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ISSUE 87 VOLUME 17

July 25-August 7, 2019

SERVING THE CARIBBEAN AND HISPANIC COMMUNITIES!

“Untouchable” Louison Busted for Immigration Fraud in Brooklyn BY ELIAS G., EXCLUSIVE TO CAW

renda and Kathy (names changed for privacy), who spoke to Caribbean American Weekly recently, alleged that Arleigh Louison, a Grenadian national and New York resident, had defrauded them as he orchestrated a sham immigration practice in an office building located on 223rd Lenox Road, Brooklyn, adjacent to Congresswoman Yvette Clarke’s office. Federal law enforcement agents arrested Louison on July 18, 2019, and he has been indicted in Vermont on 12 counts of making false statements and submitting continued on page 5

Why did this fraud of 1,800 Caribbean immigrants persist for several years? Did Congresswoman Clarke and District Attorney Gonzales get complaints and what did they do?

Clarke

Louison (Photo: Facebook)

Gonzales

The publication understands that victims are scared; millions of dollars were defrauded and therefore, there should be no bail.

New York City Parents Sacrifice in Special Education Fights ... 7

Unfortunately, Defrauded Immigrants May Be Served an NTA

Notice to Appear (NTA) is the first step taken by the American government to begin removal of an immigrant from the country. NTA letters are typically mailed to those who have been denied status in the United States and where there is an engagement of criminal activity. Since Arleigh Louison has been arrested for immigration fraud, the files of all his clients will be reviewed. Additionally, every single

Join RIhanna in Barbados ... 13

I’m Undocumented. When Should I Tell Him or Her? ....6

client will be served an NTA and be interviewed by ICE agents with the sole purpose of seeking an admission to initiate deportation proceedings. If you are 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.l

Lashana Lynch: New 007 in Bond ... 17

Reflections on Cricket West Indies... 16

Are You a Victim of Louison Immigration Fraud? Get a FREE Consultation! Ask the Lawyer: Call 855-768-8845 Jamaica Expecting to Benefit from Cannabis Reforms ....10

INSIDE: Summer Health Guide & Equity Smart Realty, Inc 4-page Pullout Brian Figeroux, Esq., Member, American Immigration Lawyers Association

Leadership Advice from Sofia Verga ... 19

With The Law Firm of Figeroux & Associates

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Natural Hair Ban Discrimination Law Passed ...4

2 Caribbean Consulates Anguilla 845 Third Avenue New York, N.Y. 10022 Tel: 212-745-0200 Antigua & Barbuda 305 East 47th Street, Suite 6A New York, N.Y. 10020 Tel: 212-541-4117 The Bahamas 231 East 46th Street New York, N.Y. 10017 Tel: 212-421-6420 Barbados 820 Second Avenue, 5th Floor New York, N.Y. 10017 Tel: 212-551-4325 Belize 675 Third Avenue, Suite 1911 New York, N.Y. 10017 Tel: 212-593-0999 Dominica 800 Second Avenue, Suite 400H New York, N.Y. 10017 Tel: 212-949-0853 Dominican Republic 1500 Broadway, Suite 410 New York, N.Y. 10036 Tel: 212-599-8478 Grenada 685 Third Avenue, Suite 1101 New York, N.Y. 10017 Tel: 212-599-0301 Guyana 308 West 38th Street New York, N.Y. 10018 Tel: 212-947-5119 Haiti 815 Second Avenue,6th Floor New York, N.Y. 10017 Tel: 212-697-9767 Jamaica 767 Third Avenue, 2nd Floor New York, N.Y. 10017 Tel: 212-935-9000 Martinique 444 Madison Avenue, 16th Floor New York, N.Y. 10022 Tel: 212-838-6887 Montserrat 845 Third Avenue New York, N.Y. 10022 Tel: 212-745-0200 Panama 1212 Avenue of the Americas, 20th Floor New York, N.Y. 10036 Tel: 212-840-2450 St. Kitts & Nevis 414 East 75th Street, 5th Floor New York, N.Y. 10021 Tel: 212-535-5521 St. Lucia 800 Second Avenue, 9th Floor New York, N.Y. 10007 Tel: 212-697-9360 St. Maarten 675 Third Avenue, Suite 1807 New York, N.Y. 10017 Tel: 800-786-2278 St. Vincent & The Grenadines 801 Second Avenue, 21st Floor New York, N.Y. 10017 Tel: 212-687-4981 Trinidad & Tobago 125 Maiden Lane, 4th Floor New York, N.Y. 10038 Tel: 212-682-7272 For more Consulate information go to www.cawnyc.com/directory

CARIBBEAN ROUNDUP Bartlett Eyeing St. Mary for Sustainable Tourism Development

INGSTON, Jamaica: The parish of St. Mary has been earmarked by Minister of Tourism, Hon Edmund Bartlett as another potential area for sustainable tourism development under the reimaging exercise. Rich in cultural history ranging from Jamaica’s Taino and Maroon heritage, St. Mary also offers several elements that can be used to develop the area into a mini destination. Speaking at a tour of the parish, Minister Bartlett said, ‘As part of our commitment to reimagine destination Jamaica, we are committed to building out new experiences east of Oracabessa towards Port Antonio. The purpose of the tour has been to take a hard look at Robin’s Bay, Golden Eye, beaches and rivers, and all the public assets in St. Mary, to determine the potential of the area to become a lifestyle tourism destination.” The technical team from the Ministry and various agencies, led by Permanent Secretary Jennifer Griffiths, took part in the tour as part of an initial assessment of

Minister of Tourism, Bartlett (C) in discussion with Permanent Secretary, Griffith (L) and General Manager of Robin’s Bay Village and Beach Resort, Janet Lee, during a tour of the resort recently. Minister Bartlett announced that St. Mary would become part of the reimaging exercise to build out new tourism experiences. the area. “What we envisage for this side of the island is of course low density and low carbon footprints to ensure minimal impact on the environment. We also want to look at the higher demographic in terms of the ability to attract higher average daily rates within this area. We think that Port Antonio would be the big center for lifestyle tourism with strong eco-tourism values, which can go all the way to Oracabessa.” The reimaging exercise began earlier this year under the instructions of Minister Bartlett. Permanent Secretary,

Jennifer Griffith, who leads the team, began carving out a destination development plan for Negril. Other areas that will be included are St. Thomas, Clarendon, Port Antonio and most recently St. Mary. “The area has huge geophysical assets in terms of its beaches, waterfalls and rivers that can definitely be converted into tremendous experiences for tourism and the time is now for us to capitalize on this potential,” concluded Minister Bartlett. l

Two OECS Climate Change Activists Raise Awareness in the International Arena

wo young environmental activists from the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) have recently participated in the 3rd edition of the Peace Boat’s Ocean & Climate Youth Ambassador Program. Saint Lucian Jevanic Henry and Montserratian Ashneil Jeffers have seized this opportunity to draw the attention of the international community to the urgent necessity to accelerate climate resilience actions in the countries of the Eastern Caribbean – which remain among the most impacted nations in the world despite being minor contributors to climate change. For many years, Henry has been deeply involved in a series of initiatives to raise awareness on environmental issues in his home country and regionally. Thanks to funding from the Peace Boat’s Ocean & Climate Youth Ambassador Program and the OECS, the 22-year-old Saint Lucian was able to take his message to the international arena. Additionally, Montserratian Jeffers who has been engaged in non-governmental organizations as a volunteer for many years, also participated in the program thanks to funding from the Government of Montserrat and the Waitt Institute. "Climate Change and Ocean degradation are issues which will critically determine the quality of life for the next generation so it is encouraging to see youth from Small Island Developing States (SIDS) at the forefront of advocacy. The Blue economy is also a theme which the OECS is driving through the Caribbean Regional Oceanscape Project (CROP) by supporting robust policies, strategies and marine spatial plans through highly participatory processes involving youth and multiple relevant stakeholders," Head of OECS Environmental Sustainability Cluster, Chamberlain Emmanuel, stated.

