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Former Member

Irfaan Ali schools Minister Jordan on economics 

Former Minister Irfaan Ali

Budget debate 2015

– asserts APNU/AFC Govt’s “corruption”, “dishonesty”

By Michael Younge

Former Housing and Water Minister Irfaan Ali delivered what can be described as a ‘masterful if not fiery’ presentation on Monday while schooling newly-appointed Finance Minister Winston Jordan on economics and basic mathematics as the 2015 Budget debate got underway.

Ali, representing the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) and speaking first during the debate at theseventh sitting, exposed what appeared to be “dishonesty” and recent corrupt undertakings of the new A Partnership for National Unity and Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) coalition Government which came to power back in May this year.

He started his presentation on a high note by expressing the PPP/C’s appreciation of the hard work, dedication and support shown by the country’s public servants and scores of young professionals during the Party’s tenure in office which aided in fast tacking Guyana’s overall development and growth.

Ali said the PPP/C wanted to record its concern during the Budget debate over the mass firings and dismissals that have been taking place across the country, as it was shocked that following the recent election, a new Government could undertake such partisan, politically motivated and ethnically-biased actions.

“The recent elections remind us how fragile democracy is,” he noted, explaining that his presentation on Budget 2015 was being made even as the PPP/C is holding out that it was cheated at the polls. Ali contended that if indeed democracy held sway, there would have been no objections to calls for recounts of ballots cast as this would further validate the results of the elections and inspire higher levels of confidence in the election machinery and the right of the new Government to govern.

 “The foundation on which you stand is questionable, confidence in you and trust in you is difficult,” Ali told the Government as he warned that the PPP/C will nonetheless continue to represent the people of the country.

 Taking his first jab at the Finance Minister during his presentation, Ali said he was shocked by the Minister’s post-electoral rhetoric on the State of the economy arguing that he has inherited a vastly developed Guyana which recorded nine years of continuous economic growth made possible by the PPP/C.

 “Winston Jordan must have learnt something under the leadership of Dr Ashni Singh,” he offered before questioning the current posture and actions of the Minister. Ali told Parliament that shockingly in just two months, the new Government has taken away over $1 billion of development from the Amerindian villages across the country, thousands of jobs and some basic aspirations of Guyanese people.

He said the new Budget, presented under the theme, “A fresh start to a good life in a green economy”, failed to address the issues of Private Sector confidence and the need for more domestic and foreign inflows and investments if any good life is to be achieved.

 He said a “good life” could not be achieved as the Budget was presented against the backdrop of workers in the bauxite industry being retrenched, a decreasing oil price without savings being passed on to consumers or any reduction in the tariffs, the absence of specialised health care, and a reduction of investments in almost every single administrative region except for Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica).

Government Members of Parliament (MPs) started heckling immediately, but Ali skewered the actions of the new Government as he pointed out its subtle move to reduce capital estimates and spending in all of the regions that the PPP/C chaired which it won at the last elections by at least $800 million. He said the new Government had reduced the agricultural allocations in the Budget, cutting some $81 million of spending on this area primarily in Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam) and Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne) which were won by the PPP/C.

He was concerned that the move now deprived these regions of important resources to keep them moving along the development trajectory and lambasted the new Government over its treatment of the country’s hallmark Low Carbon Development Strategy which he claimed was “laid aside”.

Ali added that there was “a lot of fluff in 2015 budget”, but no policy formulation to “give meat” to the statements made by the new Government. He urged it to continue to consult the PPP/C’s manifesto if it was interested in crafting a proper plan to take Guyana forward.

“Use this document and serve the people of Guyana,” he said as his colleagues nodded their heads in agreement.

Bankruptcy claims

At this point, the Government members burst into heckling and interrupted Ali until his presentation was completed.

The PPP/C MP also rebutted allegations made by the Finance Minister that the country was bankrupt as he contended that the statistics and financial figures presented by the Minister contradicted his own rhetoric.

 “The Minister is a visionary…..By the time he is finished, I am sure the economy will be bankrupt…he is a good visionary,” Ali said to smirks from both sides of the House. He contended that the economy grew by 300 per cent over the last couple of years under the PPP/C.

He said that it was not surprising that the Government may want to mislead the country as monies could be “earmarked for questionable projects or they have no idea of the financial status of the economy”.

