NEW YORK—The Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs (MOIA) Commissioner Raquel Batista, NYC Department of Social Services (DSS) Commissioner Steven Banks, and NYC Department of Correction Commissioner (DOC) Vincent Schiraldi today announced reforms to help formerly incarcerated individuals to obtain identification.  

      To obtain an IDNYC, the City’s free municipal identification card, applicants must prove their identity by showing several forms of ID. Today, the City is expanding its list of acceptable documents to include ID information and photos maintained by DOC. The information already maintained by DOC as part of the detention process will serve as one point of identification, easing the steps to get an IDNYC card for formerly incarcerated individuals. 

      “At the Department of Social Services, our top priority has been improving social services delivery through a range of reforms that make it easier for New Yorkers in need to access the resources to which they are entitled,” said Department of Social Services Commissioner Steven Banks. “With basic proof of identification needed to apply for and access many government services and supports, the IDNYC program has given more than a million New Yorkers an effective form of ID and made our City fairer and more inclusive – but we knew we could take that progress further. This common-sense reform will help us better support more New Yorkers, regardless of background, which includes addressing the unique needs of individuals who’ve experienced criminal legal system involvement, who deserve the same access to opportunity and services as other New Yorkers.” 

       “Formerly incarcerated individuals are often left vulnerable due to the transient nature and varied circumstances when released from DOC custody,” said Raquel Batista, Commissioner of the Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs. “This effort will allow the procurement of necessary identity documents after their release so they can experience a safe integration back to society and experience IDNYC’s wide variety of benefits.” 

      “A core part of our mission is to help people return to their communities with tools that will allow them to thrive,” said Vincent Schiraldi, Commissioner of the Department of Correction. “This is a common-sense effort that will make people’s lives better.”  

      Individuals leaving DOC custody often do not have photo identification, which impedes their ability to reintegrate into the community and access critical assistance programs and benefits. This new effort will help facilitate reentry for formerly incarcerated individuals by allowing them to use documentation produced in connection with their detention as proof of identity in obtaining IDNYC.  

      To apply for IDNYC, applicants will need a total of four points from documents proving identity and NYC residency.  

      For more information about documents accepted by IDNYC and to book an appointment, please visit nyc.gov/idnyc or call 311 and say “IDNYC.” 

      “IDNYC has provided millions of New Yorkers from various backgrounds with the necessary identification to access vital services in our city regardless of their immigration status. With this new announcement, formally incarcerated New Yorkers will also now be able to benefit from this program and have one less barrier to reintegrating back into society. I want to thank the Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs, the NYC Department of Social Services, and the NYC Department of Correction for their support and collaboration on this important initiative,” said Council Member Vanessa Gibson. 

      “Now more than ever, we need to ensure all New Yorkers can have access to critical government services, including health and vaccine access, to combat the new COVID19 Omicron variant. And having identification is key to unlocking these services. The new IDNYC initiative with the Department of Corrections that ensures formerly incarcerated can prove their identity through DOC records is the right step to help these New Yorkers get back on their feet,” said Councilmember Carlos Menchaca, Chair of the Committee on Immigration. “As the lead sponsor of the IDNYC legislation, I envisioned a program that made it easier, but securely, for vulnerable New Yorkers regardless of their immigration or economic status to get their municipal ID. MOIA’s new initiative with DOC gets us closer to a vision of justice.” 

      “To justly support formerly incarcerated individuals’ reentry to our communities and the workforce, the city needs to eliminate the barriers that hinder this process. The reforms by the City’s agencies will facilitate getting the identification these individuals need not only for their reentry but to also access critical resources. This is how we advance racial justice,” said Council Member Francisco Moya. 

       “For formerly incarcerated individuals, lack of photo identification often acts as a barrier to reintegration into their communities. Today, New York City is taking action to change that by reducing the points of identification that formerly incarcerated individuals must actively provide, easing the process to get an IDNYC card. I commend the de Blasio administration for taking this step, and I will continue to fight for more reintegration resources and supportive services for the formerly incarcerated,” said Council Member Antonio Reynoso.  

       “Formerly incarcerated individuals face enough challenges accessing housing, employment, benefits, and other programs as they return home,” said Council Member Adrienne Adams. “Making the process easier for individuals to obtain an IDNYC card will go a long way. I applaud the inter-agency collaboration by MOIA, DSS, and DOC to make this reform happen.” 