The youth ambassadors began the journey in Valletta, Malta (Europe) on May 24, and reached New York City on June 9, just in time to participate in activities held in collaboration with the United Nations for the observation of World Oceans Day 2019. Environmental activists also visited Granada (Spain), Tangiers (Morocco) and Ponta Delgada (Portugal) where they engaged with government representatives, university students and the general public on the consequences of climate change from the point of view of nationals of SIDS. "We are not the major contributors of climate change but we stand to be greatly affected. This is why, through this program, we were able to meet with people from Granada (Spain), Morocco, and Portugal and bring our story to them in an effort to influence positive change," Youth Ambassador Henry said.l

Antigua Government Not Willing to Pay Price Barbados Wants for Its LIAT Shares

T JOHN’S, Antigua: Prime Minister Gaston Browne has disclosed that the US$44 million price Barbados was asking for its LIAT shares was too steep, insisting that while his government wanted a bigger stake in the regional airline, it had no intention of “giving away money”. “I understand mathematics and I understand percentages, and I also understand value for money. So, if we were to settle

PM Browne

at US$44 million, that would be a steal for Barbados, and we are not in the process of giving away money. We are in the process of creating value and to get fair value for the people of Antigua and Barbuda, so as far as I am concerned – and I have said this to the Prime Minister of Barbados because she knows my thinking – discussions cannot start at US$44 million. She knows my position and has since come down,” he said.l

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CONVERSATIONS

What Happened to Simple American Decency? BY AMERICA’S VOICE

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

ashington, DC: The volume of disturbing developments and relevant news about the Trump administration’s immigration and border plans are hard to keep up with. But the common threads, connecting many of the developments is one of cruelty, chaos, and dehumanization. According to Douglas Rivlin, Communications Director of America’s Voice, “We’re in the midst of a fullblown human rights crisis manufactured by the Trump Administration’s cruel, hardline policy choices that continue to produce more and more inhumanity and utter failure at addressing the refugee crisis. Despite their denials, our government’s actions — in all of our names — cannot be viewed through the lens of neutral both sides-ism or attempts at false equivalency. This is no time for complicity or silence. We must call out the Trump administration’s actions for what they are — a clear violation of American values and vision for our nation.” Below are some of the latest details and news of an administration that is out of control: •More details of horrifying conditions for children held in U.S. government care: A joint investigative article by the New York Times and the El Paso Times, “Hungry, Scared and Sick: Inside the Migrant Detention Center in Clint, Tex,” adds more horrifying details to the ongoing revelations about detention conditions for children, including the spread of scabies, shingles, and chickenpox and that the “stench of the children’s dirty clothing was so strong it spread to the agents’ own clothing — people in town

TEAM

Pearl Phillip Legal Advisor Brian Figeroux, Esq. Assistant Editor Marilyn Silverman Photo: Chad Zuber/shutterstock.com

would scrunch their noses when they left work. The children cried constantly.” •More examples of disturbing and dehumanizing treatment of migrants by CBP: CNN reports that Border Patrol agents tried to shame a migrant being held at a processing center in Texas by making the migrant hold a sign reading, “I like men.” In conjunction with the volume of other reports, the detail is reminiscent of the human rights violations inflicted against prisoners held at the infamous Abu Ghraib prison in Iraq. •More evidence that immigrant families are living in fear of mass-deportation raids—a terror purposefully being stoked by the Trump administration: A frontpage Sunday Washington Post story, “Fear of immigration raids looms as plans for ICE ‘family operation’ move forward,” highlights that Trump’s promised deportation raids are having the desired effect on immigrant families — stoking fear over potential family separa tions. •More willful lies and defending of the indefensible by Acting DHS Secretary Kevin McAleenan and Trump team: On the Sunday political talk shows,

McAleenan continued his pattern of lying by again falsely asserting that detention facilities are being run professionally, that reports of horrible conditions are unsubstantiated, and it’s all the fault of the Democrats. And President Trump called the New York Times report about the Clint facility a “hoax.” •More reminders that the “Remain in Mexico” policy for asylum seekers is endangering lives: A report from the humanitarian NGO Médecins Sans Frontières/Doctors Without Borders finds that refugees and asylum seekers forced to stay in the Northern Mexico city of Nuevo Laredo due to the “Remain in Mexico” policy “often fall prey to criminal groups in the city and are exposed to violence, including extortion, torture, rape and murder.” •More reminders that ICE is running amok – accessing driver’s license databases without consent or authorization: per a report in the Washington Post, ICE and FBI are using state driver’s license photos and facial recognition technology without consent or authorization to enable their operations.l

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CIVIL RIGHTS

Banning Hair Discrimination Law Passes

nti-Black racism is an invidious and persistent form of discrimination across the nation and in New York City. Anti-Black racism can be explicit and implicit, individual and structural, and it can manifest through entrenched stereotypes and biases, conscious and unconscious. Anti-Black bias also includes discrimination based on characteristics and cultural practices associated with being Black, including prohibitions on natural hair or hairstyles most closely associated with Black people. Bans or restrictions on natural hair or hairstyles associated with Black people are often rooted in white standards of appearance and perpetuate racist stereotypes that Black hairstyles are unprofessional. Such policies exacerbate antiBlack bias in employment, at school, while playing sports, and in other areas of daily living. On July 12th, Governor Andrew Cuomo signed Assembly bill 007797 to prohibit "race discrimination based on natural hair or hairstyles" in the state of New York. California passed its own legislation against natural hair discrimination on July 3rd, becoming the first state to ever do so; known as the CROWN (Creating a Respectful and Open World for Natural Hair) Act. The bill is an amendment to New York's Human Rights Law and Dignity for All Students Act, which states that racial dis-

norms or expectations at work nBlack women are 50% more likely to be sent home or know of a black woman sent home from the workplace because of her hair “As a black woman who prioritizes equity, and has worn my natural [hair] for 17 years, this bill is deeply personal for me,” New York Assembly woman Tremaine Wright tells The New York Post of the bill passing. “A legislative fix was in order.”

crimination extends to traits that are historically associated with race, such as hair texture and protective styles. This also marks a victory for The New York Commission of Human Rights, which set guidelines in New York City earlier this year in February, to protect citizens’ rights to wear their natural hair—something women have had to change or hide for years. "For much of our nation's history, people of color—particularly women—have been marginalized and discriminated against simply because of their hairstyle or texture," Governor Cuomo tells The New York Post. "By signing this bill into

law, we are taking an important step toward correcting that history and ensuring people of color are protected from all forms of discrimination." We want all of our beauty to be welcome in all places and institutions. While all women experience pressure to conform to certain standards of appearance, Black women are unfairly impacted. Society’s bias has enabled discrimination against Black women’s hair, including being judged differently based on hair texture and hairstyle. According to DOVE.com: n A Black woman is 80% more likely to change her natural hair to meet social

Hair Bias Hurts Us All The societal norms and corporate grooming policies that unfairly impact Black women create distractions that impact our whole society. We know diversity has a positive impact on a company’s bottom line. Corporations refusing to hire, firing, or refusing to promote a Black woman because of her Protective Hairstyle not only destabilizes individual households but impacts the broader economy as the workforce boasts more working women than ever. In 2019, Black women still remain pressured to conform to Eurocentric standards of appearance. Black women report receiving formal grooming policies at a rate significantly higher than White women. Natural hairstyles inherent to Black identity such as locks, braids, bantu knots, etc. are ranked the lowest for “job readiness.” l

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WELCOME TO AMERICA Immigration Fraud/ continued from page 1 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 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 in a press release. “The indictment charges that the false statements were made in connection with Form I-360 petitions for status adjustments under the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA). In short, the indictment charges that Louison presented or caused the presentment of adjustment of status petitions containing false statements to the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services Service Center in St. Albans, Vermont claiming that the petitioners were victims of abuse. The indictment also charges that these petitioners, who paid Louison for his services, did not discuss abuse with Louison, were not abused as described in the petitions, and did not authorize the statements made in the petitions Louison sub-

mitted to USCIS. The indictment also charges that Louison fabricated fee waiver petitions on behalf of these individuals without their knowledge.” During their interview sessions with Caribbean American Weekly, immigration fraud victims Brenda and Kathy claimed that they knew nothing about Louison prior to going to his office, thinking he was an attorney. They conceded, however, they never asked him to verify his credentials, and he also neither denied nor confirmed his professional status. They said he had not told them, nor had he given them a written disclaimer, that he did not represent them as a lawyer. They said they trusted him and did not ask questions about his credentials because he was recommended by family and friends. They asserted he always spoke to them like an attorney and offered them legal advice. Kathy is from the islands of Trinidad and Tobago, and, according to her,

