St Kitts And Nevis Unveils the Investment Gateway Summit

News Americas, Basseterre, St. Kitts Feb. 29, 2024: The Government of St Kitts and Nevis proudly announces a landmark achievement in its ongoing commitment to realizing the Sustainable Island State Agenda. In a ground-breaking move, the nation unveils an unprecedented initiative aimed at fostering collaboration and investment to propel the twin-federation into a prosperous future. 

This pivotal moment not only signifies a significant stride towards sustainability but also underscores the Government’s visionary approach to uniting its global citizens. In an extraordinary display of inclusivity, St Kitts and Nevis extends its arms to every citizen worldwide, ushering them to partake in shaping the nation’s trajectory. 

The Government will host their inaugural event, “The Investment Gateway Summit” in May, marking a historical moment in the country’s journey towards fulfilling the Sustainable Island State Agenda. This momentous event presents an unparalleled opportunity to collaborate and invest in shaping the future of the twin-federation. It’s a personal invitation from the Prime Minister of St Kitts and Nevis, Honourable Dr. Terrance Drew, and his Government to engage citizens and investors to come to the country for this exclusive inaugural Investment Gateway Summit taking place from 11 to 15 May 2024! 

Through this forward-thinking endeavor, the Government unites individuals under a common banner – that of being a proud citizen of St Kitts and Nevis, while fostering opportunities for success as entrepreneurs, investors, and innovators. 

Each day of the five-day Summit promises unique events and interactions with the leaders of the country and global experts to ensure an engaging and interactive experience in the twin-island federation.  

Who will attend the Summit? 

This Summit is all about the St Kitts and Nevis citizens. The event also promises a mix of discerning investors, and high-net-worth individuals (HNWIs) seeking prospects; prospective Citizenship by Investment (CBI) applicants and entrepreneurs, CEOs and C-Suite businesspeople and the wider investor immigration community.  

Why is this Summit not to be missed? This is an opportunity to connect with like-minded global citizens, investors, HNWIs and special guests, as well as identify potential new business opportunities in the idyllic twin-island federation. This unique platform will unlock new ventures for growth throughout various sectors of the country’s economy, including agriculture, information technology, renewable energy and tourism. From diverse panel discussions and networking opportunities to exclusive investment highlights and site visits, the Summit is crafted to connect, collaborate and celebrate the country and its global citizens. 

Investment Opportunities in St Kitts and Nevis To showcase St Kitts and Nevis’ commitment to the Sustainable Island State Agenda, the Summit will highlight initiatives that global investors can participate in to nurture community development, empower businesses and foster growth and development. The Government of St Kitts and Nevis together with the Citizenship by Investment Unit (CIU) look forward to hosting this riveting event and opening their nation‘s doors to explore the twin federation’s active investment projects, spectacular beaches, distinct tourism amenities and luxury accommodation. Please click here to secure your exclusive spot at the Investment Gateway Summit. This is not just a unique investment opportunity in a tropical Caribbean country, it is a meeting of minds to form meaningful connections, through engaging workshops and insightful panel discussions. Additionally, the Government aims to build strong communities with shared values of excellence. 

Get Involved Should you like to promote your brand, business services or enquire about sponsorship opportunities, you can leave your comment here with your interest in the contact form, and you will receive a response with available packages. 

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St Kitts and Nevis

These Caribbean Countries Are Now Off The EU’s Blacklist

News Americas, NEW YORK, NY, Mon. Feb. 26, 2024: The European Union has updated its list of non-cooperative jurisdictions for tax purposes, removing several Caribbean nations from its so-called Blacklist.

TCI is now off the EU’s blacklist.

The European blacklist, created in 2017 in the wake of scandals such as the Panama Papers and LuxLeaks, is meant to encourage other countries and jurisdictions to “adopt fair tax policies” and “increase tax transparency.”

The EU announced that these three Caribbean countries are now off its “Blacklist.” They are:

1: The Bahamas

2: Belize

3: The Turks and Caicos Islands.