Mayor-elect Eric Adams announced that the historic Kings Theatre in Flatbush will be the site of his inauguration ceremony, which will be held in conjunction with the ceremonies for Comptroller-elect Brad Lander and Public Advocate Jumaane Williams. The event will take place on the evening of Saturday, January 1^st to support New Yorkers who observe the Sabbath. It will be in Brooklyn, instead of the traditional location of City Hall, as a tribute to the election of three citywide leaders from the borough.

“It is symbolically impactful for me to be inaugurated as New York City’s 110^th mayor in the heart of Flatbush, on behalf of this working-class community and communities like it across the five boroughs who have elected one of their own to lead our recovery. Kings Theatre has made so many wonderful memories over its storied history, and on January 1^st we will make even more history there together,” said Mayor-elect Eric Adams.

“I am deeply humbled to begin my first full term as public advocate, and gratified that New Yorkers have appreciated and affirmed the work of our office for the last two years. On January 1^st, New York begins a new era with new citywide leadership, and I am eager to partner with my fellow citywide elected officials to work on behalf of and for the betterment of New Yorkers,” said Public Advocate Jumaane Williams.

“The oath we will take on January 1^st is a promise — a promise to work in partnership and in accordance with our mandates to secure a better future for New Yorkers. I look forward to making that public promise alongside Eric Adams and Jumaane Williams, and to working every day to build a more just and resilient city,” said Comptroller-Elect Brad Lander.

Kings Theatre, formerly Loew’s Kings Theatre, is a live performance venue opened by Loew’s Theatres as a movie palace in 1929 and closed in 1977. The theater sat empty for decades until a complete renovation began in 2010; it reopened in 2015 after an authentic restoration of the original 1929 design and new state-of-the-art building systems.

The theater has a seating capacity of 3,000 people. Non-transferrable invitations will be sent out to attendees, which will include family members, community leaders, and a diverse group of New Yorkers excited for these newly-elected citywide leaders. Attendance will require proof of COVID-19 vaccination status.

PLEASE DONATE SUPPLIES

 TO VOLCANO STRICKEN

VINCENT AND THE GRENADINES

NYC –  Brooklyn’s Borough President and mayoral candidate Eric Adams and St. Vincent and the Grenadines Consul General Howie Prince held a press conference on a chilly and rainy Sunday afternoon appealing to all New Yorkers to help the nation of St. Vincent and the Grenadines stricken by the eruption of La Soufriere Volcano. More than 20,000 persons residing in towns and villages near the volcano have been evacuated. The island is blanketed with several inches of ash. The ash, also scattered across the neighboring states such as Barbados, (forcing Grantly Adams International Airport to close with a projected reopening on April 14^th) Grenada, St. Lucia and Martinique, poses a health hazard especially to people with respiratory ailments.

Adams and Prince reiterated Prime Minister Ralph Gonsalves’ appeal: “Our immediate needs are water, bedding, respiratory equipment and supplies, and sanitary products for babies/elderly/women.”

Consul General Prince has asked Congresswoman Yvette Clarke to lobby the federal government and Borough President Eric Adams to appeal to NY-State Governor Andrew Cuomo to authorize a military cargo plane to transport emergency supplies to the nation. Therefore, now is the time for New Yorkers to give enough supplies to load-up the plane.

Last Saturday afternoon a van, provided to collect items, was seen on Nostrand Avenue, Brooklyn, and Caribbean nationals in the neighborhood were rushing to the van with supplies.

Later today, EVERYBODY’S Magazine will provide a drop off point in the Bronx and Queens. Here are approved sites collecting supplies:

FRIENDS OF CROWN HEIGHTS EDUCATIONAL CENTER

671 Prospect Pl.

(Between Bedford and Franklin Avenues)

Brooklyn, NY

Other FOCH centers at bottom. (EVERYBODY’S readers, a list of FOCH centers is in the June month of EVERYBODYS 2021 Global Caribbean Calendar.)

BROOKLYN BOROUGH HALL

210 Joralemon Street

Brooklyn, NY 11201

For other drop locations

Contact: St. Vincent & the Gren. Consulate

(212) 687-4490

For information about medical needs contact

MEDICAL PROFESSIONALS ON A MISSION

Shanita Scotland, RN

(917) 373-9767

[email protected]

To send a monetary donation contact the consulate (212) 687-4490.

La Soufriere erupted in 1902 when more than 1,000 persons were killed. The 1979 eruption was covered by EVERYBODY’S Magazine and, in conjunction with WLIB Radio, led a fundraising drive.