Rice, investments

The former Housing Minister also called on the new Government to honour the pledge it made to deliver $9000 per bag of paddy along with the $23 billion in subsidies. Ali hinted that the PPP/C was aware that there was no real subsidy for rice farmers and attempts were being made by the Government to source the money through another mechanism.

“Where is the $23 billion … should the negotiations fall through … we will hold the Government responsible,” he warned.

He also called for the immediate establishment of a national paddy price system, while urging the Government to ensure that it maintained rice production above 600, 000 tonnes as well as continue to improve paddy yields and value-added processes.

The PPP/C Executive said that there were no new projects in Budget 2015 except for those initiated by the previous Government. He said the PPP/C wanted the Government to return the subsidies to the pensioners which amounted to $500 million, while immediately ensuring that the sugar industry received $20 billion to assist it in making a rebound.

He called on the coalition to also double the monies received by Old Age Pensioners as it had promised to do while on the campaign trail.

Additionally, the former Minister said that something was wrong with the new Finance Minister’s math ability as he did not give out increases that would benefit the poor in a big way as he said he did, but rather public servants who earn more will make 300 per cent more than other lower paid public servants.

Audits

Ali also waded in to condemn the new Government for the manner in which it went about conducting and recruiting auditors and forensic audits explaining that contracts were awarded without any levels of transparency or accountability.

“The illegal transfers to the auditors …no advertisement…no tender process…no examination of the qualifications,” he said, was something that would not sit well with the new Opposition in Parliament.

Replies sorted oldest to newest

And this is why the APNU/AFC needs to articulate a detailed vision as to how they plan to create decent paying jobs, and to diversify the economy away from the export of a few commodities.

FM
Originally Posted by caribny:

And this is why the APNU/AFC needs to articulate a detailed vision as to how they plan to create decent paying jobs, and to diversify the economy away from the export of a few commodities.

That is something they don't have the ability to do.  

R

TK can learn from Irfran Ali and take it to the classroom. 

He tried to mesmerize Bharat Jagdeo when he was President but failed miserably.  TK, Your Government is full of idiots.  They need your teachings to learn basic economics.

R
Originally Posted by Ramakant-P:
Originally Posted by cain:

How on earth can a dumbass Thief school a Finance Minister?

I think he just did and you are too stupid to comprehend.

When one sides with thiefin scum they tend to say all sorts of shit...carry on.

cain
Originally Posted by Ramakant-P:
Originally Posted by cain:

How on earth can a dumbass Thief school a Finance Minister?

I think he just did and you are too stupid to comprehend.

he will be a model prisoner 

FM
Originally Posted by caribny:

And this is why the APNU/AFC needs to articulate a detailed vision as to how they plan to create decent paying jobs, and to diversify the economy away from the export of a few commodities.

At the beginning of the election campaign, I was asked to endorse the coalition.  I asked for their programme at that time but was informed that the programme would be presented a long time before the election.  This was not done. They talked about the transition team was working on it. I thought that as soon as they were elected, they would have presented a detailed statement of how they intended to proceed and present a mini-budget until they had good grasp of the finances. I really think that they are really not proceeding in a systematic way, ministers seems to be doing their own thing. They really need to understand that 20% of the tings they will do will give them 80% of the results they seek.  They need to prioritize.  They have not made a good "first impression" and this will hamper their ability to move forward. Just my thoughts. 

Z
Originally Posted by Zed:
Originally Posted by cain:

How on earth can a dumbass Thief school a Finance Minister?

As far as I understand. Ali has a MBA so he knows something.

Look, irrespective if Irfaat is a TIEF, we have to accept that the man did a blasted good job yesterday for his party.

 

Good debate former Minister.

 

Now, we have to rebut solidly.  I waiting for Ramjattan to tarrass his tail.

FM
Originally Posted by Ramakant-P:
Originally Posted by cain:

How on earth can a dumbass Thief school a Finance Minister?

I think he just did and you are too stupid to comprehend.

hahaha DOPE EAT AWAY HIS BRAIN, THE PEA BRAIN HE HAD.

