as a Public Health Problem

ashington, DC./Panama City, (PAHO): On World AIDS Day (December 1), the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) and the Joint United Nations Program on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) highlight the key role of communities and civil society in the provision of HIV information and services, such as testing, prevention and treatment, in Latin America and the Caribbean. “We must recognize the fundamental part that communities play in accelerating the HIV response,” Dr. Jarbas Barbosa, PAHO Director said. “Today, let us renew our commitment and support for community leadership as we work together to eliminate AIDS in the region of the Americas.” Let communities lead is the theme for World AIDS Day 2023, emphasizing the role that organizations led by people most disproportionately affected by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) play in the response to this four-decade epidemic. “We are on the home stretch when it comes to ending AIDS as a public health challenge, but we will only achieve this goal if we empower the most affected communities that are being left behind,” Luisa Cabal, Regional Director of UNAIDS for Latin America and the Caribbean said. “Community leadership is essential in all HIV plans and programs, which must also have financing and protective regulations for their operation.” To support the expansion of services to key populations and people living with HIV, PAHO and UNAIDS launched the “I am key” initiative in eleven countries in Latin America. This effort has led to strengthened partnerships with communities and civil society to support an accelerated response and people-centered service models. It is essential that communities are

“We must recognize the fundamental part that communities play in accelerating the HIV response,” Dr. Jarbas Barbosa, PAHO Director said. Photo courtesy: PAHO

empowered to develop their own strategies and reach those who need it most with information, HIV self-testing, antiretrovirals as a method of prevention (known as PrEP), and treatment to reach an undetectable viral load and break the chain of transmission. As spaces free of stigma and discrimination, services led by community groups also increase acceptance and retention in care for gays and men who have sex with men, sex workers, trans people, and drug users – populations considered key in the response to HIV and among whom the highest number of new infections are reported. In Latin America and the Caribbean around 2.5 million people live with HIV. In 2022, about 130,000 people acquired the virus and 33,000 lost their lives from AIDS-related causes. Expand PrEP to prevent new cases of HIV Advances in medicine and public health have allowed rapid diagnosis and methods for combined prevention and effective treatment against the virus. A person with HIV who adheres to treatment no longer transmits the virus, and a healthy person who takes PrEP has 99% protection against HIV. The region has also made great efforts

to advance the implementation of PrEP, which is reflected in an increase in the number of countries with public health policies on PrEP and its greater availability. However, the number of people receiving it needs to be rapidly increased to prevent new cases of HIV. Disseminating information to communities can support an increased demand for PrEP, especially among those at highest risk of exposure. Additionally, through the PAHO Strategic Fund, countries in the Americas can purchase PrEP at affordable prices, a fundamental support given the limited resources of some health ministries.l

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

The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) works with the countries of the Americas to improve the health and quality of life of its population. Founded in 1902, it is the world’s oldest international public health agency. It serves as the Regional Office of WHO for the Americas and is the specialized health agency of the Inter-American system. www.paho.org

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DIASPORA CONCERNS Shoplifting/ continued from page 1 minorities around when they shop. In the holiday season, everything goes up a notch. Shoplifting may be one of the most common crimes that the police get calls about. However, it can still be very embarrassing and troublesome to be accused of it: not only does dealing with such a charge waste your time, but you can also end up paying fines, doing community service, or even facing jail time. It's important to take the possibility of a shoplifting charge seriously—even when the value of the merchandise is no more than a couple of dollars. You may think you're safe if you never intend to steal anything from a store, but it is more complex. Now that self-checkout is common at all big stores; you could find yourself caught up in a shoplifting situation without actually intending to take anything. How do you accidentally shoplift? Accidentally, taking something from a store without paying for it has always been a possibility (slipping something in your pocket to pay for it, but forgetting about it is one way it happens — like in the hit 1992 comedy My Cousin Vinny). But it's easier to miss something with self-checkout. At a self-checkout station at any store, you must carefully scan each item and ensure it's recorded. You may properly scan and pay for merchandise worth $1,000, but you could be caught if you

Editorial credit: image_vulture / Shutterstock.com

make a mistake with a $5 bottle of bleach. In this case, you would only get a visit from the police (if they could bother to show up) and get orders to attend adult responsibility courses for petty theft. But it would still be an unpleasant experience. In general, you make these mistakes when you have lots of items. Stores don't recommend using self-checkout when you have more than 20 items. To stay safe, however, it would be a good idea only to use self-checkout if you have less than ten items. The more items you have, the more likely you will make a scanning mistake with something. It's also important not to be distracted by your children or anything else while you go through the self-checkout process. Self-checkout has made all kinds of intentional theft common at stores nationwide. People tend to pull scams like picking expensive Honeycrisp apples and punching in inexpensive Red Delicious ones (it's actually called the banana trick because people often choose to punch in the code for cheap bananas, no matter

what produce they want to steal) or putting a bag of produce on the scale, but holding it up a little so that the machine records less weight. People also peel barcode stickers off inexpensive items to slap on expensive items. Some take home a barcode sticker for a cheap item, print out hundreds of them on a home printer, bring them back to the store, and put them on everything they want to buy. Otherwise, honest people tend to be okay with this kind of thievery because they believe that stores owe them for putting them to work checking out their merchandise. An estimated 20% of shoppers intentionally shoplift at self-checkout, after all. Stores are fed up with this kind of theft and are extra vigilant now to catch anyone they can get their hands on. They even have automatic weight scanners for shopping carts. If your cart weighs even an ounce more than the store computer tells them it should weigh based on what you've scanned into the computer, they'll catch you.

