Digicel-News

Traveling made easy with the new BlackBerry Curve 8520

2009-09-11T10:47:00.000-07:00

The BlackBerry Revolution has hit Jamaica full force. The convenience associated with this device, places work and entertainment, literally at one’s fingertips. For the BlackBerry savvy, this is not new, however, the introduction of the new and slim BlackBerry Curve 8520 from Digicel is.
The lowest priced BlackBerry Curve on the scene offers the same amenities, which have kept the fingertips of the BlackBerry aficionado busy, but now with even more applications, which will have your fingertips yelling “Yeah!”
Noteworthy, however is that with Digicel’s competitive BlackBerry price plans, it means that even more Digicel customers can enjoy better value for money. Digicel Group Marketing Director, Kieran Foley, said of the new handset: “Digicel is once again leading the way in the mobile industry with the addition of the BlackBerry Curve 8520 - which is the most affordable BlackBerry smartphone in our extensive range of innovative handsets. And to make sure that our customers get the best value for their money, Digicel continues to offer a wide range of competitive price plans that have been developed to suit the many different needs of our customers.”
Ease on the wallet and slimmer for the pocket, with one major travel season over, and the Christmas season rolling in, the BlackBerry Curve 8520 may see even more customers, switching out their handsets, for this new and fabulous smartphone. “Digicel prides itself on making sure that our customers have access to the latest in innovation and technology. Since launching its first BlackBerry smartphone in the Caribbean over four years ago, Digicel has seen a huge increase in customers switching to BlackBerry smartphones, as they offer everything needed to communicate, interact and entertain on the move. Now we’re giving more people than ever before the chance to join the BlackBerry revolution,” concluded Digicel Group Marketing Director, Kieran Foley.

For the business executive, entrepreneur, or devoted employee, the new BlackBerry Curve 8520, makes work even more effortless on the go. Keeping in touch with clients, sealing a major deal, or simply checking your email is made simple. With the BlackBerry Curve, your office is in the palm of your hand. Sending off that proposal, while simultaneously enjoying a night out with friends at the club, or a beach day with the family, has never been easier, much less possible. BlackBerry, is the definition of “multi-tasking”.
The BlackBerry Curve 8520, introduces an innovative touch-sensitive optical trackpad, making scrolling, typing and selection smooth and easy for a great navigation experience. With built-in Wi-Fi (802.11b/g), this full QWERTY key board, quad-band world phone: EDGE / GPRS / GSM (850/900/1800/1900 MHz) holds up to 10 Email Account, including the most popular ISP email accounts; Yahoo!®, Windows Live™, Hotmail®, AOL®, Gmail™, all of which will certainly come in handy with your 256MB Flash Memory and 512Mhz next generation processor for enhanced performance. To top that off the BlackBerry Curve 8520 provides advanced security, and IT administration features for corporate deployments with BlackBerry® Enterprise Service Support

Apart from the vast amenities for the business-minded, the BlackBerry Curve 8520 offers so much more now for entertainment, whether for the networking enthusiast, cool teen or smooth social butterfly on the go.
The BlackBerry Curve 8520 is the first Blackberry smartphone to feature dedicated media keys, perfectly integrated along the top of the handset, giving users an easier way to manage their music and videos. Social Networking Enthusiasts can enjoy Facebook®, My Space and other sites now with much more ease, uploading photos and videos to your profile with your 2MP digital camera.

Music lovers will take pleasure in the BlackBerry Curve’s advanced media player for music, pictures and videos, while BlackBerry ® Media Sync, permits quick syncing music from iTunes ® or Windows Media Player ®, thereby keeping your playlist up to date and organized. Nothing to worry about for those who cannot get enough music, as the BlackBerry Curve 8520 has an expandable memory option, via a HOT swappable micro SD/SDHC memory card slot, supporting cards of up to 16GB today, and expected to support next generation 32GB cards when available!

And how could we forget Bluetooth? The BlackBerry Curve 8520, comes fully equipped with Bluetooth (2.0), with support for hands-free use with headsets, car kits, stereo headsets and other Bluetooth peripherals.

Prior to Retail Availability, customers can learn more about the BlackBerry Curve 8520 smartphone at: www.blackberry.com/curve8520

2009-09-03T10:59:00.000-07:00

Prime Minister, Hon. Bruce Golding (right) and Guyanese President Bharrat Jagdeo greet Digicel Head of Consumer Sales Patrick King and Commercial Director Jason Corrigan at Denbigh Agro-Industrial Show in May Pen, Clarendon July 28 - August 1. Incoming Jamaica Agricultural Society President
Glendon Harris looks on.

Prime Minister, Hon. Bruce Golding (2nd left) has a chat with Guyanese
President Bharrat Jagdeo (right) and (l-r) Digicel Head of Consumer Sales,
Patrick King, Jamaica Agricultural Society (JAS), Outgoing President Senator Norman Grant and incoming JAS president Glendon Harris. The occasion was the 2009 Denbigh Agro-Industrial Show which took place in May Pen, Clarendon July 28 - August 1.

DIGICEL PREMIER LEAGUES KICKS OFF

2009-09-03T10:27:00.000-07:00

Captain Horace Burrell, President of the Jamaica Football Federation - JFF (left) shares a symbolic handshake with Wayne Miller, Head of Marketing, Digicel Jamaica, at the launch of the eagerly anticipated second season, of the Digicel Primer League

Digicel promises to engage DPL patrons and drive crowd attendance to matches

Wednesday, September 2nd 2009 – Kingston, Jamaica: Sunday, September 6th, marks the highly anticipated kick-off of the prestigious Digicel Premier League 2009-2010 season, with the first ball being played between Portmore United and one of the newest kids on the block, August Town, at the UWI Mona Bowl at 3pm in Round One of the season, which was announced today at the Official Launch held at the Jamaica Football Federation. Defending champions, Tivoli Gardens, is also lined up in Round One as they face off with another new kid on the block, Humble Lions, at 5pm at the Edward Seaga Sporting Complex in Tivoli Gardens.

Digicel, proud sponsors of football in Jamaica and across the region, promises patrons that this will be another exciting season. “The Digicel Premier League was a huge success last season, not only because of the hard work, dedication and true sportsmanship that the players showed, but also because of the tremendous support from patrons who followed the games from beginning to end”, commented Wayne Miller, Head of Marketing at Digicel.

Miller added that Digicel is dedicated to providing opportunities for youths in sports - particularly football - and that will be their focus for this season’s Digicel Premier League. “Digicel fully endorses the Digicel Premier League because it acts as a platform to chart young footballers’ progress and it allows players to be selected for the national football team, of which we are a proud sponsor,” informed Miller.

Miller continued by expressing that, “Digicel understands the importance of sustaining the interest of the 0digicel Premier League among football fans and so we continue to find ways to give value back to the fans and supporters. This season, we will drive the crowd to the games by engaging the public to text in their favorite DPL moment; patrons will also have the opportunity to access Digi-Info - which allows them to get updated DPL schedules, scores from daily matches and match updates.”

Digicel Premier League fans will also have the opportunity to take advantage of the new and interactive DPL website that allows them to participate in the DPL Text to Win Competition, get information on their favorite teams and participate in the fan zone, where fans have the option to upload photos of their favorite players.

The Digicel Premier League has been one of Digicel’s biggest sports sponsorships in Jamaica in which the company has invested $150M in a three year contract with the PLCA, not inclusive of activation fees.

“The Digicel Premier League filled a gap in football in Jamaica, allowing community club players to become role models for aspiring Jamaican footballers. Seeing the success of the League and the growth of the players throughout the season is what makes this a worthwhile sponsorship for Digicel”, added Wayne Miller.

DIGICEL TO LAUNCH 4G WiMAX ACROSS JAMAICA

2009-09-03T10:20:00.000-07:00

DIGICEL TO LAUNCH 4G WiMAX ACROSS JAMAICA

Kingston, Jamaica – Wednesday 2nd September, 2009: Digicel Jamaica today unveiled details of its upcoming Digicel Broadband service which will deliver wireless broadband internet services at never before seen speeds to the Jamaican population.

Digicel has secured a license in the 2.5Ghz spectrum for the deployment of wireless broadband services. With it, Digicel will rollout 4G WiMAX services offering true multi megabit per second personal wireless broadband with speeds significantly faster than current 3G offerings.
The Digicel Broadband service will be easy to access and affordable. The service will be true ‘plug ‘n play’ as users will be able to plug in a simple small wireless device to their computers (laptops or PCs) or other Internet-ready devices and they will be connected to the world wide web. The Digicel Broadband service makes “personal broadband” a reality. By putting users in control in the same way that they are in control of their mobile phones, they can take their broadband service with them and access it when they are on the go. That’s the magic of wireless broadband.

Mobile WiMAX is a standards-based technology that will turn cities and towns into giant Internet hotspots enabling customers to receive fast, reliable and affordable broadband Internet services at work, at home or on the go.

Set to launch in second quarter of 2010, Digicel Broadband will, on day one, cover 60% of the population with coverage in all 14 parishes – with further roll out continuing across Jamaica driven by customer demand. Network roll out commences this month (September).

Digicel paid US$1.2 million for its license and will invest a total of US$22.7 million in the first year of the project. Creating 60 new jobs, Digicel Broadband will have dedicated technical, customer care and sales and marketing resources.

Mark Linehan, CEO of Digicel Jamaica, said; “We’re going to shake things up. Only eight years ago, Digicel entered the mobile market in Jamaica and turned it on its head. Today, we have two million customers connected on Jamaica’s Bigger, Better network benefiting from the best service and the best value available.

He continues; “We want to do to broadband what we did to mobile in Jamaica. Customers will be able to experience the multiple benefits of 4G technology in terms of flexibility, affordability, coverage, bandwidth and security.

“We have had phenomenal demand for our personal WiMAX services in the Cayman Islands – and have had huge success with our corporate fixed WiMAX solution here in Jamaica. Digicel is bringing 4G to Jamaica and it is going to be fantastic.”

