Ahead of Carnival 2025, Machel Montano And DJ Bravo Launch “Pineapple Riddim”

News Americas, New York, NY, December 20, 2024: Soca superstar Machel Montano and cricket legend-turned-artist Dwayne “DJ Bravo” are setting the stage for Carnival 2025 with their latest musical collaboration, the “Pineapple Riddim.” The vibrant project, launched on December 18th at the Queen’s Park Oval in Port of Spain, features an impressive lineup of talent, including Montano, Patrice Roberts, Lyrikal, Barbadian soca icon Rupee, and emerging artist 47 Ronzy.

The riddim is a joint venture between Montano’s Monk Music and Bravo’s 47 Productions, signaling a strong commitment to fostering collaboration and innovation in soca music.

Promoting Culture and Collaboration

Speaking at the launch event alongside Bravo, Lyrikal, Rupee, and 47 Ronzy, Montano emphasized the importance of investing in Trinidad and Tobago’s cultural and creative industries. He highlighted that while the nation has historically prioritized oil and business sectors, arts and culture have often been overlooked.

“Trinidad and Tobago is rich in culture,” Montano said. “Caribbean music, soca music, is a Caribbean product, and Monk Music has embraced that platform to support young people. We aim to build bridges with global platforms like Apple, Spotify, YouTube, and Empire to give rising artists access to the tools and relationships they need to succeed.”

Reflections on Soca Monarch and the Future of Soca

Addressing the recently announced government-led soca competition and calls to revive the Soca Monarch, Montano shared his perspective on the evolution of the music industry.

“In life, we don’t get to go back, only forward. What got us here won’t get us there,” he said, reflecting on the golden era of Soca Monarch competitions featuring himself, Bunji Garlin, Fay-Ann Lyons, Destra Garcia, Iwer George, and SuperBlue.

While acknowledging the foundational role of Soca Monarch in building artists’ careers, Montano emphasized that the current era demands collaboration over competition. He called for a focus on enhancing the quality of soca music, including its writing, production, marketing, and messaging, to inspire both young people and the wider nation.

“I believe soca is next in line to become mainstream,” Montano said. “Afrobeats is taking the world by storm, and its sound is very similar to soca. We need to focus on making soca a global product by increasing access to new audiences in regions like India, Africa, and London, while nurturing the new generation of rising artists.”

Supporting Emerging Talent

Montano and Bravo both spoke about the importance of developing young talent like 47 Ronzy, with Bravo highlighting his persistence in collaborating with Montano to bring the riddim to life. The event also featured live snippets of the tracks from all five artists. Patrice Roberts, who was overseas, appeared via video to share her excitement about her contribution to the project.

Montano concluded by expressing optimism about the future of soca music, citing the interest of international audiences, including a German contingent currently studying and investing in soca.

“Carnival and competitions will always exist, but our focus is on working together to take soca to new heights,” he said.

The Pineapple Riddim is poised to make waves in the Carnival 2025 season, celebrating the genre’s vibrant energy and global potential.

Listen HERE

Caribbean National Among 51 Sentenced in Gisele Pelicot Rape Case

News Americas, New York, NY, December 19, 2024: A Caribbean-born man has been sentenced to 10 years in prison in connection with the shocking case in France, where a woman was drugged and sexually assaulted by dozens of men over nearly a decade.

Gisele Pelicot leaves the courthouse next to her lawyer Stephane Babonneau (L) after a verdict in the Pelicot case on December 19, 2024 in Avignon, France. Gisele Pelicot’s ex-husband, Dominique Pelicot, and 50 other men were convicted today on charges of raping her over a multiyear period, in encounters arranged by Mr. Pelicot while she was drugged and unconscious. (Photo by Julien Goldstein/Getty Images)

Joan Kwai, 26, originally from French Guiana, was among 51 men found guilty in the case involving the abuse of 71-year-old Gisele Pelicot. The assaults occurred after her now-convicted husband, Dominique Pelicot, drugged her and allowed others to attack her without her knowledge. Kwai was found guilty of aggravated rape during the trial in Avignon and sentenced to 10 years.

