Guyana Post Newspaper

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Thursday Dec. 23, 2021

ONLINE DAILY NEWSPAPER

Pg2 PRIME MINISTER PLEDGES SUPPORT FOR ENDING DOMESTIC VIOLENCE

ONE-MONTH TAX-FREE BONUS FOR JOINT SERVICES WANTED BULLETIN FOR DRUG SUSPECTS GPL GUARANTEES ADEQUATE FOR CHRISTMAS

MECHANIC FOUND GUILTY OF RAPE AT IMBAIMADAI

RETIRED CHRONICLE EDITOR, CLAUDETTE EARLE DIES

Pg4

Thursday Dec. 23, 2021

One-month tax-free bonus for joint services –19 ranks to also get scholarships, President Ali announces AS Guyana and the world over commence the holidays, all members of Guyana’s joint services will have even more to smile about, because in addition to their seven per cent salary increases, they will now benefit from the return of the year-end tax-free bonuses valued at one month’s worth of their salary.

The official announcement was made on Wednesday

by President Dr. Irfaan Ali in his address at the Guyana Defence Force’s (GDF) annual Christmas luncheon at Base Camp Ayanganna, Georgetown.

“Let me be very clear on this because I want to be clear to all those who are listening; we are not returning the one-month tax-free bonus for any other reason, but because you deserve it; because you work hard for it,” the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces said.

The issuance of military bonuses was a practice under the People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPP/C) government, but when the party demitted office in 2015, those bonuses became a thing of the past; however, leading up to the March 2, 2020 General and Regional Elections, the party had promised to reinstate the incentives.

By December 2020, the bonuses returned at half capacity, with ranks receiving two weeks’ worth of their tax-free salary. This year, they will receive the full package. “…and for those in our society who believe you can just take things away, and who believe that you can take things away from the soldier, I challenge them to go spend a year in some of the locations and live the life you do in protection of your country and then they will know

President Dr. Irfaan Ali addressing soldiers at Camp Ayanganna on Wednesday

whether you deserve it,” President Ali posited.

In addition to the monetary incentives, soldiers have also benefitted from a number of scholarships, including those offered by the Guyana Online Academy of Learning (GOAL), as well as opportunities for 19 ranks to be trained as part of a Government of India programme.

“As a matter of fact, this year, we have had the most officers and soldiers being trained or advancing their educational aspirations in the history of this military, and this is just the beginning because we are going to support you in all your education aspirations,” Dr. Ali assured the military men.

He said that substantial investments will also be directed towards improving the requisite infrastructure to accommodate distance and online learning. “So [that] all of you would have an equal opportunity; an equal shot at improving yourself and building a better prospect for your family. This is the goal and the vision,” the President noted.

According to a statement issued by the Office of the President, the approach towards military development would continue into the new year at an accelerated pace.

The President

with you the many roads, bridges that you have contributed in building in our country this year.

Whilst we’re here, you’re even working, and you’re showing by example that you can work the long hours even in the night to build the median right out here on Carifesta [Avenue],” the President said.

Heading into 2022, Dr. Ali said that the GDF will also be partnering with the Guyana Police Force and the private sector to execute a massive cleanup campaign of the city.

Commander-In-Chief of the Armed Forces, President Dr. Irfaan Ali, serving lunch to members of the Guyana Defence Force during the army’s annual Christmas Luncheon hosted at Base Camp Ayanganna, Georgetown, on Wednesday (Office of the President photo

“We will show them by In recent months, ranks maintained that in our example that we can addition to safeguarding of the GDF have been do it and if we do it as a the territorial integrity assisting the government people, then those who are of the country, military in executing development

Soldiers acknowledge President Dr. Irfaan Ali’s announcement of bonuses

officers have to actively integrate themselves in the national development strategy of the country.

works in several areas including infrastructure.

“Today, I stand here, and I want to celebrate

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in the leadership position whether at the NDC, the Town Council or the City Council, they must follow

with their leadership in keeping it the way we will hand it to them,” the President posited.

He continued: “We will demonstrate that love for country and patriotism go far beyond what one may consider the military defence of our borders.