What should you do when you realize you've accidentally shoplifted? It isn't a good idea to shoplift on purpose. You might get away with it most of the time, but the day you get caught, the hassle and the embarrassment could feel terrible, not to mention there could be legal consequences and a marred record. A crime on your record could sometimes make it hard for you to find a job or travel to another country. Intentional shoplifting is playing with fire. If you discover that you've unintentionally forgotten to pay for something, however, you could always go back to the store as soon as possible and tell them you missed something. When you do so, it would be a good idea to record the entire encounter on your phone camera to ensure that the store manager doesn't become unreasonable and try to press charges anyway. What happens if the store presses charges? If you're caught taking something without paying for it (intentionally or otherwise), and the store presses charges, you could expect to go through the following legal steps. It can help to have a lawyer specializing in criminal law on your side through the entire process: • A preindictment conference in which you plead or ask for a plea bargain (negotiate for a lesser charge). • An indictment, in which a jury decides whether to pursue the charges made against you. continued on page 5

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DIASPORA CONCERNS

Arleigh Louison is Dead. The Pain and Devastation of His Immigration Fraud Lives On.

ederal law enforcement agents arrested Arleigh Louison on July 18, 2019. He was indicted in Vermont on 12 counts of making false statements and submitting over 1,800 fraudulent immigration applications to the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). “A federal grand jury returned a 12count indictment against Arleigh Louison, 53, of Brooklyn, New York, charging him with running an immigration fraud scheme that included the filing of false statements with the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services, including over 1,800 fraudulent applications for over 1,000 petitioners within the last four years. Diplomatic Security Service (DSS) agents arrested Louison in Brooklyn, New York, and executed a federal search warrant at his office,” said the U.S. Department of Justice press release. Pain and Arleigh Louison Figeroux spoke on the pain and the devastation from Louison's fraud: "So, one of the pains that people suffer, a lot of people in Kings County, especially from

the Caribbean, is the pain that they have after Arleigh Louison, who is now deceased. He defrauded people by submitting fraudulent immigration applications on their behalf. There were lies in those applications that persons were abused by their spouses, children, or others, which did not qualify them for immigration benefits." Figeroux continued, "So, Arleigh Louison knew that you had pain. He was a notary, not a lawyer. Louison preyed on that pain and filed those fraudulent applications because he knew you would make bad decisions. You would sign those forms even though you didn't know what was written on the documents, which is what many persons who Arleigh Louison defrauded said.

Problems for Victims/Clients Louison has since passed. However, he has left a carnage of victims facing deportation and a myriad of immigration issues. What does this mean? Since Arleigh Louison was arrested for immigration fraud, the files of all his clients will be reviewed by the Immigration & Customs Enforcement agents (ICE). Additionally, every single client will be served a Notice to Appear (NTA) and be interviewed by ICE agents with the sole purpose of seeking admission to initiate deportation proceedings. The NTA is the first step taken by the American government to remove an immigrant from the country. Guidance If you were a client of Louison, it is imperative that you consult with an AILA attorney and do not meet with ICE alone. You should also seek the advice of more than one counsel. Get a case evaluation. ASK THE LAWYER – call 855768-8845 or visit www.askthelawyer.us to schedule an appointment. The lawyer you hire, does make a difference! l

Shoplifting/ continued from page 4

• An arraignment, in which a judge explains the charges and possible penalties and tells you what your rights are. • Discovery, in which your lawyer asks the prosecution for evidence of the crime. • A trial in which your lawyer tries to show the court that you have a clean record, attempts to discredit witness accounts, introduces mitigating factors, or puts up another defense. Through the entire process, a lawyer's legal guidance can prove critical. The takeaway A shoplifting charge can be a serious problem. It's important to do everything you can to ensure that such a thing doesn't happen to you — primarily by carefully scanning everything correctly each time you shop. If you do find yourself charged with shoplifting, it's essential to make sure that you do everything in your power to keep it from appearing on your record. And, of course, make sure you get a legal consultation and representation. l

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FAMILY MATTERS

For Decades, Mothers Have Borne the Brunt of Scrutiny for Alcohol Use During Pregnancy − New Research Points to Dad’s Drinking as a Significant Factor in Fetal Alcohol Syndrome factor in the development of alcoholrelated craniofacial abnormalities and growth deficiencies.

BY MICHAEL GOLDING THE CONVERSATION

en drink more, are more likely to binge drink and are almost four times more likely to develop alcohol use disorder than women, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Yet when it comes to diagnosing babies born with birth defects associated with alcohol consumption, such as fetal alcohol syndrome, historically only the mother’s drinking habits are taken into consideration. Research clearly shows that sperm carry a vast amount of epigenetic information – meaning heritable shifts in the way genes are expressed that don’t result from changes in the DNA sequence – that

strongly influences fetal development and child health. Yet most doctors and other health care providers do not take into account the influence of paternal health and lifestyle choices on child development. I am a developmental physiologist, and my research explores the ways that male

drinking affects fetal development. While most of the attention is given to the mom’s drinking while pregnant, my team and I focus on male drinking in the weeks and months before conception. Our studies are the first to demonstrate that male drinking before pregnancy is a plausible yet completely unexamined

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The intense focus on mom In 1981, the U.S. surgeon general issued a public health warning that alcohol use by women during pregnancy was the cause of physical and mental birth defects in children. This warning came in response to growing recognition that a group of severe physical and mental impairments in children, now commonly known as fetal alcohol syndrome, were correlated with maternal alcohol use during pregnancy. Today, doctors and scientists recognize that as many as 1 in 20 U.S. schoolchildren may exhibit some form of fetal alcohol spectrum disorders, a term referring to a wide range of alcohol-related physical, developmental and behavioral deficits, many of which cause lifelong challenges for those affected. According to the CDC, this syndrome can occur when alcohol in the mother’s blood passes to the baby through the umbilical cord. This has led to the firmly accepted belief that alcohol-related birth defects are caused only by maternal alcohol use during pregnancy and are the woman’s fault. The medical community reinforces this perception by requiring pediatricians to compel mothers to confirm and document their prenatal alcohol use before they can formally diagnose children with alcohol-related birth defects or neurobehavioral disorders associated with prenatal alcohol exposure. Nonetheless, there are multiple documented instances in which children diagnosed with fetal alcohol syndrome were born to mothers who denied that they consumed alcohol during pregnancy. For example, in one study, 41 mothers denied having consumed alcohol during pregnancy despite their child receiving a diagnosis of fetal alcohol syndrome. In this circumstance and others like it over the past 40 years, the commonly accepted assumption and explanation is that these mothers lied about their alcohol use during pregnancy. According to the CDC, there is no known safe amount of alcohol use during pregnancy or while trying to get pregnant. Despite this recommendation, alcohol use during pregnancy is widely reported. However, reported drinking levels do not directly correlate with a child developing alcohol-related birth defects, and not all women who drink give birth to continued on page 7