Those still under scrutiny for their tax governance practices are:

1: Anguilla

2: Antigua and Barbuda

3: Trinidad and Tobago

4: US Virgin Islands

The EU encourages these jurisdictions to amend their legal frameworks to address identified tax governance shortcomings. Included in the list are countries that have either not participated in constructive dialogue with the EU regarding tax governance or have not fulfilled their commitments to enact necessary reforms. These reforms are expected to align with the EU’s objective criteria for tax governance, which emphasize tax transparency, fair taxation, and the prevention of tax base erosion and profit shifting.

The list is revised biannually, in February and October, to reflect changes and is overseen by EU finance ministers. Notably, recent assessments by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) Forum of Harmful Tax Practices (FHTP) identified issues in the Bahamas and Turks and Caicos Islands related to enforcing economic substance requirements. However, subsequent recommendations were softened, leading to their compliance with standards for jurisdictions with minimal corporate income tax.

Additionally, Belize and Seychelles were previously flagged by the OECD Global Forum for deficiencies in information exchange but have since implemented rule changes that warrant further review. Meanwhile, Botswana and Dominica received positive evaluations for their information exchange practices, leading to their removal from the list.

Condolences Pour In For Peetah Morgan Of Morgan Heritage

News Americas, NEW YORK, NY, Sun. Feb. 25, 2024: Condolences have begun pouring in on social media as news of the passing of front man of the renowned reggae group Morgan Heritage, Peter “Peetah” Morgan, made its way around the Caribbean and reggae music fraternity Sunday afternoon.

Peetah Morgan of Morgan Heritage performs during the 52nd annual New Orleans Jazz & Heritage festival at Fair Grounds Race Course on May 04, 2023 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Tim Mosenfelder/WireImage)

Morgan, the son of the late Denroy Morgan, was just 47. His death was announced by the band on social media as requested privacy while expressing gratitude for the anticipated support and love from fans and friends. The cause of Morgan’s passing was not disclosed in the announcement but sources say he had reportedly been battling with diabetes and had suffered two strokes.

UB40 alluded to this on X, posting: “So very sad to hear that Peetah, talented lead vocalist of Grammy winning Reggae Band @morganheritage has died of a stroke at the age of 47. Our deepest sympathies & sincere condolences to the Morgan Family & friends. Rest easy Peetah,your music lives on.”

Jamaican Prime Minister, Andrew Holness, expressed his profound sorrow on X, remarking on the significant impact of Morgan’s death on both Jamaica and the reggae music scene, describing it as a “colossal loss.”

“I am shocked and deeply saddened by the passing today of Peter “Peetah” Morgan, lead singer of Morgan Heritage,” tweeted Olivia Babsy Grange, Jamaica’ minister of culture, gender and entertainment.

In 1994, Peetah along with his siblings, founded Morgan Heritage, a band that achieved critical acclaim, culminating in winning the Grammy Award for Best Reggae Album in 2016 with “Strictly Roots.”

His brother, Roy “Gramps” Morgan, ventured into Tennessee with the ambition of blending reggae with Nashville’s music scene. The other founding siblings of Morgan Heritage include Una Morgan, Nakhamyah “Lukes” Morgan, and Memmalatel “Mr. Mojo” Morgan, all of whom have contributed to the band’s international success and legacy in the reggae genre.

Aspirational 100-Million CARICOM Fund Announced

News Americas, NEW YORK, NY, Fri. Feb. 24, 2024:

News Americas, NEW YORK, NY, Fri. Feb. 24, 2024: An aspirational USD 100 million CARICOM Development Fund (CDF) has been launched in Barbados, with Jamaican-owned company, Sygnus Capital, announced as the fund raiser and manager. So far, the fund has only raised US 15 million of its 100 million goal.

The fund’s aim is to be a finance vehicle focused on climate resilience and economic sustainability. The CARICOM Resilience Fund has been under design and development since January 2023, with support from USAID. The Fund will make investments in resilience-focused small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and critical infrastructure projects through flexible debt and equity investments. It will target six key sectors: renewable energy, clean transport, blue economy, sustainable agriculture, ICT, and financial services. The CDF is helping launch the fundraising as an anchor investor by contributing $15 million and technical assistance to help foster meaningful collaboration with the private sector.

Rodinald Soomer, CEO of the CARICOM Development Fund (CDF), noted that the fund’s aim is “to help operationalise the CARICOM Resilience Fund, I am happy to announce that the CDF has appointed Sygnus Capital as Fund Manager. It was very important for us to appoint a manager from this region, as a fund of this nature must be built around solutions that are sensitive and tailored to the needs of our community, taking into consideration our geography, socio-economic dynamics and cultural and political nuances.”