DIGICEL CRICKET CLINICS ARRIVE IN JAMAICA

2009-09-01T14:39:00.000-07:00

West Indies Cricketers (From Left), Jerome Taylor and Chris Gayle, Digicel Cricket Clinic Head Coach, Kenny Benjamin and Wayne Miller, Head of Marketing, Digicel Jamaica, partake in the panel discussion of the Launch of the Digicel Cricket Clinic in Jamaica on Monday August, 31 at the Digicel Booth, Sabina Park.

Monday, August 30th 2009 – Kingston, Jamaica: The Digicel Cricket Clinics – featuring Digicel-sponsored West Indies cricketers, Chris Gayle and Jerome Taylor – arrived in Jamaica today, as part of their six-country tour of the Caribbean.
Led by Head Coach, Kenny Benjamin, twenty four talented young cricketers from cricket clubs across Jamaica will be mentored and coached on perfecting their game over the next two days at Sabina Park.
Digicel-sponsored West Indies cricketer, Jerome Taylor, said of his involvement in the Digicel Cricket Clinics: “The Digicel Cricket Clinics are very important to Chris and I as they are an excellent opportunity for us to give back to cricket in Jamaica and share our experience with our up and coming young cricketers. I’m really looking forward to working with these young cricketers over the next two days and I hope they learn some valuable skills during these clinics.”
Wayne Miller, Head of Marketing for Digicel Jamaica, commented that, “This is another way that we are looking to give value back to Jamaica and Jamaicans. As a strong supporter of cricket across the Caribbean, Digicel is involved at all levels of the game to help develop and maximize the rich pool of talent that we are so lucky to have here in Jamaica and the Caribbean. The Digicel Cricket Clinics are a great opportunity for aspiring young cricketers to learn some valuable skills to improve their game and to have the once in a lifetime opportunity to interact with star players who are recognizable and respected on the global stage.”
The Digicel Cricket Clinics are fully endorsed by the West Indies Cricket Board and are coordinated in conjunction with the national cricket association in each country. After Jamaica, the Clinics will move to Cayman, followed by Barbados, Dominica and the Turks & Caicos Islands and will feature Head Coach, Keith Arthurton, as well as Digicel-sponsored West Indies cricketers, Ramnaresh Sarwan and Denesh Ramdin.

Help a Child, Recycle Your Old Phone

2009-08-18T12:42:00.000-07:00

Mark Linehan, CEO, Digicel Jamaica, (centre) proudly recycles his phone for the benefit of the Jamaica AIDS Support for Life (JASL), while (From Left) Miriam Maluwa, Country Representative (Jamaica, Bahamas & Cuba) UNAID, Stacy-Ann Jarrett, Executive Director, JASL, Marcia Forbes, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Energy and Mining and Wayne Miller, Head of Marketing for Digicel Jamaica, patiently await their turn to recycle their phones. The event was the Launch of the Digicel "Help a Child, Recycle Your Old Phone Campaign", held at the Digicel outlet in Tropical Plaza, on Wednesday, August 12.

Digicel Launches Old Phone Recycle Programme

Kingston, Jamaica – Wednesday, August 12, 2009: Digicel, Jamaica’s largest mobile operator has announced the launch of a phone recycle programme, ‘Help a Child, Recycle Your Old Phone’. The aim of the programme is to encourage Jamaicans to recycle unused old mobile phones in an effort to protect the environment and by extension contribute funds raised from the programme to orphaned and vulnerable children affected or infected by HIV/AIDS. The announcement was made during a press launch held at one of Digicel’s flagship dealer stores in Tropical Plaza, Kingston on Wednesday, August 12, 2009.

Mark Linehan, CEO for Digicel, Jamaica expressed that, “Digicel is extremely pleased to be launching this recycling programme, as all Jamaicans can now efficiently dispose of their old mobile phones through recycling. Further to this, the money raised from the recycling process will go to charity. This means that as we protect and preserve our environment we are also contributing to a very worthy cause”.

“We know that there are thousands upon thousands of old cell phones lying around in people’s homes and offices. Yet until today, there was no proper way of disposing of them in Jamaica. Digicel is pleased to be working with a recycling partner to recycle these old mobile phones for sale. The proceeds from the sale of these recycled handsets will then be donated to the Jamaica Aids Support for Life to help to enrich the lives of orphaned and vulnerable children affected by or infected with HIV/AIDS across Jamaica”, added Linehan

The ‘Help a Child, Recycle Your Old Phone’ programme encourages Jamaicans to recycle their old handsets by visiting one of the participating Digicel Dealer stores island-wide and dropping their old phones in the recycle bins provided. “The process is very simple, you just deposit your old handset in recycle bins located in participating Digicel dealer stores island-wide”, added Mark Linehan. “The old handsets will be shipped to the recycling company overseas and unlike other forms of recycling the phones remain intact – they are not broken down to into scrap metals or anything of that sort. Instead they become part of a global trade in mobile phones where the phones are auctioned off by the recycling company to local dealers in these markets who then recondition them. The proceeds from the sale of these handsets will then be donated to the JASL OVC”, explains Mark.

Stacy-Ann Jarrett, Executive Director for the Jamaica AIDS Support for Life calls this programme, a 21st century demonstration of corporate responsibility and innovation in saving the environment and preserving Jamaica’s future. “We congratulate Digicel Jamaica for its forward-thinking step in launching this initiative”, Jarrett added.

Jarrett furthered that, “Funds generated from the Help a Child, Recycle Your Old Phone campaign will be invested in the establishment of a resource centre for orphaned and vulnerable children in Montego Bay; the provision of back to school assistance for one hundred and fifty orphaned and vulnerable children; parenting skills workshop for parents and guardians of children living with HIV/AIDS and workshops in leadership skills and HIV peer education for these children”.

“Emphasis will also be placed on the improvement of literacy, numeracy and general performance in school systems for orphaned and vulnerable children with the funds generated from this campaign. We are very happy that Digicel has taken the initiative to start such an important campaign towards for a greater cause”, closed Jarrett.

The Jamaica AIDS Support for Life Orphaned and Vulnerable Children programme is a body that uses various means to improve the conditions of children living with HIV/AIDS by sensitizing and mobilizing professionals from various agencies and health care providers; supporting the care givers and family members; providing one-on-one counseling for the children; initiating fund-raising projects and stimulating public discussion on issues facing children affected by HIV/AIDS.

2009-06-17T09:55:00.000-07:00

Prime Minister, Hon. Bruce Golding (right) shares a joke with Digicel Jamaica CEO Mark Linehan and Digicel Business Corporate Relations Manager Trisha Thompson. The occasion was the opening night of the Jamaica Product Exchange in Montego Bay, May 13.

DIGICEL REWARDS CUSTOMERS FOR THEIR LOYALTY

2009-05-28T09:41:00.000-07:00

Kingston, Jamaica – May 28, 2009: Digicel Jamaica, the Caribbean’s fastest growing network, will reward its customers with free call credit each month, with its new Air Time Loyalty programme. The Loyalty Redemption Programme, which will become effective May 29, rewards customers for using their Digicel phones by giving them even more talk time free, each month.

Digicel prepaid customers will earn 1 loyalty point each time they make a $100 credit top up on their Digicel phone while postpaid customers will earn points daily, based on their call usage and subscription fee. Most pre and postpaid Digicel customers already have loyalty points in their accounts, and once they have amassed 100 points, they can redeem them by dialing *131*value requested # SND i.e. *131*100# SND. 1 point equals J$3 and customers will be credited with a one-time redemption of J$100 per month.

“Digicel continues to develop products and services that offer value for money to our customers,” says Head of Marketing Wayne Miller. “Digicel Airtime Loyalty Redemption has been introduced so that customers who do not wish to purchase a new phone may still be rewarded for their loyalty with free call credit”.

Customers can check the number of loyalty points they have earned by texting the word ‘points’ to the service number 444-2402. They can also continue to redeem loyalty points for discounts on phone purchases. Airtime can be redeemed once per month and the credit received is valid for 30 days.

DIGICEL DONATES $3 MILLION TO MUSTARD SEED

2009-05-20T09:31:00.001-07:00

Digicel Jamaica CEO, Mark Linehan has his hands full, not only heading the fastest growing mobile network in the Caribbean, but also with the children of Mustard Seed Basic School. Linehan presented $3 million to Mustard Seed Communities (MSC) as well as toys and clothes for the kids during a visit to MSC headquarters on Wednesday, May 20.

Kingston, Jamaica – May 20, 2009: Mobile operator Digicel has donated $3 million to Mustard Seed Communities (MSC) to assist in the restoration of Martha’s House, a home for abandoned children afflicted with HIV/AIDS, which was severely damaged by fire last month. Digicel Jamaica CEO, Mark Linehan made the cheque presentation to Father Gregory Ramkisoon, MSC Founder, during a tour of the MSC headquarters on Wednesday, May 20.

“Digicel has a long history of supporting the Mustard Seed Community,” said Linehan. “And we’re pleased to be in a position, yet again, to assist them, especially now, in their hour of need. Our contribution will assist in rebuilding Martha's House so that once again it can become home to the children who once lived here.“ Last month, Digicel employees donated food supplies and toiletries for the displaced children, as part of a wider effort to bring some normalcy back to their lives.

Father Gregory Ramkisoon, Founder of the Mustard Seed Communities, expressed gratitude for the support. “Mustard Seed Communities is very thankful to Digicel for its generosity” he commented. “They were on hand to offer assistance immediately after the disaster, with food, clothing and comfort for the children, and they continue to support us now as we prepare to rebuild.”

Also present were Digicel employees who once again donated toys, clothes and toiletries to the children.

The damage to the home and its contents –which were uninsured, is estimated at JA $18,500,000.00 Persons are encourage to donate online at http://www.mustardseed.com/ or directly to Mustard Seed Community Jamaica office at: 1 Mahoe Drive, Kingston 11,or call their office at 876-923-6488 or 923-2165.