Louison’s illegal immigration law practice has contributed to her becoming an undocumented immigrant. She said that had she sought a legal advice from a licensed attorney, her troubles would not have quadrupled since 2016 – the year she first met Louison. “When I got to his office/home in 2016, looking around the place, it looked legitimate because he had a lot of documents, USCIS letters lying around. He had a secretary. He showed me photos of people with work permits that he helped. The office space really looked like a law firm. He told me what he could do to adjust my immigration status. ...Initially, I was able to receive a work permit. I was very glad that things were happening…after the first permit expired, I paid him again to renew it…but then something changed,” Kathy said. “I wasn’t receiving updates. I would call; he would never respond. I would go to his office; they would tell me he was out; he was unavailable…I became frustrated and helpless. It took me awhile to realize I was dealing with a fraud. I now have hired a real lawyer to deal with the mess Louison has created.” Due to her lack of information to access legitimate immigration lawyers, Kathy has now found herself in a very difficult situation though she has never thought she would become an undocumented immigrant. “I am a law-abiding individual. I did not come to America to live as an undocumented immigrant. I thought I was get-

ting help from a legitimate immigration lawyer. But Mr. Louison betrayed my trust and stopped communicating with me when my application was rejected by USCIS,” she said. Brenda is from Grenada, and she has also lost her legal status here. She is currently facing possible deportation. She, too, blamed Louison for mishandling and ruining her immigration case. “I met this lady…she is from the same country like me. She said to me, ‘girl, I must tell you. I went to this lawyer -guy and he did my papers and I am going to visit home now.’ I was so happy when she told me that. She gave me his number. I called him right away; he told me when to come in. I went in… I told him a friend sent me. He asked me a couple of questions. Where I am from, if I was married or have children, how long I was here. He told me that he had helped a lot of people and he would do the same for me. He said he’s gonna help me because we’re from the same country. He told me what to bring in, my birth certificate, my I-94…I told him I had an extension because I had an emergency surgery…he told me to bring whatever I had, a valid passport, all of that,”Brenda said. “He did not tell me he was a lawyer or not…his office was set up just like any law office. He promised me that he would help me change my immigrant status, and now I am in the dark,” she cried bitterly as she shared her disappointment. continued on page 6

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DIASPORA CONCERNS

I Am Undocumented. When Should I Tell Him or Her? BY DAISY CAMPBELL

hen you meet someone and start the ‘getting to know you’ process, there are many issues that can hinder the formation of a wonderful relationship. Kim was an undocumented immigrant and had met Steven, a citizen of the United States. Both had met while at a public event one night. They both took a liking to each other and started dating. After a month into the relationship, Kim began to see qualities in Stephen that she really admired but there was an issue, she had kept her immigration status from him. She had now became fond of him and now found herself in the predicament as to the right time to tell Steven about her status. We use trust to judge the relationship with each other and in the process, determine how much we are prepared to give. Being an undocumented immigrant and the stigma attached to such a situation can often times pose as a challenge especially when that individual enters the world of dating. Meeting people and forging meaningful and long-lasting relationships can certainly be a painful experience. To determine the opportune time or whether or not to declare your immi-

Cover photo and this photo: Shutterstock.com

gration status can be quite burdensome as the risk of making it known is far greater than keeping it a secret. As adults we know that relationships grow in stages. The more time that is spent to build the relationship, the more intimate and meaningful it becomes. At the beginning of the relationship, before the initiation of sexual contact, being an undocumented immigrant, makes the situation more complicated. It would be

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best to use that introductory period to get to know the person. Ask questions, try to get to know him or her, learn about the things that they are passionate about and talk about current events. If you decide to tell him or her, the upside to this is that he or she would appreciate the fact that you are very honest and therefore trust would be cemented and the possibility exists for the relationship to grow. The downside could be that he or she might not be prepared to undergo the challenges of the situation and may opt to end the relationship as they may find it difficult to endure. The greatest fear however of any undocumented immigrant is revealing his or status and then that information is used against them afterwards. There is a fear that the partner might raise an alarm and notify the authorities which can lead to deportation. Sharon, an undocumented immigrant revealed her status to her boyfriend. At first he was okay with it after a few months into the relationship things changed. He became very verbally abusive and she tried to defend herself, he made threats to call Immigration to send her home. She was devastated by the threat. He didn’t make the call but the relationship was never the same. They eventually parted ways. At the start of a new relationship, sex is a means to share intimacy and be playful, while also building deeper levels of trust and care. It is a great way for new couples to connect and learn about each other’s passions and desires. Sexual intimacy and the connection that couples share can lead to both parties falling in love. When you are an undocumented immigrant and your partner is a citizen, your partner deserves to know the truth. At this stage, the issue of trust can be questioned which may either make or break your relationship. In making a decision about the right time to reveal your immigration status, is dependent on you the individual and your comfort level with your partner. There is no hard or fast rule, the final decision is yours to make.l

Immigration Fraud continued from page 5 According to Kathy and Brenda, Louison charges $500 for “immigration consultation.” In New York City, most licensed lawyers charge $100 for an initial consultation. Some even offer free a consultation. The women said that Louison had charged them additional fees for a service that only resulted in USCIS eventually rejecting their applications. I contacted Louison seeking answers for the allegations two weeks before his arrest, and he responded: “I am not aware of anyone who was told by USCIS that they committed or submitted any fraudulent applications. Every individual case has its own issues. When people don't succeed in the process they look to blame someone for the status they created. There are also lawyers who are looking to take advantage of many people by making them think that someone else is responsible for their illegal status and they can help them by charging them enormous sums of money.” “I have helped thousands get legal status in this country and was never told by USCIS that I submitted any fraudulent documents. There are people who have serious criminal records and past violation issues and never tell the truth to me and they will also not tell the truth to you. Anyone who has ever sought my assistance knows exactly what they are doing. I have seen so many people who have been taken advantage of by churches, lawyers, family and friends. I try to help them in an honest and cheap way,” he said. Brenda and Kathy were unaware that a non-lawyer cannot give legal advice in New York State. Louison also appeared to believe that he did nothing wrong giving legal advice. “No one can ever say I misrepresented myself as a lawyer. I have a very good immigration lawyer I refer people to all the time if they need assistance that requires a lawyer. GIVING ANY ADVICE IS NOT ILLEGAL IN THIS COUNTRY,” he responded. The New York state penal code, however, clearly states that giving legal advice without a license as a lawyer is illegal. New York State has Immigration Fraud Enforcement Statutes which include nine Penal Law Sections that can be used to prosecute potential fraudsters: 155.05: Larceny by False Promise & Larceny by Extortion 155.25: Petit Larceny § 155.30 – 155.42: Grand Larceny § 170.20 – 170.35: Criminal Possession of a Forged Instrument § 170.00 – 170.15: Forgery § 175.30 – 175.35: Offering a False Instrument for Filing in the First Degree § 190.60 – 190.65: Scheme to Defraud § 190.87 – 190.89: Immigrant Assistance Services Fraud 195.05: Obstructing Governmental Administration continued on page 8

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FAMILY MATTERS

Parents Sacrifice Savings and Careers in Fight for Special Education Services BY YOAV GONEN, THE CITY

ome parents say they’ve depleted savings and put jobs on hold as they fight to get their kids necessary special-education services from the city. Those battles are taking longer than ever because the system designed to resolve parent disagreements with schools — known as impartial hearings — is beset by too many complaints and too few hearing officers, according to a May state Education Department report. Parents and guardians filed nearly 7,500 due process complaints filed through Feb. 21 of the recently ended school year. Meanwhile, complaints rose more than 50% over the previous three school years, the report found. Family peer advocate Amber Decker said hearing officers have been playing hot potato for three months with a complaint she filed on behalf of a parent of a child who attends Public School 40 in Manhattan — cycling through 31 refusals to take on the case so far because hearing officers say they’re too swamped. The complaint seeks speech therapy

and paraprofessional services for a firstgrader. School officials refuse to provide the help, Decker said. “These kids are just languishing waiting for impartial hearings,” she said. “It’s a disaster.” Parents Share Common Stories Parents and others reached out to THE CITY in response to a survey seeking their experiences with the impartial hearing system, following a story on the scathing state report. Parents typically request a hearing for one of three reasons: Their child isn’t getting mandated services, requires services the school isn’t willing or able to provide, or needs a different setting or school to get the necessary supports.

