Regency Petroleum IPO gets tenfold increase in valuation Loop Jamaica

Black Immigrant Daily News

The content originally appeared on: Jamaica News Loop News

Regency Petroleum Co. Limited (RPL) says it is going for at least two per cent of the market in the household-cooking gas sector between the Kingston metropolitan region and St Catherine within the first year of its planned expansion into the space.

The company, which signalled its intention to list on the Junior Market of the Jamaica Stock Exchange, has now released its prospectus and will be inviting applications for shares between November 24 and December 8.

Regency Petroleum started in 2018 and generated $45 million in sales in its first year and grew to over $600 million in its 2021 financial year. That equated to a compounded annual growth of 268 per cent, the prospectus noted.

The IPO capitalisation at $1.44 billion is ten times the present value of its capital at $111 million up to June 2022. Regency Petroleum, with its compound growth rate and profit margin at 19 per cent in 2022, should grow its value over time. That, however, remains to be seen in its future financials.

Regency made a $59 million net profit over 12 months to December 2021 and $39 million over six months to June 2022.

The company hired GK Capital as its broker to raise $287 million in its IPO.

A successful IPO would result in the company liquidating its debt at approximately $160 million. In addition to debt reduction, $75 million will go towards the construction of its Paradise Pen service station in support of the automotive segment. Then $30 million will go to the expansion of its cylinder business to meet growing demand.

This new service station will incorporate modern technology and equipment and feature a state-of-the-art convenience store. Construction is expected to be completed by the end of 2022 with the location set to open by the end of the first quarter of 2023.

As for the cooking gas market, Williams told Loop News: “Currently, we are only on the western side of the island – Westmoreland, St Elizabeth, parts of Handover and St James, which in proportion to the entire island, I don’t think we have reached one per cent as yet”.

The company’s current footprint is “good” and leaves a lot of room for growth,” he said.

But with the targeted areas representing about seven per cent of the entire market for household gas, according to Williams’ guesstimate, RPL has much more room to grow and expand.

“For two [to three] parishes to make up seven per cent of the market, we are hoping to capture at least two per cent in the first year,” he said.

Regency Petroleum CEO Andrew Williams

RPL has been inspired to enter the eastern side of the island due to the density of the population, the CEO said.

The population there is [more] concentrated than any other part of the island. We can be very competitive in the corporate area… when it comes unto LPG,” Williams said.

RPL is now looking for land to buy in Kingston for a fourth gas station and will set up a distribution site for its cooking gas segment, he said.”For logistics, when we set up a location there, it will be more optimal for us, considering the density of the areas,” he said.

The company currently supplies bulk Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) to established bakeries, restaurants, and hotels island-wide and has seen consistent growth in this business segment amid increasing demand. Williams has his sights set on areas such as Portmore, among others, for the expansion of RPL’s cooking gas LNG segment.

Though it plans to expand its bulk business, it is targeting the expansion of the cooking gas business first, Williams said.

RPL now sells 25lbs and 100lbs cylinders but is awaiting approval for a smaller 12lbs cylinder and sees this product coming onstream “within a year.”

The company is 100 per cent owned by Williams, who intends to sell 20 per cent of the company. That would move the total shareholding from 1.148 billion units to 1.435 billion units each at $1.00 a share after a fully subscribed offer.

The new shares issued to the general public at 287 million units are apportioned that the general public can subscribe to 40.2 per cent, with reserved shares accounting for the balance or 59.8 per cent.

Within the reserved shares, GK will get one-third for themselves, RPL employees and key strategic partners at one-fifth, and the rest towards housekeeping.

“This move should assist the company in optimizing its capital structure for further growth and enhance free cash flow,” Vice President of Investor Relations at GKCM, Ryan Strachan, said.

The company will be listed on the Junior Market.

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LETTER: Wicked Gaston Browne & The ABLP 80 cents Minimum Wage

Black Immigrant Daily News

The content originally appeared on: Antigua News Room
Prime Minister ofAntigua & Barbuda Gaston Browne

Dear editor, 

I am not surprised by this WICKED government with the announced 80 cents increase in minimum wage. 