Nehru

One of the way one can measure the APNU-AFC loss of message is that this fat f*&%#Ng crook can stand before them and brazenly lecture them. His ass needed to be jacked up a long time. I would like to see the seven million dollar check stub and the deposit slip into NICIL's account. Brazzingron said he lost it into the Skeldon factory rehabilitation project. I am beginning to think that white elephant was the PPP's Trojan horse. They needed a black hole into which money will disappear.

FM
Originally Posted by Stormborn:

One of the way one can measure the APNU-AFC loss of message is that this fat f*&%#Ng crook can stand before them and brazenly lecture them. His ass needed to be jacked up a long time. I would like to see the seven million dollar check stub and the deposit slip into NICIL's account. Brazzingron said he lost it into the Skeldon factory rehabilitation project. I am beginning to think that white elephant was the PPP's Trojan horse. They needed a black hole into which money will disappear.

HAHAHA  Lil Boy Irfan put dem IDIOTS to their place.

Nehru
Originally Posted by Ramakant-P:

TK can learn from Irfran Ali and take it to the classroom. 

He tried to mesmerize Bharat Jagdeo when he was President but failed miserably.  TK, Your Government is full of idiots.  They need your teachings to learn basic economics.

 Yea...one has to shout loud and stop up to become champion PPP debater.

FM
Originally Posted by TK:
Originally Posted by Ramakant-P:

TK can learn from Irfran Ali and take it to the classroom. 

He tried to mesmerize Bharat Jagdeo when he was President but failed miserably.  TK, Your Government is full of idiots.  They need your teachings to learn basic economics.

 Yea...one has to shout loud and stop up to become champion PPP debater.

At least, he is NOT lowering the standard of American Education.

Nehru
Originally Posted by TK:
Originally Posted by Ramakant-P:

TK can learn from Irfran Ali and take it to the classroom. 

He tried to mesmerize Bharat Jagdeo when he was President but failed miserably.  TK, Your Government is full of idiots.  They need your teachings to learn basic economics.

 Yea...one has to shout loud and stop up to become champion PPP debater.

"as Irfaan Ali labels budget as ‘full of fluff’" ... Ramjattan responded , “Thief, thief! Y’all is thief!”,  “Wait nah, wait, we gon jail alyuh as soon as we find everything.”

 

Where in the budget, money is set aside for a bigger jail?

Mitwah
Last edited by Mitwah
Originally Posted by Mitwah:
Originally Posted by TK:
Originally Posted by Ramakant-P:

TK can learn from Irfran Ali and take it to the classroom. 

He tried to mesmerize Bharat Jagdeo when he was President but failed miserably.  TK, Your Government is full of idiots.  They need your teachings to learn basic economics.

 Yea...one has to shout loud and stop up to become champion PPP debater.

"as Irfaan Ali labels budget as ‘full of fluff’" ... Ramjattan responded , “Thief, thief! Y’all is thief!”,  “Wait nah, wait, we gon jail alyuh as soon as we find everything.”

 

Where in the budget, money is set aside for a bigger jail?

Mits, Al YUh been Hollering dat fuh years, Al YUh nah gun jail even one person. Nothing to hide, the PPP Govt was clean BUT like every other Govt, a percentage of Corruption for personal gains took place.

Nehru
Originally Posted by Nehru:
Originally Posted by Mitwah:
Originally Posted by TK:
Originally Posted by Ramakant-P:

TK can learn from Irfran Ali and take it to the classroom. 

He tried to mesmerize Bharat Jagdeo when he was President but failed miserably.  TK, Your Government is full of idiots.  They need your teachings to learn basic economics.

 Yea...one has to shout loud and stop up to become champion PPP debater.

"as Irfaan Ali labels budget as ‘full of fluff’" ... Ramjattan responded , “Thief, thief! Y’all is thief!”,  “Wait nah, wait, we gon jail alyuh as soon as we find everything.”

 

Where in the budget, money is set aside for a bigger jail?

Mits, Al YUh been Hollering dat fuh years, Al YUh nah gun jail even one person. Nothing to hide, the PPP Govt was clean BUT like every other Govt, a percentage of Corruption for personal gains took place.

It takes time to gather the evidence. Jagdeo said dem copy the PPP budget and now Irfaat come along and say that it full of fluff.

