Thanksgiving & Home Going Celebration For the Life of the Late
Dr. Cordelia Anette NAIRN
January 15, 1976 - March 25, 2021
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Saturday, April 10, 2021 at 2:00PM NEW DESTINY BAPTIST CATHEDRAL @ the WILLIAM THOMPSON AUDITORIUM Jean Street New Providence, Bahamas OFFICIATING: Bishop Delton D. Fernander, J.P, Ph.D Sr. Pastor President Bahamas Christian Council ASSISTED BY: Other Ministers of Religion ORGANIST: Elder Dexter D. Fernander INTERMENT: Lakeview Memorial Cemetery
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Dr. Cordelia Anette Nairn
Obituary
GOD IN HIS DIVINE UNIQUE WAY began something special on January 15th, 1976, when a baby girl blessed the lives and home of her parents James Kirkwood and Sharon May Nairn. This bouncing, healthy, smiling precious gift they proudly named and christened Cordelia Anette Nairn. A TIME FOR EVERY PURPOSE UNDER HEAVEN At the tender age of seven years old Dr. Cordelia knew she wanted to be a physician. She believed and held faith that one day she would serve her country as a medical doctor. Dr. Cordelia dreamed about becoming the best in her chosen field. She believed every patient has a right to the best health care despite their economical or sociological status. In her eyes God created everyone equal and they are royalty. Her early education was received at Our Lady’s Catholic School, St. Agnes Day School and Naomi Blatch Primary. She then moved on to Nassau Christian Academy. Upon graduating from high school, she attended the College of the Bahamas. Dr. Cordelia
matriculated to Tennessee State University in Nashville Tennessee, following which she went on to the University of the West Indians Medical School, Kingston Jamaica. In 2004 after graduation, she returned to her beloved country eagerly desiring to begin to serve the Bahamas. She was employed by the Princess Margaret Hospital in the Accident and Emergency Department where she served until her death. Dr. Cordelia was a gifted, critical thinking Emergency Medicine Physician, which she completely loved. She was a dedicated, faithful Physician in the department, always concerned for each of her patients and coworkers wellbeing. Dr. Cordelia was promoted to Consultant in the Emergency Department. In the department she was also a Triage Toolbelt Trainer. In 2019, she was once again promoted to Deputy Medical Chief of Staff, a position which she was humbled to occupy and proud to serve. Dr. Cordelia also served as a Senior Lecturer in the Emergency Medicine Post Graduate Program of the University of the West Indies,
Bahamas. She continued to perform her duties to the best of her abilities until April 2020, when she became ill. However, during her sickness, she still performed certain of her duties from her bed of affliction, at times from her hospital bed. Dr. Cordelia took being an advisor to her fellow colleagues enrolled in the Emergency Medicine Program seriously. A TIME TO OFFER SERVICE TO GOD Early in Dr. Cordelia’s life she realized the importance of humbly offering service, earnestly rendering glory, and honor to God. Dr. Cordelia was dedicated to her God and church. She loved serving in ministry and serving God’s people with excellence. Dr. Cordelia served diligently and proudly in numerous ministries and areas of New Destiny Baptist Cathedral. She was an active member of the Women of Destiny including the Conference Team, the Greeter’s Ministry, and the Assistant Director of the Health & Wellness Ministry. On Sundays when she was scheduled to work Dr. Cordelia would attend the Morning Glory Service before heading to the hospital. She was a faithful member of St. John’s Native Baptist Cathedral in her early years and later became a founding member of New Destiny Baptist Cathedral. She believed and lived by the scripture Colossians 3:23 - And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men. A TIME TO DIE Dr. Cordelia accepted her illness believing that Jehovah Rahpa, the God that heals would heal her one day, because He is a magnificent God that can do anything but fail. She was released from