DIGICEL SPONSORS CONSUMER ELECTRONICS SHOW 2009 - Bigger, better network takes the ‘E-Show’ by Storm

2009-05-15T09:35:00.000-07:00

Kingston, Jamaica –Friday, May 15: The Digicel Consumer Electronics Show (DCES) will be held on May 16 and 17 at the Hilton Kingston. This year, Digicel, Jamaica’s fastest growing mobile operator plans to 'take the e-show by Storm', showcasing the Blackberry smartphone. The Storm is the newest Blackberry smartphone, featuring the latest technology and innovation and incorporates the world's first ‘clickable’ touch-screen with advanced multimedia capabilities to deliver entertainment, information and communications at your fingertips. Patrons at the Digicel Consumer Electronics Show will have the opportunity to win a Storm on each day of the event.

Since its inception eight years ago, the Show has become the largest electronics event in the Caribbean and once again, it will pair thousands of ‘techies’ and potential buyers, with leading electronics distributors and dealers and the hottest and most exciting technological products.

Jamaica has made vast improvements in communication and technological development since the late 1990’s. We have also seen where technology and communication has made significant contributions to the Jamaica’s infrastructure, investment attractiveness and job creation and ultimately where it has helped to facilitate national growth. . The Digicel Consumer Electronics Show will introduce new products spanning a number of industries and will provide patrons with the opportunity to view major trends defining the future of the consumer technology industry through 2009 and into the future.

“Bringing cutting edge technology to the market is something Digicel has always prided itself on,” says Tahnida Nunes, Digicel Special Projects Manager. “ We were first to the market with many initiatives like prepaid roaming, GPRS and wireless broadband access just to name a few, and our sponsorship of the DCES is another way of ensuring that Jamaicans have access to the best technology.”

Digicel will also provide WIMAX for the entire event, so patrons will be able to browse the internet as they make their way around the venue. In their usual bigger better style, Digicel will also be giving away an mp4 player with every phone purchased at the show. Patrons have even more to look forward to, as Digicel Rising Stars Cameal Davis and Khalil will be on hand with reggae artist Chino and host Kiki, to provide fun filled family entertainment.

“The Show will host as many as 50 booths,” continued Nunes, “featuring everything from Computers and Car Audio to Business Products and Home Appliances. Each year, the relationship between technology, content and the entertainment and media industries grows stronger as new platforms are introduced, providing consumers with greater access to information and entertainment," said Nunes. "The 2009 Consumer Electronic Show is a must attend event for everyone interested in new technologies and information”.

TOP DIGICEL PREMIER LEAGUE U16 PLAYERS TO PLAY U16 NATIONAL TEAM

2009-05-07T09:39:00.000-07:00

Kingston, Jamaica –Thursday, May 7: Jamaica’s Top Digicel Premier League (DPL) under sixteen players are set to play their National counterparts at 3 pm today, May 7 at Waterhouse Mini Football Stadium. The much-anticipated match will conclude the two day Digicel Kick Start Clinics, which began on Wednesday, May 6 at the Stadium.

John Barnes, who signed on for the second year as coach of the Clinics, is more than optimistic about Digicel’s youth football development programme. “Last year’s clinics were a huge success,” he commented. “This year, we again have the top players from all the local clubs undergoing training. The boys are very talented and very dedicated,” he continued, “and we’re looking forward to a competitive and exciting game on Thursday.”

The U-16 DPL players hail from the sporting clubs
· Reno
· Tivoli
· St. Georges
· Meadhaven
· Boy’s Town
· Rivoli Gardens

The team includes David Mckenzie, Jason Bough, Colin Nosworthy, Alex Daley, Marvin Wright, Clevon McPherson, Kavase Broomfield, Kyle Scott, Kevin Blackwood, Hugh Evans, Andre Gayle, Tevin Haynes, Odaine Clarke, Nickoy Edwards, Neiko Williams, Anthony Greenland, Javier James, Chinal Daley, Andre Lewis, Gayton Macky, Sadeki Street and Coornel Mcken.

2009-05-06T09:51:00.000-07:00

Half Way Tree fruit vendor Junior Campbell, makes a donation to (l-r) Special Olympics Executive Director Lorna Brown Bell, Special Olympian Nicholas McBean and Digicel Sports Sponsorship Manager Paula Pinnock-McLeod at the start of the Jamaica Constabulary Force Annual Torch Run on Thursday, May 14. Digicel is a major sponsor of the torch run, which this year aims to raise $2 million for the National Special Olympic Team.

2009-05-06T09:49:00.000-07:00

Honourable Olivia Grange Minister of Information, Culture, Youth, and Sports makes a point to Mystic Mountain Co-owner and Managing Director, Mike Drakulich, Olympic champion Shelly-Ann Fraser and Digicel Jamaica CEO Mark Linehan, as they admire storyboards and photos featuring Jamaica’s Olympians and other athletes. The occasion was the Dedication of the Athletics Pavilion & Unveiling of the Beijing 2008 Exhibit at Mystic Mountain in St. Ann on Sunday, May 3

DIGICEL HAITI CELEBRATES THIRD ANNIVERSARY WITH 2.1 MILLION CUSTOMERS

2009-05-04T09:28:00.000-07:00

Monday 4th May, 2009 – Digicel Group, the largest telecommunications provider in the Caribbean and new entrant to the Central American market, is celebrating the third anniversary of the launch of its business in Haiti with the news that it has achieved a customer base of 2.1 million there.

Digicel’s initial investment of US$260 million was at the time – and remains today - the single largest investment made by an international company in Haiti.

With its launch in Haiti three years ago, Digicel broke the monopoly of the incumbent providers and changed the mobile landscape on the island forever by bringing a number of firsts to the Haitian people.

Digicel introduced affordable handsets coupled with innovations like free incoming calls and free activations. All of this was backed up by Digicel’s promise of best service, best value and best coverage. Mobile phones were no longer an unaffordable luxury only accessible to the lucky and privileged few, but were available to all at a fraction of the cost. Today, Digicel also offers further innovations like Call Me, Blackberry services, Top U Up and CaribFLEX - all designed to make the lives of mobile customers easier.

With its launch offer, Digicel Haiti attracted one million subscribers in a period of just eight months.

Today, Digicel is proud to serve over 2.1 million customers accounting for over 60% market share and mobile penetration has rocketed in the country from under 5% to over 30% - largely due to the entrance of Digicel to the Haitian market.

In addition to its activities on the mobile front, Digicel has been instrumental in contributing to the community and improving the island’s infrastructure. Examples of this include;
· the commitment of US$1 million to hurricane relief efforts following the storms in 2008;
· a donation of US$100,000 to the NGO “Concern” for the improvement of school conditions for 4,000 children living in the Cite Saint Martin area
· the establishment of the Digicel Foundation in Haiti in March 2007 which saw the building of 20 schools in a year – two in each department of Haiti
· the launch in March 2007 of Digicel Stars which becomes the most watched TV show in Haiti
· sponsorship of the Haiti Football Federation

Colm Delves, Group CEO of Digicel, comments on the success of Digicel in Haiti; “We’re very proud of what we have been able to achieve in Haiti to date – it’s a blue print for the Digicel approach to our customers and the countries in which we operate.

“Haiti is a country rich with opportunity and promise. Before the entrance of Digicel, owning a mobile was something most people could only dream of. By making mobile telephony accessible to all, we are changing people’s lives - not only by connecting people to friends and loved ones – but by enabling them to run their lives and their business in a more productive and rewarding way.”

DIGICEL SPONSORS JFF REFEREES HIGH SCHOOL PROGRAMME

2009-05-02T09:29:00.000-07:00

- Over 200 high school Students Island wide to benefit

Kingston Jamaica- Saturday May 2, 2009: The Jamaica Football Federation, thanks to a $1.2 million sponsorship deal from Digicel, is delighted to announce a joint venture programme with the mobile operator, aimed at the recruitment of referees.

According to the Chairman of the JFF Referee Committee, Peter Prendergast “The Digicel Referees High School Program is geared towards capturing the interest of our young people, by exposing them to another facet of the beautiful game, that of match officiating and will be the first of it’s kind in the region”.

The program is scheduled to commence on Monday May 4, 2009, and will last for eight weeks ending on Saturday June 20, 2009. Two hundred male and female students between the ages of fifteen and seventeen, from approximately twenty schools across the island will participate in this exciting, innovative program. They will be drawn from the four Confederations, Eastern 30, South Central 50, Western 50, and KSAFA 70.

The program will consist of theoretical and practical sessions, divided into two segments, one day per week after school on the school grounds for two hours and on Saturdays at the training facility determined by the parish organizers.

Certified instructors will conduct the courses, and trainees will sit the referee examination to achieve certification. Program Director, FIFA Referee Instructor and Chairman of the JFF Referees Committee, Peter Prendergast says, “The Jamaica Football Federation is proud to be involved in this important endeavor. The unearthing of new talents in the field of match officiating is essential to the growth of football, the program is a stepping stone in a bid to improve the standard of refereeing in Jamaica, and provide a continuous supply of competent world class referees”.

Digicel’s Sports Sponsorship Manager, Paula Pinnock-MacLeod stated that “as sponsors of the JFF Referees, Digicel is delighted to be onboard and pleased to support a program that will not only provide an avenue for the development of football but will also provide an alternative opportunity for so many High School Students to get involved with the sport, the programme also prepares these youngsters to develop leadership and disciplinary skills, Digicel is happy to endorse this programme.”.

Once the students have successfully completed the program they will be injected into the Referee body and will be used to officiate in matches at the Prep and High School Level.

TRIPLE TREAT AT BACCHANAL 2009 - Digicel Brings Midnight in Paris to Mas Camp

2009-05-01T09:36:00.000-07:00

Kingston, Jamaica, April 1, 2009: Bacchanal 2009 will be raised to a whole new high this Friday when Digicel brings 'Midnight in Paris' to Mas Camp.

Digicel triples the treat for patrons inside the New Kingston Mas Camp where Destra Garcia will make her debut in Jamaica for the first time in 2009 along with Denise Belfon.

Patrons can expect to be captivated by a Parisian atmosphere when the telecommunications giant transforms the Digicel booth into Moulin Rouge Central. Picture this! Cannes-Cannes girls to greet you throughout the night, the most romantic tower in the world right before our eyes - the Eiffle Tower, a melting pot of exciting activities from Mimes to Carricature artist and for the first time patrons who dare can try the Tarot Card reader - all at the Digicel booth while at the same time jumping to the bigger better beat of Trinibagonian soca divas.