This is so damn disrespectful to the highest order in this country. First thing in January Social Security will raise the amount AGAIN in contribution because of BOTH the current and past governments bad policy implemented.

Also, the poor and middle class, if that still exists, still can’t afford to buy food and pay electricity and water bills and they mean to tell only 80 cents we are worth. This 80 cents increase must be a joke, because by time the increase in Social Security happens next year, that 80 cents gone ah wussa.

Food has tripled itself in one year, and it seems like every week at the supermarket EVERYTHING is increased in price, and this WICKED government has the AUDACITY to come and tell people $9.00 is good enough.

It’s alleged that the recommendation/proposal was $10 but these WICKED government ministers see us as their slaves. Even $10 is still NOT enough but it would have been a good start. These are the same people who CLAIM they love people, but yet still Social Security going up next year and food prices increase weekly and its only 80 cents were worth.

This government at every turn and opportunity SPITS and releases FEASES in poor people faces at every opportunity they get. 

All Cabinet minister currently in this WICKED government makes well over the minimum wage, they don’t pay utilities, and even during the period of Covid-19 NONE of them took a reduction in pay, and its alleged that a certain minister/s in this government asked for a pay increase while poor people were struggling to make ends meet in this country, and they claim to love the people. One long dutty chups! 

I heard a clip where sweet mouth Benjamin committed to have the minimum wage committee meet every two years as required by law. Now keep in mind it took this government 8 LONG YEARS for the minimum wage committee to meet now we are on the very VERGE of an election where the ABLP will LOSE significantly and 80 cents is the best thing this caring government could come up with. I wonder if the RED COOL AID people from the ABLP are pleased with this announcement. 

Gaston Browne your time as Prime Minister is coming to an END and there will be NO coming back. You and your cabinet can continue to live the lavish lifestyles because your time as Prime Minister is coming to an END.  

Remember Antiguans and Barbudan’s, the ABLP minister only cares about their pockets and to further enrich themselves, so we need to vote to useless, self-enrichment vagabonds out of office as soon as the election is called. 

#RED DEAD. #ABLP FINISHED. #PETER WICKHAM NAH RUN ANTIGUA’S ELECTION. 

#ABLP WICKED SET AH PEOPLE. #VOTE THEM OUT.

David Francis

Fed Up Citizen

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BREAKING: WINAIR acquires two ATR 42-500 series aircraft

Black Immigrant Daily News

The content originally appeared on: Antigua News Room

WINAIR announced Friday that it has acquired two ATR 42-500 series aircraft.

The first ATR aircraft will be delivered March 2023. This aircraft will provide service to Aruba, Bonaire, Curacao, Dominica, and Port au Prince.

The second ATR aircraft will be delivered April 2023, this aircraft will provide service to Antigua, Tortola, St. Lucia, Barbados, with further analysis/review of route expansion to other destinations ongoing.

WINAIR’s growth comes after six years of ACMI-lease partnership with Air Antilles Airlines based in Guadeloupe. The ACMI-lease demonstrated the viability of the ATR operation and created this opportunity for WINAIR’s growth.

“Our partnership with Air Antilles will continue to evolve, strengthening WINAIR’s and Air Antilles’ route structure in the Caribbean, also providing commonality of fleet type” statedMichael Cleaver, President & CEO.

This ushers in a new era for WINAIR, the National Carrier of St. Maarten, operating its own ATR aircraft thus enhancing our current business model. This preparation/ planning has taken one (1) year of intensive analysis and studies done, ensuring this was the best aircraft for WINAIR’s future growth. This strategic plan has the support and approval of the Shareholders and the Supervisory Board of Directors of WINAIR.

WINAIR is working closely with Princess Juliana International Airport (PJIAE) and St. Maarten Civil Aviation Authority (SMCAA) for the processes to continue and ensure all requirements of regulatory bodies and all regulations are fulfilled. Safety and security is of the utmost importance; all processes require approval by SMCAA for the introduction of the ATR fleet type in St. Maarten.

The expansion of WINAIR’s fleet requires additional qualified personnel, and local employees/ residents are being utilized wherever possible. Training of existing flight and maintenance personnel, as well as re-certification of additional staff is ongoing.

