Genting Americas Faces Lawsuit Over Alleged Fraud At Bahamas Resort

News Americas, New York, NY, Mon. Oct. 14, 2024: A civil lawsuit filed in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida today, Oct. 14th, accuses Genting’s U.S. arm, Genting Americas, of using Resorts World Bimini in the Bahamas as a “financial wasteland” to conceal fraudulent activities.

The lawsuit, filed by RAV Bahamas, alleges the resort has been used to artificially inflate profits and manipulate debt-to-equity ratios across Genting’s U.S. and international projects.

Resorts World Bimini, Bahamas

RAV Bahamas, owned by the Florida-based Capo family, initially purchased over 700 acres on North Bimini in the late 1990s with plans to create a bustling vacation destination. By 2011, they had developed Bimini Bay Resort, featuring villas, marinas, and recreational areas. In 2012, RAV partnered with Genting to expand the resort with a casino, forming a joint venture, BB Entertainment (BBE). RAV transferred 20 acres of land for the project, and Resorts World Bimini officially opened in 2013, boasting a 10,000-square-foot casino and a 305-room hotel.

However, RAV claims they have not received any profits from the venture, alleging that Genting Americas controls the finances and has burdened the company with over $885 million in debt. The lawsuit states that as of December 2022, BBE’s liabilities exceeded those of Genting Malaysia and its 150 subsidiaries combined. RAV accuses Genting of hiding the debt in consolidated statements through vague expense categories and obstructing their efforts to review financial records or conduct an independent audit.

The lawsuit further alleges that Genting’s complex corporate structure, with numerous subsidiaries, is designed to conceal financial improprieties. RAV is seeking $600 million in damages, claiming Genting’s actions have deliberately undermined their investment and ability to profit from the project.

Jamaican Olympian Junelle Bromfield Engaged To U.S. Sprinter Noah Lyles

News Americas, New York, NY, Mon. Oct. 14, 2024: Jamaican Olympian Junelle Bromfield is officially engaged to U.S. sprinter Noah Lyles. The couple shared the happy news on social media over the weekend, with Bromfield posting a video of herself celebrating with friends and showing off her engagement ring.

Junelle-Bromfield, l with Lyles and r., lyles popping the question on Oct. 12, 2024. (Instagram image)

“ENGAGED,” Bromfield wrote on Instagram, capturing the joy of the moment.

Lyles, 27, also took to Instagram to announce the engagement, sharing a romantic video of the proposal, which took place on Saturday, Oct. 12. The U.S. sprinter, who won gold at the Paris Olympics, set the video to a cover of Bobby Caldwell’s classic song, “What You Won’t Do for Love.”

In the video, Lyles and Bromfield, 26, walk hand-in-hand through a candlelit house adorned with flowers, leading to a backyard where a heart made of pink roses and a neon sign reading “Will you marry me?” awaited. The touching moment concluded with Bromfield saying yes.

The pair first met on social media in 2017, but their initial date didn’t spark romance, leading them to remain friends. However, in 2022, they rekindled their relationship, and since then, they have been inseparable. Lyles shared on a podcast earlier this year that he envisions a lifetime together with Bromfield.

The couple made their relationship Instagram-official in December 2022 after attending the USATF Night of Legends event, where Lyles was named Male Athlete of the Year. Bromfield, a bronze medalist at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics for Jamaica, celebrated their first anniversary in August 2023 with a heartfelt message on Instagram.

Despite the joy, Bromfield has faced criticism from some Jamaicans for her relationship with the U.S. athlete, but the couple remain committed to each other and their future together.

Blue Diamond Resorts Wins Multiple Magellan Awards for Excellence in Luxury and Innovation

News Americas, ST. MICHAEL, Barbados, Oct. 14, 2024: Blue Diamond Resorts is thrilled to announce its recognition with four prestigious Magellan Awards in 2024, presented by Travel Weekly. This year’s accolades – one Gold and three Silver distinctions – highlight the company’s commitment to redefining the all-inclusive experience through pioneering hospitality solutions, design excellence, and guest-centric innovations, including its newest adults-only properties that set new industry standards.