Destra’s involvement in Bacchanal 2009 is part of Digicel’s continued commitment to the growth of soca music and carnival festivities in the region. The artiste is one of the great exports of Trinidad and Tobago and has unleashed a barrage of hits on soca fans since her debut in 2009. Not to be left is the ‘Soca-Dancehall Queen’ Denise Belfon; who is ready to release her high energy, complex, exotic, and highly controversial on-stage performance powered by husky and sultry vocals.

Crews have converged on the venue since Monday putting it taking it through a metamorphosis. On Friday night patrons can expect prizes and surprises running the Gamot of what Digicel has to offer. "As we enter into our 9th week of Bacchanal, we wanted to turn up the heat for our patrons to ensure that they continue to have a great time at Mas Camp. Backed by popular demands from our customers, Digicel will be bringing back all past activities since the begining of the season, culminating into a grand Midnight in Paris affair at Mas Camp - it will certainly be a bigger, better night for all", commented Shelly-Ann Curran, Senior Sponsorship Manager.

ODPEM AND DIGICEL LAUNCH DISASTER PREPAREDNESS MONTH

2009-04-30T09:34:00.000-07:00

Kingston, Jamaica – April 30, 2009: For the second consecutive year, mobile operator Digicel will be partnering with the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM), to host a series of events aimed at reducing the risks associated with the upcoming hurricane season. The announcement was made at ODPEM’s launch of Hurricane Preparedness month, April 30 at Knutsford Court Hotel.

Speaking at the launch, Digicel Jamaica CEO Mark Linehan commended ODPEM for its early action in introducing the Hurricane Preparedness Month this year. “Digicel is pleased to be again partnering with ODPEM in preparing Jamaica for the upcoming hurricane season, and look forward to supporting Hurricane Preparedness Month”.

Digicel and ODPEM will host a Hurricane Seminar on Friday May 8 at the Courtleigh Auditorium, followed by road shows in St Thomas, St James, Clarendon and St Catherine on May 30; June 13; June 20 and June 27 respectively. The seminar will bring together primary response agencies as well as heads of the Regional Health Authorities, community leaders and other social development entities and will target residents of areas that are traditionally prone to flooding. Institutions such as children’s homes and homes for the elderly, which are vulnerable to natural disasters, will also be involved in the Seminar.

2009-04-27T09:44:00.000-07:00

Digicel Jamaica CEO, Mark Linehan (centre) shares in conversation with Head of Digicel Business Niall Sheehy (right), and Maurice Foster of KLAS on Saturday, April 25 at Fort Clarence Beach. The occasion was the Digicel Media ‘Sparty’ at which members of the media were treated to massages and facials courtesy of the mobile operators.

DIGICEL’S WIN IT MINUTE

2009-04-26T09:40:00.000-07:00

Kingston, Jamaica – April 26, 2009: Telecommunications giant Digicel continues to give customers bigger, better value for money with the launch of its new ‘Win it Minute’ promotion. ‘Win it minute’ will run for eight weeks, from April 26 to June 21. Ten lucky customers who make a call 1 minute or longer each day for at least 5 days, Sunday through Saturday until the end of June, will be rewarded each week with main prizes of $100,000.

April 18 marked Digicel’s 8th Anniversary, and the mobile operators have been celebrating with customers right throughout the month. “We’re constantly thinking of new ways to reward our customers,” says Wayne Miller, Digicel Head of Marketing. “Digicel has been celebrating its 8th Anniversary throughout the month of April, and this is just another way for us to thank the Digicel family – 2 million strong, for 8 great years.”

Consolation prizes of $5,000 will also go to ten other lucky winners. Earlier in the month, Digicel customers enjoyed doubled value on call credit purchases courtesy of Digicel’s Double Bubble. Eight lucky customers also got the chance to each win a Digicel prize package of a Sony Ericsson W760, US$100 and JA$1,000 worth of call credit.

DIGICEL LAUNCHES BIGGER BETTER INTERNATIONAL PLAN

2009-04-26T09:33:00.000-07:00

Kingston, Jamaica – April 26, 2009: Come May 1, customers of Jamaica’s bigger, better network’ will get more minutes to call friends and family overseas with Digicel’s International Calling Plan. The new plan allows Digicel customers 1250 international minutes for only J$1250 per month; effectively a rate of only $1 per minute.

The international plan includes calls to the USA, Canada, China and landlines in Spain and the UK, and is available to all Digicel customers. “Digicel knows the importance of keeping in touch with friends and family” says Wayne Miller, Head of Marketing. “Our international calling plan now gives our customers more minutes to make their international calls.”

The plan is valid for 30 days and can be activated or renewed by dialing “*134# SEND” once sufficient call credit has been added to the phone. Unused minutes will expire after the 30-day period and will not be available in the following month. If a customer exhausts the 1250 minutes allotted for the period, he or she will then be charged a rate of J$8 per minute for the additional minutes.

DIGICEL BRINGS THE BLACKBERRY STORM TO CUSTOMERS IN 26 MARKETS IN THE CARIBBEAN AND CENTRAL AMERICA

2009-04-17T09:37:00.000-07:00

- The BlackBerry Storm smartphone is the world’s first “clickable” touch-screen smartphone

KINGSTON, JAMAICA – APRIL 17TH, 2009: Digicel and Research In Motion (RIM) (Nasdaq: RIMM; TSX: RIM) today announced the new BlackBerry® Storm™ smartphone for Digicel customers in all of its 26 markets in the Caribbean and Central America. The BlackBerry Storm delivers the renowned functionality and usability of the BlackBerry® solution and incorporates the world's first ‘clickable’ touch-screen with advanced multimedia capabilities to deliver entertainment, information and communications at your fingertips.
The BlackBerry Storm is a perfect choice for customers looking for a state-of-the-art touch-screen smartphone. The stylish smartphone boasts exceptional performance, a stunning display and rich features including global connectivity support, GPS, web browser, media player, camera and the industry's leading email and messaging capabilities – all designed to give users an exceptional mobile experience.
The BlackBerry Storm smartphone features the revolutionary SurePress™ touch-screen, which depresses ever so slightly when the screen is pressed to enhance the touch interface for both typing and navigation. Virtual keyboards on the BlackBerry Storm respond like a physical keyboard to allow easy and precise typing - and the interface supports single-touch and multi-touch for efficient navigation. Both consumers and business customers will appreciate this unique combination of a large and vibrant screen with a truly tactile touch interface. The BlackBerry Storm can also be used in portrait or landscape mode thanks to its built-in orientation sensor (accelerometer).
Digicel Group Marketing Director, Kieran Foley, said at the launch of the BlackBerry Storm: “Our customers want to be ahead of the game when it comes to their mobile communications needs, and with the addition of the BlackBerry Storm to our wide range of BlackBerry smartphones, they are benefiting from the latest in technology and innovation from Digicel over the Bigger, Better Network.
“Business customers and consumers have come to rely on their BlackBerry smartphones and we’re delighted to be adding the latest and greatest BlackBerry smartphone to our handset range.”
Whether shopping for a gift online, editing office documents or reading a map, the BlackBerry Storm smartphone brings images to life with stunning clarity through its 3.25-inch, high resolution (480x360 at 184ppi), color display. A multimedia powerhouse, the BlackBerry Storm has a built-in media player that handles a variety of music formats, and it can be synchronized with Windows Media Player or iTunes®*. It can also be connected via Bluetooth® using the BlackBerry® Music Gateway to enjoy songs through a home stereo or in the car. It features a 3.2 megapixel camera with variable zoom, auto focus and a powerful flash that also provides continuous lighting when recording video. Through its integrated GPS, the BlackBerry Storm smartphone can pinpoint its exact location, supporting the geotagging of pictures and other location-based applications and services. Digicel customers can also access a wide variety of interactive services on Digicel Live through their BlackBerry Storm.
BlackBerry Storm users can also enjoy the broad selection of applications that were custom-built for use on BlackBerry® smartphones, including applications that enable users to easily connect to Facebook® or instant message with friends.
For further information about Digicel, log on to www.digicelgroup.com.

DOUBLE THE VALUE, DOUBLE THE CELEBRATION WITH DIGICEL’S DOUBLE BUBBLE

2009-04-16T09:30:00.000-07:00

Kingston, Jamaica – April 16, 2009: In celebration of its 8th year since launching in Jamaica, Digicel’s prepaid customers can enjoy double the value credit top-ups all day today, April 16 with its DOUBLE BUBBLE promotion.

From Thursday April 16 from 12:01 in the morning right through until Thursday, April 16 at 11:59 at night, every Digicel customer topping up their credit with a minimum of JA$200 to a maximum of JA$1,000 will receive DOUBLE the value of their requested credit amount absolutely FREE as an anniversary gift from Digicel.

Wayne Miller, Head of Marketing for Digicel, Jamaica, comments; “Digicel has enjoyed eight amazing years in Jamaica all due to our close on 2 million customers and what better way to thank our customers, than with our Double Bubble promotion”.

“And as always with Digicel there is more. We are inviting our customers to celebrate with us throughout the entire month of April. As part of our celebratory offer, we are also giving eight lucky customers the chance to each win a Digicel prize package consisting of a Sony Ericsson a W760, US$100 and JA$1,000 worth of call credit. Now that’s real value from Jamaica’s Bigger, Better Network!” added Wayne Miller.

DIGICEL EMPLOYEES VOLUNTEER TO ‘SAVE A LIFE’ THROUGH BLOOD DONATION

2009-03-31T13:03:00.000-07:00

Digicel Jamaica CEO Mark Linehan donates blood to the National Transfusion Blood Services. Linehan was one of over 100 Digicel employees to volunteer to ‘save a life’ recently by donating blood to the National Transfusion Blood Services. The blood will be used to replenish existing stocks at the Bustamante Children’s Hospital and other hospitals and clinics in Jamaica.

Kingston, Jamaica, March 30, 2009: Responding to the call from the Jamaica Transfusion Blood Services, Digicel employees recently volunteered to ‘save a life’ by donating blood to the National Transfusion Blood Services. The Blood Bank in Jamaica has an ongoing campaign to urge members of the public to donate blood to assist with regularly scheduled transfusions and emergencies.