Sygnus Capital will partner with the Rocky Mountain Institute Island Energy Programme to source and evaluate energy and climate projects in the region.

Berisford Grey, President and CEO of Sygnus Capital noted, “Shaping a more resilient and sustainable future for the Caribbean through strategic investments in critical sectors is at the core of Sygnus’ mission. We are honoured to have been entrusted as the fund manager for the CARICOM Resilience Fund (CRF), a groundbreaking initiative that aligns seamlessly with our commitment to fostering regional development.”

Describing the fund as a vital facility, Barbados Prime Minister Mia Mottley during her keynote address explained, “We will now go to heads of Government and to the broader region to encourage others to invest in this vital facility that is being established to help finance adaptation and mitigation projects in the eastern and southern Caribbean, and hopefully there will be interest in the entire Caribbean. Because if we do not have multiple sources of funding up to scale, we simply will not meet the race to be viable, insurable and liveable.”

Greater Fort Lauderdale Counts Down To ICC T20 Men’s World Cup With Giant Cricket Ball Unveil

News Americas, GREATER FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla., Fri. February 23, 2024: As the countdown to the International Cricket Council (ICC) T20 Men’s World Cup cricket season begins, Visit Lauderdale marked the 99-day countdown today, Feb. 23rd, with the unveiling of a massive 400-pound, 8-foot tall replica of the ICC T20 World Cup cricket ball at Las Olas Oceanside Park, Fort Lauderdale.

L-R: Lauderhill Vice Mayor Lawrence Martin; Lauderhill Commissioner Melissa Dunn; Broward County Commissioner Hazelle Rogers; USA Cricket Vice Captain Aaron Jones USA; Lauderhill Commissioner Denise Grant and Lauderhill Mayor Ken Thurston. (Visit Lauderdale image)

Broward County Mayor Nan Rich expressed excitement about hosting the World Cup, emphasizing the significance of bringing such a major event to the U.S. for the first time. “Hosting the ICC T20 Cricket World Cup is a moment of pride for our cricket stadium and Broward County,” said Mayor Rich.

Large cricket ball on display ahead of June ICC Cricket Tourney, (Visit Lauderdale image)

This event is historic as it’s the first time World Cup cricket matches will be played on U.S. soil, expected to attract over 45,000 visitors.

“Broward County lives by ‘Everyone Under the Sun,’ and the World Cup is a perfect embodiment of our inclusive spirit,” commented Broward County Commissioner, Hazelle Rogers. “We’re excited to offer a memorable event that celebrates cultural diversity and sportsmanship.”

Before settling at Broward County Stadium, the venue for June’s matches, the giant cricket ball will visit key spots across Greater Fort Lauderdale, offering an augmented reality experience for fans.

The tournament will feature 55 matches, including 16 in the U.S. and four at Broward County Stadium, highlighting matches between Sri Lanka and Nepal, the USA and Ireland, India and Canada, and Pakistan and Ireland.

The ICC T20 World Cup will consist of 55 matches, with 16 played in the U.S., and four at Broward County Stadium:

Tuesday, June 11, 2024: Sri Lanka vs. Nepal

Friday, June 14, 2024:  USA vs. Ireland

Saturday, June 15, 2024: India vs. Canada

Sunday, June 16, 2024: Pakistan vs. Ireland

“It is an honor to be chosen as one of the locations in the United States to host the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup which will welcome teams from Africa, the Americas, Asia, East Asia, the Pacific, and Europe. Since the Broward County Stadium was the first ICC-sanctioned stadium in the U.S., we’re proud to see it thrive as a place where champions practice and play to win,” said Stacy Ritter, president and CEO of Visit Lauderdale.

For ticket information and more details on the ICC Cricket T20 Men’s World Cup, enthusiasts are encouraged to visit VisitLauderdale.com

Bob Marley: One Love Sees Box Office Boost From U.S. And Canadian Viewers

News Americas, WASHINGTON, D.C., Feb. 23, 2024: The movie “Bob Marley: One Love” continues to defy critics and low media ratings, capturing significant box office success, particularly in the U.S. and Canada.