Mitwah
Originally Posted by Mitwah:
Originally Posted by Nehru:
Originally Posted by Mitwah:
Originally Posted by TK:
Originally Posted by Ramakant-P:

TK can learn from Irfran Ali and take it to the classroom. 

He tried to mesmerize Bharat Jagdeo when he was President but failed miserably.  TK, Your Government is full of idiots.  They need your teachings to learn basic economics.

 Yea...one has to shout loud and stop up to become champion PPP debater.

"as Irfaan Ali labels budget as ‘full of fluff’" ... Ramjattan responded , “Thief, thief! Y’all is thief!”,  “Wait nah, wait, we gon jail alyuh as soon as we find everything.”

 

Where in the budget, money is set aside for a bigger jail?

Mits, Al YUh been Hollering dat fuh years, Al YUh nah gun jail even one person. Nothing to hide, the PPP Govt was clean BUT like every other Govt, a percentage of Corruption for personal gains took place.

It takes time to gather the evidence. Jagdeo said dem copy the PPP budget and now Irfaat come along and say that it full of fluff.

Good one...

FM

Former Housing Minister talks to “fluff” 2015 budget, slams government for bankrupted economy claims

by Zena Henry

 

Former Housing Minister and Opposition member Irfaan Ali kicked off the Budget debates 2015 with a hard slap to the estimates put forward last week by Finance Minister Winston Jordan calling it a “fluff” document with no policy direction.
Attacking the various projects and initiatives from the 2015 Budget, Ali pointed to what he claimed were several PPP projects allegedly hijacked by the government. He slammed the government for not fulfilling or partially fulfilling the 100 day promise; driving force behind the A Partnership for National Unity + Alliance for Change (APNU+AFC) government.
He said the old age pension increase, public service salaries, removal of monies from vehicle imports among others were the promises the government made “immediately upon their accesion to office.” He questioned how the government would be kept accountable if they will not honour “their own promises.”
The former minister slammed the government for claiming that the economy is bankrupted when they created a “big budget” along with finding $40 billion in commercial banks and another US$615 million in foreign reserves.

 

Ali expressed disappointment in the Finance Minister for such statements claiming that the government inherited an economy “outperforming every single economy in the Caribbean,” and witnessed nine consecutive years of growth.
The opposition member claimed that government slashed allocations the agriculture sector but demanded that the government convene a “National Paddy Price Support System.” He urged that government should take steps to maintain a production level of above 600,000 tons of paddy and improve yields to 40 bags per acre.
He demanded to that the government give rice farmers the $9,000 per bag of paddy as promised. Ali claimed that instead of fulfilling the promises to rice farmers they have taken away sums for drainage and other agriculture activities.
Ali jumped on the government wanting to increase their salaries so early in office. “We never sought to increase government salaries by more than 100 percent,” Ali charged.
Ali alleged however, that Budget 2015 has taken away thousands of jobs and over $1b from Amerindian villages.  He said the budget has taken away the $10,000 for poor families and further delayed the aspirations of Guyanese.
Ali said that according to various regional and international agencies, Guyana was projected to grow from over three percent to over five percent over time. He said, “That is the economy that the government inherited.”

 

.

FM
Originally Posted by Zed:
Originally Posted by caribny:

And this is why the APNU/AFC needs to articulate a detailed vision as to how they plan to create decent paying jobs, and to diversify the economy away from the export of a few commodities.

At the beginning of the election campaign, I was asked to endorse the coalition.  I asked for their programme at that time but was informed that the programme would be presented a long time before the election.  This was not done. They talked about the transition team was working on it. I thought that as soon as they were elected, they would have presented a detailed statement of how they intended to proceed and present a mini-budget until they had good grasp of the finances. I really think that they are really not proceeding in a systematic way, ministers seems to be doing their own thing. They really need to understand that 20% of the tings they will do will give them 80% of the results they seek.  They need to prioritize.  They have not made a good "first impression" and this will hamper their ability to move forward. Just my thoughts. 

true.

FM
Originally Posted by caribny:
Originally Posted by Zed:
Originally Posted by caribny:

And this is why the APNU/AFC needs to articulate a detailed vision as to how they plan to create decent paying jobs, and to diversify the economy away from the export of a few commodities.