According to the Jamaica Transfusion Blood Services, the current blood collection averages 25,000 units, meeting only half of the national demand. The Blood Bank is therefore encouraging individuals and corporate Jamaica to continue to volunteer to donate blood which enables them to reach their national demand of 50,000 annually and ultimately to assist patients in need of blood.

Mark Linehan, CEO of Digicel, Jamaica, who also gave blood, commented that Digicel employees have always been very supportive and generous. He thanked employees for supporting this very important initiative.

“The blood collected will be used to replenish existing stocks at the Bustamante Children’s Hospital and other hospitals and clinics in Jamaica”, added Mark Linehan. We will continue to sensitize our employees about this drive and encourage them to support the blood bank, which can potentially save their life or that of a loved one.”
The National Blood Transfusion Services is a government organization that has been responsible for the provision of all blood and blood products to hospitals in Jamaica since December 1948. Its primary function is the processing of all the blood collected at a various collection centers and mobile sessions; and cross-matching of blood groups to meet the transfusion needs of patients.

DIGICEL AND THE KSAC HANDOVER 28 VENDING STALLS TO VENDORS IN HALF WAY TREE

2009-03-25T13:15:00.000-07:00

His Worship, Mayor of Kingston, Desmond McKenzie (2nd left) engages (l-r) Councillor Robert Williams, Digicel CEO Mark Linehan and Digicel Head of Marketing Wayne Miller at the handover of 28 new stalls for the vendors of Mandela Park on Wednesday, March 25. Digicel sponsored the stalls at the request of the Kingston and St. Andrew Corporation, in an effort to foster an organized and systematic approach to vending in the area.

Kingston, Jamaica, March 25, 2009: Digicel, Jamaica’s fastest growing mobile operator, and the Kingston & St. Andrew Corporation (KSAC), on March 25 officially unveiled and handed over 28 vending stalls to vendors in Half Way Tree as the first phase of a joint initiative to beautify Mandela Park. The overall initiative, which includes outfitting Half Way Tree and its environs with 53 vending stalls to foster an organized and systematic approach to vending in the area, is expected to be a catalyst for other Urban Centres such as Cross Roads, Papine, Red Hills and Manor Park.

Kingston’s Mayor, Senator Desmond McKenzie comments, “Vending activities in Half Way Tree and its environs have been a public outcry for years because of the unsightly state of contraptions and the accumulation of garbage. We approached Digicel to partner with the KSAC to correct this issue and without hesitation, they accepted. Needless to say, this will be a refreshing improvement in Half Way Tree and we thank Digicel for their corporate conscience”.

Marking the first phase on this initiative, Kingston’s Mayor, Senator Desmond A. McKenzie, CD, JP, suspended all vending activities in Half Way Tree and its environs on October 1, 2008 before embarking on a general clean up exercise of the area.

“We recognize this partnership as one that is equally dear to the vendors in Half Way Tree, the KSAC, to us as a corporate citizen and the public in general”, comments CEO of Digicel Jamaica, Mark Linehan. “Digicel is always looking for ways to improve the lives of our citizens and by extension our communities and we’re glad to be able to join forces with the KSAC to beautify our immediate and surrounding communities while providing a structured and organized environment in which the vendors and the public can continue to do business”, Mark Linehan continues.

“Subsequent to the installation of the stalls, the KSAC will be responsible for the overall management including technical and logistics support and enforcement measures to ensure continuity and sustainability”, added Mayor McKenzie.

The initiative will also include:
· A licensing system with identification card
· Provision of 53 designated vending spaces strategically placed in one location in the Half Way Tree area
· Vendors will be required to wear and display identification cards, vests/aprons with spot numbers affixed
· Vending carts with corresponding spot numbers affixed, and
· Agreement stating terms and conditions of vending signed by all vendors.

DIGICEL PARTNERS WITH BOUNTY TO GIVE BACK TO HIS BIRTH COMMUNITY

2009-03-18T13:06:00.000-07:00

Dancehall artiste Bounty Killa, distributes school supplies to the children in his hometown, Majesty Gardens. Digicel representatives partnered with Bounty Killa to distribute school bags, exercise books, water bottles and footballs to the children of the community who came out to watch the filming of the artiste’s new music video, in the community on Wednesday, March 18.

Kingston, Jamaica – Wednesday, March 18, 2009: Digicel, Jamaica’s Bigger, Better Network in collaboration with one of Jamaica’s top dancehall artistes, Bounty Killa, distributed school supplies to the children in Majesty Gardens, the community where he was born. The day’s event also included a video shoot for two of his current singles in rotation, ‘They Don’t Know’ produced by Shane Brown and ‘Corruption’, produced by Esco and the video was directed by Ras Tingle.

Shelly Ann Curran, Senior Sponsorship Manager at Digicel Jamaica commented; “We were approached by Bounty’s agent, Sharon Burke from Solid Agency about this initiative and we had to jump on board to lend our support to this worthy cause. This idea ties closely with the Y Files campaign which Digicel supports as a Jamaican corporate citizen, sending out messages in partnership with the media condemning violence against our youth. Our nation’s children need guidance and we want to be involved in any positive project that will help to steer them in the right direction and ultimately secure a better future for them. We were happy to have been a part of this initiative with Bounty”.

Digicel representatives joined Bounty Killa on location in Majesty Gardens to distribute school bags, exercise books, water bottles and footballs to the children who came out to watch the staging of his video, which condemns corruption and violence in the inner-city communities.

“Bounty has changed his direction in music as he has realized that he has a great level of influence on our nation’s youth and today proved as one of the many different things he has planned to help make a difference in the lives of his young fans. There are plans to remix and re-launch his very popular Book Book Book song of the early 90s along with a video. This song will be used as a medium of change as we take it on tour in schools island wide”, commented Sharon Burke, Bounty’s Management.

DIGICEL ALERTS CUSTOMERS ABOUT SCAM CALLS

2009-03-17T08:10:00.000-07:00

Tuesday, March 17, 2009, Kingston, Jamaica: Telecommunications giant, Digicel, is advising customers to be on the alert for scam callers who are contacting customers under the pretence of Digicel representatives. It has been reported that scam artists are calling Digicel customers informing them they have won large sums of money from Digicel and giving them a number to call to arrange to collect the prize. Wayne Miller, Head of Marketing of Digicel expresses, “I am outraged that persons would want to target the public in this manner.” He continued, "the scam has been reported to the police and the person or persons perpetrating this fraud can be charged and prosecuted".

Digicel advises the pubic to be extremely cautious about such calls. “Persons should always take precautions before giving out personal information or complying with requests of this nature”, adds Wayne Miller.To query or report any suspicious calls, please call Digicel at 1 888 DIGICEL or email: customercare@digicelgroup.com to verify any such calls.

DIGICEL FILES LAWSUIT AGAINST C&W/LIME FOR DEFAMATION

2009-03-12T08:09:00.000-07:00

March 12th, 2009 – Kingston Jamaica: Digicel Jamaica has today filed a lawsuit against LIME/C&W for defamation. This latest lawsuit has been launched by Digicel in response to the damaging allegations made in the media by C&W/LIME on 7th and 8th January 2009 accusing Digicel of blocking calls to Jamaica from C&W/LIME’s customers across the region. C&W/LIME further charged that Digicel had defied an order from the OUR in this regard. Digicel maintains that these allegations are totally untrue.

Digicel has sued, not only C&W/LIME as a company, but has also sued C&W/LIME’s Chief Executive, Richard Dodd, personally.

Digicel Group’s CEO, Colm Delves, comments; “We were disgusted by C&W/LIME’s wholly unfounded allegations against us and the accusations it leveled at Digicel of engaging in anti-competitive and arrogant behavior.“

“To be clear, Digicel has at no point blocked calls to any other operator – indeed it is actually C&W/LIME that has an injunction awarded against it for call blocking. As such, we strongly urge C&W/LIME to get its facts right before going to the press with false and inflammatory statements.”

“In the meantime, our focus will remain the same as it has always been – namely on delivering best value, best service and best coverage to our near two million customers in Jamaica.”

DIGICEL DECLARED JAMAICA’S MOST ADMIRED COMPANY

2009-02-27T07:23:00.000-08:00

February 27, 2009 - Kingston, Jamaica: Digicel Jamaica is the country’s most admired corporate institution (non financial) according to the CVM People’s Awards. The announcement was made at CVM TV’s inaugural People’s Awards banquet, held on February 24 at the Hilton hotel, where Digicel Jamaica CEO Mark Linehan was on hand to accept the prestigious award.

“We’re very honored to be named as Jamaica’s Most Admired Company by the CVM People’s Awards,” said Linehan. “Digicel has always prided itself on giving our customers the best service through a network that brings coverage to all the people of Jamaica, through our customer care staff who work 24/7 to assist our customers with queries they have on our products and services and through our value propositions that continue to excite the market. Digicel, a company born and bred in Jamaica, brought competition to the telecoms sector nearly 8 years ago and we will continue to ensure our customers the best customer experience. I accept this award on behalf of all our employees who help to make Digicel such an admired company and to our close on 2 million customers who are all part of the Bigger Better Network.”making our customers happy and giving back to our country in as many ways as possible. To receive an award such as this is further motivation for us to continue contributing to Jamaica.”

The awards, according to CVM CEO David McBean, have allowed CVM to recognize and celebrate the contributions of Jamaica’s most admired persons and institutions. “The awardees have provided superb examples of excellence and performance and have served as role models for all Jamaicans who are striving to achieve success.”

Other nominees for the award of Most Admired Company were Grace Kennedy Limited and LASCO Group of Companies.

The CVM People’s Awardees were selected by a national poll conducted by Don Anderson’s Market Research Services Ltd. (MRSL) between November and December 2008, which selected the winners from each category. The sample was nationally representative of the entire population and random validation was carried out to ensure that fieldwork was conducted in line with specifications laid down.