Among the common frustrations expressed by parents was how time-consuming and challenging it is to get their children the help they need. Parents noted that low-income families are at a huge disadvantage because they typically can’t afford to hire lawyers to help navigate the hearing system. They also are unable to shell out money for a school or privately provided services up front, in the hopes of getting reimbursed by the Department of Education later on. Under the federal Individuals With Disabilities Education Act, all children are supposed to be guaranteed a free, appropriate public education. A $60,000 Bill One mom told THE CITY she spent

$60,000 on evaluations of her daughter’s needs, legal fees for an attorney to shepherd the complaint, and tuition for a private school where her daughter registered in August 2018. That same month, she filed a due process complaint seeking reimbursement from the DOE, but didn’t get approved for the tuition payments until May. The funds still haven’t been provided, she said. Despite the financial hardship, the mom doesn’t question her decision. Her daughter hadn’t been taught to read in a Queens public school by age 7, but learned to do so in one year in the private setting for kids with special needs. “I’ve basically depleted my life savings with legal fees, evaluations and the $41,000 tuition this year,” said the mom, who requested anonymity because of a non-disclosure agreement she reached with the DOE. But, she added, her daughter “is thriving — and finally can read.” Rockaway dad Fred Rodriguez said he drained about $14,000 from his bank account to get his son Connor, who has Down syndrome, out of P.S. 101 in continued on page 8

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IN THE NEWS

8 Parents Sacrifice/ continued from page 7

Immigration Fraud/ continued from page 6 According to NY Penal Law §190.89: “A person is guilty of Immigrant Assistance Services Fraud in the first degree when, with intent to defraud another person seeking immigrant assistance services,…he or she violates section four hundred sixty-d of [number is missing]the General Business Law with intent to obtain property from such other person by false or fraudulent pretenses, representations or promises, and thereby wrongfully obtains such property with a value in excess of one thousand dollars. Immigrant Assistance Services Fraud in the first degree is a class E felony.” Brenda and Kathy had already reported Louison to the Immigration Unit of the Brooklyn District Attorney’s Office, which did not act on the tips they provided to stop Louison from defrauding other unsuspecting victims. They both urged other immigrants to beware of imposters who dress and talk like lawyers without a license to practice law.

“Fear of Trump’s anti-immigrant and racist immigration policy is forcing both documented and undocumented immigrants to take unnecessary risks and desperately reach out to non-lawyers and notaries that defraud them. Immigrants must seek legal advice from a licensed lawyer. They should ask for credentials if they are unsure. If you believe you have been a victim of immigration fraud, seek the advice of an experienced immigration attorney in deportation and immigration fraud matters. You may also be entitled to a U-visa as an immigration fraud victim. Law enforcement agencies have to step up their game to bring those who prey on our vulnerable communities to justice,” said Brian Figeroux, a veteran Brooklyn lawyer and member of the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA). “People in desperate situations make bad decisions, and this is amplified by the Trump administration,” added Figeroux. He also advised that one should not speak with immigration authorities unless they consulted with an attorney first.l

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Forest Hills and into the Tiegerman school on Long Island. Rodriguez said he moved his son from P.S. 101 after winning an impartial hearing against the DOE three years ago. “We fought for our child since day one, and because of that he has grown to the point where he’s quite high-functioning,” said Rodriguez. “If we would have given up, he would have been a different child. And a lot of parents give up because the city wants to make them run around in circles.” Rodriguez called himself “one of the lucky ones.” “If we didn’t have the finances, I would have had to take out a loan — which would have been even more of a financial burden,” he said. Learning, Interrupted Challenges in getting services and reimbursements are not new: The city has been out of compliance of federal special education rules for the past 13 years, according to the state Education Department. In 2014, Mayor Bill de Blasio promised to ease parents’ burdens by speeding decisions on tuition reimbursement. Advocates told THE CITY that instead, an influx of new cases overwhelmed an already burdened hearing system. The number of complaints jumped 51% during the following three school years, the state report showed. The number of special education students has increased by nearly 20,000 since the 2013-14 school year, to roughly 224,000 in 2017-18, according to DOE officials. School officials said they’ve hired 4,300 more special education staffers, including 3,000 teachers, over that same time period. They noted that the state Education Department is responsible for hiring hearing officers. Since the state report was issued in May, the DOE has submitted a corrective action plan to the state Education Department detailing its strategy for fixing the impartial hearing process and the provision of special education services. Both agencies declined to provide the plan to THE CITY. “The impartial hearing process should be as easy as possible for families, and in the last month we’ve begun replacing the impartial hearing data system and formed a new working group with the state to develop long-lasting improvements,” said Danielle Filson, a spokesperson for the city Department of Education. “This builds on hiring more impartial hearing staff and a $3.4 million investment in improving impartial hearing facilities,” she added. “There is more work to do and we are supporting the state as much as possible to hire more hearing officers.” Elizabeth Kirk, the mom of three teens

who have required special education services, said she doesn’t entirely fault schools that lack the resources to serve special-needs students. But she said it’s the DOE’s responsibility to fill the gaps. Kirk said she’s filed at least a half-dozen due process complaints over the years — including seeking repayment for evaluations of her kids that their schools in Manhattan refused to do. “The problem is they don’t do what they’re supposed to do, so you have no choice” but to fight, said Kirk. “Ultimately, if you can’t hire other people to do it, it’s just impossible to work a full time job and take care of your children’s needs. That becomes your job.” ‘I Can’t Work’ Queens mom Mary Delgado knows the feeling. She’s been transporting her 4-year-old son Joaquin Rodriguez, who has autism as well as medical issues, for therapy sessions in Howard Beach and Rego Park for months. Joaquin’s preschool placement fell through in the fall of 2017 because the DOE wouldn’t approve a paraprofessional for him — even though St. Mary’s Special Needs Preschool in Queens had accepted him as a student on the condition he be provided with one. Delgado sad she didn’t learn that the DOE had denied the para until she tried to bring Joaquin to the school, and was told that his spot had been given away. In January 2018, the DOE suggested a school that didn’t comply with her son’s Individualized Education Program, a legal document known as an IEP, so Delgado filed an impartial hearing complaint. She was awarded applied behavioral analysis therapy for him at home, physical and occupational therapy in Brooklyn, and speech therapy in Queens — with occasional therapy sessions at Bridge Kids in Manhattan. “Normally, kids get all these services at school, but he’s not in school,” said Delgado. “I can’t work. This is my fulltime job.” She’s about to get some relief on Monday, however, when Joaquin starts his first real day of school, at The Manhattan Behavioral Center. Delgado’s attorney, Elisa Hyman, said these kinds of battles with the DOE are par for the course. “Our clients are experiencing massive problems across the board,” said Hyman. “We have many clients who have been out of school or in the wrong class for extensive periods of time, missed therapies, did not have their IEPs implemented and were not receiving nursing, paraprofessionals, busing services or transportation accommodations.” About one out of five city public school students has an IEP. DOE officials said they recently added $33 million for new special education services and programs for the coming school year, after spending $5.1 billion in the last school year. That’s out of a city schools budget of more than $27 billion.l This story was originally published on [July 8, 2019] by THE CITY.”