“We believe that every moment our guests spend with us should feel extraordinary, and these awards reflect our passion for crafting unforgettable experiences,” said Jordi Pelfort, President of Blue Diamond Resorts. “These recognitions are especially meaningful as they showcase the efforts we’ve made in continuously enhancing our offerings and elevating the guest experience. Our teams have excelled, particularly with our recent openings, where they’ve reinforced and expanded upon our unique concepts, ensuring they resonate deeply with our guests.”

The awards received by Blue Diamond Resorts include:

2024 Magellan Awards Gold:

Royalton Splash Riviera Cancun Convention Center, MICE Experience | Hospitality – Overall-Business/Conference Resort/Hotel.

2024 Magellan Awards Silver:

Royalton CHIC Antigua| Hospitality – Overall-New Resort/Hotel

Pescari Overwater Restaurant at Royalton CHIC Antigua | Hospitality Elements – Luxury (Five-Star)-Restaurant Design

Hideaway at Royalton Blue Waters’ Chairman Beach Walkout Swim Out Suite | Hospitality Elements – Luxury (Five-Star)-Presidential Suite

Royalton Splash Riviera Cancun, An Autograph Collection All-Inclusive Resort, earned top honors for its Convention Center, recognized for its exceptional MICE services and providing a sophisticated, state-of-the-art venue designed to cater to business and conference travelers seeking a premium experience in the Caribbean. Meanwhile, Royalton CHIC Antigua, An Autograph Collection All-Inclusive Resort – Adults Only, the newest addition to Blue Diamond Resorts’ portfolio, was celebrated as a dynamic entry in the luxury all-inclusive market, blending vibrant nightlife and serene relaxation through its ‘Party Your Way’ concept. The resort’s Pescari Overwater Restaurant, unique in the region, also captured attention for its breathtaking design and exclusive dining ambiance.

Hideaway at Royalton Blue Waters, An Autograph Collection All-Inclusive Resort – Adults Only, was recognized for its Chairman Beach Walkout Swim Out Suite, a pinnacle of luxury that offers direct beach access and curated amenities, setting a new benchmark for opulent guest experiences.

As the Magellan Awards celebrate excellence across the travel industry, Blue Diamond Resorts is proud to be recognized for its contributions and dedication to creating experiences that elevate each guest’s journey.

For more information on Blue Diamond Resorts and its award-winning properties, please visit bluediamondresorts.com.

About Blue Diamond Resorts

Blue Diamond Resorts encompasses over 80 properties, exceeding 20,000 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.

Guyana Unveils Cash Grant And Free University Tuition As Part Of Major Economic Boosts

News Americas, New York, NY, Oct. 11, 2024: Guyanese households are set to receive a significant economic boost through several new initiatives announced by Guyana’s President Irfaan Ali, including a cash grant of nearly USD 1,000 and free university tuition starting in 2025.

Guyana President Irfaan Ali making the announcement. (DPI image)

Speaking at a special session of the National Assembly held at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre in Liliendaal on Thursday, October 10, Ali outlined the government’s plan to support every Guyanese household with a one-time cash grant of GY$200,000 (approximately USD 1,000). This includes tenants and “legitimate households” but excludes foreign nationals.

Ali also announced the return of free university tuition at the University of Guyana beginning in January 2025. This move is aimed at making higher education more accessible to all Guyanese citizens, helping to build a more educated workforce to meet the country’s growing economic demands.

In addition, Ali revealed that by the end of 2025, no public sector worker will earn less than GY$100,000 (USD 480) per month, ensuring wage improvements for thousands of workers. Families with children will also benefit from a GY$10,000 universal health care voucher for every citizen and a USD 50 per child income tax allowance, providing much-needed support to parents.

As part of efforts to enhance the country’s social security framework, Ali announced a GY$10 billion one-time injection into the National Insurance Scheme (NIS) to assist those facing challenges in receiving their entitled benefits.