The case has drawn international attention due to its disturbing nature. According to prosecutors, Dominique Pelicot, a retired electrician, orchestrated the abuse from 2011 to 2020. Kwai, who had moved to France as a teenager, admitted to visiting the Pelicot home twice and acknowledged knowing Mrs. Pelicot was unconscious during the assaults. He was the youngest rapist and was 23 at the time of the assaults.

Mrs. Pelicot, who waived her anonymity, has become a symbol of resilience and courage for survivors of sexual violence. Throughout the proceedings, she has received applause and support from the public.

The trial, involved 51 defendants, and was divided into smaller groups for efficiency. Fourteen of the accused had confessed to their involvement, while others denied the charges, claiming they were misled by Dominique Pelicot. They were all found guilty today.

Dominique Pelicot was arrested in 2020 after being caught filming women without their consent in a supermarket. Authorities discovered thousands of incriminating photos and videos at his home, linking him to numerous crimes. He has been sentenced to 20 years in prison for the drugging and abuse of his wife and for his role in other heinous acts, including the rape and murder of a woman in Paris in 1991.

Gisèle Pelicot spoke of her “very difficult ordeal” after the 51 men were all found guilty Thursday in the drugging-and-rape trial that turned her into a feminist hero, expressing support for other victims of sexual violence whose cases don’t get such attention and “whose stories remain untold.”

“I want you to know that we share the same fight,” she said in her first words after the court in the southern French city of Avignon handed down prison sentences ranging from three to 20 years in the shocking case that stunned France and spurred a national reckoning about the blight of rape culture.

“Your messages moved me deeply, and they gave me the strength to come back, every day, and survive through these long daily hearings,” she said. “This trial was a very difficult ordeal.”

“It’s also for them that I led this fight,” she said of her grandchildren. “I wanted all of society to be a witness to the debates that took place here. I never regretted making this decision. I have trust in our capacity to collectively project ourselves toward a future where all, women and men, can live in harmony, with respect and mutual understanding. Thank you.”

10 Fast Facts About Trump’s Bahamas Ambassador Nominee

News Americas, New York, NY, December 19, 2024: Former President Donald Trump has nominated ex-NFL star and former Senate candidate Herschel Walker as the U.S. ambassador to the Bahamas. Here are 10 key things to know about this controversial pick:

FLASHBACK – Republican U.S. Senate candidate Herschel Walker speaks to supporters at a campaign rally on November 16, 2022 in McDonough, Georgia. Walker, the University of Georgia Heisman Trophy winner and former NFL running back, continues campaigning across the state ahead of a runoff election against incumbent Sen. Raphael Warnock (D-GA) on December 6. (Photo by Brandon Bell/Getty Images)

1. Walker is Trump’s Second Caribbean Ambassador Nominee

If confirmed, Walker would serve as the U.S. ambassador to the Bahamas, a role currently vacant. This marks Trump’s second nomination of an ambassador to the Caribbean region and the first black pick from the administration to date.

2. A Football Legend and Olympian

Walker is celebrated as a former NFL star and a member of the U.S. bobsled team at the 1992 Winter Olympics, showcasing his diverse athletic career.

3. No Diplomatic Experience

Despite his prominence in sports and health advocacy, Walker has no prior diplomatic experience, a trend observed among some of Trump’s past ambassadorial nominees.

4. Close Ties to Trump

Walker previously co-chaired Trump’s Council on Health, Nutrition, and Fitness during his first administration and has been a longtime supporter of the former president.

5. Failed Senate Bid in Georgia

Walker rose to political prominence in 2022 when Trump endorsed him as the Republican candidate in Georgia’s Senate race. He lost to Democrat Raphael Warnock in a campaign fraught with personal and political scandals.

6. Controversial Personal Life

Allegations surfaced during Walker’s Senate campaign that he had paid for two ex-girlfriends to have abortions, despite his publicly staunch anti-abortion stance. He has denied the allegations.

7. Domestic Violence Allegations

Walker’s ex-wife accused him of holding a gun to her head and threatening her life, a claim that drew significant attention during his Senate race.

8. Criticism of Absentee Fathers While Concealing His Own Children

Walker faced backlash for criticizing absentee fathers in Black households, only to later admit he had fathered children he had not publicly disclosed. He has since said he loves and supports all his children.

9. Exaggerated Claims

Throughout his Senate campaign, Walker made several false claims, including that he graduated in the top 1% of his class at the University of Georgia (he did not) and had served in law enforcement (he had not).