With the introduction of the ATR aircraft WINAIR is better equipped to respond to customer demand, changing market needs and support St. Maarten and our stakeholders for the future.

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CoP: New vehicles for police by year-end

Black Immigrant Daily News

The content originally appeared on: Trinidad and Tobago Newsday

News

File photo: Acting Police Commissioner McDonald Jacob.

BEFORE the end of the year, the police expect to receive 85 new vehicles to add to their fleet as they intensify patrols to curb serious crimes.

Speaking at the police media briefing at the police Administration Building on Thursday, acting Police Commissioner Mc Donald Jacob also said the vehicles will arrive in tranches. The first will be between 25 and 30 vehicles within the next two weeks and another 60 before year-end.

Jacob said they will be used as the police intensify their patrols, especially within the next six weeks, to curb serious crimes, in particular murders.

Also speaking at the briefing was acting DCP Erla Christopher, who said police leave will be restricted as part of the intensification aimed at reducing murders.

It has been predicted that this year’s murder toll will surpass the 2008 record figure of 550, with 537 recorded murders at the time of the media briefing.

Christopher said officers will be taken from specialised units to augment the manpower needed. Jacob said the recent batch of 110 officers along with special reserve police officers will add to the available manpower.

Asked about the murder solve rate, given the numbers occurring at present, Jacob said: “The current solve rate for serious crimes is an average of 33 per cent.

“As it relates to murders, it will be around 12-13 per cent. As I said, it may be there now, but in the next three months it may reach 17-20 per cent.”

With the increase in technological advances the police will improve their detection rate, he said, adding that the majority of the murders, 67 per cent, are gang-related.

He also said people are avoiding assisting the police. but seek to get justice themselves.

A major factor in the murder toll is the use of guns, he said.

For the year, 564 people have been charged with possession of guns. A total of 625 guns have been found to date, including 106 high-powered rifles. Of those charged, Jacob said 60 per cent were repeat offenders.

He called on the powers that be to bring back the bail amendment which seeks to deny bail to those charged with firearm possession or firearm-related offences for at least three months. The Bail (Amendment) (Extension of Duration) Bill 2022 was defeated in the Senate in July after five independent senators sided with the Opposition.

The bill required a three-fifths majority, and the government wanted to extend the life of the bill for a year after the end of the sunset clause of three years in August.

“Give us another chance,” Jacob said, adding that his officers have been trained and ready to have cases started within the three months while bail is denied.

The law was assented to on August 5, 2019, and allowed magistrates and judges to deny bail for 120 days to people charged with specific offences under the Firearms Act, the Anti-Gang Act, the Sexual Offences Act, the Dangerous Drugs Act, the Anti-Terrorism Act and the Trafficking in Persons Act. To be so treated, such individuals would have had to be previously convicted of a serious crime. The law stipulated that the case against the accused must begin within the 120-day period.

As the police seek to step up their efforts, they have done away with the 482-GARY phone number used under the previous police commissioner, Gary Griffith. Instead they have a new cell phone number 736-TTPS, which Christopher said will be accessed at the level of Deputy Commissioner and Commissioner of Police office from Monday. She added that this is yet another avenue for people to come forward with information directly to the executive of the police service confidentially.

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PM: I did not put up a slate for PNM election

Black Immigrant Daily News

The content originally appeared on: Trinidad and Tobago Newsday

News

Prime Minister Dr Rowley. File photo/Sureash Cholai

THE Prime Minister claims he deliberately did not put up a slate for the People’s National Movement’s (PNM’s) upcoming internal election, because his candidates would possibly have been unopposed.

But Dr Rowley quickly added that although he has not selected a slate, “I did not say I am not associating with a slate.”

He was addressing a Leadership In Service campaign meeting on Thursday night at the Caroline Building, Pump Mill, Scarborough, Tobago.

Rowley said the PNM was in transition and he decided to put the interest of the party first.

“I know, without fear of contradiction, that had I selected a dozen or so people and said, ‘This is my slate,’ that most of them would have been unopposed, because there would have been a sentiment that ‘They are running on the political leader’s slate, holding on to his coat-tail, and I can’t beat him and I am not taking part in the election.’”

Such sentiments, Rowley said, are not what is called for at this time.