Doctors Hospital Wednesday 24th March and on Thursday March 25th around 1:30pm, Jesus looked in His garden and saw an empty space looked on His precious child and saw her tired face and said come home my child. “Unable Are The Loved To Die, For Love Is Immortality”.... Emily Dickinson Cordelia was predeceased by her beloved father James K. Nairn III; paternal grandparents James L. Nairn II and Olive L. Nairn, maternal grandmother Gladys Hanna-Robert, 2 aunts and 2 uncles. Precious Memories Will Always Remain in the Hearts of her devoted and loving family. Mother: Sharon M. Hanna-Nairn; Sisters: Dr. Calpurnia A. Fernander and Chona A. Nairn;
Brother-in-Law: Bishop Delton D. Fernander; Nephew: Caleb D. Fernander; Niece: De’Lyn C. Fernander; Aunts: Barbara Hanna-Cox; Isabel Robert and Monique Hanna; Uncles: Douglas and Olanda Hanna; Cousins: Yasmin and Talita Strachan, William, Addington, Pedro and Wayde Nairn, Janet Harvey, Ruth DaCosta, Sophia Hanna, Kevin and Sean Adderley, Deandra ( Tim) Ward, Delisa Tate, Douglas (Ryan), Dr. Deyanza, De’Ante and DiMaggio Hanna, Daronique Young, Rolanda, Adam, Daniel, Gabriel, Gabriell and Raphalita Hanna, Alexis Delancy (Eucal), Kenny St. Mark, Dominique Hanna, Alexander White and Diamond Cox; Godmothers: Julia Munroe-Neely and Audrey Hanna; Godchildren: De’Lyn C. Fernander, Mckye’ Whyley and Amber McKenzie; Friends: Sgt. Rodari Francis, Sirswannii Bowles, Dr. Sally Taylor and Caleb Neely, Dr. Christa Wells, Dr. Caroline Burnette, Dr. Juana Rodgers, Brenda Whyley, Insp. Altida Bowles, Dr. Darron Halliday, Dr. Raleigh Butler, The Health and Wellness, Greeters and Women’s Ministries of New Destiny Baptist Cathedral, Management and staff of Accident & Emergency Department, Management and staff of Princess Margaret Hospital, Lecturers and Examiners the University of the Indies, the neighbors of Thompson Drive and the Criminal Detective Unit of the Royal Bahamas Police Force. Special thanks to Dr. Darron Hallidayand Dr. Raleigh Butler.
Order of Service Rev. Dr. Tyrone J. Knowles Moderator Associate Pastor MUSICAL PRELUDE ENTRANCE AND SEATING OF FAMILY
LITURGY OF PRAISE
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SCRIPTURAL SENTENCES | Bishop Delton D. Fernander OPENING HYMN | “And Can It Be” And can it be that I should gain An interest in the Savior’s blood? Died He for me, who caused His pain— For me, who Him to death pursued? Amazing love! How can it be, That Thou, my God, shouldst die for me?
Long my imprisoned spirit lay Fast bound in sin and nature’s night; Thine eye diffused a quickening ray I woke, the dungeon flamed with light; My chains feel off, my heart was free, I rose, went forth, and followed Thee.
’Tis mystery all: thee Immortal dies: Who can explore His strange design? In vain the firstborn seraph tries To sound the depths of love divine. ’Tis mercy all! Let earth adore, Let angel minds inquire no more.
No condemnation now I dread; Jesus, and all in Him, is mine; Alive in Him, my living Head, And clothed in righteousness divine, Bold I approach thee eternal throne, And claim the crown, through Christ my own.
He left His Father’s throne above So free, so infinite His grace— Emptied Himself of all but love, And bled for Adam’s helpless race: ’Tis mercy all, immense and free, For O my God, it found out me! PRAYER OF INVOCATION | Rev. Dr. Jonathan Ford
PRAYER RESPONSE | ”Glad Reunion Day” There will be a happy meeting in heaven I know When we see the many loved ones we’ve known here below. Gather on the blessed hilltops with hearts all aglow. That will be a glad reunion day. (Chorus) Glad day, a wonderful day, Glad day, a glorious day; There with all the holy angels and loved ones to stay, That will be a glad reunion day. There within the holy city we’ll sing and rejoice, Praising Christ the blessed Saviour with heart and with voice. Tell him how we came to love Him and make Him our choice. That will be a glad reunion day. When we live a million years in that wonderful place Basking in the love of Jesus, beholding His face. It will seem but just a moment of praising His grace. That will be glad reunion day.