10. Trump’s Endorsement of Walker

Announcing Walker’s nomination on his Truth Social platform, Trump lauded him as “an NFL great” and a role model who has served as “an ambassador to our nation’s youth.” Trump expressed confidence that Walker would “put America First” in his new role.

Walker’s nomination will now require Senate confirmation, where his past controversies and lack of experience may face scrutiny.

Top Caribbean Countries Forecast For Economic Growth In 2025

News Americas, New York, NY, December 18, 2024: The Caribbean region is poised for slow but steady economic growth in 2025, with Guyana leading the pack at a projected 13.6% GDP growth, according to the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean, (ECLAC). The projections are part of ECLAC’s Preliminary Overview of the Economies of Latin America and the Caribbean 2024, released today.

Excluding Guyana, the Caribbean is expected to grow by 2.6%, reflecting a modest expansion amid ongoing challenges such as slow job creation, high informality, and gender disparities in labor markets. With Guyana, growth is forecast to be 8.7 percent.

ECLAC’s Executive Secretary, José Manuel Salazar-Xirinachs, emphasized the importance of strengthening resilience, fostering productive investments, and creating quality employment to break the cycle of low growth capacity.

Caribbean GDP Growth Forecast 2025

Below is a breakdown of Caribbean countries by their projected GDP growth for 2025, ranked from highest to lowest:

CountryGDP Growth (%)Guyana13.6Antigua and Barbuda5.8Saint Vincent and the Grenadines4.7Dominica4.2Belize4.1Grenada3.7Saint Kitts and Nevis3.2Barbados3.0Saint Lucia3.0Suriname3.0Trinidad and Tobago2.5Jamaica2.2Bahamas1.7

ECLAC highlights the need for economies to effectively mobilize financial resources, adopt policies that enhance productivity, and stimulate long-term investments in productive sectors to achieve sustained growth.

As Caribbean nations focus on boosting resilience and fostering inclusive development, these growth rates reflect a cautiously optimistic outlook for 2025.

8 Key Facts About Trump’s First Caribbean Ambassador Nominee

News Americas, New York, NY, December 18, 2024: Former President Donald Trump has nominated Leah Campos Schandlbauer, a former CIA operations officer and seasoned foreign affairs expert, as the U.S. Ambassador to the Dominican Republic. If confirmed, Campos will be Trump’s first ambassadorial pick for the Caribbean region, bringing extensive national security and policy experience to the role.

Leah Francis Campos is Trump’s First Caribbean Ambassador Nominee

Here’s what you should know about Campos:

Distinguished CIA Career: Campos Schandlbauer is a former CIA operations officer with over 10 years of experience.

Foreign Affairs Expertise: Campos previously served as a senior advisor for the Western Hemisphere on the U.S. House Foreign Affairs Committee, focusing on Latin America.

Educational Background: She holds degrees from the University of Pittsburgh (1997) and Arizona State University, reflecting her strong academic foundation.

Congressional Candidate: In 2012, she ran for Congress as a Republican in Arizona’s 9th Congressional District, emphasizing border security in her campaign. During her congressional run, she like Trump, made the border a central theme, stating in 2012: “The federal government needs to do its job and secure our border with Mexico, just as Mexico robustly secures its own southern border. Mexico is undergoing a bitter, violent and widespread assault at the hands of vicious drug cartels, which threatens to completely destabilize the Mexican nation. Anyone who asserts that this has not had a huge impact on Arizona is simply not telling the truth. “

Family Connections: Campos’ sister, Rachel Campos-Duffy, is a Fox News contributor, and her brother-in-law, Sean Duffy, was named Secretary of Transportation by Trump. “Her sister, the outstanding Rachel Campos-Duffy, of FoxNews, and brother-in-law Sean Duffy, who will be Secretary of Transportation, are also wonderful Patriots. Leah will take her love of Country, and commitment to our National Security and Prosperity, to her post as U.S. Ambassador to the Dominican Republic,” Trump said in a post to Truth Social.

Private Sector Role: Since 2019, she has worked as Senior Strategic Adviser for SAS Institute, focusing on Latin America, Southern Europe, and other regions.

Devout Faith: A lifelong Catholic, she credits her mother, a catechist, with shaping her strong religious values.