It is about how we see ourselves. It is about how we respect ourselves. It is about how we respect the communities we live in. It is about how we portray Guyana to those who visit our shores.”

Meanwhile, the announcement of the military bonuses comes just one day after the President announced a $612 million pay-out for health workers within the public sector. This will see 9,200 persons receiving a one-off tax-free bonus valued at two weeks’ worth of their salaries before the end of the week.

Those bonuses come even as $10.5 billion has already been expended on salary increases for more than 50,000 public servants, including teachers and members of the disciplined services.

Additionally, the incentives represent just a portion of the direct cash benefits that Guyanese would have received from the time the PPP/C government assumed office in August 2020. Some of the other benefits include a $25,000 COVID-19 cash grant which was distributed to every household across the country; the education cash grants valued at $19,000, which was given to every school-aged child in the public and private school system; a $25,000 cash grant for pensioners, among others.

Moreover, the government also responded to the devastating May 2021 floods by distributing $7.8 billion worth of flood-relief grants to each affected household and farmer across the length and breadth of the country.

Retired Chronicle Editor, Claudette Earle dies

The Guyana Press Claudette Earle who Association extends passed away on Tuesday. condolences to the Claudette Earle family and friends of retired from the Guyana

Chronicle in 2005, where she was Editor, after serving at the newspaper for decades.

Earle started her career at Guiana Graphic, her son, Yohann Earle, told us on Tuesday. She was the Sunday editor, edited the women’s page and the Sunday Magazine.

When the Graphic merged with the Chronicle she became Women’s Editor. Later she became the Sunday Editor.

Described as fiercely independent, Claudette Earle was a lover of books and believed in women’s equality, Yohann Earlebsaid as he pointed out that she promoted stories on women entrepreneurship, farming and leadership.

Claudette Earle would be remembered for her passion for journalism, her advocacy for journalism training and guidance to her younger colleague

Mother, daughter picket CID over Ricardo Fagundes killing

It has been nine months since the gunning down of Ricardo Fagundes called ‘Paper Shorts’ an associate of a convicted drug trafficker, Shaheed Roger Khan. The shooting took place in front of the popular Palm Court, some short distance also away from the President’s

residence.

Today, family members are still asking for justice; justice of which no one in authority has been able to give at this time.

In the fight towards that Justice, the mother of Fagundes and his sister protested in front of the Central Investigation

Department(CID), yesterday.

Braving the sun, a family member who was in tears was engaged by the media and said they will continue to protest until there is justice.

“It has been nine months now and we haven’t heard anything

from the police or nobody as yet. That is why we will continue to protest until we get somewhere,” Tessa Persaud, Fagundes’s sister said.

Fagundes, , a resident of Sandy Babb Street, Kitty, was riddled with bullets by two men outside Palm Court around 10 pm on Sunday, March 21.

At the time of his death, Fagundes was having drinks with a colleague in Palm Court when he received a call on his phone. Shortly after exiting Palm Court, the police said several loud explosions were heard.

Fagundes was later found lying in a pool of blood on the road. His body bore several gunshot wounds.

The men then entered a white car and escaped.

Subsequently, the car was later found on the Soesdyke-Linden highway, burnt.

An autopsy later showed that Fagundes

Thursday Dec. 23, 2021

Wanted bulletin for drug suspects

The Guyana Police Force has issued wanted bulletins for two males from Linden for questioning in relation to trafficking in narcotics at Mackenzie, Linden.

The men are 25-yearold Royden Rodney, also known as Bundock, of Lot 265 One Mile Wismar, Linden, and 25-year-old Shaquille Lambert, also known as Shaq of Lot 97

Blueberry Hill, Wismar, Linden.

If seen or anyone who has any information about the whereabouts of Rodney or Lambert that person can contact the police on 444-3351 or visit the nearest police station.

All information received according to the police will be treated with the strictest of confidence.

was shot about 20 times about his body. Since then no suspect, however, has been arrested even though the area in which Fagundes was killed has numerous street lights and cameras.

Nine months down the line and with no one charged for the murder and the family has claimed that police know who are the murderers and they continue to cover it up.