“At this time of transition, what is called for is for the cream to rise to the top on its own strength. So I said I am not putting up a slate.

“You know what that means? Let me see who genuinely wants to serve this party and has what it takes to come out and stand up and say, ‘I would like to offer myself for this position’ – and that is the person you really want.”He said the Leadership In Service slate represents the future of the PNM.

“I am not a betting man. But sometimes I will take a small wager that somewhere in the group that was presented here tonight, or very close to this group, is the leadership of the PNM in the next four to five to six to seven years.

“And it would not have been handpicked by me, in the outgoing political leader who chose his best friend or his family of his partner. They came up individually on their own, some surprisingly so.”

He used Terrence Beepath (contesting the post of field officer) and Education Minister Dr Nyan Gadsby-Dolly (vice-chairman) as examples.

“You know how long Terrence Beepath has been around the PNM. I never see him running for office. When Nyan was selected, after she chose the wrong constituency, and was placed in the right place, where she doesn’t want to move from because they don’t want her to move…Today, she is going to be the first female vice-chairman of the PNM.”

Rowley said he first met Jeniece Scott, who is contesting the post of youth officer, at UWI St Augustine.

“I didn’t even know she was a PNM. Next thing I saw her in general council Today, after she was encouraged to serve the people of Arima on the hill, she is going to be on the executive of the PNM.”

He added the members of the slate have come from all over the country.

‘It is because of that, I can tell you – I have been in this job for seven years as prime minister and for 12 years as political leader – I intend to take a vacation next year, because I am allowed a month’s vacation every year.

“I haven’t taken any for nearly seven years. I am taking one next year, at least one, because I know I will be leaving the party and the country in good hands. You don’t have to be afraid. This country, in the PNM hands, is in good hands.”

Energy Minister Stuart Young, PNM Tobago Council leader Ancil Dennis, THA Minority Leader Kelvon Morris and Tobago MPs Ayanna Webster-Roy and Shamfa Cudjoe were among those who spoke at the meeting.

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Koi Carper en Ruckers trekken seriestand in evenwicht

Black Immigrant Daily News

The content originally appeared on: De Ware Tijd Online

Tekst en beeld John Zaalman PARAMARIBO — Koi Carper en Ruckers hebben de spanning teruggebracht in de mannenhoofdklasse play-off van

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Bedrijfsleven formuleert concept local content policy

Black Immigrant Daily News

The content originally appeared on: De Ware Tijd Online

‘Het idee is niet nieuw’ door Euritha Tjan A Way Wilgo Bilkerdijk van de Asfa vindt dat het concept ‘local

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Mondial-2022: les organisateurs font volte-face, pas d’alcool autour des stades

Black Immigrant Daily News

The content originally appeared on: Martinique FranceAntilles

Il faudra faire sans la bière d’avant et d’après-match: les organisateurs ont fait volte-face deux jours à peine avant le début du Mondial-2022 au Qatar, en interdisant la vente…

Il faudra faire sans la bière d’avant et d’après-match: les organisateurs ont fait volte-face deux jours à peine avant le début du Mondial-2022 au Qatar, en interdisant la vente d’alcool à proximité des huit stades.

Cette décision jette une ombre sur les promesses des autorités de ce petit émirat gazier conservateur d’alléger l’application de sa législation durant cet événement planétaire qui devrait accueillir plus d’un million de supporters du monde entier. 

Pour la FSA, l’association des supporters anglais, attendus par milliers à Doha lundi pour leur premier match contre l’Iran, “cette volte-face de dernière minute illustre un problème plus large: l’absence totale de communication et de transparence du comité d’organisation envers les supporters”. 

“S’ils peuvent changer d’avis d’un coup d’un seul, les supporteurs nourriront des inquiétudes compréhensibles sur leur capacité à respecter leurs promesses sur d’autres questions, relatives au logement, au transport et questions culturelles”, selon l’association.