Personal Life: She resides in Arizona with her husband, Alfred Schandlbauer, and their four children: Christian, Isabela, Soledad, and Xavier.

Jamaican-American Ozy Media Co-Founder Gets Almost A Decade In Jail

News Americas, New York, NY, December 17, 2024: Jamaican-American entrepreneur and co-founder of Ozy Media, Carlos Watson, has been sentenced to nearly 10 years in prison after being convicted of defrauding investors and lenders through falsified financial information. The sentencing marks a dramatic fall for Watson, who founded the digital media company in 2013, aiming to carve a space in the competitive media landscape.

Jamaican American Carlos Watson, co-founder of Ozy Media, speaks with press after his sentencing hearing at Brooklyn Federal Court on December 16, 2024 in New York City. Watson was sentenced to almost 10 years in prison for trying to defraud investors and lenders by lying about the company’s finances after being convicted in July. (Photo by Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images)

The sentence, handed down in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of New York, follows a federal jury’s July conviction of Watson on charges of conspiracy to commit securities and wire fraud, along with identity theft. Witnesses detailed how Watson orchestrated fraudulent activities between 2018 and 2021, including impersonating executives, falsifying contracts, and inflating Ozy Media’s revenue figures.

While prosecutors had sought a 17-year sentence and $65.6 million in forfeiture, the court sentenced Watson to 116 months, with the exact financial penalties yet to be determined. Judge Eric Komitee described the case as a tragedy “of Mr. Watson’s own making,” pointing to “exceptional dishonesty” in the schemes.

Watson denied the allegations throughout his trial, maintaining his innocence and attributing the fraud to other former employees of Ozy Media. His defense team argued that any misrepresentations to investors were based on good-faith assessments and reflective of a “scrappy start-up” mindset. Watson also claimed selective prosecution due to his race, a defense the judge rejected.

“I made mistakes,” Watson admitted during the hearing. “But I’m also saying I don’t feel good about what has happened here.”

Ozy Media, once seen as a rising star in digital media, folded under the weight of financial misrepresentation and mounting scrutiny. Watson’s former associates, including co-founder Samir Rao and ex-chief of staff Suzee Han, pleaded guilty to fraud charges and testified against him during the trial.

Watson’s lawyers attempted to overturn his conviction, alleging judicial bias and racial discrimination in prosecution, but their efforts were dismissed by Judge Komitee, who deemed the claims “frivolous.”

Prosecutors highlighted a 2021 fundraising call where Rao impersonated a YouTube executive to secure investment from Goldman Sachs, an incident they claimed Watson orchestrated. Watson denied involvement, but Judge Komitee cited his testimony as “egregious perjury.”

The case also revealed inflated claims of financial commitments from high-profile figures and companies, including Oprah Winfrey and Live Nation Entertainment, as part of Ozy Media’s bid to secure funding. Samir Rao, the other co-founder of Ozy, and Suzee Han, a former Ozy chief of staff, pleaded guilty last year to fraud charges and both cooperated in the case and testified against Watson.

“Carlos Watson’s schemes and dishonesty brought about Ozy Media’s collapse,” said U.S. Attorney Breon Peace, following the conviction. “Today’s sentence holds him accountable for his crimes.”

ABOUT WATSON

Watson, a Miami native born to Jamaican parents, rose to prominence through an impressive academic and professional journey. A Harvard graduate, Watson later earned a law degree from Stanford, where he served as an editor of the Stanford Law Review and president of the student government. His early career included roles at McKinsey & Company and Goldman Sachs, as well as founding and selling Achieva College Prep Service to Kaplan, Inc.

Watson co-founded Ozy Media in 2013, leading it to raise over $70 million and producing TV shows, podcasts, and events like Ozy Fest. However, allegations of fraudulent practices – including inflated metrics and misrepresentations to investors—led to Ozy’s collapse in 2021.

In 2023, Watson faced federal charges of fraud and was convicted in 2024, accused of deceiving investors and fabricating financial data.