On the energy front, the president vowed to cut electricity costs by 50% before the end of 2025, addressing a long-standing issue in a country where power outages are frequent.

Highlighting the nation’s digital transformation, Ali noted that Guyana has already emerged as a regional leader in rolling out 5G technology and laying fiber optic cables nationwide. The government also plans to establish a ‘Guyana Digital School’ to integrate artificial intelligence (AI) into the country’s economy, part of a broader push for digital modernization.

These sweeping measures are designed to ensure that every Guyanese citizen benefits from the country’s rapid economic growth, driven largely by the burgeoning oil and gas sector.

Caribbean-Born Judge Delays Release Of Evidence In Trump January 6 Case

News Americas, New York, NY, Oct. 11, 2024: Caribbean-born US District Judge Tanya Chutkan, who is presiding over the federal January 6, 2021, criminal case against former President Donald Trump, has delayed the release of evidence exhibits, giving Trump’s legal team additional time to evaluate potential legal actions.

Caribbean immigrant Judge Tanya Chutkan

The exhibits, tied to Special Counsel Jack Smith’s ongoing prosecution, contain key pieces of evidence that Smith is using to argue that Trump is not immune from prosecution for his alleged role in attempting to subvert the results of the 2020 presidential election. Trump’s legal team has strongly opposed the release of these heavily redacted exhibits, arguing that disclosing them during the 2024 election cycle would be inappropriate.

In a court filing on Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, Trump’s lawyers criticized the special counsel’s approach, stating, “There should be no further disclosures at this time of the so-called ‘evidence’ that the Special Counsel’s Office has unlawfully cherry-picked and mischaracterized—during early voting in the 2024 Presidential election—in connection with an improper Presidential immunity filing that has no basis in criminal procedure or judicial precedent.”

Judge Chutkan has agreed to the redactions proposed by prosecutors but paused her ruling on the release of the exhibits to give Trump time to consider legal options. The former president’s team requested this delay, citing the need to evaluate the redacted materials and prepare an appropriate response.

The decision comes after Smith’s office filed a 165-page brief outlining their case against Trump, which detailed significant aspects of their investigation, including grand jury testimony and FBI interview notes. The special counsel’s team previously indicated that many of the exhibits contain sensitive materials that have not been made public, and have taken further steps to ensure that even previously public information, such as the identities of individuals targeted in Trump’s tweets, remains confidential to protect witnesses from potential threats or harassment.

Judge Chutkan, originally from Jamaica, has become a central figure in the legal proceedings against Trump. She is also weighing how Smith’s arguments will hold up in light of a recent Supreme Court ruling that presidents have some degree of immunity for actions taken in their official capacity. However, Smith’s team contends that Trump’s conduct related to election subversion falls outside the scope of this immunity.

Trump has until November 7th, which is after the Nov. 5th election, to file his formal response to the special counsel’s arguments, at which point the court will consider the next steps in the case. The public remains eager to see how the case unfolds, as it plays a significant role in both legal and political spheres during the 2024 presidential election.

The Booming Online Casino Industry In The Caribbean

News Americas, NEW YORK, NY, Fri. Oct. 11, 2024: In recent years, the online casino industry in the Caribbean has been growing rapidly, and it has become a significant economic driver for various nations in the region. Both the continuous development of digital technology, the expansion of the tourism sector, and the supportive regulatory frameworks in the nations are facilitating the boom of the online casino industry in the region. The Caribbean has become a hub for online gambling services, making it an important player on the global online casino market. 

The historical context and the growth of the industry

The pivotal role of gambling in the Caribbean dates back several decades, both when it comes to land-based and online casinos. Countries like Antigua and Barbuda and Curacao has pioneered the regulation of online gambling in the region during the 1990s. Take for example Antigua and Barbuda, which was among one of the first nation in the world to legalize and regulate online gambling. This happened in 1994 with the Free Trade and Processing Act, which allowed the country to issue gaming licenses to operators. As a result of the act, the country to an influx in international online casinos. 

