b'Michigan and Connecticut. He received a scholarship to study political science at Amherst College in Massachusetts. He received his barrister-at-law from India. Political activism continued with the UN when he was assigned to work inBrazil. During this time, he was able to get his book published in his area of study. (African States and the United NationsVersus Apartheid)As a supervising judge, he oversaw the work of the judges. Sometimes, a defendant would make a complaint orclaim discrimination by a judge. Romiro Barros would have to review the audio tapes of the hearing and listen for anyproof of the judges wrongdoing. Recommendations that he made would be reviewed by the chief judge and the commissioner. Supervising the per diem judges was not always easy. Sometimes they just were not very good and he was forced to hire them. There was an incident where an older judge was not doing a good job, keeping poor notes and presentinginadequate reports. Romiro Barros colleagues were all younger than him and were not inclined to fire an older judge.They said: He can sue us for age discrimination. His response was to correct the person. His book was not very good. I sat with him and I told him what to do. I said: Im not going to write this up, but I want you to study the procedures anddo a better job. You can come to me with questions. In two weeks, Ill review your work and if its not good, Ill put it inwriting. He told me: If you put it in writing, then I know my days are over. I also told him it might be in his best interestto look for another job. Before the two weeks were up, he came to me and told me he had another job. I was very happyfor him and relieved that I didnt have to fire him.I saw him sometime after he left and he thanked me for making himtake a different direction in working for the City.When Romiro Barros began working full time as a supervising judge and was able to join the union, he was not surewhy. Once he saw his pay check and his benefits, he understood. They must be doing something right! Later on, I cameto meetings. I saw a lot of good things come to me. I began to see how important the union was for us. The thing is thatwhen you have a union, you know that the union is behind you. Im very grateful to the union, especially now, when I come here dancing and all.In the end of 1999 at the age of 65, Romiro Barros retired. Im very happy Im a union member, especially now.I come regularly for the salsa dance classes. Its very good exercise. I sleep well that night and the next day, my body is in pain, but it is all fine. I know my body is working. 167 '