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FAMILY MATTERS Dad’s Drinking continued from page 6 children with fetal alcohol syndrome. This contradiction has resulted in conflicting public messaging. Although differences in how much and when pregnant women drink can contribute to the variation in how fetal alcohol syndrome develops, these factors alone cannot explain the wide range and severity of symptoms. Therefore, unknown factors beyond maternal alcohol use must contribute to this debilitating disorder. Dad is the missing piece Alcohol is a social drug, so when women drink, they often do so with their male partner. Building from this perspective, my laboratory used a mouse model to determine what happens if mom, dad or both parents drink. Fetal alcohol syndrome is associated with three core birth defects: facial abnormalities, including small eyes and malformations in the middle of the face; reduced growth of the head and brain; and fetal growth restriction, a condition that occurs when babies are born smaller than average. Building on a previous study in humans, we used facial recognition software to study the effects of alcohol consumption on the faces of mice born to mothers, fathers or both parents

who consumed alcohol before conception. In a study published early this year, we captured a digital image of the mouse’s face. We then digitally assigned facial landmarks, including specific parts of the eyes, ears, nose and mouth. The computer program then determined if maternal, paternal or dual parental alcohol exposures changed the proportional relationships between each of these landmarks. Our study using this mouse model revealed that chronic male alcohol exposure affects the formation of the offspring’s brain, skull and face. We also observed microcephaly, the underdevelopment of the head and brain, as well as lower birth weight, which became worse the more the male parent drank. Therefore, our studies demonstrate that chronic male alcohol exposure – defined

as consuming more than five drinks per day in a four-hour window – could drive all three of the core fetal alcohol syndrome birth defects. Using this same mouse model, we also determined that these craniofacial changes persist into later life. Specifically, we identified abnormalities in the jaw and the size and spacing of the adult teeth. Abnormal alignment of the upper and lower teeth is another recognized symptom of fetal alcohol syndrome in humans. Besides our research, other studies have identified behavioral changes in the offspring of male mice who regularly consume alcohol. In addition, clinical studies suggest that paternal drinking increases the risk of heart defects in people. Effects on male fertility and pregnancy Our studies also support more immediate impacts of alcohol consumption on male fertility and the ability of couples to achieve a healthy pregnancy. These observations may be especially relevant for couples struggling to have children. The CDC estimates that about 2% of all babies born in the U.S. are conceived using assisted reproductive technologies. While the focus of in-vitro fertilization treatments remains maternal health and lifestyle choices, our studies reveal that male alcohol exposure decreases the

chance of becoming pregnant after undergoing IVF. Significantly, our research showed that the more a man drinks before providing sperm, the lower the chances of his partner becoming pregnant – in some cases, by almost 50%. Looking ahead Annual estimates suggest that the cumulative costs of fetal alcohol spectrum disorders to the health care and educational systems range from US$1.29 billion to $10.1 billion annually. Given these exorbitant costs and the devastating lifelong effects on affected individuals, ignoring paternal drinking habits in public health messaging overlooks a significant contributing factor. The first published investigations into the effects of maternal exposure to toxins on birth defects in the 1950s and ’60s were met with skepticism and disbelief. Today, it is widely accepted that maternal exposures to certain drugs cause birth defects. I fully anticipate that some within the medical and scientific communities, as well as the public, will forcefully deny that paternal drinking matters. However, until doctors start asking the father about his drinking, we will never fully know the contributions of paternal alcohol exposure to birth defects and child health. l

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BE EQUITY SMART

What Are the True Costs of Selling a Home? Let's Take a Look BY EQUITY SMART REALTY INC

re you thinking about selling your house? Before you decide to list your home up for sale, it is helpful to get a clear picture of how much it's going to cost. Whether you are sprucing things up with a fresh coat of paint, replacing the roof membrane or just covering your taxes, there will be a few bills to pay. Let's take a quick look at some of the true costs that you'll incur when selling your home. Is Your Home Ready to Sell? The first question you will need to answer is whether your home is ready to sell. Unless your house is relatively new, it will likely need repairs and maintenance. Depending on the age and condition of your home, you may also decide to invest in a full home inspection. Having a professional inspector look things over is a good investment – especially if they find problem areas that require immediate attention. Invest In A Good Real Estate Agent (And Their Commission) To get the best price for your home, you will need to be represented by a great real estate agent. Of course, they are not going

to work for free. Once the home sells, the agent is compensated with a percentage of the sale price, which is known as a commission. In some cases, the home seller also pays the commission for the buyer's real estate agent as well. Factor In Costs During the Sales Process The selling process will also have its costs. From lawyers' fees to excise taxes, there is no shortage of small costs that can start to add up. You may decide to invest a bit in your open houses to make them more welcoming. Or you might need to close out your mortgage. Whatever the case, be sure to leave some space in your budget for these costs. Moving Out Will Cost You Too Finally, don't forget to factor in the cost

of moving to your new home. Many families fail to budget for moving expenses, which can be significant if you are moving out of a large home with a lot of furniture. Guidance As you can see, selling a home is a major financial transaction and one that should be led by an experienced professional. When you are ready to begin the process of selling your home, give us a call. Our team of real estate professionals can advise you of local market conditions and ensure that you receive top dollar when you sell. For more tips and advice about selling your home, contact our professional real estate team today. We are happy to help. Call us 888-670-6791.l

Call Equity Smart Realty at 888-670-6791 for a consultation.

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December 2023

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Law Firm of Figeroux & Associates Personal Injury Guide: Car Accidents

Addressing Personal Injury from Car Accidents in New York BY LINDA NWOKE

cross the United States, vehicle accidents are the leading cause of personal injury claims. In a year, an average of 4.5 million people seek medical treatment for car accidents. These injuries range from minor bruises and scrapes to permanent disability and death. If you or someone in your family has been injured or killed in a car accident in New York City, you should consult with the Law Firm of Figeroux & Associates. We are a law firm wellknown for our track record of litigation success in car accident cases. Our experienced personal injury attorneys have won large settlements for victims of car injuries. Numerous examples of settlements on personal injury cases from vehicle accident lawsuits exist. For instance, there is a case against the City of New York for failing to repair a flooded roadway, which caused the motorist's accident and resulted in brain injuries. A 35-year-old driver struck by another car that needed surgery filed a case for compensation for the treatment of injuries to her lumbar spine. Similarly, a 45-yearold passenger in her lane who stopped at a traffic light was hit from the rear. She required surgery on her neck and back. Car accidents are commonplace in New York City, sometimes leading to traffic jams. They are more frequent during the weekday, especially around rush hours— lunchtime and evening commute leading to several crashes. Overall, thousands of vehicle crashes in New York State, with an average of 30 hits per hour around the Empire state. Car Accident Statistics by Borough The statistics of vehicle-rated accidents across the five boroughs in New York City show that Brooklyn (Kings County)