LITURGY OF THE WRITTEN & SPOKEN WORD HEBREW SCRIPTURE | Isaiah 61:1-3 | Dr. Sally Taylor Friend and Colleague
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RESPONSORIAL HYMN | “It’s Alright Now” There was a time I travelled a lonely sinful road; Beneath a heavy burden bending low; But now all things are different, since Jesus took my load It’s alright now, I’m His I know. (Chorus) It’s alright now, for I am in my Saviour’s care It’s alright now; my Saviour hears and answers prayer He’ll walk with me, (He’ll walk beside me) Till I climb the heavenly stair, And everything (And everything is alright now) A’ down a lonely pathway, without a friend to guide, I walked in sin and sorrow all alone ‘Till Jesus came and found me, and drew me to His side; It’s alright now, for I’m His own. No more in sin I wander, no more in darkness roam The Lord has placed my feet on higher ground; Each day new heights I’m gaining, my soul is nearing home, It’s alright now, I’m heaven bound. GREEK SCRIPTURE | 1st Thessalonians 4:13-18 | Dr. Darron Halliday, Physician Friend and Colleague Assoc. Pastor - Central Gospel Chapel SOLO | Mr.Antonio Rolle LITURGY OF THE SPOKEN WORD | Bishop Delton D. Fernander PRAYER FOR THE FAMILY | Pastor Trajean Jadorette
LITURGY OF FELLOWSHIP
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GRADUAL HYMN | “Farther Along” Tempted and tried, we’re oft made to wonder Why it should be thus all the day long, While there are others living about us, Never molested, though in the wrong. (Chorus) Farther along we’ll know all about it, Farther along we’ll understand why; Cheer up my brother, live in the sunshine, We’ll understand it all by and by.
Faithful til death, said our loving Master A few more days to labor and wait, Toils of the road will then seem as nothing As we sweep through the beautiful gate. When we see Jesus, coming in glory, When He comes from His home in the sky, Then we shall meet Him in that bright mansion, We’ll understand it all by and by.
When death has come and taken our loved ones, It leaves our home so lonely and drear, Then do we wonder why others prosper Living so wicked year after year. OBITUARY | To be read in silence AS I KNEW DR. CORDELIA ANETTE NAIRN | Dr. Christa Wells Friend and Colleague CONDOLENCES | 2 minutes | Bishop Anthony Farrington Transformation Ministries Tennessee State University
Min. Jason Deveaux New Destiny Baptist Cathedral
RECESSIONAL HYMN | “It Is Finished” There’s a line that is drawn through the ages On that line stands an old rugged cross On that cross, a battle is raging To gain a man’s soul or it’s loss (Chorus) It is finished, the battle is over; it is finished, there’ll be no more war It is finished, the end of the conflict; it is finished and Jesus is Lord On one side, march the forces of evil All the demons, all the devils of hell On the other, the angels of glory And they meet on Golgotha’s hill The earth shakes with the force of the conflict And the sun refuses to shine For there hangs God’s son, in the balance And then through the darkness he cries Yet in my heart, the battle was still raging Not all prisoners of war had come home These were battlefields of my own making I didn’t know that the war had been won Oh, but then I heard the king of the ages Had fought all the battles for me And that victory was mine for the claiming And now praise his name, I am free. RECESSIONAL
Daughter MY DARLING
There can be no goodbyes for us It’d be too painful, dear Our connection still lives on Although you’re far from here I miss the times that we once had But one day, once again I’ll hold you close and laugh with you I just wish I knew when Each moment til that day arrives Until my time is through I’ll miss you more than words can say And always think of you I’ll look for you among the stars, And each dawn’s pastel sky, And whisper words of love to you But never say goodbye
Mummy Love,
To My Little Sister
A sister is a gift to the heart, a friend to the spirit, a golden thread to the meaning of life. Isadora James
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y sister Cordelia was more than just a sister, she was my advisor, my confidant, my business, fashion, and travel advisor, above all my dearest friend. Growing up, she was also my first human doll baby, that I could dress up and play with her hair whenever I wanted. She was an amazing sister and devoted aunt with an enormous heart for your family. Cordelia, we will forever be the three Nairn girls. My beautiful, confidant, serious yet funny, strong headed, loving sister, she loved her family and I without measure. To her above everything it was her God and then her family that meant the world to her. Cordelia, the day we became sisters, we were connected in our physical space and spiritually. Our sibling relationship tied the two of us together from birth, but being girlfriends kept us connected through life. My children were her children, and my husband was her brother. In a house of all girls, we were peacock proud to welcome our first little miracle gift from God, Caleb “KK” as she affectionally call him. He was not only the first grand but most importantly the first boy child in the family. James K. Nairn III, our daddy wanted all girls until he met Caleb and mommy finally received her boy child. Our DéLyn “Sunny” the princess, soon became her little baby from the moment she was placed in her arms in the theater; she fell completely in love. I was happy and