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KNOW YOUR RIGHTS

Workers’ Compensation 101 TATYANA BELLAMY-WALKER

ore than a century ago, pirates were some of the world’s first advocates for workers’ compensation. Known for their trademark eye patches and wooden legs, pirates were paid for bodily losses. While hopefully, your career is not as dangerous as a pirate, if you’re injured on the job, first check out your state’s local protocol. Workers’ compensation is an insurance or wage replacement offered to employees injured on the job. Under New York State law, workers’ compensation covers employees working in for-profit businesses and excludes most independent contractors. Independent contractors are self-employed workers and not employees. After an injury, it’s important to first receive medical care from a health care provider designated by the Workers Compensation Board. Within 30 days of the incident, notify the employer in writing about the accident. Then file a claim for workers’ compensation and mail it to the nearest Workers Compensation Board. Whether you slipped on a banana peel, inhaled toxic fumes or strained your back while lifting boxes, there are rules to remember when filing a claim. Depending on the laws in the state, after a claim, a worker might be drug tested. If

the injury was caused by the intoxication, then the benefits can be denied. On the other hand, small businesses cannot forgo workers’ compensation and may face high fines as well as lawsuits for doing so. Uber is currently facing a class action lawsuit after one of its California drivers was allegedly attacked on the job. Since Uber classifies workers as independent contractors, the driver is not required to receive workers’ compensation. This is one of the drawbacks of Uber’s business model of employing independent contractors. While Uber can avoid insuring drivers, they also run the risks of costly lawsuits. This varies from state to state. In New York, however, Uber drivers are given workers’ compensation benefits under the Black Car Fund, which provides protection and insurance

for drivers who are classified as independent contractors. If an agency is concerned about the cost of workers’ compensation, the penalties for forgoing the costs are far worse. According to New York State’s Workers Board Employee handbook, if you do not carry coverage and you have fewer than five employees within a 12-month period, then you risk a misdemeanor fine between $1,000 and $5,000. If you hire more than five employees and do not provide coverage it is a class D felony and you face a fine between $5,000 and $50,000. If a business keeps inaccurate payroll records, that can affect workers’ compensation premiums and they may face a penalty of $2,000 for each ten-day period of non-compliance. These laws do not discriminate against celebrities either. In

2013, TMZ reported that Jim Carrey was fined $72,000 for not providing workers’ compensation for employees at a New York art studio. Higher worker’s compensation premiums are most often seen in industries with more dangerous conditions such as construction zones, landscaping or other risk-prone locations. Here are some quick tips for reducing your workers’ compensation premiums. First, establish and maintain a safety program to reduce work-related injuries. For example, some employers join a drugfree workplace program regulated under Code Rule 60 of New York State’s Department of Labor. In addition, it is important to be aware of fraudulent claims. If someone is out of work for a knee injury – an investigator might expose that they’re engaging in activities that impede on their safety. Lastly, consider joining a Professional Employer Organization (PEO) to assist in loss control and safety. They are experts in providing administrative support such as payroll processing and human resources. Reducing injuries not only ensures a safer work environment but allows the owner to build a profitable and sustainable business.l Article compliments www.311personalinjury.com

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Workers who know their rights and speak to a lawyer put themselves in a better position to obtain a recovery.

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BUSINESS MATTERS

Jamaica Expecting to Benefit from Cannabis Reforms

INGSTON, Jamaica: The Director of the Cannabis Licensing Authority (CLA), Delano Seiveright says emerging reforms in the United States and Europe relating to cannabis are exactly what Jamaica needs to benefit from the lucrative medical marijuana industry. Seiveright, who recently returned from Great Britain where he joined some 80 panelists from countries across the globe at a Cannabis Europa Conference, said the stakes are too high for Jamaica not to be prepared to be a huge part of an estimated US$100 billion global medical marijuana market. He said it is also important that the traditional local growers are given the opportunity to transition into the medicinal cannabis sector, where they are able to position themselves to capitalize on “what will be an inevitable boom.” “We are all here on the strength and

hard work of our traditional growers. Those are the growers who ensured that we have a brand Jamaica, in relation to cannabis and we as a body (CLA) will be doing all in our power to ensure that those who still operate in the traditional industry can transition into the legal cannabis industry,” Seiveright added. He said that in a number of states in the USA and also in Canada, medicinal cannabis has already taken on a life of its own and has been generating billions of dollars annually towards those economies. “We see what is happening in the United States where Illinois just became the latest State to legalize marijuana,” Seiveright said. “A number of US attorneys general have also been lobbying the United States Treasury Department to loosen banking laws that are hostile to cannabis

growers. As our Minister of Industry, Commerce, Agriculture and Fisheries Audley Shaw, keeps saying, Jamaica cannot afford to miss this boat,” he said. Minister Shaw, at a function in Montego Bay, St. James, recently, said that in addition to being in solidarity with the US attorneys general, the Jamaican Government will be using all its diplomatic channels to lobby the United States Treasury Department to deal with the problem of de-risking, so that “our cannabis farmers can have access to services from our local banks.. Seiveright said his visit to England has only served to reaffirm his belief that Jamaica can be a pioneer for cannabis reform globally. “Everyone is coming around to the benefits to be had from being a part of medicinal cannabis,” he said.l

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Cannabis Industry Opens in St. Vincent & the Grenadines KINGSTOWN, St. Vincent and the Grenadines: The first set of licenses to start production of medicinal cannabis in St Vincent and the Grenadines have been issued. “The journey over the past 20 months to put the legislative and administrative frameworks in place was certainly one of the most difficult, yet gratifying, tasks I have had the opportunity to lead in my career. It was not without major challenges,” said Minister of Agriculture and Industry Saboto Caesar as he made the announcement. He said the step-by-step policy guidance from Prime Minister Dr Ralph Gonsalves, and the significant support received from his Cabinet and parliamentary colleagues at different stages of the preparatory work had contributed to the successful opening of the industry. The Rastafarian community was also identified by the Minister as a “central

pillar of strength” in guiding the interaction over the period of consultation. Throughout the process, religious leaders, civil society and international legal and business experts participated in a very open and transparent consultation process to identify and outline the potential strengths and weaknesses of the different models. This included a reliance on knowledge in certification and commodity trading from companies such as Bunny Imports and Exports of Trinidad and Tobago. “The work has just started,” Minister Caesar said. “It is our mission in St. Vincent and the Grenadines to create a globally certified industry aimed at supplying medicinal cannabis products, targeting ailments based on evidence from clinical studies. The mantra is, and will continue to be, a successful medicinal cannabis industry begins and ends with science.”

Stakeholders in the industry were encouraged to set extremely high standards in research and development, marketing, labor relations, environmental protection and general corporate responsibility. “Surviving with no trade preferences, grappling with the resultant implications of climate change on cannabis cultivation, competing with global producers, effectively regulating the industry to satisfy national and international laws, continuing to ensure food safety and food security, while at the same time balancing many unique variables will become our day to day reality,” Minister Caesar

said. But he said the Unity Labor Party administration does not shy away from challenges. “The successful completion of the Argyle International Airport; the education and housing revolutions; managing the transition from a monocrop to a diversified food production platform; the expansion of our tourism and health infrastructure; obtaining a seat as a nonpermanent member of the UN Security Council; and geothermal exploration are all evidence that once, as a people, we maintain our focus – we will achieve our goals,” he said.l

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MONEY MATTERS

Time to Set Goals

inancial goals inspire, motivate and mobilize us into action. They keep us on track during the tough months and help us avoid unnecessary impulse spending that can have a negative impact on our finances. And setting a goal is the easy part. Sticking to that goal is where the challenge begins. Unforeseen expenses, untimely bills and material temptations are part of daily life. Only those who are serious about overcoming these roadblocks are truly ready to achieve their financial objectives. How to Set a Goal Don’t wait until your New Year’s resolution to set your new financial goals. Grab your past few bank statements, a piece of paper and a pencil, and get busy. Write down where every one of your pennies have went over the past couple of months and organize them into sections like “necessary bills,” “entertainment” and “eating out.” Determine which one of these segments have some wiggle room and set a goal to decrease similar spending next month. Define Your Goals When it comes to finances, you should