QUEENS, NEW YORK - JULY 2: Car wreck on Vernon Boulevard Taken July 2, 2014 in Queens, NY. Editorial credit: eddtoro / Shutterstock.com

and Queens have the highest traffic-related deaths. Bronx county records slightly higher deaths than New York County. At the same time, Staten Island has the least number and is considered the least dangerous place. Interestingly most hospitalizations and death occur among pedestrians, while the vehicle occupants often end up seeking emergency treatment. Types of Accidents in New York City The frequently seen type of accident in New City is collisions between passenger vehicles. The most occurring factors are violating traffic laws and distracted driving. Another common accident in the city is pedestrian accidents, which have been traced to speeding, distracted driving, failing to see pedestrians, or yielding to someone in a crosswalk. Car-bicycle collisions are also a significant cause of death in the city. An average of 3,800 bicycle-vehicle crashes in 2019 resulted in injuries or death to bicyclists. What to Do After a Car Accident Most vehicle collisions are unexpected and brutal, with most victims feeling confused in the event's aftermath. Hence, the actions taken afterward can have both financial and health-related repercussions.

Most personal injury cases from car accidents in New York are settled out of court. In contrast, some cases go to trial and are heard by a jury or judge. In cases where the driver was negligent, the victim may receive compensation for their experience of pain and suffering. However, many factors considered in passing judgment include providing irrefutable evidence that the injury was caused by accident and that the victim suffered a significant loss due to the accident. Types of Personal Injury Occurring from Car Crash In general, life for many car accident victims is never the same. While the impact can range from mild to severe, victims sometimes must endure long-term medical treatments, including physical and psychological therapy. Some of the injuries caused by car accidents include soft tissue and bone injuries and traumatic brain injuries. Some of these injuries are life-changing because they can take a long time before healing and is beside the unimaginable effect these accidents have on the victim's family members. However, the state of New York has laws that address some of the victims of personal injury from car accidents.

No-fault' Insurance In New York The No-fault insurance, also referred to as "Personal Injury Protection" (PIP) insurance, was approved by the state's lawmakers in the 70s. Car insurance lowers the cost of auto insurance by settling small claims outside the courts. The insurance companies handle paying the cost of up to $50,000 on behalf of their policyholders to victims. This will cover simple items like minor injuries, lost earnings, and medical bills, irrespective of who caused the accident. However, some conditions can make a person ineligible for a no-fault benefit. They include driving under the influence, intentional accidents, committing a felony, getting injured while riding in a stolen vehicle, and having an uninsured vehicle. However, under New York State laws, a legal settlement can still be pursued over the victim's pain and suffering, injuries, and loss of personal property. New York's Statute of Limitations It is worth noting that when an individual sustains a personal injury from an accident, there is a three-year gap to file a case before the state of New York. Therefore, when an individual is seriously injured in a vehicle accident, the amount of time they must file a claim after a car accident is up to three years from the date of the accident. It is expedient for the injured person to seek medical treatment soon after the accident and legal advice from a car accident lawyer to review their case. Factors that Affect a Car Accident Settlement's Value There is no uniform agreement or guideline on settling car accident settlements cases. Sometimes out-of-court settlements from accidents can be reached with the attorney. In the case that goes to trial, continued on page 2

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December 2023

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The Most Common Car Crash Injuries in New York

arious reports from the New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH) shows that car accidents cause the second-most common injury among New York residents. Traffic accidents cause more injuries and deaths, leading to a high number of hospitalizations and a high number of visits to the emergency department visits. More than 1,900 New York residents die each year from fatal injuries caused by traffic accidents. Among them are many pedestrians (over 300), drivers and passengers (over 290), motorcyclists (over 100), bicyclists (over 30), and many unspecified persons. Concerning hospitalizations from traffic-related injuries, more than 12,000 New Yorkers become patients each year, with the most significant number of drivers and passengers (6000+) as victims. Many pedestrians (3000+) and motorcyclists (1500+) make up most of the victims. More than 136,000 New York State Residents are reportedly treated and released from an emergency department each year due to traffic-related injuries, with the occupants making up the highest number of patients. The Most Prevalent Car Crash Injuries in New York Accidents have various types and levels of impact on drivers, passengers, and beyond. For vehicle occupants, some of the most common injuries among victims of a car crash in New York are bonerelated, internal, and psychological injuries. Referencing the data by the National Highway Safety Administration (NHSA), some of the frequently occurring injuries are: Bone Injuries: Neck, Knee, Back, Hip, Wrist, and other forms of broken bones in the body. Broken Bones: A common, severe, and long-term type of injury sustained from car accidents in New York. It results from the strain against the seatbelt, blunt force trauma, and the crush between the car components and the surrounding environment. The arms and legs are often broken as they are least protected during a crash. Whiplash/ Neck injuries: This is another common injury from accidents in New York. Upon impact, the head is forced to bend and thrash around differently, causing muscles and ligaments to tear along the neck. Back or Spine Injuries: The back muscles are often torn, and victims experience dislocated discs due to the jolt to the body during the crash. This is because the spine experiences severe strain and stress. Knee Injuries: This is a common injury found among drivers and front-side passengers who are slammed into the dashboard, glove box, or steering wheel, causing severe injuries to the surrounding bones, ligaments, and the knee's patella.

Hip Injuries: The hip bone gets injured when the victims are hit from the side of the car during a crash, especially in a Tbone or side-swiping accident. Often, the upper body is thrashed and bends to one side, causing dislocation or ruptured areas of the hip. Accidents from Head-on Collisions: These accidents also result in hip injuries. In this case, the victim's weight suddenly shifts forward, putting a strain on the lower part of the seat belt across the lap, causing severe hip injuries. Soft Tissue Injuries: Although not typically life-threatening, soft tissue injuries which affect the eyes, mouth, skin, and other soft tissue are among the most painful and long-term injuries obtained from traffic accidents in New York. Stomach Injuries: The injuries to the stomach are caused by the seatbelt. They are mostly experienced as internal bleeding in the gut. They are not easily detected because the pain from these can be delayed for an extended period. Nerve Damage: When the deep tissues are affected by blunt force trauma during an accident, the nerves can be damaged by debris, or exposed components, leading to partial or total loss of function in affected areas, either temporarily or permanently. Chest Pain: Chest pains indicate many injuries following the car crash. The injuries are in the form of panic or heart attacks, rib cage or abdominal bruises, or more. These pains can also be delayed and arise afterward, depending on the type of injury causing the pain. Emotional Suffering: Some emotional pain caused by traffic accidents result in anger, depression, and fear. Mood changes indicate traumatic brain trauma injuries from a car accident. Psychological Trauma: Psychological trauma often occurs among the survivors of car accidents, and it is not related to the accident's severity. Victims often develop post-traumatic stress and other forms of association between driving and pain, fear, and sadness. What Causes Car Accidents in New York? Several factors lead to a car accident. However, in New York, car crashes are linked to two significant factors, Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) and Drowsy Driving. Driving While Intoxicated Drunk driving is a significant offense