honored to share my children with her and our baby sister Chona. Cordelia was a loving sister no matter how much we disagreed; we could not be drawn apart. She was my amazing sister and friend who helped me through difficult and challenging times. Her comforting words and mighty stares were worth much more than flame. I am grateful and thankful our sister bond did not break throughout the years, remaining strong and unyielding. Our sister love was a lifetime. For almost ten years it was just the two of us, twin towers, until Chona transformed us into triplets. Philippians 1:3 “I thank my God upon every remembrance of you”. Angels are sisters who have moved far away. Death wears a hood just as sisters do and it can never be removed. A little bit of my sister will always live in me. Rest in peace little big sister, take your rest until we unite again. Spirit to spirit, heart to heart, sisters forever together and apart. Love, Calpurnia A. Nairn-Fernander “Kandi”
My Sister
As kids, we lived together We fought, we laughed, we cried. We didn’t always show the love, That we both had inside. We shared our dreams and plans, And some secrets too. All the memories we share, Is what bonds me now to you. We grew to find we have a love That is very strong today. It’s a love shared by our family, You are my sister not by choice, But by nature of our birth. I could not have chosen a better one. You are the best on earth. Love, Chona
A Tribute to My Aunt She isn’t my mother. She isn’t my sister She’s one of the family Who’s more like a friend.
She has fun with me, Laughs with me, Listens to me, encourages me. She spends time with me, Believes in me, Shares with me, cheers for me. She understands me like a mother. She’s there for me like a sister. And perhaps best of all She loves me like a friend. Love, De’Lyn (Niece)
My Aunt She is in the sun, The wind, the rain, She’s in the air you Breathe with every Breath you take. She sings a song Of hope and cheer, There’s no more pain, No more fear. You’ll see her in The clouds above, Hear her whisper Words of love You’ll be together Before long, until then Listen for her song Love, Caleb (Nephew)
Cordelia
Cordelia was a sweet, loving baby born to James and Sharon Nairn on January 15th, 1976. I was honored when asked if I would be her godmother. Over the many years from childhood to adult, we formed a bond that was special. Cordelia loved to bake on special occasions. At the early age of 10, she made her godmother a cake. Each time her cakes grew more and more elaborate. German Chocolate Mousse was one of my favourites. Her college years took her away for long periods, but when home for a break we always made time to meet for lunch, when she would share her college experiences and challenges. One of her greatest concerns was living off campus in her very first year. She soon overcame her fears, and found that living in the community afforded her the opportunity to learn more about the culture. Cordelia new her godmother would be praying for her, asking that God would protect her and keep her safe. This experience taught her to learn to trust God in all things. Cordelia took her duties and responsibilities at the Princess Margaret Hospital seriously. She loved her job, gave her best, and after several years of dedicated and committed service, was promoted to Deputy Medical Chief of Staff at a very early age. Cordelia was warm, loving and kind. She kept her illness from me, not wanting to further burden me with her problems. That is how loving, caring and unselfish she was. I thank God for her life, and the blessing and joy she brought to mine. Cordelia you have gone on to take your rest. I will always love you. May your soul rest in peace. Julia Munroe Godmother
My Sister, My Colleague, My Friend
You fought a brave and strong battle for ----- what seemed like years. I held on to hope that you would win the battle, but fate had other plans. For almost 20 years, we were like cookies and cream. We were opposites that made each other better, stronger and braver. You were rational, reasonable, pragmatic, I was the emotional one. You were the reserved social butterfly. I was just a butterfly. You had no rhythm! I had all the rhythm for both of us. You loved the drama and action of the emergency room, solving a patient’s immediate problems. I loved sitting and talking and solving a patient’s chronic problems. You had many acquaintances, but few friends. You loved your family and always wanted the best for all of them. You were a straight shooter. You never held grudges. You were sweet and kind, but everyone knew not to take your kindness for weakness. You had the heart of a lion as you were so aptly named. However, what we both shared was a love and respect for our fellow man, and a deep-rooted love for God. I have fond memories of Sunday dinners with you and your family, our travels to Andros, Exuma and DC, going on a Caribbean cruise, attending your church’s beach picnic and boat cruise, going to Zumba classes. You were my sister, my friend and an all-around encouragement in my life. I am enriched today because of your remarkable influence. I am more practical, purpose-driven, careeroriented, open minded, stronger, braver, better. Your life certainly was not in vain, you made our profession and the Bahamas much better. I will miss you tremendously, but God had given you an early call, you were not afraid to answer and you are now safe and secure in his arms.