“I really need justice from my brother because this is a whole coverup and they are not doing anything about it. Everybody gets paid and they are not saying anything. They cover up

and they are pushing it under the table so nothing could come out of this story.

“I will protest until I get justice. This is not right,” Ms. Persaud added.

Fagundes’s mother, Carol Fagundes noted that down to the smallest child knows who killed her son but yet the police aren’t acting.

“The smallest child could tell you who kill him and I can’t see why the big one can’t see this.

A little child, even a mad man could tell you who kill him. They are out and he has gone his way and it just killing us,” Ms Fagundes further stated.

STATEMENT BY THE BAR COUNCIL OF THE BAR ASSOCIATION OF GUYANA ON COMMENTS MADE BY THE HON. NIGEL DHARAMLALL, MINISTER OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT AND REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT The Bar Council of The Bar Association of Guyana notes the comments published last evening by the Hon. Nigel Dharamlall, Minister of Local Government and Regional Development on his Facebook Page in which he inter alia called for and or expressed the

opinion that two Judges of the Court of Appeal are biased and “… should be defrocked”.

These comments we note come after a ruling of the Court of Appeal in the appeal of the decision of the Hon. Chief Justice, Madam Roxane George in the Elections Petition

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matter No. 99 of 2020.

While Judges and their decisions are not immune from criticism, it is expected that those in leadership positions, particularly those who are part of the Executive and or exercising executive power, such as the Minister, ought to

be responsible in their comments.

The Minister’s aforesaid comments are not befitting an office of the executive.

In the premises, the said comments ought to be properly and immediately withdrawn.

Thursday Dec. 23, 2021

TUSCHEN RESIDENT NABBED WITH $113M WORTH OF COCAINE

A Tuschen resident who was alleged caught by ranks of the Customs Anti-Narcotics Unit with over $113 million worth in cocaine has been remanded to prison.

The defendant, Ryan DaSilva, appeared at the

Leonora Magistrate’s Court before Magistrate Faith McGusty when the charge was read to him.

According to the charge, DaSilva on December 18, at Tuschen-Parika area, East Bank Essequibo had in his possession, 17.4 kg

(38.3lbs) on cocaine.

DaSilva, who was represented by Attorney Dexter Todd, pleaded not guilty and was remanded to prison until January 6, 2022.

On the day in question, the CANU officers acting

on information conducted narcotics operations in the Tuschen-Parika area, East Bank Essequibo.

During the operation, a motor vehicle with a sole occupant was stopped and searched, resulting in the discovery of 15 brick-like

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Ryan DaSilva, parcels suspected to be cocaine.

DaSilva, who was the driver at the time, was arrested and later escorted to CANU HQ with the narcotics, to be processed.

At CANU headquarters,

the parcels were tested and proven to be cocaine.

With a total weight of 17.4 kg (38.3lbs) and has a street value of more than US$552,000 (approximately $113,160,000.).

Guyana Post Thursday February 11, 2021

THE SAME PRINCIPLE THAT APPLIED FOR THE GRB WHARF WAS APPLIED FOR DUKE LODGE

Dear Editor: Reference is being made to Kaieteur News’ article “Kingston Wharf purchased by BK days before the election” (2nd April 2020).

Some years ago, I was the trade union representative on the Privatisation Board- the only black person- when the property in question was put up by the Bharrat

Jagdeo government for sale. That property which is located in Water Street was the former Guyana Rice Board (GRB) wharf which was burnt down through questionable circumstances during the life of the PPP government.

Among the bids for that property was one from BK International.

Winston Brassington,

Executive Director of NICIL, recommended at the meeting the property would be best given to a Company he was proposing which was registered at Phagoo Store in Regent Street. The proposed company had no track record with any business. I objected!

I objected because I looked at the proposal of that company, BK International, and others, and found BK’s proposal to be superior, satisfying the many requirements demanded by the PPP/C government.

In as much as Brassington represented the company registered at Phagoo, the CAGI representative and Consumer representative on the Board supported my justification for BK to be given the property. The entire Board, appointed by the PPP/C government, agreed we will

recommend to Cabinet the property will go to BK. Let me make it very clear, I never knew Brian Tiwari at the time, but met him subsequently at the funeral of Mr. Christiani Lewis, the original owner of Waterchris.