among New York drivers, and many accidents have been attributed to drunk driving. In 2018, official data from New York State government reported that over 8,900 casualties were linked to alcohol intake. The amount of alcoholic content in a driver's blood impairs the ability to stay alert, focused, and attentive while driving. In New York State, the blood alcohol percentage (BAC) allowed is up to 0.18% while going, which is the equivalent of one drink. Anything above that number attracts a fine of over $1000, a one-year jail sentence, or license revocation in some instances. This is ultimately one of the leading causes of pedestrian injuries in New York. Drowsy Driving In 2018, New York State Traffic Safety Statistical Repository (TSSR) reported that over 4,000 drivers fell asleep behind the wheel, especially in late-night crashes. It is considered even more dangerous than driving while intoxicated. Some of the effects of drowsy driving are impaired decision-making, slow reactionary time, and lowered attention to other road users. Hence driving becomes a danger to both self and other road users. Settling Car Accident Injuries in New York It is common practice for cases relating to a car accident to be settled in New York without trial. Many insurance companies will offer to resolve accident cases quickly. These settlements are much smaller than the amount a victim can receive post legal representation and compensation in court. Some typical settlements determined by courts include car repair costs, medical bills (past and future), lost wages, and time away from work. However, suppose there is no injury from the collision. In that case, New York Law will not allow the victim to file a lawsuit against another person, even if the victim's car was damaged. In delayed injuries, the victim can file a lawsuit for delayed damages even if they have passed the standard limit established by the statute of limitations but with a solid legal representation. Different car accidents create higher risks of sustaining specific injuries and can be used to determine the person at fault during a collision. Legal Assistance If you're being sued after a car accident, you need the services of an effective defense attorney who will help you build a solid chance to prove that you were at minimal fault for the accident. Contact the experienced Personal Injury Law Firm of Figeroux & Associates which can also help you prevent the issue from reaching the payout stage. Call 855-7688845 l

Personal Injury from Car Accidents/continued from page 1

ments from accidents can be reached with the attorney. In the case that goes to trial, the jury considers all aspects of damages — economic, non-economic, and punitive, especially in accidents caused by distracted driving and recklessness. The amount of settlement awarded in New York State is determined by percentage. For instance, it can be agreed that the driver is 80% at fault. At the same time, the other such as occupants, etc., is 20% at fault, otherwise known as pure comparative negligence. They are determining the cost of medical treatment. All the documentation associated with the medical expenses during or after the accident must be considered for claims. In determining the severity of personal injuries, settlements are largely determined by the level of the injury and seriousness of the damage. A minor damage will receive less money than a permanent, chronic, or severe injury. Furthermore, the jury also reviews other factors during a trial, such as the worth of the other party's insurance, i.e., how much the other party's insurance policy carries. To determine if the person who caused the presenting situation that led to the car accident doesn't take high-value insurance coverage. All these require an expert view to help determine alternatives to obtaining an insurance claim or other revenue sources that will enable the defendant to provide a payout. Therefore, some factors that influence compensation after a car accident are the law of shared fault and negligence, the number of economic damages, the severity of injuries, and the auto insurance policy limits. Most cases need legal support and expert advice, especially from personal injury attorneys. Legal Assistance A personal injury attorney specializes in helping victims obtain settlements by providing legal assistance and advice after a car crash. The attorneys at the Personal Injury Law Firm of Figeroux & Associates possess a wide range of experience and the expertise needed to advocate for victims who have been placed in vulnerable positions from a car accident. Call us at 855-768-8845 or schedule an appointment at www.askthelawyer.us l

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December 2023

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Do I Need a Lawyer After Being Injured in a Car Accident? BY CHRIS TOBIAS

fter being injured in a car accident that was caused by the carelessness and negligence of somebody else, you might ask whether it's in your best interests to retain a car accident lawyer to represent you. In most cases, the answer is yes, you should. That's because it's inevitable that disagreements will arise with the opposing insurance company during the processing of your claim. They're likely to involve issues on liability, damages, or how much money the insurer should pay to compensate you for your injuries and damages fully. An experienced and effective car accident lawyer at the Law Firm of Figeroux & Associates will know how to respond to any such disagreements while preserving and protecting your rights during the claim or litigation process. The Opposing Insurer Will Try to Devalue Your Case Auto Insurance companies make money by depositing premium payments made by their customers and investing that

money to make even more money. Then, when liability claims are made against their customers, they search for ways to minimize the sums they'll need to pay accident victims or even not pay them anything. An accomplished car accident lawyer can help prevent such tactics while protecting their client's right to full compensation. You're Likely to Make Mistakes When Representing Yourself Every car insurance company has its teams of trained adjusters and defense lawyers who seem threatening and intimidating to victims who are continuing to recover from their injuries. The last thing you want to do during your recovery is to argue with an opposing adjuster and chase around for records, bills, and

reports from your healthcare providers or other entities. You might even be on prescription medication when the opposing insurer's adjuster phones you and requests more information. Your attorney can attend to any calls or chasing for you. They know when to put an end to it, too. Don't Give a Statement of Any Kind It's not uncommon for a car accident victim to be contacted by an insurance company's adjuster before they are even capable of consulting with an attorney. The adjuster might ask for a recorded statement from the victim for purported purposes of wrapping up the claim and getting rid of it. Giving such a statement is often the biggest mistake an unrepresented accident victim can make. The law doesn't

require the victim to do that without an attorney being present on their behalf. No matter how pressured you might feel, never give any written or recorded statement to an opposing insurance company without an attorney being present on your behalf. That adjuster already knows what happened. They have already spoken with the person who caused your accident and even have a copy of the police accident report in front of them when phoning you. Even the most successful car accident lawyers offer prospective new clients free consultations and case reviews. They also take cases on a contingency fee basis, so no out-of-pocket money must be paid for them to represent you. Consulting with and retaining such an attorney as soon as possible after a car accident caused by somebody else will assure that your right to compensation for the injuries and damages you suffered will be preserved, protected, and asserted. Contact the Law Firm of Figeroux & Associates at 855-768-8845 or www.askthelawyer.us before the opposing insurer contacts you.l

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Children & Car Accidents: Reducing the Risks! Reducing the risk to child passengers can be done by taking the following steps: 1.Always ensure that the child is safely secured in the vehicle. 2.Discourage risky activities and play while on board a car. 3.Avoid any showmanship and road rage as you drive because this will set a poor example for the children in your vehicle. 4.Train the children on safety while on board a vehicle.