At the beginning of the election campaign, I was asked to endorse the coalition.  I asked for their programme at that time but was informed that the programme would be presented a long time before the election.  This was not done. They talked about the transition team was working on it. I thought that as soon as they were elected, they would have presented a detailed statement of how they intended to proceed and present a mini-budget until they had good grasp of the finances. I really think that they are really not proceeding in a systematic way, ministers seems to be doing their own thing. They really need to understand that 20% of the tings they will do will give them 80% of the results they seek.  They need to prioritize.  They have not made a good "first impression" and this will hamper their ability to move forward. Just my thoughts. 

true.

The Buck Starts and Stop with Granger.

He inherited a mess....

and he is trying Real Hard...

 

We see how much thieving

went on before May 11th.

FM
Originally Posted by Jalil:
Originally Posted by caribny:
Originally Posted by Zed:
Originally Posted by caribny:

And this is why the APNU/AFC needs to articulate a detailed vision as to how they plan to create decent paying jobs, and to diversify the economy away from the export of a few commodities.

At the beginning of the election campaign, I was asked to endorse the coalition.  I asked for their programme at that time but was informed that the programme would be presented a long time before the election.  This was not done. They talked about the transition team was working on it. I thought that as soon as they were elected, they would have presented a detailed statement of how they intended to proceed and present a mini-budget until they had good grasp of the finances. I really think that they are really not proceeding in a systematic way, ministers seems to be doing their own thing. They really need to understand that 20% of the tings they will do will give them 80% of the results they seek.  They need to prioritize.  They have not made a good "first impression" and this will hamper their ability to move forward. Just my thoughts. 

true.

The Buck Starts and Stop with Granger.

He inherited a mess....

and he is trying Real Hard...

 

We see how much thieving

went on before May 11th.

There is no mess, the PNC just have no clue.  They come in power and scratching their heads.  Nothing to plunder, the PPP parked the nations funds in the banking sector and now both the banks and business community resisting them taking it for bakanal time.  If they do it, they will be married to the resulting economic chaos.  Them PPP bais clever, they put a box around the PNC before they even gained power.

FM
Originally Posted by baseman:
Originally Posted by Jalil:
Originally Posted by caribny:
Originally Posted by Zed:
Originally Posted by caribny:

And this is why the APNU/AFC needs to articulate a detailed vision as to how they plan to create decent paying jobs, and to diversify the economy away from the export of a few commodities.

At the beginning of the election campaign, I was asked to endorse the coalition.  I asked for their programme at that time but was informed that the programme would be presented a long time before the election.  This was not done. They talked about the transition team was working on it. I thought that as soon as they were elected, they would have presented a detailed statement of how they intended to proceed and present a mini-budget until they had good grasp of the finances. I really think that they are really not proceeding in a systematic way, ministers seems to be doing their own thing. They really need to understand that 20% of the tings they will do will give them 80% of the results they seek.  They need to prioritize.  They have not made a good "first impression" and this will hamper their ability to move forward. Just my thoughts. 

true.

The Buck Starts and Stop with Granger.

He inherited a mess....

and he is trying Real Hard...

 

We see how much thieving

went on before May 11th.

There is no mess, the PNC just have no clue.  They come in power and scratching their heads.  Nothing to plunder, the PPP parked the nations funds in the banking sector and now both the banks and business community resisting them taking it for bakanal time.  If they do it, they will be married to the resulting economic chaos.  Them PPP bais clever, they put a box around the PNC while they were dancing and prancing before they even gained power.

 

FM
Originally Posted by baseman:
Originally Posted by baseman:
Originally Posted by Jalil:
Originally Posted by caribny:
Originally Posted by Zed:
Originally Posted by caribny:

And this is why the APNU/AFC needs to articulate a detailed vision as to how they plan to create decent paying jobs, and to diversify the economy away from the export of a few commodities.

At the beginning of the election campaign, I was asked to endorse the coalition.  I asked for their programme at that time but was informed that the programme would be presented a long time before the election.  This was not done. They talked about the transition team was working on it. I thought that as soon as they were elected, they would have presented a detailed statement of how they intended to proceed and present a mini-budget until they had good grasp of the finances. I really think that they are really not proceeding in a systematic way, ministers seems to be doing their own thing. They really need to understand that 20% of the tings they will do will give them 80% of the results they seek.  They need to prioritize.  They have not made a good "first impression" and this will hamper their ability to move forward. Just my thoughts. 

true.