CENTRAL DROP OFF

671 Prospect Place, Brooklyn NY 11216

OTHER LOCATIONS (671 Prospect preferred)

Bedford-Stuyvesant

34-52 Kosciuszko Street, Brooklyn, NY

Brownsville

20 Sutter Avenue, NY 11212

Coney Island

49 Avenue W, Brooklyn, NY 11223

Crown Heights

963 Park Place, Brooklyn, NY 11213

1435 Prospect Place, Brooklyn NY 11213

1491 Bedford Avenue, Brooklyn NY 11216

813 Sterling Place, Brooklyn NY 11216

East New York

374 Pine Street, Brooklyn, NY 11208

668 Logan Street, Brooklyn NY 11208

2505 Pitkin Avenue, Brooklyn NY 11208

921 Hegeman Avenue, Brooklyn NY 11208

851 Liberty Avenue, Brooklyn NY 11208

370 New Lots Avenue, Brooklyn NY 11207

Flatbush/East Flatbush

141 E. 40th Street, Brooklyn, NY

2805 Newkirk Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11226

Inwood

3732 Tenth Avenue, New York, NY 10034

Staten Island

195 Gordon Street, Staten Island, NY 10304

PHOTO: Consul General Prince and heads of St. Vincent organization in NYC thanking Borough President Eric Adams.

Neville Livingston better known as Bunny Wailer, the last of the world’s famous musical trio, the Wailers, has passed. He was 73 and would have turned 74 in April. Bunny laid the foundation of the beginning of the Wailers. Like most famous musical groups, the trio of Bunny Livingston, Peter Tosh and Bob Marley broke up then Bob went on to achieve singular fame as Bob Marley and the Wailers. Neville and Bob were stepbrothers and grew up in the same home. More in EVERYBODY’S upcoming April edition.

   Singing Sandra 1957-2021

Singing Sandra, one the icons of calypso, has passed. She was 64. Born in East Dry River, Trinidad & Tobago in 1957, Sandra’s family on her father’s side, the John family, hailed from Gouyave, Grenada. Sandra performed frequently at the annual Fisherman’s Birthday in Gouyave. Sandra Des Vignes-Millington was the second woman to capture the National Calypso Monarch of Trinidad & Tobago. She took the title on two occasions. She was the 3^rd runner-up in EVERYBODY’S World Calypso Monarch competition held in New York and seen on Pay-Per-View in several states. She performed at other calypso events such as in New York calypso tents prod

uced by Dawad Philip’s Domingo Productions and later by EVERYBODY’S Magazine.

Singing Sandra lyrics were always uplifting. Her hits such as “Song for Healing,” “Voices from the Ghetto,” and “Ancient Rhythm” will remain classics.

“Sandra’s passing is a great loss to the calypso industry,” noted veteran arranger, Leston Paul.

Fay-Ann Lyons said, “Sandra was the embodiment of a powerful female artiste who always had a message in her music.”

“Sandra was the best calypso artist I ever worked with. She cooperated in every aspect of producing a show from transportation to rehearsals and she gave her all when on stage,” explained the publisher of EVERYBODY’S Magazine.

104-Year-Old Woman from Dominica

Escorted to the Poll site by niece to vote for Biden/Harris

Brooklyn, NY: 104-year old Thelma who was born and raised in Dominica casted her vote on Tuesday afternoon at the $104 million renovated Kings Theatre on Flatbush Avenue, an early voting site, located within the large Caribbean community. Thelma was brought to the poll and assisted by her great grandniece. On Saturday morning when early voting for the presidency of the U.S. began, the first in line to vote was Doris from San Fernando, Trinidad & Tobago. Although polls in New York City opened at 10am, Doris was in line at 6am. The polls also opened at 10am on Sunday, but hundreds of voters, especially Caribbean-Americans, were there at 6am. The polls opened at 7am on Monday but voters were outside Kings as early as 4:30. Tuesday, another rainy, chilly morning in autumn, was not different; people were in line at 8am for a 12-noon opening.

     At the Kings Theatre where EVERYBODY’S Magazine has been focusing, one can hear Anglophone Caribbean voters from throughout the Caribbean saying they came to vote for the Biden/Harris ticket. Jackie who was born at Maxwell Junction in Barbados made a useless trip to Brooklyn from Queens to vote. “I don’t mind if there is a problem with where I should vote, I don’t care as long as I vote Trump out of office.” She had recently moved to Queens from Brooklyn but thinking Queens Board of Elections did not list her, she came to Brooklyn to vote only to be told she is not on the Brooklyn voters list. “I will go back to Queens to vote and I am not mad that I wasted a day. I want to know that I voted against Trump.” Jackie sentiments were supported by her longtime friend from Guyana, Sandra, who boasted she voted on Saturday after standing in line for four hours.