What is instructive is that the PPP government took time in making sure the final and legal transfer of this and some other properties were never brought to finality.

The reason behind this behavior is one of control over the intended Leasee/ owner. So if for any reason said person /persons or company wants to approach the bank or third party to be involved in any business it will require permission from the government to do so.

As such, if the person to whom the property is given should take a position that conflicts with

the government the owner will never be able to get the support or comfort to do any business with a bank or third party because the government can exercise leverage to keep the party in check.

The property has been in the possession of Brian Tiwari and for all intended purposes was intended for transfer. The coalition government has done what the PPP initiated but failed to complete for whatever reason. This is a final and legal transfer to the owner. The same principle that applied for the GRB wharf was applied for the BIDCO house which was also transferred to Capt.

Gerry Gouveia, currently Chairman of the Private Sector Commission. Said property situated in Duke Street Kingston is now converted into a business called Duke Lodge.

This is not a simple

case of disposal of state assets for if it is so then both governments would be held responsible and have questionable intent in starting this deal and/ or completing it. In my opinion, the completion of the transfer of the GRB wharf is just that, completion of one deal that started under a government and which another government has taken the responsibility to execute. The timing unfortunately like everything in Guyana right now, given the climate, is an opportunity for political advantage.

If in the presence of the worst pandemic in years COVID-19 response and support are used for political ends what else must we in Guyana expect?

Regards Lincoln Lewis

Finance Minister hosts follow-up COVID-19 vaccines Gary Best walks Ashni on DUISingh charge agriculture investment meeting donated by Barbados

Gary Best

Retired Chief of Staff of the Guyana Defence Force, Rear Government continues Admiral Gary Best to push and implement today walked free of his strategies for Guyana’s charge of driving under non-oil sectorof alcohol to be the influence

expanded.

On Monday, info@guyanapostonline.com Senior Minister in the Office of the President with Responsibility for Finance Dr. Ashni Singh

in the Former National Cycle, Jude Bentley Matter. hosted another follow-up Best, who walked meeting with Chandra free of causing death by Pratap Singh, Business dangerous driving back Development in December Director; is now

and Emil Moukarzel, Chief Operating Officer of Elite Agro LLC of the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

free of both causing the death of Jude Bentley

by Dangerous Driving Accompanying the and driving under the Finance Minister at the influence. meeting were in Ministers Likewise, the of Agriculture, Zulfikar causing death matter, the

Magistrate has upheld and no-case submission, which essentially argued that the prosecution did not have enough evidence to convict Best.

As such, the matter was dismissed back in December and Best walked a free man of both charges.

Best back then offered an apology over the incident, but however, admitted no guilt in the matter.

Shortly after, the Director of Public Prosecution has since signaled their intentions to appeal the decision of the Magistrate in the cause of death charge.

It was back in March 2020, on the Rupert Craig Highway,and when Best, who Cheong, other private was allegedly under the sector representatives influence of alcohol caused including David the death of Bentley during Fernandes, Head of a his morning ride.

Mustapha, and Tourism 2consortium dealing with Industry and Commerce, the expansion of corn and soya-bean production in Oneidge Walrond.

Chairman of the Private Guyana, and Sachin Singh Sector Commission, Paul who heads another private

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sector consortium dealing with the expansion of the seafood sector, were also present.

The meeting was a follow-up to earlier meetings between Frontlineheld workers are President Irfaan Ali will and set to be the first who officials of Elite Agro get COVID-19 vaccines.

The Government of LLC (one of the UAE’s Barbados 1500 leading donated agriculture vaccines.

Minister companiesHealth having largeDr. Frank Anthony was scale integrated farming on hand to receive the operations and currently vaccines which arrived engaged in growing, at Ogle importing, Airport and on sourcing, Wednesday. marketing of agricultural President Irfaan products).

Ali confirmed that During the meeting, 1400 vaccines will go Minister Singhtoexplained “exclusively” frontline to the these officials of workers, are mainly Elite Agro LLC that nurses and doctors, while traditionally 100 dosagesagriculture would has given been an be to extremely Caricom important anchor in Secretariat.