BY CHRIS TOBIAS

ccording to statistics, car accidents are among the leading cause of deaths among children in the USA. About 45% of deaths among children are because of car accidents. What can you do if there is a car accident involving your child? During this difficult time, you need a strong advocate on your side like the attorneys at the Personal Injury Law Firm of Figeroux & Associates. How can we deal with the greater risks that children face when it comes to car accidents? Child victims in car accidents can be placed in two categories. There are those who are passengers and there are those who are pedestrians. It is important to realize that a lack of precautionary measures has been the main reason for child victims of car accidents in both scenarios. Children need keen supervision whenever they are walking along the road, crossing a road or in any other situation where they are interacting with traffic. Further, they need to be looked after when in transit aboard a vehicle and the necessary precautions

While these measures will not eliminate child victims of car accidents, they will greatly reduce the risk children face while traveling along the roads or when in a car. taken so as to ensure they remain safe under any circumstances. For child pedestrians the following measures can help reduce the risk of accidents among children. 1.Close supervision of children at all times when near a road. 2.Training of children in road safety and teaching them safe road use. 3.Educating drivers and other road users on “Child safe road use.”

What Can You Do? A personal injury attorney specializes in helping victims obtain settlements by providing legal assistance and advice after a car crash. The attorneys at the Personal Injury Law Firm of Figeroux & Associates possess a wide range of experience and the expertise needed to advocate for children who have been in car accidents. Call us at 855-768-8845 or schedule an appointment at www.askthelawyer.usl

Mistakes to Avoid

f you or a loved one were in a car accident, please avoid the following mistakes:

Delaying or neglecting to seek medical treatment A common mistake personal injury victims make is failing to see a doctor as soon as possible. Making untruthful statements about your injuries One of the biggest mistakes a victim can make in a personal injury case is to lie about or exaggerate the extent of their injuries. Failure to secure legal representation That's one of the biggest mistakes you can make. It will cost you big time. Speaking with insurance companies without legal representation Insurance companies are mainly concerned with protecting their interests, meaning minimizing the compensation they pay out for personal injury claims. When one talks directly with an insurance company, they may inadvertently provide information that the insurance company can use to deny or reduce the value of their claim. Statements can be taken out of context or used against you in court.l

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IMMIGRATION

Senators Schumer and Gillibrand Should Join Pushback Against Senate Negotiations That Would Gut Asylum and Restrict Legal Pathways

ashington, DC: Key Senators, outside observers, and policy experts are speaking out forcefully against the trajectory and implications of permanent asylum and immigration policy provisions being negotiated in the Senate during the supplemental funding negotiations. A new joint statement from 11 Democratic Senators, excerpted below, highlights concerns about the direction of the ongoing talks between Senators Michael Bennet (D-CO), Tom Cotton (RAR), James Lankford (R-OK), Chris Murphy (D-CT), Kyrsten Sinema (I-AZ) and Thom Tillis (R-NC). Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, who did not join the new joint statement and are not part of the negotiations in the Senate, should read a new column from Greg Sargent of the Washington Post, “How Trump is wrecking hopes for a ‘reasonable’ Ukraine deal” (also excerpted

Editorial credit: Vince360 / Shutterstock.com

BY AMERICA’S VOICE

below), which captures the political dynamics and damaging implications of what’s supposedly on the table – including efforts to eviscerate the asylum system and restrict legal parole programs that create more safety, orderliness, and border security. Meanwhile, find a recap and recording of a press call held yesterday with immigration policy experts and advocates here. According to Vanessa Cárdenas,

Executive Director of America’s Voice: “No Democrat should advance key elements of the Donald Trump and Stephen Miller wishlist. Period. They may not be physically in the room, but Trump and Miller are the driving force behind the efforts to gut legal immigration avenues. Also not in the room are the Senators with the most experience on immigration matters whose constituents – and their families – will be most directly impacted

by new prohibitions being contemplated. We encourage Senators Schumer and Gillibrand to recognize and reject the harmful direction of the negotiations. Democrats, and Republicans if they were serious, should be pushing for thoughtful changes to improve our asylum system, not gut it. Given their control of the White House and Senate, Democrats need to be fighting for meaningful changes that will actually improve our immigration and asylum system and reject the grab bag of Trumpian policies being negotiated.” Find key excerpts of the joint statement from 11 Democratic Senators below (the effort was led by Senator Alex Padilla (D-CA) and signers were Senators Booker (D-NJ), Durbin (D-IL), Hirono (D-HI), Luján (D-NM), Markey (DMA), Menendez (D-NJ), Merkley (DOR), Warren (D-MA), Whitehouse (DRI) and Wyden (D-OR)): “[W]e are concerned about reports of continued on page 14

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IMMIGRATION Senators Schumer and Gillibrand/ continued from page 13 harmful changes to our asylum system that will potentially deny lifesaving humanitarian protection for vulnerable people, including children, and fail to deliver any meaningful improvement to the situation at the border. Using a onetime spending package to enact these unrelated permanent policy changes sets a dangerous precedent and risks assistance to our international partners. Any proposal considering permanent changes to our asylum and immigration system needs to include a clear path to legalization for long-standing undocumented immigrants…” Read Greg Sargent in the Washington Post, “How Trump is wrecking hopes for a ‘reasonable’ Ukraine deal” with key excerpts below: “[T]he demands from Tillis and his fellow Republican leading the talks, Sen. James Lankford of Oklahoma, are not reasonable at all — they’re following Donald Trump’s playbook. Under the guise of seeking more “border security,” they’re insisting on provisions that would reduce legal immigration in numerous ways that could even undermine the goal of securing the border. …As one Senate Democratic source told me, Republicans started acting as though Trump and his immigration policy adviser Stephen Miller were ‘looking