     Eighty-six-year-old Ruby from the Carenage, Grenada, had no problem standing in the rain on Tuesday. “This may be my last vote before I die, and I want to die a happy person knowing I voted out Trump.”

      In all the five boroughs of New York City, Caribbean-Americans are eagerly casting their votes. EVERYBODY’S has not heard a single Caribbean voter says he or she voted for Trump but many in their eagerness to get rid of President Trump are spoiling their ballots.

       In New York State, most candidates are listed under different political parties on the ballot but a voter can only vote for the candidate once regardless to how many times the candidate is listed. So, in New York City, Biden/ Harris is listed under several political parties and so is Trump/Pence. One cannot vote for Biden under the Democratic Party line and then vote for him under the Working Families Party. That vote will be spoiled. Mayor de Blasio tweeted, “Getting ready to vote in Brooklyn. Long line but it will be worth it! Urging all progressives to vote for Joe Biden and Kamala Harris on the Working Families Party line in New York State. Protect our @NYWFP and change our nation, all at once!” Bill de Blasio is also confusing young and immigrant voters many of whom having marked their ballot for Biden/Harris on the Democratic Party line then mark the ballot again, this time, for the presidential ticket on the Working Families line thereby spoiling their vote.

To add to the confusion, there are other candidates listed on the same ballot who are running for other offices. In other words, the ballot lists those seeking the presidency of the U.S., city and state offices, judgeships and even dog catcher.

     While a vote for Biden that is spoil by the voter may not be crucial in New York State because Biden/Harris, is projected to carry New York State by a landslide, a spoil vote for Biden in battleground states such as Pennsylvania and Florida could hurt the Biden/Harris ticket. Those states have large Caribbean populations.

     There is no question that Caribbean-American voters are participating in early voting and mail-in voting and they are voting for the Biden/Harris ticket. EVERYBODY’S survey of Caribbean-Americans completed in mid-September reveals that 94% are voting for Vice President Biden and Senator Kamala Harris.  Given that a Caribbean-American or Jamaican-American, Kamala Harris, is on the ticket, it would not be surprising if more than 94% voted for Biden/Harris.

    Due to the long lines in New York City, Mayor Bill de Blasio has extended early voting hours. On Tuesday, de Blasio vote in his neighborhood of Park Slope, Brooklyn. He claimed he waited in line for almost three hours.  Friday, Saturday and Sunday, polls will now open at 7am and close at 5pm.  For votes who did not do mail in voting and early voting, there’s a final chance to vote. It is Tuesday, November 3. The polls will open in New York State at 6am and close at 9pm.

    To protect the privacy of voters EVERYBODY’S mentioned in this news article, the persons, age and island of birth are accurate but we did not use their real name.

NEW YORK, NY – Department of Consumer and Worker Protection (DCWP) Commissioner Lorelei Salas today warned New Yorkers of scams related to COVID-19 to protect consumers’ identity and money.

“It is a sad reality that scammers often take advantage of people during times of crisis,” said DCWP Commissioner Lorelei Salas. “People are especially vulnerable right now and scammers will use that to their benefit. I urge everyone to think twice and do their research before giving away any personal or banking information. During difficult times like these, people cannot afford to be scammed out of their hard-earned money, especially when it comes to their vital stimulus checks.”

Scammers have come up with numerous ways to defraud people in connection with COVID-19. These scams may be phone calls, emails, text messages, or sometimes even in person. It is important to be aware of them and know what to do if you encounter one.

Visit nyc.gov/dcwp for DCWP’s full list of COVID-19 scams, which will soon be available in multiple languages. The scams are divided into several common categories:

• Fake Government Calls/Emails/Texts. Beware of calls from scammers claiming to be from a government agency, such as the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), NYS Department of Labor (NYSDOL), or a law enforcement agency, and asking for personal or banking information. Legitimate government agencies do not call unexpectedly asking for money, especially in the form of gift cards. Most payments can be done through their official websites. If the caller asks for personal information, make sure they can verify themselves first. If you are still unsure, hang up and call the official agency number.