Digicel Hands Over Cheque for J$1.2 Million to The Sunshine Girls

2009-02-19T11:16:00.000-08:00

Kingston, Jamaica– February 19, 2009: Digicel, Jamaica’s Bigger, Better Network, hosted a send off press conference on February 18, in partnership with the Jamaica Netball Association as the Sunshine Girls get ready to depart for London, England on Thursday, February 19 for the 2009 England Tour. Digicel has been a sponsor of the Jamaica Netball Association since 2006.

In addition to their sponsorship of the Jamaica Netball team, Digicel also handed over a cheque for JA$1.2 million to the Sunshine Girls for preparation of their upcoming England tour. “Jamaica continues to amaze the world in sports and Digicel is proud to be part of this continued quest for excellence”, commented Wayne Miller, Digicel’s Head of Marketing.

The 12-member Sunshine Girl contingent, accompanied by Head Coach, Connie Francis and the management team, will all represent Jamaica in the International Netball Series, from February 22-26 in London, England.

“This tour to England would not be possible without Digicel’s involvement with the Jamaica Netball Association. The level of passion and commitment that they have shown over the years mirrors the level of commitment and passion of the girls and we are very appreciative of this partnership with Digicel”, expresses Marva Bernard, President of the Jamaica Netball Association (JNA).

Ranked number 4 in the world, the Sunshine Girls will face off with England in the O2 Arena for the first time since 2007 when they beat England by one goal in the IFNA Netball World Championships. England is now rated number 3 in the world.

“Digicel’s involvement with netball goes back to 2006 and I speak on behalf of all our employees and all our dealer partners who feel this sponsorship with the Jamaica Netball Association is a worthwhile investment in the youth and the future of this country”, added Wayne Miller.

DIGICEL HANDS OVER CHEQUE FOR JA$100K TO THE JCF ANNUAL TORCH RUN

2009-02-17T10:57:00.000-08:00

Kingston, Jamaica– February 17, 2009: Digicel, Jamaica’s fastest growing mobile operator has donated JA$100,000 cash to the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) for their Annual Law Enforcement Torch Run to raise funds for Jamaica’s Special Olympians. The cheque handover took place yesterday during a press conference held at the Police Officer’s Club in Kingston.

The JCF Annual Torch Run is a series of relays by the country’s enforcement officers, which will commence in Kingston at the Half Way Tree Square on May 14 and will pass through all 14 parishes across the island before ending at the Elletson Road Sports Complex in Kingston on May 30. The aim of this year’s Run is to raise JA$2 million dollars for the Special Olympians.

“Last year’s Run was a great success”, commented Assistant Commissioner of Police John McLean. “But we cannot ignore the fact that there is much more that needs to be done for our Special Olympians. Their drive and passion should be used as an example by all Jamaicans and we truly want to thank corporate citizens like Digicel for their support”.

“The Jamaica Special Olympics remains dear to Digicel. We have been a direct sponsor since 2001 so it is only natural that we continue to support them through all possible mediums”, commented Wayne Miller, Digicel Head of Marketing.

The 18-member Special Olympics team participated in the recent Winter Special Olympics in Boise, Idaho, USA, where they copped a total of five medals; two gold, one silver and two bronze. “The Jamaica Special Olympics Delegation is extremely grateful for the support that we have been receiving from Jamaica’s law enforcement, Digicel and other corporate entities. We urge other corporate citizens to please come on board to support our Special Olympians”, concluded Lorna Bell, Executive Director for the Jamaica Special Olympic Delegation.

DIGICEL’S DOUBLE BUBBLE SPELLS DOUBLE VALUE AND DOUBLE DELIGHT FOR PREPAID CUSTOMERS

2009-02-13T10:52:00.000-08:00

Kingston, Jamaica – Friday, February 13, 2009: Digicel’s prepaid customers will enjoy double the value on top-ups all day today, Friday February 13 courtesy of Digicel’s DOUBLE BUBBLE promotion.

On Friday, February 13 from 12:01 in the morning, right through to 11:59 at night, every Digicel customer who tops up with a value of between J$200 and J$1,000, will receive DOUBLE the value of the credit added absolutely FREE, as a Valentine’s gift from Digicel.

Wayne Miller, Head of Marketing for Digicel, Jamaica, comments; “Jamaica is Digicel’s home and so we’re always looking for new and exciting ways to say thank you to our two million customers and ensure that they are always getting the best value.”

“Digicel’s DOUBLE BUBBLE means double delight for our customers as, throughout the day today, everyone who tops up their credit from JA$200 up to JA$1,000 will get double what they paid for. Now that’s real value from Jamaica’s Bigger, Better Network!” added Wayne Miller.

DIGICEL ANNOUNCED AS HEADLINE SPONSOR FOR BACCHANAL 09 FOR THE 6TH CONSECUTIVE YEAR

2009-01-29T11:05:00.000-08:00

Kingston, Jamaica – Thursday, January 29, 2009: Digicel, Jamaica’s bigger, better network has once again been announced as headline sponsor for Bacchanal 2009 at the press conference held at the Knutsford Court Hotel, January 29. This will be the 6th consecutive year that Digicel is partnering with what has become one of the most popular celebrations of the year.

This year's theme for Digicel’s activities is Moulin Rouge, which dovetails into the wider Bacchanal theme of Gone Hollywood and in bigger, better style, patrons are guaranteed to feel the pulsating energy of Bacchanal 2009.

Since its introduction to the market, Digicel has identified with several music forms in Jamaica ranging from Sumfest to Genesis to Rising Stars and Soca. “Digicel has been heavily involved with Bacchanal for the past 6 years and it has been an amazing association - just the kind of synergistic partnership that a sponsor can expect”, commented Maurice Bryan, Digicel’s Sponsorship and Promotions Manager.
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With over nine weeks of exciting events, soca fans will experience the carnival flavour at weekly Friday night Mas Camp fetes where Digicel customers will have a chance to win a high-end phone and take advantage of special phone deals. Digicel will also be running a text promotion during the Carnival season where two lucky patrons can win two Moulin Rouge costumes and the opportunity to jump with the Digicel band, and then get pampered at a Spa right after that.

“Bacchanal 2008 was a great success and this year Digicel is guaranteeing patrons a more vibrant and exciting event”, commented Maurice Bryan, Digicel’s Sponsorship and Promotions Manager.
At the recent press launch, Digicel urges sponsors to continue to work as a team to ensure all the patrons at the Oxford Road Mas Camp have a whale of a time this carnival.

DIGICEL JOINS SHAGGY & FRIENDS FOR CHARITY CONCERT

2008-12-23T10:54:00.000-08:00

Jamaica’s leading telecoms operator donates over $1,000,000 to the Bustamante Hospital for Children

Tuesday, December 23 - Kingston, Jamaica: In its continued efforts to help create a bigger and better future for the children of Jamaica, Digicel has donated over $1 million to the Shaggy Foundation which will support the Shaggy & Friends Concert taking place on the lawns of Jamaica House on January 3, 2009. The Shaggy & Friends concert is being held to raise funds to purchase much needed medical equipment for the Bustamante Hospital for Children.

“The value of creating a healthier environment for the growth and development of our children has become more and more apparent. With this in mind, Digicel is pleased that we have made the right move in assisting with this worthy cause”, states Shelly-Ann Curran, Digicel Senior Sponsorship Manager.

Curran also disclosed that Digicel will be providing additional support in the form of advertising and promotional activities along with a text facility where customers can pledge additional contribution to the cause. The text number will be released on January 2, 2009 and will be open until January 31, 2009, so customers will have enough time to make their contributions to this worthy cause.

“Special thanks to Digicel for being one of the first on board, not only as a sponsor, but as part of the production and development of this effort. We look forward to a fruitful and continued relationship with Digicel and the Shaggy Foundation in the future”, commented Shaggy.

With a growing focus in Jamaica and around the globe on our children and their welfare, Digicel remains deeply committed to providing a new lease on life for children who will benefit from these new medical machines.

DIGICEL GIVES ALL POSTPAID CUSTOMERS A FREE WEEKEND THIS WEEKEND

2008-12-10T10:34:00.000-08:00

Wednesday, December 10, 2008, Kingston, Jamaica: In response to the success and popularity of its FREE SUNDAYS promotion for postpaid customers, Digicel is this weekend, doubling its offer and giving postpaid customers a FREE WEEKEND.
This weekend’s promotion means that all postpaid customers will be able to make Digicel to Digicel calls between 7 am and 7 pm on both Saturday and Sunday.
This week has been all about double delight for Digicel’s two million customers who have benefited from the doubling of PLEASE CALL ME messages to a massive 42 per week, the hugely successful DOUBLE BUBBLE top-up promotion on Wednesday and now doubling the FREE SUNDAY promotion for postpaid customers to include Saturday and Sunday this weekend.
Wayne Miller, Head of Marketing for Digicel Jamaica, comments; “Our postpaid customers love our FREE SUNDAYS promotion. And in this week’s spirit of double delight from Digicel, we wanted to ensure that our postpaid customers benefited too. So this weekend, we’re encouraging them to get on the phone and take advantage of free Digicel to Digicel calls between 7 am and 7 pm all weekend. Now that’s best value from Jamaica’s Bigger, Better Network!”

DIGICEL LAUNCHES PREPAID SERVICE FOR BLACKBERRY SMARTPHONES

2008-12-03T09:25:00.000-08:00

Customers can access email, web browsing, Facebook and many more features while on the move

Kingston, Jamaica – Wednesday, December 3rd: Digicel, the fastest growing mobile operator in the Caribbean and new entrant to the Central American market, today announced the availability of its prepaid service for BlackBerry® smartphones.

Initially launching in Jamaica, the British Virgin Islands, Trinidad & Tobago and the Cayman Islands, the prepaid service will be available to both new and existing BlackBerry smartphone users across all Digicel markets in the Caribbean and Central America over the coming months.

The prepaid service is affordable, easy to use and available for every BlackBerry smartphone in Digicel’s offering. Customers can subscribe to a weekly or monthly plan via text message - providing they have sufficient credit. There is no activation fee for this service. Towards the end of the subscription period, customers receive a text message reminding them to top up their account for the service to continue.