Sally
A Tribute to Cordelia from Nassau Christian Academy Class of ‘93 There’s a special angel in heaven that is a part of us. It is not where we wanted her but where God wanted her to be. And although it seems as if she was here but just a moment like a night time shooting star; those special memories of her will always be in our hearts. Cordelia was a sweet, quiet gem who loved being around her classmates while attending Nassau Christian Academy (NCA). She was a soft spoken, God-fearing and proud NCA Alumni who is now “gone too soon”. We, her NCA Alumni Family, are humbled to show our support in remembrance of the life of Cordelia as we are mindful of the fact that the rest of us may be here today, but also gone tomorrow.
We were grateful to have met Cordelia during the time in our young lives as we were growing up in the beautiful, Christian environment created at NCA. We will continue to remember Cordelia as we go on with our lives, just as we remember the other persons and places that have helped to make us who we are today, no matter how much time we have spent with them. May her sweet, gentle soul Rest in Peace and Rise in Glory!
From Princess Margaret Hospital Accident & Emergency
Our Friend, Mentor, Colleague and Boss AN IMPACTFUL LIFE
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One person can be so many things to so many people, or many things to each individual. “She was my friend”. “She was my mentor”. “She was our Boss”. In life we adorn different hats and embrace roles that begin to define who we are as a person. They are simultaneously superficial descriptions as well as placeholders for complex personal accomplishments, and nuanced relationships. As we reflect, they spark memories of the person as a whole. We remember Dr. Cordelia Nairn, and the roles she played in all of our lives. Frequently she would remind us that she “wore many hats”, often as a precursor to laying all propriety aside and telling you what was truly on her mind. For one who led such an impactful life, Cordelia collected many hats, and wore them like no other. OUR COLLEAGUE Many of us came to know you in your professional life. As a member of our Accident and Emergency Family, your towering presence and graceful demeanour will be missed. You entered the doors of this department as a Senior House Officer and because of your determination and tenacity now leave us as Consultant, Clinical Tutor and Deputy Medical Chief of Staff. Proverbs 18:16 speaks about a man’s gifts making room for him and bringing him before great men; indeed, you have proven this to be true.