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have short-term and long-term goals. A short-term goal may be a plan to pay off a credit card or save enough to put a down payment on a new house. What types of purchases or payoffs are you looking to accomplish in the next six to 12 months? Put them down on paper and keep track of monthly progress toward your goal. And stay dedicated. Even an extra $20 saved from eating in on a Friday night can go a long way toward achieving your goal and building your confidence in your ability to save. Be Realistic If you earn $3,000 month, it probably isn’t a realistic goal to shove $2,000 of

your income into savings every 30 days. Be honest with yourself and choose a number that you can achieve within your short- or long-term target. If you have more than one financial goal, it is probably best to choose a primary one that receives most of your attention. This will help keep you focused on where to most effectively distribute your income. And remember to think about the long term. Growing your savings can seem like a sacrifice in the short term, but the more you sacrifice now, the more wealth you'll be able to achieve. You'll be living a much more secure, financially rewarding life in the future if you take the right steps today.l

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IN THE COMMUNITY

T&T Nurses’ Association of America, Inc. BY JAMELIAH FRANCIS

here is an old saying that says “charity begins at home”, however, it does not end there. This very notion is seen demonstrated by many Caribbean based not-for profit organizations in New York and The Trinidad and Tobago Nurses’ Association of America (TTNAA), Inc. is certainly no exception. Founded in August 1968 by a small group of visionaries, this organization is still going strong and making much head way 51 years later. The founders of this organization understood very early the need to establish a linkage within the Trinidadian nursing profession in New York, as such, a dynamic organization was birthed. Phyllis Clarke-Mills was fortunate enough to become the first President for TTNAA in 1969. She then acquired the much converted status of Life Membership, due to her outstanding contributions and commitment to the Association’s founding principles. This includes, but is not limited to, stimulating the professional, social and developmental interests of colleagues in the City of New York, the Diaspora and the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago. Over the years, TTNAA awarded more than 60 college students who chose to become part of the noble profession of nursing. These individuals were provided with much deserving scholarships and

grant awards, which totaled over $60, 000. To date, TTNAA is extremely proud of this achievement. Recent Endeavors Chanting the way forward for TTNAA is Sherise Warner-Rollock. Mrs. WarnerRollock received a scholarship grant award in 2005 and later joined the organization. After holding many positions she currently sits in the presidential seat and will continue on for the 2019-20 year. Warner-Rollock, being the 13th President, together with the other members of the organization look toward the future with much confidence, knowing that they will continue to grow from strength to strength. TTNAA is reassured by the following belief, “God is our refuge and our strength.” September 21st 2018 gave way to a monumental moment for TTNAA, as they celebrated their 50th Anniversary Gala at the elegant El Caribe Catering Hall in Brooklyn, New York. At the event, TTNAA recognized two of the six original members. They included Sylma Nelson, R.N. and Claire Peterkin, R.N. In addition to those recognized, TTNAA also honored two previous presidents, Pamela Charles, R.N. and Jacqueline Greene, R.N. Marcel Robin was also presented with a community service award that she was very appreciative of. In that same year, a nursing student,

Ms. Waterman, received the 2018 scholarship grant award. She then went on to be quite successful in the State Board Examination which enabled her the Registered Nursing License. Joining Ms. Waterman is Abigail Snaggs, who graduated with a PhD in Nursing. In addition to providing financial assistance to qualified individuals, the TTNAA is also involved in many other ventures. This includes endorsing an annual Ecumenical church service to commemorate the Independence Anniversary of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago. The organization also liaises with the Embassy of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, Washington DC, and the Permanent Mission of the United States regarding beneficial opportunities for Trinidad and Tobago’s nationals glob-

ally. They also provide emergency donations, material donations and technical assistance to individuals and entities in New York and the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago. In collaboration with churches such as the World Mission Church Assembly on Flatbush Avenue, TTNAA, Inc. conducts annual health fairs in various communities. Caribbean American Nurses Association (CANA) and Caribbean Nurses Organization (CNO) as well as International Council of Nurses (ICN) are all organizations that work hand in hand with TTAA, Inc. on various initiatives. For the year 2019, it is the organization’s intention to join hands with the constituent group of the Member of continued on page 17

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nHOROSCOPE

It’s Crop Over in Barbados. Join Rihanna! BY VICTORIA FALK

rop Over, Barbados’ 3-month long summer festival, brings more tourists to Barbados than any other time of the year. According to the Barbados Tourist Board, over 200,000 people flocked to the island in 2018 for Crop Over, with even more visitors expected to arrive this year. Bajans return home to visit family and friends during this time, while tourists see this as a great time to explore the island. The origins of Crop Over can be traced back to slavery time in the 1700s. Barbados was the worlds’ largest producer of sugar and at the end of the sugar season, there was a huge celebration to mark the end of another successful sugar cane harvest. Thanks to the Barbados Tourist Board and a group of Bajans, the

traditional harvest festival evolved into a full-fledged festival, ending with a grand Carnival parade. What began as a local celebration is now an internationally recognized event bringing people from many parts of the world to Barbados during the summer time. Bajans and

tourists, alike, come together to celebrate the island’s music, arts, food, culture, and more. This year’s Crop Over festival spans from May 4, 2019 to August 5, 2019. There are plenty of things to do for people with a variety of tastes. Enjoy calyp-

so and soca music, delicious food, live entertainment and more. Shoppers can enjoy a visit to the Bridgetown Market, where they will find arts and crafts on sale at the street fairs. The Grand Finale of the Crop Over festival, Grand Kadooment, takes place on August 5, 2019. The streets will be filled with excitement, as Bajans and tourists, alike, dance in the streets among beautifully costumed participants in the Carnival parade. It’s a fun time for all as the bands compete for top prizes. Celebrate the rich history and culture of Barbados. There’s plenty of time to get to Barbados to enjoy Crop Over 2019.l If you need assistance with your travel plans, contact your Personal Travel Planner, Victoria Falk, www.passionatetravelinc.com.

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LIFESTYLE

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How to Choose Women’s Clothing

ot much says more about you than what you wear. Expressing yourself through fashion reflects your personal taste and style, whether you’re at home, work or simply relaxing with friends and family. Finding those garments can be fun, but it should also take into account a variety of factors — your lifestyle, budget and access. Of course, buying clothing that flatters your figure is always of paramount concern. It can be hard to imagine how a dress, blouse or accessory feels or looks on you by browsing online. That’s why it’s much better to visit local women’s clothing stores to try on the latest styles and purchase what suits you. Follow these steps and you’ll forever avoid having a closet full of clothing you never wear. Think about your lifestyle. Clothing reflects your identity. Age-appropriate clothing conveys competency and professionalism. It is never a good idea to wear a club ensemble to your child's school event, for instance. Embracing teen fads will likely age you, especially if you are middle-aged. Instead, take an aspect of contemporary fashion and make it your own.

Superstar Gabrielle Union modeling two pieces from her collection for New York & Company.