GE Vernova announces the first Caribbean H-Class order

SANTO DOMINGO, Dominican Republic, Dec. 17, 2024 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — GE Vernova Inc. (NYSE: GEV) announced that it has secured an order to supply its Class H natural gas-fired combined cycle power generation equipment for Generadora San Felipe Limited’s (GSF) 470 megawatt (MW) power plant in Punta Caucedo, Boca Chica, Dominican Republic. This project is GE Vernova’s first H-Class gas turbine order in the Caribbean. It will contribute to implementation of the Dominican Republic’s climate ambitions and sustainable development goals by supporting the expansion of renewable energy through its dispatchable power profile.

In recent years this Caribbean country, one of the fastest growing economies in Latin America, has managed to replace most of its oil-based electricity generation capacity with natural gas. Natural gas accounts for almost half of all energy generated in the Dominican Republic and plays a crucial role in the country’s energy transition, supporting and complementing the expansion of renewable sources.

“Our new plant, powered by GE Vernova’s highly efficient H-Class technology, will support our efforts to provide less carbon-intensive and more reliable electricity, which is critical for the country’s productivity growth and people’s well-being,” said Antonio RamírezGeneral Manager of Generadora San Felipe. “We rely on the strong reputation of HA technology and turned to GE Vernova, a leader in innovation on the path to decarbonisation, based on a long-standing collaboration between our two companies.”

The new San Felipe power plant has a multi-shaft generator block, equipped with a GE Vernova 7HA.02 gas turbine coupled to an H65 generator, an STF-A650 steam turbine coupled to an H35 generator, a triple-pressure heat recovery steam generator (HRSG) with superheat and a condenser.

“The San Felipe power plant development is a very ambitious project, and we are proud to support it,” said Dave RossPresident of GE Vernova’s Gas Power business in the Americas region. “Once completed, the plant is expected to be one of the most efficient in the Caribbean and can be configured with post-combustion carbon capture systems to significantly reduce carbon dioxide emissions.”

A New Caribbean Christmas Song To Make Spirits Bright

News Americas, New York, NY, December 16, 2024: Jamaican dancehall star Jahvillani has released a festive new track, “Criss-Muss Time,” offering fans a stylish and energetic anthem for the holiday season. The single, released on December 6 via VP Records, blends Jahvillani’s signature swagger with a UK drill-inspired beat produced by Tevin “YGF” Richards.

Jahvillani has released ‘Criss Muss Time’

In “Criss-Muss Time,” Jahvillani showcases his lifestyle with lyrics highlighting luxury, confidence, and his undeniable presence in the dancehall scene. With lines like “Dem cyaa call me nuh underdog,” the artist reaffirms his standing in the genre. Accompanying the track is a visually striking music video directed by DaManiac Visualz, also released on December 6.

Listen to “Criss-Muss Time” HERE: Jahvillani.lnk.to/CrissMussTime
Watch the Music Video HERE: YouTube

Jahvillani has cemented his place as a modern dancehall force, amassing over 100 million YouTube views and 85,000 monthly Spotify listeners. Known for his dynamic storytelling and commanding deejay skills, he has captivated fans globally through performances on platforms like Capital Xtra and BBC Radio 1Xtra.

His 2022 hit “Rockefeller” was highlighted by NPR Music as one of the year’s top tracks, and recent releases such as “Haad Ayse Pickney” and “Stars” have further solidified his reputation. In November, Jahvillani performed at Kingston’s Big Yard Studios for BBC Radio 1Xtra, showcasing his versatility as a top-tier dancehall artist.

About Jahvillani
Born Dujon Edwards in Saint Ann, Jamaica, Jahvillani blends vivid storytelling with modern dancehall and trap influences. His breakout hits, including “Wileside Government” and “Nuh Reason,” brought him international acclaim, and his debut album Dirt to Bentley in 2021 featured collaborations with artists like Skillibeng and Kranium. His upcoming album Re[tro]spect promises to continue this trajectory, fueled by tracks such as “MONEY-POWER-RESPECT” and “Gad Speed.”

“Criss-Muss Time” is now streaming on all major platforms, bringing the perfect mix of festive vibes and dancehall flair to the holiday season.

Cricket West Indies Names New CEO

News Americas, New York, NY, December 16, 2024: Cricket West Indies (CWI) has announced the appointment of Chris Dehring as its new Chief Executive Officer (CEO), ushering in what officials describe as a transformative chapter for West Indies cricket. Dehring, a renowned Jamaican born entrepreneur and media innovator, will officially assume his role on February 1, 2025.