Depuis sa désignation pour organiser cet événement planétaire en 2010, obtenue à la surprise générale aux dépens des Etats-Unis, le Qatar est en butte à de nombreuses critiques: accusations de corruption pour l’emporter, sort réservé aux travailleurs migrants, respect des droits des femmes et des personnes LGBTQ+, impact environnemental du tournoi…

“Pression considérable”

Les organisateurs vont peiner à éteindre ces critiques et, comme l’a enjoint le patron de la Fifa Gianni Infantino, à se “concentrer sur le football”. D’autant que selon le quotidien britannique The Times qui l’a révélé, ce revirement est le résultat d’”une pression considérable” exercée par les dirigeants qataris dont la famille régnante.

Au lendemain de l’officialisation du forfait du Sénégalais Sadio Mané qui a été opéré jeudi “avec succès” du péroné droit en Autriche, une autre star, le Portugais Cristiano Ronaldo, est attendue dans la soirée au Qatar. Les derniers à arriver dans l’émirat seront les Brésiliens de Neymar samedi soir, à la veille du match d’ouverture Qatar-Equateur.

Pour ne pas trop subir la pression et les contrecoups du divorce brutal entre CR7 et son club de Manchester United, les Portugais vont s’installer très à l’écart des autres sélections, à l’est de la ville. 

Ronaldo rejoint donc à Doha Messi l’Argentin, Mbappé le Français mais aussi l’Allemagne et l’Angleterre, déjà à pied d’oeuvre au Qatar.

Les Anglais affronteront les Iraniens, qui seront très observés s’ils décidaient d’exprimer leur soutien aux manifestants dans leur pays et leur condamnation de la répression.

Leur capitaine, Alireza Jahanbakhsh, a affirmé jeudi que le choix de célébrer ou non un but au Mondial-2022 en soutien aux manifestations dans son pays, relevait d’une “décision personnelle” des joueurs.

“On est là pour respecter le maillot et notre équipe nationale, apporter de la joie au peuple iranien. La question de la célébration est une décision personnelle, propre à chaque joueur”, a-t-il insisté.

Escorte de F-16

Signe que cette Coupe du monde se disputera dans une ambiance très particulière, la sélection polonaise a été escortée par des avions de chasses F-16 dans l’espace aérien du pays, encore sous le choc de l’explosion d’un missile à Przewodow, village situé à 6 kilomètres de l’Ukraine, qui a tué deux personnes en début de semaine.

La roquette, qui a fait craindre une escalade dans l’invasion russe de l’Ukraine, aurait été tirée par la défense aérienne ukrainienne dans le but d’intercepter les attaques russes. 

Cette escorte “est une bonne chose, cela montre le soutien que nous apportons à nos joueurs”, a déclaré le ministre de la Défense, Mariusz Blaszczak.

Acteurs importants de ce Mondial, les arbitres seront aussi mis à l’honneur vendredi avec une journée média qui leur sera consacrée.

Les 36 arbitres de champ, dont trois femmes, seront au centre de l’attention pendant quelques heures en espérant qu’elle se reporte sur Ronaldo et Cie une fois le Mondial débuté.

bur-ng/ep/fal

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Mondial-2022: les organisateurs font volte-face, pas d’alcool autour des stades

Black Immigrant Daily News

The content originally appeared on: Guadeloupe FranceAntilles

Il faudra faire sans la bière d’avant et d’après-match: les organisateurs ont fait volte-face deux jours à peine avant le début du Mondial-2022 au Qatar, en interdisant la vente…

Il faudra faire sans la bière d’avant et d’après-match: les organisateurs ont fait volte-face deux jours à peine avant le début du Mondial-2022 au Qatar, en interdisant la vente d’alcool à proximité des huit stades.

Cette décision jette une ombre sur les promesses des autorités de ce petit émirat gazier conservateur d’alléger l’application de sa législation durant cet événement planétaire qui devrait accueillir plus d’un million de supporters du monde entier. 

Pour la FSA, l’association des supporters anglais, attendus par milliers à Doha lundi pour leur premier match contre l’Iran, “cette volte-face de dernière minute illustre un problème plus large: l’absence totale de communication et de transparence du comité d’organisation envers les supporters”. 

“S’ils peuvent changer d’avis d’un coup d’un seul, les supporteurs nourriront des inquiétudes compréhensibles sur leur capacité à respecter leurs promesses sur d’autres questions, relatives au logement, au transport et questions culturelles”, selon l’association.