Editorial credit: Ryan Rodrick Beiler / Shutterstock.com

over their shoulders.’ …According to the Democratic sources, Republicans are demanding that presidential parole authority be scaled back so it can only be applied on an individual case-by-case basis, not to large groups from a single nationality. That would functionally gut those programs entirely — an absurd demand. Under those parole grants, if migrants gain U.S. sponsors and pass background checks, they can live and work here for two

years. This provides an orderly alternative to the mode of entry that enrages Republicans, in which migrants breach the border, seek asylum and disappear into the country while awaiting a hearing. Gutting parole could mean more of the latter. ‘Canceling parole would significantly heighten the pressures on the border and the numbers of migrant crossings,’ said Doris Meissner, a senior fellow at the Migration Policy Institute. ‘It’s the opposite of what’s needed to strengthen border security.’ …What’s really bizarre about the impasse is that Republicans should support much of what’s in Biden’s initial request for border security funding. After all, it would also fund expedited asylum processing, which could reduce the window for migrants to exploit the system and prompt faster removals for those who don’t qualify. Aren’t those things Republicans want? …The bottom line: Senate Republicans are demanding that Democrats add numerous extreme concessions to a package that already gives Republicans many border security measures they ordinarily support, in exchange for Ukraine aid that many already back anyway. Tillis and Lankford can either be “reasonable” in these negotiations, or they can satisfy Trump and Miller. But they can’t do both. Unfortunately, they appear to be privileging the latter.”l

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ISLAND FOCUS: BARBADOS

Prime Minister Mottley: Continue to Look Out For Our Children BY SHARON AUSTIN GIS BARBADOS

rime Minister Mia Amor Mottley has called on the extended family to continue the Barbadian tradition of looking out for and assisting in the rearing of children. Ms. Mottley made the call this evening as she delivered the feature address at the Unveiling Ceremony for the Monument to the Barbadian Family, at National Heroes Square, The City. The Prime Minister told her audience, including the President of Barbados, Her Excellency The Most Honorable Dame Sandra Mason; members of Cabinet, members of Parliament, and the public, that family support was vital. She expressed the view that over time the family institution had not received the needed healing. “I ask us today to continue that tradition because it is only through solidarity, community and family that we can rise to be the best that we can…. As a small nation, we need everyone moving in the same direction if we are going to make difficult things seem achievable, easy and possible….

“More often than not, it is the extended family that makes the difference as to whether the journey of that particular child can be smooth or whether it becomes disruptive,” she stated. Ms. Mottley stressed the importance of the family throughout her address and said any suggestion that Government would do anything to denigrate the family in this country “is so offensive”. “The notion that we are here to impose on our children capacity and obligation, … to determine their identity and their gender is as preposterous as giving them

the right to determine that they can consent to sex as minors, and therefore it must be put to rest where it belongs – in the garbage heaps of this country…. “When our Father of Independence said that we were friends of all and satellites of none, he wasn’t only talking about relationships with countries, he was talking about the arrogance of the people of this nation or the confidence, depending through whose prism you are looking at it, to determine that we can chart our own ways and we can be firm craftsmen of our fate.

“We do not take tutelage from anyone as to who is and is not the family. We do not take tutelage from anyone as to what matters in terms of our mission. If that which we have settled, we agree with others, then that is solidarity. But the notion that others shall determine our future by reason simply of relationships outside of the bounds of this geography is preposterous equally, and must equally be put one side,” the Prime Minister said. The monument to the Barbadian Family – We Loyal Sons and Daughters All – follows their journey and recognizes them as the heroic beacons of our nation, from which all national heroes came. The design of the monument focuses on the history of slavery and oppression; the endurance and resilience of the Barbadian family; and the family’s role in producing our National Heroes. The monument, which was designed by Vincent Jones and Hugh Holder, reflects the struggle and commitment of the ancestral family, and the rise and life it gave to the modern kinfolk.l Happy 57th Anniversary and 2nd Republic Anniversary to the Republic of Barbados

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LOVE & RELATIONSHIPS

Four Ways to Gain Respect From A Man so if he doesn't respect you and your choices, he's probably not the right man for you.

BY MARY CAMPBELL

The late great Aretha Franklin sang about "R-E-S-P-E-C-T". Respecting yourself is one of the most important things you can do, but you also want others to respect you. Earning this is done through your actions in response to various situations. What does it mean when a guy respects you? When a guy says he respects you, it can mean many things. For example, it could imply that he loves and cares about you, putting you on a high pedestal. Another meaning that shows a man respects you is how he treats you in front of his family, friends, and other types of people. The following are four ways that you can gain a man's respect. 1. Don't break plans to accommodate him When you like a man, you might quickly break plans with family or friends when his schedule changes, and he's free to see you. This is a bad idea, especially if you make a habit out of catering to his schedule. If a man wants to see you, he won't wait until the last minute and expect you to drop your plans. You teach people how to treat you; if you teach him that he

doesn't need to pre-plan with you, he won't. If you stop dropping plans with other people when he asks, he will ask for dates with more notice. 2. Stick to your values When dating someone, you don't want to compromise your values and lifestyle choices to make them happy or keep them around. If you decide that you won't have sex on the first or second date, don't feel that you have to, no matter how much your date wants it or pressures it. Respecting your own choices will make a man respect you more. Any man trying to pressure you into something you aren't ready for isn't worth your time anyway,