Curacao is another nation with a crucial role in the online gambling industry, as it introduced a licensing framework in 1996, which has since led to the nation growing into becoming one of the largest globally. The island issues more than one-third of the world’s gambling licenses. However, there are other major markets for online casino operators. One example is Zambia in Africa, where major online casino operators like Betway Zambia are popular for their large variety of online casino games. 

Key markets and revenue generation

With this regulatory approach, several Caribbean nations have capitalized from a thriving online casino sector. Some noteworthy examples include the Bahamas, Puerto Rico, and the Dominican Republic, which have all become key players on gambling markets. Take for example Puerto Rico, which has seen impressive growth, with the gaming and betting industry bringing in a revenue of USD 186 million in 2023. 

Bahamas is another example. The nation celebrated “100 years of gaming” in 2023, and in relation to this hosted the 10th Caribbean Gaming Show. The country is a big player when it comes to land-based casinos, but the country is also expanding its online gaming operations to meet a growing consumer demand, which also reflects the region’s broader digital shift. 

Regulatory frameworks

The online gambling industry in the Caribbean is enabled by a complex regulatory framework, which varies from country to country. Both Antigua and Barbuda and Curacao are known for their favorable business environments. Both countries offer low taxation and an easy licensing process for gaming operators. By providing these regulatory advantages, these countries have attracted major international operators. 

The Bahamas has an increased focus on strengthening the regulatory environment. This is happening through the Gaming Board, which has been initiating events such as the Caribbean Regulators Forum. This event was initiated to encourage collaboration between regional gaming regulators. The aim of this type of collaboration is to establish best practices and address challenges. 

The symbiotic relationship between tourism and gambling

Tourism and gambling are linked in the Caribbean, especially at destination such as the Bahamas, Puerto Rico, and the Dominican Republic. With idyllic beaches and luxury resorts, these nations attract millions of tourists every year. For many tourists, a part of the visit involves visiting one of the world-class casinos available in the nation. 

This tourism boom has also spilled over into the online gambling industry. Tourists often visiting physical casinos in the Caribbean have started to transition to online platforms, due to the easy access to casino sites hosted and licensed in the region. The Caribbean vibe has also found its way into online casino sites. There are many Caribbean-themed online casino games, which have made the region popular worldwide, as most people have a laid-back beachy picture of the Caribbean. This has helped further promoting the region’s brand in the global online gambling industry. 

Economic benefits and challenges

With the increasing popularity of online casinos, the Caribbean has seen various economic benefits as a result of job creation, foreign investment, and tax revenue. Take Curacao as an example, where the gaming sector provides employment, while it has also provided a boost to ancillary industries, including legal services, IT support, and payment processing. 

Despite the success of the Caribbean nations, the industry also faces some challenges, especially regarding regulation. For regulators, the main focus is to ensure player protection and the integrity of online gambling platforms. Another potential risk to the dominance of the Caribbean on the global market is the introduction of new taxation rules, or the competition from other global gaming hubs. This could for example be from Zambia, which is a growing hub for online casinos on the African continent, with operators like Betway Zambia taking the lead role on the market. 

The future of online gambling in the Caribbean

It is expected that the Caribbean will continue to be a hub for the online casino industry, as the combination of favorable regulatory frameworks, low taxes, a growing player base, and the continuous development of digital technology will make the region attractive to more operators. Hence, the sector will continue to expand and continue to play a crucial part in the economics of these nations, creating more jobs and bringing in tax revenues for the nations. 

Hurricane Milton Set To Reshape Property Catastrophe Insurance Market

News Americas, New York, NY, October 9, 2024: Hurricane Milton, which caused widespread devastation in parts of Florida on Wednesday night, Oct. 10th, is predicted to reshape the future of the property catastrophe insurance market, according to industry experts.

After Hurricane Milton hit Florida, the city of Clearwater was flooded. Search and rescue operations are ongoing in the area. (Photo by Lokman Vural Elibol/Anadolu via Getty Images)

Chris McKeown, CEO of reinsurance ILS and innovation at Vantage Risk, believes the storm marks a significant moment for Florida’s already fragile insurance industry, which has faced premium spikes and insurer exits for years.