Guyana’s economy.

President Ali said that It is still an important anchor in the non-oil economy.

He added that with Guyana looking to

expand the agricultural sector currently, two big streams of opportunities are available to Elite Agro LLC either to be a direct investor or to facilitate trade in agricultural the government is working commodities to other to ensure that Guyanese export destinations. are vaccinated by year-end Minister as Agriculture he said more donations Zulfikar Mustapha are expected within said the coming Earlier this that withweeks. the emergence of week, received oil andBarbados gas, it is expected athat donation of and Oxfordthe oil gas Astrazeneca sector will vaccines. complement OxfordtheThenon-oil sector and Astrazeneca vaccine is the Government will said to be 62% effective. invest in infrastructure to However, is also support the itdevelopment reportedly 90 percent and expansion of the effective with a lower agricultural sector. dose than the required two The private sector doses. representatives provided Guyana expected extensive and detailed donations of vaccines presentations to from India, China, Elite and Agro LLC on agriculture Russia. (including corn and soya bean) and seafood along with the available opportunities for inv

GUYANA RECORDS 71 NEW AIDS CASES THIS YEAR

As the World observes Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS} Day 2021, statistics in Guyana show that over 9000 people are currently infected by the deadly disease.

Adding to an already compound situation with the COVID-19 Pandemic, the health sector also faces the challenges of reducing infections.

This was revealed by the National AID Secretariat in collaboration with the Ministry of Health when the two hosted a

ceremony to acknowledge the ongoing fight against AIDS. This fight has been ongoing since the diagnosis of the first AIDS case some four decades ago.

Under the theme: “Ending Inequalities.

End AIDS. END Pandemic” it was noted

by Programme Director of the Aids Secretariat, Tariq Jagnarine, that some 9022 are infected with the disease. There were 71 new cases in 2021 alone, in which more young people continue to be at the forefront of

contraction.

Dr Jagnarine explained that of the total, 94% of a person living with HIV knows his status, 70% remain on treatment with antiretroviral drugs while 83% are virally suppressed. There are 50 sites around Guyana that are geared to test.

Dr Jagnarine said that there is the need for a greater fight against disease from the wider community since more and more, there have been several elements that have contributed to a high number of cases.

“These challenges clearly indicate to us that to end AIDS and defeat the COVID-19 Pandemic; we must eliminate the challenges relating to inequalities, stigma and discrimination by putting people at the centre and ground our responses in gender rights, and human response approaches.”

Dr Jagnarine said that one way we can fight AIDS and succeed in ending the disease by 2030 is by knowing that AIDS remains relevant in our society and we must do all we can to protect

ourselves and others.”

The Secretariat also emphasized that there remain challenges that are affected by the fight.

These must be addressed.

“Throughout the year there were many challenges compounded by the COVID-19 Pandemic. Some of them included delays in our consumables or ARV Condoms, Lubricant.

Stigma and discrimination of people living with HIV were worsened by the COVID-19 Pandemic.

This led to gender-based violence. There was a lack of regional ownership and involvement in the HIV programme.

A high level of follow up worsened during the pandemic. We had a low viral load testing, slow vaccine uptake, and a weakened paper-based system.”

Dr Jagnarine said that this has put the programme in some level of shambles since people also with the virus have not even returned for treatment.

While acknowledging the problems facing the fight, Minister of Health Dr Frank Anthony noted

that there must be a way in which the young people are the target to stop the high spread and it’s a focus that should be revitalized with education.

“We can prevent infection by doing a number of things. We have to educate people.

So, those young people who are coming of age and want to experiment must know that they have choices.

“They must know how to protect themselves. We have spoken about this for a long time; we have talked about family life education in schools and we need to reinforce that so that young people can have the right knowledge and make the appropriate choices.”

Additionally, Minister Frank Anthony said that PREP Programme must be used also to stop the spread. Self-testing will be a way out.

While noting the hindrance of the pandemic, Dr. Anthony also explained that the only way out of the COVID problem is through a high vaccination rate.