(L-R) Reinaldo Marcus Green, Audrey Marks, Jamaica’s Ambassador to the United States, and Gregory Meeks, United States Representative attends a special Washington, D.C. screening of “Bob Marley: One Love” at the Motion Picture Association on February 13, 2024, in Washington, DC. (Photo by Paul Morigi/Getty Images for Paramount Pictures)

To date, the film has amassed $85,088,180 worldwide, with $66,777,311 of that total coming from domestic audiences alone.

Since its debut on February 14, the movie has consistently topped U.S. box office charts. With a production budget of $70 million by Paramount Pictures, the film’s financial success is undeniable, marking it as a hit.

Globally, “Bob Marley: One Love” trails behind “The Beekeeper” and “Mean Girls” in terms of earnings. Despite this, the film has secured $29 million worldwide. In the UK, the birthplace of lead actors Kingsley Ben-Adir and Lashana Lynch, the film garnered $8,758,424 over a span of just two days (Feb. 16-18). Other countries showed varying levels of financial success during similar timeframes: France reported earnings of $5,028,611, Australia $1,332,737, the Netherlands $758,508, Portugal $337,786, Croatia $81,420, South Africa $69,510, and Iceland saw the lowest with $42,548. Unfortunately, box office figures for Jamaica were not available.

Directed by Reinaldo Marcus Green and co-written by Terence Winter, Frank E. Flowers, and Zach Baylin, the movie chronicles Bob Marley’s rise to fame in the 1970s until his death in 1981, offering an in-depth look at the legendary musician’s life and legacy.

This Week’s Caribbean Travel Updates and Offers

News Americas, NEW YORK, NY, Thurs. Feb. 22 2024: Here are the top Caribbean travel news and deals this week in 60 seconds.

Canada is warning nationals to exercise a high degree of caution if travelling to or in Belize due to high levels of violent crime throughout the country. They also warn to avoid non-essential travel to Southside Belize City, south of the Haulover Creek River, due to gang and drug-related violence.

Trinidad and Tobago is set to welcome an influx of visitors with the expansion of flight services to the destination by Copa Airlines. Starting June 5, Copa Airlines will increase the number of airline frequencies to and from Port of Spain from 7 times weekly to 10 times weekly, with additional frequencies operating on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays.

And beginning Nov. 5, American Airlines will be operating daily nonstop flights from New York to Barbados, with service on Boeing 737 aircraft with 172 seats. Later, on Nov. 9, American will kick off a once-weekly flight between Philadelphia and Barbados, with service operating on Saturdays.

Get ready for Restaurant Week in Antigua & Barbuda. The schedule includes Prix Fixe menus and discounted dining packages from $25USD – $75USD – inclusive of lunch, dinner, wine, and cocktails from more than 20 restaurants.

Now you can fly on the French airline La Compagnie from Newark Liberty International Airport to Princess Juliana International Airport in Sint Maarten.

And this week’s deal is for the All Inclusive Grand Palladium Colonial Resort & Spa in Cancun. Fly from Washington’s Dulles Airport from April 21-24th for USD 700 per person. Book now on Apple Vacations.

Countdown On To ICC Cricket Season In Greater Fort Lauderdale

News Americas, FORT LAUDERDALE, Fl, Thurs. Feb. 223, 2024: With 99 days to the prestigious ICC T20 Men’s World Cup, Greater Fort Lauderdale is wasting no time as it counts down to the world class matches at the Broward County Stadium in Lauderhill, FL.

Broward County will host 4 ICC 2024 Cricket Matches.

To mark the countdown, a massive 400-pound, 8-foot tall ICC T20 World Cup cricket ball replica will be showcased at Las Olas Oceanside Park, Fort Lauderdale, tomorrow, Friday, February 23, 2024, from 2 to 3 p.m. Fans will have the opportunity to meet USA Cricket Vice Captain Aaron Jones and Broward County Commissioner Hazelle Rogers, and even interact with the oversized cricket ball, before it moves to the Broward County Stadium, the venue for the June matches.

This June marks the first time World Cup matches for the world’s second most-watched sport will be played in the United States, and Fort Lauderdale and Broward is anticipating over 45,000 visitors to the area.