3. Don't reply to late-night texts If you have not heard from a man all day, but he suddenly texts you after 10pm, you should not reply. It doesn't matter if you're awake and completely bored. A late-night text from a man who says he's interested in you doesn't deserve a reply until the morning. A really interested man will make the time to text you to say "hello" even if he's busy. Late-night texts rarely stay innocent, so you don't want to give a man the impression that you're okay with that type of relationship. 4. Walk away when you're treated badly If a man treats you in any way that you deem unacceptable, it's important that you walk away. You don't need to try to convince him that calling your name or yelling at you isn't acceptable behavior. You can't convince him that you deserve better treatment. If he has a habit of treating women poorly, you can't change him. It's not worth your time or energy. Depending on the offense's severity, you may give him a second chance, but don't continue giving chances, or you will lose

his respect completely. When you don't allow someone to treat you poorly, you show your self-respect and demand others respect you. Take Care Of and Value Yourself You cannot force someone to respect you. All you can do is respect yourself and hope they follow. Not everyone will, but you don't want any man who doesn't. How can a man respect you if you don't respect yourself first? How can someone value you if you don't value yourself first? So, the main point is to take care of yourself. How do you do that? You do that in several ways, even small ways. Show a level of care for yourself, which other people pick up on. It starts with your health, mindset, mental health, emotional health, hygiene, well-being, appearance, and all those little things. Other ways to care for yourself are having high standards, setting boundaries, and valuing time. Does your man take your energy whenever he wants? You have to take care of that. You must appreciate that first and ensure you're doing things for yourself, not just for him and others. You're doing something that you value and love, filling you up, filling up that cup first before you fill up everyone else's. Because first love thyself.l

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HEALTH

People Who Experienced Childhood Adversity Had Poorer COVID-19 Outcomes, New Study Shows BY JAMIE HANSON THE CONVERSATION

high levels of neighborhood violence, stress and poverty.

dults who faced adversity during childhood were significantly more likely to die from or be hospitalized because of COVID-19. That’s the key finding of my team’s recent study, published in the Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health. The study of 150,000 adults in the United Kingdom found those reporting the most childhood trauma had a 25% greater likelihood of death associated with COVID-19, as well as a 22% increase in hospitalization after contracting COVID-19. These figures held up even after accounting for demographics and health conditions. Childhood trauma includes physical, emotional or sexual abuse, neglect, household dysfunction and what many call “toxic stress.” Our study relied on the UK Biobank, a large biomedical database with more than 500,000 volunteers ages 40 to 69 throughout the United Kingdom. Close to one-third of those volunteers provided information about their childhood. Our team took that data and then searched medical records for participants who died or were hospitalized because of COVID-19. Though more research is needed, these initial results highlight the

What other research is being done Our research was prompted by a growing body of work that has found an association between adverse childhood experiences and health problems in adulthood. Adults experiencing significant childhood abuse have an increased risk for chronic conditions, including heart disease, lung disease, cancer and premature death. Researchers are still trying to understand how childhood adversity contributes to negative health outcomes in adulthood. It could be primarily biological in nature. For instance, adversity has been linked to excess inflammation. Inflammation is normally a protective response from the body, triggered by harmful stimuli such as pathogens, damaged cells or toxins. However, excessive inflammation is related to strokes, heart attacks and other health conditions and can lead to more negative COVID-19 outcomes. In contrast, the links between early adversity and poorer health could be behavioral in nature. Adversity is associated with having less money or education as an adult. These factors could, in turn,

Childhood trauma is linked not only to COVID-19 but other diseases as well.

lasting impacts of childhood stress and the need to provide psychological support early on to mitigate lifelong health risks. Why it matters COVID-19 had killed nearly 7 million people worldwide as of November 2023. This underscores the importance of understanding all of the risk factors leading to pandemic-related hospitalization and death. Prior research has examined the demographic risk factors for COVID-19,

including age, race, ethnicity, income and education. But this is the first study to link childhood experiences to adult COVID-19 outcomes. The striking findings of the study suggest that early childhood trauma should be added to the list of risk factors for illness – not only for COVID-19 but perhaps for other diseases as well. The study also suggests that communities disproportionately affected by adversity and trauma may be particularly vulnerable to negative health outcomes. This includes communities where there are

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CONVERSATIONS

Strong Emphasis on Churches / continued from page 1 Gender, Entertainment and Sport, aims to prevent violence, protect and deliver adequate services to victims and deal appropriately with perpetrators. Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport, Hon. Olivia Grange, in her message to observe International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women (IDEVAW), said that “the church is pivotal to engage in specific outreach activities to serve the needs of the surrounding communities and its environs”. The Minister’s message was delivered by Principal Director, Gender Affairs, Ministry of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport, Sharon Coburn Robinson, at the IDEVAW Commemorative Church Service, held on November 26 at the Bethel Baptist Church, Hope Road in Kingston. It was held under the theme ‘From Response to Preparedness: Eliminating Gender-based Violence in Jamaica’. The IDEVAW and the 16 days of Activism against Gender-based violence are observed during the period November 25 to December 10 annually. Minister Grange said that through the NSAP-GBV, the Ministry promotes meaningful engagement of key publics to

Poorer COVID-19 Outcomes/ continued from page 17

foster the dialogue with faith-based organisations in Jamaica. “Sensitization and awareness-raising sessions are conducted through the Bureau of Gender Affairs among the various groups on the matter of legal provisions for victims and survivors of Gender-based violence and other aspects of the BGA’s mandate and mission,” she added. The Minister said that IDEVAW provides an excellent platform for the international community to garner momentum around the advocacy and the activism required to transform communities and nations across Jamaica. Citing data from the Women’s Health Survey, Ms. Grange said it indicates that one in every four Jamaican women has been physically abused by a partner at some point in her lifetime.

Further, she noted that the World Health Organization (WHO) states that about one in every three women worldwide has experienced either physical and/or sexual intimate partner violence or non-partner sexual violence in their lifetime. “These statistics are, indeed, alarming and require purposeful action to make a difference in the lives of our Jamaican ‘Sisters’,” the Minister said. She said the Ministry has recognized “the universality of the ‘lived experiences’ of our women and girls in Jamaica, regardless of age, education, employment status, union status or areas of residence”. “What this means is that the Church, like everywhere else in our society, has members who are victims, survivors, bystanders, and sadly, even perpetrators,” the Minister added. l

be associated with less access to and subpar medical care. Studies have shown that people with lower incomes and lower-paying jobs were exposed to COVID-19 in the workplace more often. Adversity is also associated with depression and challenges to emotion regulation. This in turn could result in downstream changes in biology and behavior. What’s next Our team plans to continue investigating large population studies – that is, at least 30,000 to 50,000 participants – to determine whether adverse childhood experiences relate to other health outcomes, like long COVID. It’s becoming increasingly clear that learning more about how childhood trauma becomes embedded in the body could inform our understanding of possible interventions and long-term health outcomes, including those potentially connected to COVID-19.l

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Caribbean American Weekly -Nov 30-Dec 13, 2023 PAGE 19

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Caribbean American Weekly - Nov 30-Dec13, 2023 PAGE 20

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Caribbean American Weekly - Issue 187

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