The Buck Starts and Stop with Granger.

He inherited a mess....

and he is trying Real Hard...

 

We see how much thieving

went on before May 11th.

There is no mess, the PNC just have no clue.  They come in power and scratching their heads.  Nothing to plunder, the PPP parked the nations funds in the banking sector and now both the banks and business community resisting them taking it for bakanal time.  If they do it, they will be married to the resulting economic chaos.  Them PPP bais clever, they put a box around the PNC while they were dancing and prancing before they even gained power.

 

The budget was too long.  Some solid deliverables like the wages and thing.

 

But there was NUFF FLUFF and PUFF inside also.

FM
Originally Posted by KishanB:
Originally Posted by baseman:
Originally Posted by baseman:
Originally Posted by Jalil:
Originally Posted by caribny:
Originally Posted by Zed:
Originally Posted by caribny:

And this is why the APNU/AFC needs to articulate a detailed vision as to how they plan to create decent paying jobs, and to diversify the economy away from the export of a few commodities.

At the beginning of the election campaign, I was asked to endorse the coalition.  I asked for their programme at that time but was informed that the programme would be presented a long time before the election.  This was not done. They talked about the transition team was working on it. I thought that as soon as they were elected, they would have presented a detailed statement of how they intended to proceed and present a mini-budget until they had good grasp of the finances. I really think that they are really not proceeding in a systematic way, ministers seems to be doing their own thing. They really need to understand that 20% of the tings they will do will give them 80% of the results they seek.  They need to prioritize.  They have not made a good "first impression" and this will hamper their ability to move forward. Just my thoughts. 

true.

The Buck Starts and Stop with Granger.

He inherited a mess....

and he is trying Real Hard...

 

We see how much thieving

went on before May 11th.

There is no mess, the PNC just have no clue.  They come in power and scratching their heads.  Nothing to plunder, the PPP parked the nations funds in the banking sector and now both the banks and business community resisting them taking it for bakanal time.  If they do it, they will be married to the resulting economic chaos.  Them PPP bais clever, they put a box around the PNC while they were dancing and prancing before they even gained power.

 

The budget was too long.  Some solid deliverables like the wages and thing.

 

But there was NUFF FLUFF and PUFF inside also.

The barrel was big but 1/4 full, so nuff fluff, huff and puff to fill the 3/4 hot air.

FM

Kudos.

 

Blatant PNC racism has been exposed:

"He said the new Government had reduced the agricultural allocations in the Budget, cutting some $81 million of spending on this area primarily in Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam) and Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne) which were won by the PPP/C."

FM

Looks like same old PNC will bankrupt Guyana:

The PPP/C MP also rebutted allegations made by the Finance Minister that the country was bankrupt as he contended that the statistics and financial figures presented by the Minister contradicted his own rhetoric.

 “The Minister is a visionary…..By the time he is finished, I am sure the economy will be bankrupt…he is a good visionary,” Ali said to smirks from both sides of the House. He contended that the economy grew by 300 per cent over the last couple of years under the PPP/C.

He said that it was not surprising that the Government may want to mislead the country as monies could be “earmarked for questionable projects or they have no idea of the financial status of the economy”.

FM

Disgraceful and illegal actions of PNC:

 

“The illegal transfers to the auditors …no advertisement…no tender process…no examination of the qualifications,” he said, was something that would not sit well with the new Opposition in Parliament"

 

Shame on the PNC.

FM

Guyana is headed into a massive recession. I spoke with a prominent businessman from GT today and he told me that ALL investments are on hold.

 

Businesses are planning more layoffs.

 

PNC does not appear to have any clue on how to encourage investments or economic progress. PPP plastered them good today. 

 

PNC cannot repeat the same mistake of killing the goose that laid the golden egg.

FM
Originally Posted by Ramakant-P:

TK can learn from Irfran Ali and take it to the classroom. 

He tried to mesmerize Bharat Jagdeo when he was President but failed miserably.  TK, Your Government is full of idiots.  They need your teachings to learn basic economics.

TK is now being critical of the PNC in a very diplomatic manner.

FM

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