Consider what you like. Think about your tastes. It won't do you much good if you buy clothes and then never wear them because you are uncomfortable. Some women like form-fitting clothes, while others feel trapped in them. If animal prints make you feel bold, then add them to your wish list. After all, you are showing others who you are by how you dress. Select your budget. It is essential to consider how much money is in your clothing budget. Maximize your potential. Take a few minutes to create a financial plan on your smartphone or a piece of paper. If you need to buy accessories to match your new outfits, set a budget for each category. Choose where to shop. Finding the right stores for your style could be the best aspect of shopping. Walk around your local outlet shop, department stores or malls to see which places match your style. Don't forget to check out online shops. Leafing through fashion magazines will give you tips on the latest online stores. If you don't mind purchasing gently used clothing, consignment stores and auction sites might be a terrific option. Make the most of your budget. After all this preparation work, you might suddenly feel nervous when it comes to spending money on clothing. Making a purchase can feel like a permanent commitment. Don't worry! Let go and have fun! You have done the research. As long as

you stay within your budget, you shouldn't have a problem. Consider using a calculator or budget app on your trip. These tools can prevent you from making a mistake and overspending. Updating your wardrobe can be an exciting, self-discovery process. By using these steps, you are on your way to selecting the right clothes to enhance your image.l

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LOVE & RELATIONSHIPS

3 Reasons to Think Before You Text Angry

Summer Reads

BY JENNINE ESTES, MFT

ith the advent of text messaging, it’s easy to send a quick message to your significant other when you’re in a hurry. While texting is faster than an email, and usually more convenient since your phone is on you at all times, you should think twice before you send a message in anger. Sometimes texting can backfire – what you say may be taken the wrong way, or you might send something too quickly and then wish you hadn’t. Here are three reasons you should think before you text, especially when you’re in a fight! There’s not much context. Yes, sometimes it’s easier to put your thoughts in writing, because you can organize them and make sure you create exactly the message you want. However, when you’re texting, chances are you will type something with no more than 200300 characters, so what you say won’t have a lot of context surrounding it. This means that you won’t have as much space to explain fully what you mean, increasing the chances that your brief message could be taken the wrong way or misunderstood. It’s too fast. Your phone is probably within reach most of the time, so it’s easy to shoot off a text message when you’re mad at your partner. It’s much easier than if you had to actually dial his or her number, wait for it to ring, and either leave a message or actually talk to them. This could mean

you are more likely to send something in an annoyed moment that you’ll later realize you wish you could take back. The next time you want to send a not-so-nice text, make yourself wait at least 5 minutes. You can even write a draft (just don’t hit send!) and then read it again in 5 to 10 minutes. You might realize the text sounds too mean or accusing, and now you’ll have the chance to delete it or change it before it gets sent. It can be read anywhere. Unlike a face-to-face conversation in which you can control the environment – your text will definitely be read from a mobile phone. This means you might catch your significant other right when they are about to head into a car and drive or go into an important meeting at work. Your partner may have just received some disheartening news, and suddenly whatever you wanted to angry text them about doesn’t seem as important and can be brought up at a later time. Be consid-

erate – don’t send a text that is likely to upset your partner, because you can’t know for sure when he or she will happen to read it. It might be at the worst time possible! Texting is easy and quick. It’s tempting to communicate that way when you’re upset. However, consider that your text might sound worse than you intend or be read at the worst possible moment. Instead, send a text saying that you want to talk in detail more later, or at the least, make yourself take a time out before you send a message.l Jennine Estes is a Marriage and Family Therapist in San Diego, CA. Certified in Emotionally Focused Therapy for Couples. She writes relationship and selfgrowth advice for her column, Relationships in the Raw. Creator of #BeingLOVEDIs campaign. MFC#47653 Reprinted with the kind permission of Estes Therapy.

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SPORTS

Reflections on Cricket West Indies BY DR. BASIL SPRINGER, GCM

eremiah 29:11 “For I know the plans I have for you," says the Lord. "They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope." At the beginning of 2019, Cricket West Indies (CWI) appointed an interim head coach, Richard Pybus, an Englishman with experience working with the West Indies team, to coordinate the senior men's cricket team's activities. As underdogs, the West Indies team delivered a stellar performance in the 2019 series against England in the Caribbean. The West Indies team won the Test series (2-1), thus regaining the Sir Frank Worrell trophy, drew the ODI series (2-2) against the highest-ranking team in the world, and contributed to an exciting T20I series which provided ecstatic spectator excitement. Richard Pybus and his squad received deserved praise for this performance, against the odds. Caribbean cricket enthusiasts were very happy with an apparent change in trend against a formidable opponent. The West Indies captain indicated that he was very pleased with the team spirit within the camp and my expectation was that we would keep this winning combination. It so happened that the CWI elections for President and Vice President were

constitutionally due in March 2019. There was a successful challenge to the incumbents by Ricky Skerritt and Dr. Kishore Swallow, who campaigned with their own manifesto. There was a rush to implement major manifesto promises, including the immediate appointment of a qualified regional coach, apparently without paying attention to the captain's stated content with the team morale after the successful England tour. After these changes were implemented, Bangladesh convincingly beat the West Indies in an ODI tri-nation series in Ireland, immediately prior to the World Cup. The performance of the West Indies cricket team at the 2019 World Cup, after their first six matches, is 1 win, 4 losses and 1 no-decision. Nothing short of 3 wins by West Indies against India, Sri Lanka and Afghanistan and three losses by England in their remaining matches, may give the West Indies a mathematical chance of being in the final 4 teams which would qualify for the semifinals. The achievement of this combination of results, given the performances to date, is extremely unlikely. Much has been written in the press about this disappointing performance which followed the precipitous set of changes by the new CWI administration.

Photo: Mitch Gunn/shutterstock.com

In this column, in March and April 2019, in a series of "CWI: As a Business" articles we discussed topics such as "CWI: The future is bright"; "CWI: Board Communication"; and "CWI: Performance Monitoring Dashboards"; which embodied the importance of strategic visioning among stakeholders and the implementation of a systematic management process before making rash decisions. Many others gave advice, which was not heeded by the new CWI administration, which now finds itself as a target of criticism. l

NOTTINGHAM, ENGLAND. 06 JUNE 2019: Chris Gayle of West Indies hits out during the Australia against West Indies, ICC Cricket World Cup match, at Trent Bridge, Nottingham, England.

Kitchen Corner Pineapple Sticky Ribs

Dr. Basil Springer, GCM is a ChangeEngine Consultant. His columns may be found at www.nothingbeatsbusiness.com

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BY SUNKIST2, ALLRECIPES.COM "Sticky ribs come out tender and delicious with no pre-boiling involved. Just mix up the sauce and bake. Everyone loves them! You can bake right away or prepare ahead and let them marinate in this sauce for a while first." Ingredients •3 pounds pork back ribs, separated and fat trimmed •1 (12.5 ounce) can pineapple tidbits, drained •1 cup apricot jam •1/4 cup soy sauce •2 tablespoons white wine vinegar •2 tablespoons brown sugar •2 cloves garlic, minced •1 teaspoon ground ginger •1/2 teaspoon salt •1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper •1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper Directions 1.Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Arrange ribs in a single layer in a roasting pan. 2.Stir pineapple, jam, soy sauce, vinegar, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper together in a bowl; pour over ribs. 3.Bake in the preheated oven, basting every 15 minutes, until ribs are glazed and pull away easily from the bone, about 1 1/2 hours. An instant-read thermometer inserted into the center should read 145 degrees F (63 degrees C). l

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CARIBBEAN STAR

Lashana:The New Bond 007 BYJAMELIAH FRNCIS

ritish actress Lashana Lynch, born to Jamaican parents is taking the media by storm with her newest movie role. Best known for her role in the 2019 “Captain Marvel,” Lynch is soon to be the first black woman to take on the task of being the newest 007 agent added to the James Bond crew. Though Lynch is not going to be the up and coming “Bond 25,” she will nonetheless play the character of a woman named Nomi, who would most likely replace Bond after his retirement. According to Garel, an insider has reported that “there is a pivotal scene at the start of the film where M says, “Come in, 007,” and in walks Lashana, who is black, beautiful and a woman.” This new addition to the Bond franchise, though it may seem controversial is certainly a welcoming idea, as over the past years there has been major complaints about the lack of non-white actors and actresses and the absence of female main characters. The Nomi initiative is owed to Phoebe Waller-Bridge, who created “Fleebag” and “Killing Eve.” According to WallerBridge, ″[The franchise] has just got to grow. It has just got to evolve, and the important thing is that the film treats the women properly. He doesn’t have to. He

needs to be true to his character.” Following her first leading role on Shonda Rhimes’ ABC period drama, “Still Star-Crossed,” and after being trained classically in theatre at the renowned performing arts, Sylvia Young Theatre School, Lynch is ready and able to embrace her exciting career. Ms. Lynch’s first debut was in 2011 with the movie “Fast Girls,” however, she was able to take the media by storm and really put herself on the map with her role as a fighter pilot name Maria Rambeau in “Captain Marvel.” Though this is a big deal for Lynch and many other supporters, it is not so well received by some. This includes Trina Parks, who made history in 1971, by becoming the first black “Bond Girl” starring alongside Sean Connery in “Diamonds are Forever.” According to actress Trina Parks, "Miss Bond doesn't have the same ring to it." Well of course it would not have the same ring to it. The movie as is popularly known is taking on a new and pretty exciting twist. Like everything else, it is evolving into something new…with a different twist. Which may not be such a bad thing after all. Insider source confirmed that there will be an obvious “sexual attraction” to Lashana Lynch as 007 by Bond, however, his efforts will be useless on her. Also, the term “Bond Girls” has been replaced with