“Hosting the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup is a significant honor, especially since Broward County Stadium is the first ICC-sanctioned stadium in the U.S. We’re excited to showcase it as a premier venue for international cricket,” stated Stacy Ritter, president and CEO of Visit Lauderdale.

The ICC T20 World Cup will feature 55 matches, including 16 in the U.S. and four at the Broward County Stadium as follows:

June 11, 2024: Sri Lanka vs. Nepal
June 14, 2024: USA vs. Ireland
June 15, 2024: India vs. Canada
June 16, 2024: Pakistan vs. Ireland

For more details on the ICC Cricket T20 Men’s World Cup and ticket information visit VisitLauderdale.com.

Blue Diamond Resorts Unveils “Diamond Jetsetter Experience” The Ultimate All-Inclusive Adventure

2024 Diamond Jetsetter Experience: The Ultimate All-Inclusive Adventure

News Americas, ST. MICHAEL, Barbados, Thurs. Feb. 22, 2024: Blue Diamond Resorts, the most innovative and fastest growing resort chain in the Caribbean, is flying high with the unveiling of its new Diamond Jetsetter Experience: The Ultimate All-Inclusive Adventure with upscale offerings to delight the most discerning travelers at beachfront Royalton Luxury Resorts and Planet Hollywood Beach Resorts in Antigua, Cancun, Montego Bay, Punta Cana and Saint Lucia, and transportation via the brand’s new luxury private aviation service Blue Diamond Jets to get them there and back in style. Together, the inspired offerings reveal just how far over the top the Blue Diamond Resorts is ready to go to tailor remarkable hospitality experiences, amenities and services for guests to make memories amid the tropical beauty and inviting spirit of the Caribbean.

Blue Diamond Jets offers private jet service from Toronto or New York. This ensures a soaring start to the Ultimate All-Inclusive Package getaways, featuring personalized air transportation for six guests (additional guests quoted separately). Guests are headed for a once-in-a-lifetime, 5- or 7-night escape in Chairman and Producers Luxury Suites, two-bedroom swim-out, and oceanfront suites. These luxurious accommodations span over 3000 square feet, including spacious living room and dining room areas, a kitchen, pool table, indoor and outdoor jacuzzis, as well as king-size and queen-size bedrooms.

Guests can look forward to pick up at their home by a Personal Butler in a private SUV, with assistance available for packing. Complete flight check-in and the delivery of personalized resort bracelets enable them to access their suite at the destination. Additionally, a host of luxury services and amenities await them upon arrival at the resort. Personal Butler services continue in-flight with amenities including aromatherapy with essential oils from The Royal Spa and a dining menu crafted by a signature Royalton or Planet Hollywood Beach Resorts Restaurant highlighted by bottomless mimosas.

Upon arrival in the Caribbean, the Ultimate All-Inclusive Package will kick into high gear with refreshments and personal greeting by hotel executive staff and direct access for guests via their special bracelets to their Chairman or Producers Suite, as top-of-the-line accommodations at Royalton and Planet Hollywood addresses are known, arrayed with distinctive amenities including monogrammed slippers and robes, top-shelf spirits, an aromatherapy menu, and nightly turndown service with pastries.

Guests hungry for more will get it – and then some – with package inclusions such as private dinner experiences at restaurants and on the beach. Additionally, they will enjoy a spirited Mixology Class and a Wine Tasting Session poured under the light of noon. Lunch will be prepared in their suite by a resort chef, and daily breakfast service will be provided on their private terrace. Additional complimentary offerings include daily access to a private beach or pool cabana with a personal catering of lunch from the resort restaurants, a beach photoshoot to frame memories as pretty as they can be, and much more. All spa treatments are included for guests booking this package, along with unlimited hydrotherapy sessions at The Royal Spa or PH Spa. Package guests will also be treated to a Private Catamaran Sunset Excursion tracing beautiful coastlines lapped by the crystal-blue sea, as well as a Cultural Experience in keeping with the destination.

Blue Diamond Resorts’ new Ultimate All-Inclusive Package starts at $139,999 USD for 6 guests traveling as a group, with pricing covering all package inclusions: Private flights by Blue Diamond Jets from New York City or Toronto; stay at Royalton Luxury Resorts and/or Planet Hollywood Beach Resorts in top suites from the Diamond Club and Star Class room categories; luxury roundtrip airport-to-hotel land transportation; exclusive resort experiences and amenities; deluxe destination excursions.