“This is an unprecedentedly large storm that defies many meteorological expectations,” McKeown stated at the ILS Bermuda Convergence 2024 Conference according to the Bermuda Royal Gazette reports. He explained that Hurricane Milton, which was at times classified as a Category 5 storm, will be a substantial event for both Florida residents and the state’s insurance industry. The hurricane, he added, underscores the increasing challenges facing insurers in covering losses as federal aid and underinsurance remain critical issues.

Capsized boats were seen at the marina after Hurricane Milton, in Punta Gorda, Florida on October 10, 2024. (Photo by CHANDAN KHANNA/AFP via Getty Images)

McKeown emphasized that early hurricane predictions have limited value for insurers, as they often arrive too late in the year to influence policy decisions. “Hurricane Milton is another reminder of the importance of securing sufficient capital to cover risk, and how unpredictable these events have become,” he said.

People walk in the water as the streets are flooded in the Southeast Seminole Heights section of Tampa due to Hurricane Milton on October 10, 2024 in Florida. (Photo by BRYAN R. SMITH/AFP via Getty Images)

Mosaic Insurance co-founder and co-CEO Mark Wheeler echoed these concerns, noting that the insurance industry is evolving to meet complex risks but faces challenges in staying relevant. “The industry is in good shape overall, but we must adapt to emerging risks like cyber and environmental disasters,” Wheeler said, pointing to the growing demand for niche insurance products and managing general agencies in the U.S.

Caribbean Star Rihanna Models First Savage x Fenty x Diesel Collaboration

News Americas, New York, NY, October 9, 2024:The first-ever Savage x Fenty x Diesel collaboration has officially arrived, featuring a sizzling lineup of lingerie and loungewear with bold, lacy silhouettes, thanks to the collabo with Caribbean born superstar, Rihanna.

The collection seamlessly blends Savage x Fenty’s body-positive, sex-positive ethos with Diesel’s iconic edgy style. It includes unisex undergarments, dresses, and sleepwear, embodying the distinct aesthetics of both brands. And Rihanna made sure to model one of the hot pieces herself.

The debut made waves with its promo video last week, followed by a reveal of archival Diesel pieces that inspired the collection, featuring distressed denim and runway-ready leather. Bodysuits, stockings, and corset slips dominate the drop, with standout items like the Feaux Fade Longsleeve Top, featuring a faded denim print and textured flocking, and Distorted Denim Boxers offering a fresh take on Diesel’s signature style.

The ad with Rihanna was reportedly shot on the beaches of Tuscany. It was conceived by Savage X Fenty creative director Glenn Martens and by Rihanna with photographer Salvatore Matarazzo and videographer Jacopo Farina, shooting a cast of “real Italian characters” in Versilia “as a depiction of complete body acceptance and freedom.”

The 36-year-old singer and business mogul stunned her fans with a series of jaw-dropping images on Instagram featuring the brand’s new foiled fishnet design. Rocking the suspender bustier and foiled fishnet strings, Rihanna left little to the imagination, rounding out her look with matching thigh-high stockings and a plush faux fur blue coat.

Rihanna excitedly captioned the post, writing, “The highly anticipated @diesel collab is finally here,” as she showcased the sultry outfit. The Grammy-winning singer, who is known for her bold style and fearless attitude, continued to push boundaries with this ensemble, blending high fashion with provocative appeal. The combination of foiled fishnet and luxurious faux fur added an extra layer of drama to the eye-catching shoot.

It’s intended to portray “a judgement-free day in the Italian sun, showcasing people of all ages, body types, genders and ethnicities feeling confident in their outfits.”

“We want to make people look good and feel good,” Rihanna, whose entrepreneurial ventures helped cement the Grammy-winning singer as a billionaire on 2021, said in a statement. “We want you to feel sexy and have fun doing it.”