Photo: Lashana Lynch (Picture: MGM) Cover photo of Lynch: shutterstock.com

“Bond Women”. According to the insider, "This is a Bond for the modern era who will appeal to a younger generation while sticking true to what we all expect in a Bond film." "There are spectacular chase sequences and fights, and Bond is still Bond but he's having to learn to deal with the world of #MeToo." There are some obvious reservations by Daniel Craig in doing another Bond film; however he declares that if he did do the film, it’s mainly because of the financial gains. Despite it all, Craig will continue to be a crucial part of the movie’s storyline. Also, reports have surfaced that he will come out of retirement to assist Lynch in her new role. The movie is scheduled to for theaters in April of 2020.l

T&T Nurses Association continued from page 12 Assembly, 59th District. On April 24th, 2019, TTNAA had its 26th installation of officers for the term 2019 to 2020. The new Executive Board is as follows: Adana Edwards RN-Corresponding Secretary, Joan Mayers RN-Public Relations Officer, Thecla Williams RNVice President, Naomi Henry RNTreasurer, the 14th President - Sherise Warner-Rollock RN, Joyce Bain RNTrustee, Allison Fletcher RN-Trustee, Jocelyn Alleyne RN-Business Manager, Maudlyn George RN-Recording Secretary and Barbara Guevarra-Francis RN-Chaplin. Upcoming Event Scheduled for October 2019, is the 8th Quadrennial Conference in collaboration with Trinidad and Tobago Registered Nurses Association. This auspicious event is to be held at the Trinidad and Tobago Hilton. The theme for this year is “Nurses and Midwives Providing Quality Care in a Changing Environment.” In preparation of this event, there was a fundraiser in the form of food sale on June 8th, 2019, which was very successful. Nonetheless, the organization still welcomes donations in support of the cause. Interested persons can contact President Sherise Warner-Rollock at (347)-998-8670 or Jean Leon at (917)776-2864.l

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WORLD NEWS

DR Congo Ebola Outbreak Declared Global Health Emergency days to reach 2,000. About 12 new cases are being reported every day.

BY BBC.COM - HEALTH

he World Health Organization (WHO ) has declared the Ebola crisis in the Democratic Republic (DR) of Congo a "public health emergency of international concern." The move may encourage wealthy donor countries to provide more cash. But the WHO stopped short of saying borders should be closed, saying the risk of the disease spreading outside the region was not high. The outbreak in DR Congo has killed more than 1,600 people. Recently, the first case was detected in Goma, home to more than a million. The Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) emergency provision is the highest level of alarm the WHO can sound and has only been used four times previously. This includes the Ebola epidemic that devastated parts of West Africa from 2014 to 2016, and killed more than 11,000 people. "It is time for the world to take notice," WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus told a news conference in Geneva recently at which the emergency

Isn't there a vaccine? Yes. It is 99% effective and more than 161,000 people have been given it. However, everybody is not vaccinated — only those who come into direct contact with an Ebola patient, and people who come into contact with them. The vaccine was developed during the epidemic in West Africa and has been available throughout the latest outbreak.

was declared. He said he accepted recommendations there should be no restrictions on travel or trade, and no entry screening of passengers at ports or airports outside the immediate region. The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies welcomed the move. "While it does not change the reality on the ground for victims or partners engaged in the response, we hope it will

bring the international attention that this crisis deserves," it said in a statement. How bad is the situation in DR Congo? The outbreak, the second largest in history, started in August 2018 and is affecting two provinces in DR Congo - North Kivu and Ituri. More than 2,500 people have been infected and two-thirds of them have died. It took 224 days for the number of cases to reach 1,000, but just a further 71

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Why hasn't the outbreak been brought under control? Tackling the disease has been complicated by conflict in the region. Since January, there have been 198 attacks against healthcare workers or Ebola treatment facilities leading to seven deaths and 58 injuries. Another major problem has been distrust of healthcare workers leading to about a third of deaths being in the community rather than at a specialist Ebola treatment center. It means those people are not seeking treatment and risk spreading the disease to neighbors and relatives. There has also been difficulty tracking the spread of the virus. A significant number of cases are coming as a surprise as those affected have not come into contact with known Ebola cases. "We are one year into the outbreak and the situation is not getting any better," said Trish Newport, from the charity MSF. "It's a complex environment with a long history of violence, of conflict, so there's a lot of mistrust of foreigners from outside the area. "We have to build ties and connections with the community so they trust us." Could the disease spread further? The WHO says the risk to neighboring countries is "very high". Uganda has already had some isolated cases including two people — a five-year-old boy and his 50-year-old grandmother —who died from the disease. Rwanda is also at risk. Recently, a priest died from Ebola in the city of Goma, which is home to more than a million people. The city is a major transport hub and sits on the DR CongoRwanda border. The WHO said cases there were a "game-changer", however, there have been no reported cases of the disease spreading in Goma. Is the world doing enough to help? The WHO has been clear for months that it has insufficient money to tackle the problem. It had estimated that it needed $98m to tackle the outbreak between February and July. Yet it faced a shortfall of $54m.l

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MOVING FORWARD

What Professional Women Can Learn from Sofia Vergara about Leadership BY WIFE.ORG EDITORS

f you are a fan of the Emmy award winning show, Modern Family, then you are already familiar with actress Sofia Vergara who plays the beautiful and vivacious Gloria. “JAAAY!” You have also likely seen Vergara’s face on ads for CoverGirl, Diet Pepsi, and State Farm just to name a few. Vergara isn’t just a pretty face, at least according to Debora McLaughlin, CEO of The Renegade Leader Coaching and Consulting Group and author of Running in High Heels: How to Lead with Influence, Impact & Ingenuity. According to McLaughlin, “Vergara represents a new face in business leadership. Multiple studies have found that personality traits formerly thought of as ‘feminine’ are now seen as preferred leadership features in business.” Vergara is certainly doing something right. She was listed by Forbes.com as the highest-earning woman in U.S. television in 2012, and has been widely recognized as one of the most influential Latin women in entertainment. According to McLaughlin, Vergara is “a wildly successful entrepreneur who embraces herself, including her own beauty, her 40s, her health as a thyroid cancer survivor, her previous status as a

single mother, her multiple endorsement deals from corporations that reflect her life – and she does it all with swagger.” McLaughlin goes on to explain that Vergara embodies her personal prescription for success in the workplace: L for Leveraged Leadership: Vergara knows how to work her assets (and not just the physical ones) to communicate powerfully, engage in a deeper level of influence, and build a powerbase of support.

E for Engage: Vergara surrounds herself with a powerful team that helps propel her career. This includes working with amazingly talented comedic actors like Ty Burrell, Julie Bowen, and Eric Stonestreet in Modern Family. A for Activate: Vergara activates a high-performance lifestyle and projects confidence in her acting and modeling. D for Distinguish: Every actress and successful businesswoman needs to cultivate their own unique brand and to distinguish themselves in the workplace.

Vergara certainly has this down! Even if you aren’t an award-winning actress on one of the most watched shows on television, that doesn’t mean you don’t have a little Sofia Vergara inside of you. When you embrace your own sense of style, commit yourself to hard work, and activate your unique talents, you’ll soar to the top of your field and earn the paycheck you deserve!l

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This FREE Citizenship Program does not apply to anyone who has ever been arrested since getting their Green Card.

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