To learn more or to request a booking for this exclusive getaway with the Ultimate All-Inclusive Package please visit Blue Diamond Resorts’ package website.

About Blue Diamond Resorts  

Blue Diamond Resorts encompasses over 60 properties, exceeding 18,000 rooms in eight countries located in the most popular holiday destinations in the Caribbean. Its nine leading hotel brands include the Award-winning, All-In Luxury® Royalton Luxury Resorts, where Everyone is Family. Whether guests come as friends, parents, kids, couples, weddings, corporate or incentive retreats, or solo travelers everyone is family in these properties that feature personalized services and signature amenities including All-In Connectivity, DreamBed, and the Sports Event Guarantee.  To refocus on valued relationships and friendships, Hideaway at Royalton offers an adults-only experience with exclusive dining and preferred accommodations to enhance Togetherness among their guests. Party Your Way at Royalton CHIC Resorts, an adults-only vibrant and effervescent all-inclusive brand to revel in the unexpected. Mystique by Royalton is Miles from Ordinary, offering their visitors the chance to connect with their surroundings in a boutique-style resort collection full of endless beauty and hip vibes. In Jamaica, Grand Lido Negril offers guests over the age of 21, a unique and all-inclusive Au Naturel vacation along with a secluded shore for the utmost privacy. Memories Resorts & Spa offers a vacation designed whether you´re planning a family vacation, reuniting with friends, or just have a relaxing moment with your significant other, while Starfish Resorts provides amazing value, breathtaking surroundings, and rich culture and heritage. Planet Hollywood Hotels & Resorts invites guests to Vacation Like A Star with an engaging and interactive experience, plus famous pop culture items from iconic movies, music, and sports while you will Dodge the Paparazzi at Planet Hollywood Adult Scene  where your adults-only vacation will be the center of fascination and attention with glam and exclusivity.  

To learn more about Blue Diamond Resorts, please visit www.bluediamondresorts.com   

In Haiti, Communities Help Themselves with Bio-Sand Filters

By Kate Schecter

News Americas, PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti, Weds. Feb. 21, 2024: Haiti continues to be challenged by government instability and gang violence.  Basic services such as municipal electricity, clean water and sanitation are not available to communities in rural areas.  The breakdown of water and sanitation can result in disease outbreaks, like the cholera infections that swept the island several times over the past decade.

As a result, communities often need to step in and provide their own clean water.

The good news is clean water can be obtained using inexpensive and easy-to-build innovations like bio-sand filters.

A bio-sand filter is a container the size of an office water cooler or larger.    It has an inset plastic pipe and is filled with layers of sand and gravel. Dirty water is poured into the top of a filter, where a diffuser plate evenly distributes the water over the sand bed layer. The water travels down through the sand bed, passes through multiple layers of gravel, and collects in the plastic pipe at the bottom of the filter. The clean water then exits through the plastic piping for a family to collect. 

Savius Sinclair attended a workshop held by World Neighbors and its local partners on how to build a bio-sand filter.   Due to a lack of reliable clean water, his wife suffered frequently from diarrhea, vomiting and stomach aches.   While less threatening than cholera, these “normal” gastrointestinal illnesses transmitted through unsafe water cause immense personal suffering.   The constant illness prevented Savius’s wife and other members of his village from earning money by farming vegetables and selling them in local markets.  Ill health causes people to be unable to work and in turn can perpetuate poverty.

With their bio-sand filter, Savius wife is much healthier.  He and his wife now drink clean water and can engage in regular work and other normal activities. Savius can monitor and clean the filter on a regular basis to insure a sustainable supply of clean water. Their income is stable.  They and other farmers in their community are also learning simple organic farming techniques to increase output and quality and cut input costs. All 17,000 people in Savius’s farming community have expressed a desire for bio-sand filters.  

Haiti has many needs.   Even with its current challenges, providing access to clean water to reduce illness and facilitate economic activity is entirely possible.   Inexpensive innovations like bio-sand filters are one way to do it. 

EDITOR’S NOTE: Kate Shecter is President and CEO of World Neighbors.