Check out the entire Savage x Fenty collection on savagex.com and diesel.com

Guyana’s Gas-to-Energy Pipeline Could Be Operational Soon

News Americas, New York, NY, October 9, 2024: A pipeline that will allow Guyana to transport natural gas produced by an Exxon Mobil-led consortium to shore has been connected to two of the project’s floating production platforms, according to Exxon’s Guyana head, Alistair Routledge, as reported on Wednesday.

The “Gas-to-Energy” project, spearheaded by the Guyanese government, is designed to supply a 300-megawatt power plant and a natural gas liquids (NGL) facility with gas from two Floating Production Storage and Offloading (FPSO) vessels located in Exxon’s Stabroek block.

The 200-kilometer (124.3-mile) pipeline could be operational by the end of this year, Routledge told local reporters, according to Newsroom Guyana. The project, slated for completion next year, is expected to lower electricity costs and reduce emissions, marking the first use of associated gas produced in the country.

Guyana has invested approximately $400 million in the development of this project, which represents a significant step in the country’s efforts to diversify its energy portfolio and enhance sustainability.

The Exxon consortium, which includes China’s CNOOC and U.S.-based Hess, temporarily paused oil and gas output at the platforms during the third quarter to facilitate the pipeline connection. “Risers have now been successfully connected to the pipeline, and we have conducted several tests and de-watering exercises to ensure everything is functioning correctly,” Routledge added.

Once operational, the “Gas-to-Energy” project is anticipated to provide more reliable and affordable energy to Guyana, fueling industrial growth and reducing the country’s dependence on imported energy sources. This strategic move is set to further bolster Guyana’s growing status as a key energy producer in the region.

Here’s What The World Bank Is Urging The Caribbean To Do

News Americas, New York, NY, October 9, 2024: The World Bank has urged Caribbean nations to capitalize on key opportunities and implement structural reforms to drive sustainable economic growth. In its latest report, “Taxing Wealth for Equity and Growth,” released on Oct. 9th, the World Bank emphasized that the region must focus on fiscal reforms, increase investments, and harness the potential of nearshoring to break out of its low-growth cycle.

William Maloney, the World Bank’s Chief Economist for Latin America and the Caribbean, stressed that the Caribbean must improve its fiscal space, reduce tax burdens on productive sectors, and attract investments by enhancing government efficacy. He also emphasized the importance of wealth taxes as a tool to create fiscal space and promote equity.

“The region has made strides in managing inflation and stabilizing its macroeconomic environment, but more is needed to boost growth. This is a critical moment to attract investments, foster innovation, and create more and better jobs,” said Carlos Felipe Jaramillo, World Bank Vice President for Latin America and the Caribbean.

Economic Growth for Selected Caribbean Nations – 2024-2026

Country2024 Growth (%)2025 Growth (%)2026 Growth (%)Barbados3.9%2.8%2.3%Belize4.3%1.2%0.5%Dominica4.6%4.2%3.2%Grenada3.2%4.7%4.4%Guyana43%12.3%15.7% (2028)Haiti-4.2%0.5%1.5%Jamaica0.8%2.2%1.6%St. Lucia3.4%2.6%2.3%St. Vincent and Grenadines5%3.5%2.9%Suriname2.9%3%3.1%Trinidad and Tobago2.2%2.3%0.9%

Key Recommendations from the World Bank Report

Wealth Taxes and Fiscal Space: The World Bank suggests that Caribbean nations should reconsider how tax systems can generate revenue while stimulating growth. Wealth taxes could be used to address income inequality and create fiscal space for investments.

Nearshoring Opportunities: Despite having competitive wages, the region has not fully capitalized on nearshoring opportunities due to high capital costs, weak education systems, and inadequate infrastructure.

Foreign Direct Investment: LAC has seen a decline in foreign direct investment levels, and the World Bank report notes that addressing infrastructure and social instability issues could help attract more investment.

With U.S. interest rates expected to decrease, the World Bank sees an opportunity for Caribbean economies to seize momentum and accelerate their development. However, this will require a concerted effort in governance and public investment reforms across the region.