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FridayNov. 26, 2021

Amendments to election laws – Form over substance …say Yog Mahadeo and Jonathan Yearwood

Article 13 welcomes the invitation to the public and stakeholders by the Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs and Governance for comments on the Government’s draft proposals for amendments to the Representation of the People Act (ROPA), and proposed new regulations.

From the years 1968 to 1985, elections were marred by widespread rigging that brought ignominy to Guyana and threatened the social fabric of the country.

While elections between 1992 and 2015 were more democratic, they were not without

problems or issues.

Those, however, pale in comparison to the blatant attempt by leading State actors and GECOM officials to undermine the March 2020 elections.

Article 13 considers genuine electoral reforms a national imperative for Guyana’s democratic development, a prerequisite to social, political, and economic progress.

Article 13 has reviewed the several proposed amendments to the Representation of the People Act as well as the proposed introduction of the new Regulations under that Act. We note that

several of the amendments introduce severe penalties, including a $10 M fine and life imprisonment for certain conduct by elections officials.

Article 13 shares the concerns expressed by commentators that the proposed amendments are inadequate and unsatisfactory. They fail to address some of the more fundamental problems associated with elections.

We are concerned too that if these proposals make their way into the law, they can have a chilling effect on the willingness of citizens to serve for a paltry sum as clerks on election day.

Any attempt at reform must begin with an analysis of the problem.

An exercise of this nature must proceed from the recognition that a deficient apparatus will produce flawed results. Part of that problem is the Carter-Price model of an Elections Commission made up of competing politicians.

This Model which was intended as a temporary measure for the 1992 Elections has installed Commissioners claiming lifetime tenure and seemingly committed to doing everything but their constitutional duty.

This arrangement has to be changed by a constitutional amendment and replaced by independent Commissioners appointed by a Constitutional Commission for a limited period of no more than two elections cycles.

The proposed amendments fail to address the sore point of the List of Electors. The question of who may and may not vote in elections

is a problem that we can no longer avoid. In this regard, the possibility of dual citizens Guyanese being allowed to participate as candidates in elections should be examined.

The proposed amendments do nothing to address the situation in which the Chief Elections Officer is also the Head of Registration – a concentration of power and functions which is unacceptable.

Any reform ought to make elections more democratic by facilitating voting by qualified electors. Article 13 strongly advocates for the re-introduction of Independents in the National Assembly and the removal of the statutory requirement that participation in national elections is restricted to parties contesting six of the ten Polling Districts (Regions).

On the question of campaign financing, GECOM and the political

parties continue to defy the ROPA on the grounds that the amount permitted is grossly inadequate.

Yet, there is no proposal for increasing that limit or preventing elections from becoming hostage to foreign interests and private capital. Nor do the proposed amendments deal with the abuse of state resources by the party in Government and egregiously, the shutting out of opposition parties from the state media.

Article 13 calls on the Government to immediately extend the period of consultation which ends on December 17, and to engage in meaningful consultation with the people of the country. The laid down procedure lacks transparency, shuts out large segments of the population and fails to address the fundamental issues affecting elections in Guyana since Independence fifty-five years ago.

Finance Minister meets with French delegation

Senior Finance Minister Dr. Ashni Singh has met with a delegation from the French Development Agency (AFD), France’s inclusive public development bank at the Ministry of Finance to re-establish and

deepen ties of economic cooperation with France.

The delegation comprised Milena Valbuena, Director of AFD’s Suriname-Guyana office, Nicolas Brun, Project Officer in charge of Surinamese operations,

and Tahiry Marcel, an economist in the geographic department of AFD’s headquarters in charge of Surinamese operations, while Minister Singh was accompanied

by Tarachand Balgobin, Director in the Project

Cycle Management Division (PCMD) and Donna Levi, Head of the Bilateral Division, Ministry of Finance. The AFD team is in Guyana on a macroeconomic mission slated to conclude on December 1.

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The AFD Group is a French public institution that implements France’s policy in the areas of development and international solidarity.

The mission of AFD is to contribute to the economic, social, and

environmental progress of low and middle-income countries.

During the meeting, Minister Singh welcomed the group and both sides discussed a number of areas for possible future collaboration.

Guyana Post Saturday January 30, 2021

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