OUR MENTOR You were a trailblazer, a part of the first class of emergency residents here in The Bahamas through The University of The West Indies (UWI) School of Clinical Medicine and Research (SCMR). The program was rigorous, and upon completion you became part of the faculty. This was important to you. You always expressed your desire to see our postgraduate program grow and thrive, and because of your contributions, the specialty of emergency medicine is blooming in The Bahamas. You were an integral part of the Bahamas Campus hosting our first ever post-graduate examinations in emergency medicine. Our campus is the smallest in the region however you believed it could be done. It was arduous and took a yeoman’s effort, but we hosted the examinations and received expressions of commendations and praise from our regional colleagues for our efforts. You supervised and mentored residents, applying heat and pressure when necessary and a gentle touch when needed. All in an effort to guide them to completion of their program. OUR LEADER The role of Consultant in Accident & Emergency helped to prepare you for the role you embraced as Deputy Medical Chief of Staff. Emergency Medicine Physicians are adept at problem solving and steady under pressure. Wearing this new hat, you were well prepared to meet the daily challenges it brought. You excelled as an administrator. You loved this new venture, and you performed the job well. Dr. Burnett our Medical Chief of Staff (MCOS) was well supported with you in this role. The Clinical Management Team in A&E will miss your valued input in the daily operations and functioning of the department. I can hear the nursing management team calling your name expressing their need for you to find a solution to the problem at hand. After careful analysis of the situation, you were able to provide a workable solution to almost any problem. OUR DOCTOR You loved clinical medicine. Some would consider the practice of medicine a “calling” and you accepted that call. You were recruited to serve your fellow man, sometimes in their most vulnerable state. Working with colleagues, to achieve the best outcome for your patients was an unwavering point for you. There were disagreements at times, but you would hold firm until the patients’ best interest was met. There are perhaps thousands of Bahamians who unknowingly experienced God’s grace through your tireless and lifesaving efforts. And through your mentorship you ensured that generations of Bahamians would always be served by the knowledge you fostered in nascent physicians. Our “A-Team” has lost a captain with your passing. Even though we consider ourselves “Gladiators” and “EM-Strong”, in this moment we are broken. We are conditioned for chaos and crisis, taught to do our best and to move on to the next emergency. We were not taught to move on without one of our own. Your A&E family grieves your loss.
OUR FRIEND You had a zest for life. Your laughter was infectious. Your candour refreshing and mischievous. Your friendship wasn’t given away easily. But for those who were able to call you friend you were a formidable ally. Your unexpected departure has left us reeling. We cling to the memories of yesterday and begrudgingly accept the reality of today. We are in motion, carrying out our duties distracting us from facing the reality of your loss. This wasn’t the plan. You were supposed to return to us victorious. But God had another plan. While we were preparing for your return, he was preparing a place for you. Yours was an impactful life. A life well lived. Your impact to our hospital family and medical community will linger indefinitely.
OFFICE OF THE MEDICAL CHIEF OF STAFF Dr. Cordelia Nairn began her medical career in 2004 as an Intern at the Princess Margaret Hospital and was serving as the Deputy Medical Chief of Staff at the time of her passing. She was one of the first graduates of the Doctor of Medicine (Emergency Medicine) programme at the University of the West Indies School of Clinical Medicine and Research (Bahamas Campus) and later became a Clinical Tutor for the programme. Dr. Nairn pursued her dreams with passion and purpose. Her outlook was always positive, not allowing disappointments or challenges to set her back. A calm and caring friend, confidante, and mentor, Dr. Nairn lived in a way that influenced others to excel and always looked for ways to expand her horizons and improve her skills. She was an accomplished physician and worked to uphold the standards of the profession with her no-nonsense demeanor. Dr. Nairn was a planner who did her research, followed through with assignments, and ensured they were completed on time. The Medical Advisory Committee relied on her objective, honest opinions and attention to detail. She made a tremendous contribution to the field of medicine in The Bahamas. Dr. Nairn left us too soon and is sorely missed. On behalf of the Medical Advisory Committee and Executive Management Committee of the Princess Margaret Hospital, I extend condolences to her family and friends. Dr. Caroline Burnett-Garraway Medical Chief of Staff, PMH Dr. Christa Wells, Director of A & E, PMH, Dr. Caroline Burnette- Garraway - Medical Chief of Staff, PMH and Dr. Cordelia Nairn- Deupty Medical Chief of Staff, PMH
Gratitude MESSAGE OF
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We the family of the late Dr. Cordelia Anette Nairn express our sincere thanks and gratitude to our family, friends and all others who interacted with her during her life and who have displayed love and concern during the most difficult time of bereavement. Your prayers, telephone calls, comforting words and acts of kindness have all been very much appreciated.
PALLBEARERS Dr Kyle Kerr Dr Myles Brennen Dr Randolph Culmer Funeral Service Entrusted To:
Dr William Seymour Dr Dervin Kemp Dr Sergio Kerr Provided by SIDDA Communications Group
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