Depuis sa désignation pour organiser cet événement planétaire en 2010, obtenue à la surprise générale aux dépens des Etats-Unis, le Qatar est en butte à de nombreuses critiques: accusations de corruption pour l’emporter, sort réservé aux travailleurs migrants, respect des droits des femmes et des personnes LGBTQ+, impact environnemental du tournoi…

“Pression considérable”

Les organisateurs vont peiner à éteindre ces critiques et, comme l’a enjoint le patron de la Fifa Gianni Infantino, à se “concentrer sur le football”. D’autant que selon le quotidien britannique The Times qui l’a révélé, ce revirement est le résultat d’”une pression considérable” exercée par les dirigeants qataris dont la famille régnante.

Au lendemain de l’officialisation du forfait du Sénégalais Sadio Mané qui a été opéré jeudi “avec succès” du péroné droit en Autriche, une autre star, le Portugais Cristiano Ronaldo, est attendue dans la soirée au Qatar. Les derniers à arriver dans l’émirat seront les Brésiliens de Neymar samedi soir, à la veille du match d’ouverture Qatar-Equateur.

Pour ne pas trop subir la pression et les contrecoups du divorce brutal entre CR7 et son club de Manchester United, les Portugais vont s’installer très à l’écart des autres sélections, à l’est de la ville. 

Ronaldo rejoint donc à Doha Messi l’Argentin, Mbappé le Français mais aussi l’Allemagne et l’Angleterre, déjà à pied d’oeuvre au Qatar.

Les Anglais affronteront les Iraniens, qui seront très observés s’ils décidaient d’exprimer leur soutien aux manifestants dans leur pays et leur condamnation de la répression.

Leur capitaine, Alireza Jahanbakhsh, a affirmé jeudi que le choix de célébrer ou non un but au Mondial-2022 en soutien aux manifestations dans son pays, relevait d’une “décision personnelle” des joueurs.

“On est là pour respecter le maillot et notre équipe nationale, apporter de la joie au peuple iranien. La question de la célébration est une décision personnelle, propre à chaque joueur”, a-t-il insisté.

Escorte de F-16

Signe que cette Coupe du monde se disputera dans une ambiance très particulière, la sélection polonaise a été escortée par des avions de chasses F-16 dans l’espace aérien du pays, encore sous le choc de l’explosion d’un missile à Przewodow, village situé à 6 kilomètres de l’Ukraine, qui a tué deux personnes en début de semaine.

La roquette, qui a fait craindre une escalade dans l’invasion russe de l’Ukraine, aurait été tirée par la défense aérienne ukrainienne dans le but d’intercepter les attaques russes. 

Cette escorte “est une bonne chose, cela montre le soutien que nous apportons à nos joueurs”, a déclaré le ministre de la Défense, Mariusz Blaszczak.

Acteurs importants de ce Mondial, les arbitres seront aussi mis à l’honneur vendredi avec une journée média qui leur sera consacrée.

Les 36 arbitres de champ, dont trois femmes, seront au centre de l’attention pendant quelques heures en espérant qu’elle se reporte sur Ronaldo et Cie une fois le Mondial débuté.

bur-ng/ep/fal

NewsAmericasNow.com

Une fumée suspecte à RICOU

Black Immigrant Daily News

The content originally appeared on: Guadeloupe FranceAntilles

rédaction Web guadeloupe

Dans la nuit de jeudi à Vendredi, des personnes ayant aperçu une fumée suspecte au niveau de l’hôpital RICOU ont alerté les secours.

En effet, peu après 1h du matin, les secours se sont rendues sur les lieux après avoir été alerté pour une fumée suspecte.

Il s’agissait d’un feu de mobilier vétuste se trouvant à l’intérieur de la chapelle, située dans l’enceinte de l’hôpital RICOU. 

Cette structure d’une superficie d’environ 70 mètres carré à été impactée à 80%. Le feu a été éteint à l’aide d’une lance.

Les moyens engagés pour cette intervention sont 2 fourgons incendies, un véhicule de secours et d’assistance aux victimes, 13 sapeurs pompiers ainsi qu’EDF et la police nationale. 

NewsAmericasNow.com