The announcement followed a global search process that attracted over 50 applicants from Europe, Australia, Afghanistan, India, and the Caribbean. CWI’s President, Dr. Kishore Shallow, described Dehring as “the best of the best,” highlighting his extensive track record of success across business, media, and cricket administration.

“Chris Dehring represents the best of the best—an innovator, strategist, business magnate, and passionate advocate for West Indies cricket,” Dr. Shallow said. “His return as an executive at West Indies cricket signals the dawn of an exciting new era as we work to reclaim our position as a dominant force in world cricket.”

Dehring is widely recognized as the founder of SportsMax, the Caribbean’s first sports television broadcaster, which reshaped the region’s media landscape by airing global events such as the FIFA World Cup and the NBA. He also co-founded Dehring, Bunting & Golding, Jamaica’s first investment bank, which became a financial powerhouse before being acquired by Scotiabank.

Additionally, his entrepreneurial ventures include launching ReadyTV, Jamaica’s first digital broadcast television service, and ReadyNET, the country’s first satellite internet provider.

Dehring’s contributions to cricket are well-established, having served as Managing Director and CEO of ICC Cricket World Cup 2007, where he successfully organized one of the most complex multi-nation sporting events in the Caribbean’s history.

In a statement, Dehring expressed enthusiasm for his return to West Indies cricket leadership.

“West Indies cricket has always held a special place in my heart,” Dehring said. “As a unifying force and a symbol of pride for our region, I am honored to return to an organization that holds great significance to our people. Together with the CWI team and stakeholders, I am committed to driving innovation, fostering talent, and reigniting the passion for West Indies cricket, both at home and globally.”

Dehring’s vision and expertise are expected to play a pivotal role in the resurgence of West Indies cricket, a sport deeply woven into the cultural fabric of the region.

Fight Over Butch Stewart Estate Spills Into Public

News Americas, New York, NY, December 16, 2024: The family feud over the multi-billion-dollar estate of the late Jamaican-born hotel mogul, Gordon ‘Butch’ Stewart, has spilled further into the public eye, with a newly issued open letter adding fuel to the dispute surrounding the Sandals Resorts empire.

FLASHBACK – Invest Caribbean presented the ICN Leadership Awardee to the Gordon ‘Butch Stewart’ in 2014 for his investment, commitment, and dedication to the Caribbean. (Sharon Bennett image)

Since Stewart’s passing in January 2021, legal battles over his will and the management of his Bahamian-held estate have embroiled his family members in courts in Jamaica and the United States. The latest development sees U.S.-based Cheryl Hamersmith-Stewart, her three children, and Robert ‘Bobby’ Stewart, another of Butch’s Jamaican-born children, addressing an open letter to Adam Stewart, the CEO of Sandals Resorts International and ATL Group.

In the letter, the signatories accuse Adam of engaging in a media campaign via the Jamaica Observer, where he serves as executive chairman, to allegedly misrepresent their late father’s intentions for his estate.

“We are deeply disappointed that you have chosen to submit Butch’s family – our family – to this ‘trial by media,’” the letter states. “We cannot allow you to impugn the integrity of your father’s closest advisers and friends.”

The letter further claims that Butch Stewart left clear instructions for the division of his assets, which include provisions for a family-run board of directors with representation from all sides of the family. According to the letter, Adam Stewart was intended to receive a 16.67% share of the estate, rather than total control.

The authors of the letter allege that Adam has sought to overturn his father’s wishes and “resist the proper administration” of the estate. They accuse him of attempting to replace the current executors and withholding necessary financial information, which they claim has delayed the process of distributing the estate’s assets.

“These actions have disproportionately affected those siblings whom you have excluded from the benefits of the companies founded by your father,” the letter asserts, further stating that such resistance raises concerns about the future of the businesses and the interests of Sandals’ loyal employees.

The family members emphasize their commitment to ensuring that Gordon ‘Butch’ Stewart’s wishes are honored. “We remain absolutely committed to seeing to it that your father’s wishes are implemented, not defied, and that the businesses he worked so hard to create will flourish for the benefit of all stakeholders, not just you.”

The public nature of this dispute underscores the deep divisions within the Stewart family and casts a shadow over the legacy of one of the Caribbean’s most iconic business moguls.

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