• Charity Scams. Always do your research before donating to a charity organization or person setting up a GoFundMe page. Ask organizations what their registration number is—all legitimate charities must be registered with the New York Attorney General’s Charities Bureau. Never donate in cash, by gift card, or by wiring money. Report charity scams by filing a complaint at charitiesnys.com. If you’d like to help New Yorkers affected by COVID-19, visit nyc.gov/helpnow.

• Fake COVID-19 Treatment and Testing
  • “Anti-COVID-19” Products and Medicines: Do not use products or medicines promoted as “anti-COVID-19” unless approved by a health care provider. These may be dangerous and fatal. There are currently no products proven to treat or prevent COVID-19. The only preventive measures for COVID-19 currently approved are social distancing and hand washing. Learn more about prevention and care from NYC Department of Health at on.nyc.gov/2yI55Ib.
  • Home Test Kits: Ignore any online offers for vaccinations and home test kits for COVID-19. Report any you come across to the FTC at ftc.gov/complaint. If someone unexpectedly knocks on your door claiming to be from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), World Health Organization (WHO), or NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH) to conduct a “COVID-19 test” – dial 911.

• Personal Protective Equipment Scams
  • Beware of fake calls to your business requesting money for Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). The caller may state that a manager had placed an order for PPE for the company and a money order is needed to be sent prior to delivery. Make sure to always check in with a manager or person in charge before sending any money.
  • If you are making an online purchase for PPE, such as face masks, always buy from reputable stores and websites.

• Phishing Scams. Phishing emails, text messages, or social media posts often contain a link or ask you to provide personal information that can be used to commit fraud or identity theft.
  • Always verify the email address or link before clicking or responding.
  • If the caller claims to be from a government agency, make sure they can verify themselves first. If you are suspicious, go to the official website the sender claims to be from or call the official number to confirm the legitimacy of the email. If it seems like a scam, delete the email and file a complaint with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) at fcc.gov/complaints.

• Unknown Callers and Robocalls. Scammers may call you or use illegal robocalls to pitch everything from scam COVID-19 treatments to work-at-home schemes.
  • Beware of calls threatening to disconnect gas and electric services unless you pay immediately. The caller may use sophisticated phone systems that display the energy company’s name on the caller ID. This is a scam. When in doubt, you should hang up and call the customer service number located on your bill.
  • If an unfamiliar number ever calls you, don’t pick up. Answering and pressing any keys may lead to more scam calls.

• Fake Money Deals. If a deal is too good to be true, it usually is. Beware of these ‘great deals’:
  • Debt Relief Scams: If you receive a call claiming to offer debt relief, do not engage. The caller may say they can offer you a 50 percent settlement to help pay your debt and to contact them to take advantage of the offer. Hang up immediately and avoid answering any unknown calls. If you are facing financial hardship due to COVID-19, you can request debt collection agencies to stop contacting you about your existing debt. Download Cease Debt Collection Communication Letter: Instructions and Template. DCWP also encourages anyone struggling with debt to make an appointment for free financial counseling by phone. Learn more at nyc.gov/TalkMoney.
  • Counterfeit Coupons: Beware of fake coupon deals circulating on social media. The coupon link may take you to a third-party site and ask for your personal information in order to receive the coupon. Legitimate businesses do not ask for any banking information in exchange for a coupon deal. Always go to the official business website to see if they are offering any coupons.
  • Tax Loans: It is important to be careful when selecting a tax professional. While most preparers provide honest and high-quality service, some may mislead people into taking credits or deductions they aren’t entitled to claim. By promising a “bigger” refund, they will increase their fees and taxpayers will end up losing their money instead of gaining. Eligible New Yorkers can use NYC Free Tax Prep for trusted and professional filing. Learn more at nyc.gov/taxprep.

• Puppy Scams. With people obeying stay-at-home orders, many are looking into getting a pet. It is important that you research the website before making any purchases. Fraudulent pet sites may advertise animals that don’t exist and are never shipped. It is best practice to not buy a pet without seeing it in person. Be cautious of sending money through Western Union, MoneyGram, or a cash app like Zelle or a gift card. These payment methods offer no recourse and no way to get your money back if you are the victim of a fraud. Report any pet scams you come across to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at ftc.gov/complaint.

• Student Loan Scams. Under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, federal student loan payments are automatically suspended, without interest or penalties, until September 30. Student loan holders with loans covered by the Act do not have to take any action to have them suspended. If you are contacted by someone claiming they can get you into the program faster or for free, it is a scam. If you are unsure whether your loan is covered by the Act, contact the loan servicer directly and ask. For more information and tips, read Student Loan Debt Tips During COVID-19 (available in multiple languages).