Digicel Group Products Director, Ralf Ohlhausen, commented, “Business users have long enjoyed the benefits of the BlackBerry wireless solution, but now with our innovative prepaid service, the benefits of a host of services like web browsing, email, instant messaging and Facebook are open to all our customers – both postpaid and prepaid.

“Designed to suit the varying lifestyles of our customers, users can sign up to it whenever they like and only pay for the period of time they need”.

For further information on the Prepaid service for BlackBerry smartphones, please visit www.digicelgroup.com

DIGICEL LAUNCHES IN PANAMA

2008-12-02T09:08:00.000-08:00

Investment of US$350 Million to Drive Mobile Penetration Growth with Superior Services, Reliable Coverage and High Value Offers

Kingston, Jamaica – Tuesday, December 2, 2008 — Digicel, the largest telecommunications operator in the Caribbean and recent entrant to the Central American market, today launched operations in Panama – its third Central American market and 31st market world-wide – with an investment of US$350 million. Digicel now offers seamless mobile telecommunication services across Central America, with operations to date in El Salvador, Honduras and Panama.

According to the Panama Ministry of Economy and Finance, the Panamanian economy is expected to grow 7.5% by 2009. With a population of 3.4 million, mobile penetration is currently at approximately 71%. Digicel is well positioned to maximize growth potential having built the most modern nationwide GSM network in the country offering service for the first time ever to many communities in Panama that were not previously served by incumbent operators.

The Digicel Panama network is underpinned by unprecedented 24/7 customer service, a nationwide network of more than 300 retail distributors and in excess of 15,000 recharge outlets nationwide. The company employs 300 people directly in its Panamanian operations as well as creating the indirect employment of 1,000 people.

"Panama promises to be a very exciting market for us and we are proud to offer the best coverage, best service and best value to the people of Panama” said Digicel Chairman Denis O’Brien. “Digicel is confident that it can stimulate growth in the mobile market in Panama by increasing mobile penetration within five years to 90 percent ensuring that more and more Panamanians have access to an affordable high quality mobile network.”

Digicel won a competitive bid process for a license to operate a GSM mobile network in Panama in May 2008. Digicel Panama is led by Raul Burgos, with 20 years experience in telecommunications, whose past accomplishments include senior management positions in SunCom Wireless, Nextel, Telecorp and AT&T Wireless.

With operations in 31 markets world-wide and more than 6.4 million customers, Digicel’s investment in the Caribbean, Central America and South Pacific now exceeds US$3.4 billion. As the largest mobile operator in the Caribbean, Digicel is renowned for reshaping the competitive landscape through revolutionary offers and promotions. In El Salvador, Digicel trebled its customer base in its first year of operation to move from the fourth to the second mobile operator in the market.

Digicel Central America Holdings Limited is owned by Denis O'Brien, as are Digicel Group Limited and Digicel South Pacific Limited.

DIGICEL DOUBLES “PLEASE CALL ME” TEXT ALLOWANCE FOR ALL PREPAID CUSTOMERS

2008-12-02T09:01:00.000-08:00

Kingston, Jamaica - December 2, 2008 – Digicel has refreshed its “PLEASE CALL ME” free text service and from today is offering prepaid customers double the number of free “PLEASE CALL ME” texts.

As part of its ongoing mission to ensure that its two million customers benefit from the best value, the best service and the best coverage from Jamaica’s Bigger, Better Network, Digicel is now offering customers up to six “PLEASE CALL ME” free text messages per day – equating to a massive 42 per week.

A “PLEASE CALL ME” text can be sent by any Digicel prepaid subscriber to any other local Digicel mobile account or to a mobile phone in UK, Canada or the USA. Digicel is the only mobile provider in Jamaica to offer this service.

“Our customers have always loved and appreciated our “PLEASE CALL ME” free text message service,” says Wayne Miller, Head of Marketing for Digicel Jamaica.

He adds, “Our promise to our customers is to deliver the best value, best service and best coverage and that means constantly listening to feedback from them and adjusting and evolving our services to suit their changing needs and tastes. In the case of “PLEASE CALL ME”, our customers asked us for more – and that is exactly what we are giving them. Now that’s best value from Jamaica’s Bigger, Better Network!”

DIGICEL LAUNCHES IN BVI WITH US$17 MILLION INVESTMENT

2008-11-28T09:06:00.000-08:00

Caribbean’s Leading Mobile Telecommunications Operator to Drive Mobile Penetration with Superior Service, Reliable Coverage and High Value Offerings

Road Town, Tortola – Friday, November 28th: Digicel, the largest mobile operator in the Caribbean and new entrant to the Central American market, today launched services in the British Virgin Islands (BVI) - its 25th market in the Caribbean and Central America and 30th market world-wide - with an investment of US$17 million heralding a new era of choice and competition for mobile customers.

With a population of 23,000 and mobile penetration at an estimated 90%, Digicel’s investment in BVI is focused on building a brand new state-of-the-art network that provides coverage to 98% of the population, supported by 24/7 customer care, first-to-market innovations such as self-service top up machines with 24-hour access and online bill payment, as well as a wide range of affordable handsets.

“We are delighted to launch in the British Virgin Islands today and are looking forward to showing customers here what being with the Bigger, Better Network means,” Colm Delves, Digicel Group CEO, said of today’s launch. “I would like to thank the Government for all of its assistance with our entrance to this market. As the third entrant, we will drive competition for the good of consumers by providing the best coverage, the best care and the best value to the people of this country. This is an exciting time for us both here in BVI – and more widely - as we continue to expand our global presence and delight customers with what we do and how we do it.”

Digicel BVI is led by Alan Bates, who has worked with Digicel since 2003, serving as Head of Sales and Distribution for the Dutch Caribbean region and Sales Director for Digicel Bermuda, where he played an instrumental role in leading the company’s operations to the number one position in the market.

With a thriving tourism and financial services industry, BVI has one of the most prosperous economies in the Caribbean. BVI covers a group of 16 inhabited and more than 20 uninhabited islands, with the main islands being Tortola, Virgin Gorda, Jost van Dyke and Anegada.

DigiTV Granted Island-Wide Wireless Subscriber TV License

2008-11-14T08:55:00.000-08:00

- State-of-the-art digital TV service to bring wide range of TV and radio channels at affordable prices island wide

Friday, November 14, 2008 - Kingston, Jamaica: Digital Interactive Services Limited (DISL), trading under the DigiTV brand, has been granted an Island-wide Wireless Subscriber Television License by the Broadcasting Commission of Jamaica.

Subject to the finalization of the terms and conditions of the license by the Broadcasting Commission, DigiTV – a joint venture between Jamaican partners Digicel Jamaica, DC Digital and Bernard Henry, CEO of FIMI Wireless - will provide a state-of-the-art, affordable digital TV service right across the island of Jamaica, delivering a host of popular local and international TV channels which are currently only available through cable operators.

Speaking about the license win, Mark Linehan, Digicel Jamaica CEO, commented: “We are delighted to be partnering with such vibrant and innovative Jamaican partners. DC Digital and Mr. Henry have a wealth of experience and talent which, combined with Digicel’s experience in providing the best coverage, value and service to nearly two million Jamaicans through our mobile operation, is sure to be a winning formula and we look forward to bringing DigiTV to the people of Jamaica.”

David Cassanova, the main principal behind DC Digital, added: “This is a giant leap forward for Jamaica and will give customers universal access to popular TV channels right across the island. We are moving away from the old analogue cable service to a state-of-the-art wireless digital service and I’d like to thank the Ministry of Information, Culture, Youth and Sports for its foresight in making this license available. We are looking forward to rolling out DigiTV in the near future where customers will be able to watch digital TV right across Jamaica.”

DIGICEL INTRODUCES BLACKBERRY PEARL FLIP TO CUSTOMERS ACROSS THE CARIBBEAN

2008-11-11T08:57:00.000-08:00

New BlackBerry Pearl Smartphone Brings the Industry’s Leading Mobile Messaging Solution to Flip Phone Fans

Kingston, Jamaica and Waterloo, ON - November 11th, 2008 – Digicel and Research In Motion (RIM) (Nasdaq: RIMM; TSX: RIM) today announced the availability of the BlackBerry® Pearl™ Flip 8220, the first BlackBerry® smartphone to come in the popular flip form factor.

The new BlackBerry Pearl Flip provides flip phone fans with all the power of a BlackBerry smartphone in a fun and familiar design. One quick flip of the handset opens up a world of possibilities with the industry’s leading mobile messaging solution and a wide range of impressive Internet and multimedia capabilities - all in one powerful smartphone. Sending a message to your friends or family, making a call, browsing the web, snapping a picture, watching a video or listening to your favorite song - it’s all just a flip away.

The quadband BlackBerry Pearl Flip smartphone presents a sophisticated look with a sleek design and a chrome-finished frame. Packed with an abundance of powerful features, it weighs only 3.6 ounces and measures approximately 3.9” x 1.9” x 0.7”. Featuring two high-resolution, light-sensing color displays, the external LCD makes it easy to preview incoming emails, text messages and phone calls without opening the handset, whilst the large 240 x 320 internal LCD displays messages, videos and web pages with impressive detail and contrast.

Director of Products at Digicel, Ralf Ohlhausen, said “Digicel prides itself on giving customers the very best choice and a cutting-edge range of handsets. With the addition of the BlackBerry Pearl Flip smartphone, our customers have eight BlackBerry models to choose from so there’s a suitable BlackBerry smartphone to satisfy the varying needs and preferences of our customers.”

Mark Guibert, Vice-President Corporate Marketing at Research In Motion, also expects the new smartphone to be a hit with consumers. “The BlackBerry Pearl Flip smartphone is a natural choice for customers who are looking to replace their existing flip phone with something more powerful,” he said.

Linehan to take Digicel Jamaica into the next generation

2008-11-03T10:17:00.000-08:00

Linehan. CEO of Digicel Jamaica

Mark Linehan who recently was appointed as Digicel's (Jamaica) fifth CEO, takes the helm at a time which sees the mobile telephone company with close to two million subscribers, representing 75 per cent market share, an aggressive competitor coming on stream and a move into broadband wireless services.
In the first decade of the twenty-first century, Digicel has undoubtedly become the most successful company in corporate Jamaica adopting a customer-centric philosophy. Commencing operations in 2001, Digicel has already invested US$700 million in Jamaica and this year will invest a further US$100 million in its network. The company does not subscribe to the stolid post-colonial management playbook favoured by many local companies, choosing instead to be results-oriented, making the mission a fun experience while putting the customer's needs first every time. The strategy is a simple one: build the best network in the country, provide the best service for its customers, and present its subscribers with the best value proposition. It is one that has proven unbeatable and seen Digicel become the pre-eminent force in corporate Jamaica.
In its first 100 days of operation, Digicel had 100,000 customers and within the first year, it had 365,000 customers, meaning that 1,000 customers came onto its network each day, many of whom abandoned the then market leader, Cable & Wireless.
Linehan is not looking to be satisfied with having close to two million customers on the Digicel network, he is looking to add more and further the network's capacity.
On leaving college, Mark Linehan became a secondary school teacher of business before entering the growing industry of software engineering. He was hired by Digicel's first CEO Seamus Lynch back in 2001. Having surpassed the leading mobile telephone service provider in Jamaica, Lynch turned his attention to the rest of the Caribbean, dispatching Linehan to the Eastern Caribbean. With St Lucia, St Vincent and Grenada going through liberalisation, Linehan was part of a team responsible for doing the groundwork in those territories. Winning those licence applications, the next task was to roll out networks with Linehan's introduction to the Caribbean beginning in St. Vincent. From there he moved to Trinidad where he was involved in the preparatory work for the network there. After a year in the twin-island republic, his next mission was Haiti where Digicel took the market by storm. Today Digicel has 2.5 million subscribers in Haiti. It was then off to French Guiana where he spent 6 months as the general manager before spending a year as CEO of Digicel Guyana where he presided over his company becoming market leader in less than one year.
His management style is one of a straight shooter, open and transparent who loves to share information. He believes in constantly updating his staff and empowering management.
"At Digicel we employ a three-pillar road map that has worked well throughout the Caribbean - that is coverage, service and value. The idea is to make cellphones available to everybody at an affordable price. We pride ourselves on operating a 24/7 customer care centre and we ensure that locals hold key management positions.
"We look to continually introduce new products, services and innovations and to make sure that the customer's experience is getting better day by day."
With extensive experience in the Caribbean and having seen the strategy succeed in a number of territories, it is only fitting that Linehan gets to oversee the jewel in the crown - Jamaica.
He follows in some illustrious footsteps. Both Seamus Lynch and David Hall did fantastic jobs in Jamaica, leaving a big footprint for Linehan to step into.
"Jamaica is a natural fit for me after working for seven years in the Caribbean. Wherever we have gone Jamaicans have been on the team, so coming home to where Digicel started with regional experience under my belt feels right. It comes down to one simple thing - How do you connect with the customer? "As the Jamaican customer base grows it means more traffic on the network, so we have to expand our capacity and coverage to ensure our customers are getting quality service so we will be upgrading parts of the core network. This is the primary reason behind a US$100 million investment in the network. We will not be solely focused on the network but also the retail channel. We are constantly investing in training and development."
With 90 per cent penetration the question is, how much further can Digicel grow the Jamaican market? Linehan sees room for even more growth and this provides the explanation for further capacity on the network. The Digicel brand has become so strong that it can now target customers in the diaspora where the lure of higher disposable incomes in stronger currencies makes for rich pickings. So can Digicel provide a service there beyond just roaming?
"Well, we can look at strategic alliances. In the UK, Vodafone is our preferred roaming partner. The operators in those markets tend to focus on their own customer base but we are always on the lookout to expand our global reach," offered the new Digicel CEO.
America Movil has acquired a cellular licence and has vowed to supplant Digicel's number one position within three years by providing affordable service on a 3G network. How will Digicel counter this new threat to its dominance?
"America Movil's Claro is planning a 3G network. We on the other hand are looking to introduce WiMax which is a 4G network. At the moment we provide 2.75 gigahertz (GHz) with our Edge coverage which we are rolling out across Jamaica. WiMax leapfrogs 3G and is our preferred technology. We rolled it out in the Cayman Islands over a year ago and right now we are installing WiMax in Honduras. In Jamaica the government is to open bids for a new spectrum band that will see the introduction of WiMax and we have applied for a licence. We want to do what we did with cellular to broadband. WiMax will allow us to make all of Kingston one hotspot. The download speeds are so much faster than 3G. We have a proven track record and we can deliver. Currently the penetration of Internet usage is very low so this is a huge opportunity to bring yet another affordable service to Jamaica. WiMax will allow us to become a fully integrated telecommunications provider."
Claro is promising to roll out sometime next month and this prospect leaves Linehan unperturbed. Yes, he has seen and heard the hoopla, he's heard the promises but remains above the fray secure in Digicel's proven track record of delivery.
Digicel currently employs a GSM network mindful of the fact that the majority of people in the region use their handsets for Voice and SMS. In markets where 3G is being used, it has taken a long while to gain momentum, even in European countries. Not to mention in a market with an income per capita of just US$4,000, price sensitivity is key.
"It is not a question of confronting a new competitor but rather focusing on our customers. If you take your eye off that then you leave yourself open for other operators to tap your customer base.
"The analogy goes back to soccer - you'll always have a competitor on the pitch no matter how good or bad they are, but ultimately the objective is to win the game. Winning the game to us is making sure the customer gets the best possible service. Digicel does not survive in any market without competition, we embrace competition," said Linehan.Digicel has crossed swords with America Movil before and won that battle. Digicel entered El Salvador where it was up against Telefonica, Movistar, Millicom's Tigo and America Movil's Claro. Launching in June last year, a year later they had 780,000 subscribers with 19 per cent market share and overtook Claro to hold the number 2 spot in El Salvador.
A big part of Digicel's strategy is to give back to the communities in which it operates. It has become Jamaica's number one sponsorship and it is inconceivable to imagine what many national social and sporting events would look like without Digicel's sponsorship. It's as if corporate Jamaica has conceded totally to Digicel and sees little intrinsic value in associating their brands to national endeavours. Rising Stars, West Indies cricket, the Reggae Boyz, Kings & Queens of the Dancehall, National Football Premier League. The Olympic Team all carry the Digicel banner. It is perhaps this largesse that has so endeared Digicel to Jamaicans who see a corporate behemoth giving back and actively participating in national events.
"We always try to link up with what people love. Jamaicans love music and sport and it is a natural fit to support this. Rising Stars has been a fantastic hit year on year. Our sponsorships focus on sport, entertainment and culture with the underlying theme being .. like our network... reaching all parts of Jamaica. The main reason for our sponsorships is to give back to the community and to become part of the community and we have done that very well. We are very happy to be part of Usain Bolt's success story and the success of Jamaica's Olympic team," said Linehan.
A large part of Digicel's success is attributable to its mercurial chairman, Denis O'Brien, who saw opportunity where many feared to tread. When he first came to Jamaica many local companies were unwilling to partner with the fledgling company, no doubt not giving it much of a chance against the mighty Cable & Wireless. Their lack of vision is to their detriment. Countries like Jamaica, Haiti and Guyana are like crucifixes to vampires, investors avoid them at all costs. Not so O'Brien. He was determined to put affordable cellphones in everybody's hands and bring the telecommunications revolution to the Caribbean, Latin America and now the South Pacific.
What has Linehan learnt from his boss?"What impresses me with the chairman is his vision. He does not believe in being second best when you can be the best. The simple fact of the matter is that he wants to ensure that everyone in the world can have a handset. It doesn't have to be the preserve of the elite. He never takes no for an answer. When he was first investing in Jamaica, he was advised not to do so. The same with Haiti, but he has answered all the critics. People love to talk."

DIGICEL BARS STOLEN PHONES TO REDUCE THEFT

2008-10-27T11:59:00.001-07:00

Kingston, Jamaica - October 27, 2008: Digicel has recently introduced additional safety measures to protect its approximately 2 million mobile customers. The mobile giant now has the ability to bar lost or stolen handsets.

Cell phone theft has become a national concern and about 15,000 handsets are reported lost or stolen to Digicel's Customer Care Centre each month. It is against this background that Digicel has decided to install these measures to clamp down on stolen cell phone usage on its network. They are confident that this move will put a dent in the theft of mobiles.

"Handset barring means the customer has full control of his phone. If the customer is not in possession of his handset, no one else will be able to use it once it has been barred." says, Abbi-Gaye O'Harris Digicel's Mediation & Roaming Manager.

Prior to this, Digicel was only able to bar usage of the customer's SIM card in instances where phones were lost or stolen; safeguarding the number and credit for use at a later date. However, by accessing this new, free service, Digicel's mobile customers can now ensure, and rest assured that if their instrument is stolen or lost, the actual phone cannot be used to make calls on the Digicel network; not even if the SIM card is replaced.

Barring one's handset can be effected by making a telephone call to a Digicel Customer Care Agent who will take the customer through the established verification process. Once it is established that the customer is the legitimate owner of the handset, it will be barred from future use on Digicel's Network upon request.

In phase two of the project, Digicel aims to establish connectivity with the other carriers serving the island. When that is done, handsets that are barred by other GSM networks will also be locked out from Digicel's network.

EXCITING END EXPECTED FOR GROUP G OF THE DIGICEL CARIBBEAN CHAMPIONSHIPS

2008-10-27T11:58:00.001-07:00

- Cuba, Barbados and Suriname all fight for a spot in the DCC Finals

Sunday, October 26 - Havana, Cuba: Three of the four teams going into the Digicel Caribbean Championships’ Group G now have everything to play for on the final day of the group this Monday, October 27. Cuba with 4 points and a goal difference of +6, Barbados with 4 points and a goal difference of +1 and Suriname with 3 points and a neutral goal difference, all have a fight on their hands come Monday to win a place in the DCC finals in Jamaica in December.

Suriname Head Coach Kenneth Jaliens shared his thoughts about their position in the Group, “Coming into Stage Two of the DCC we were without three of our best players (Limon – Attacker, Lypson – Defense and Sordem – Midfield) so we are weaker. But none the less we are trying our best to get to the Finals in Jamaica. Our first game was important but unfortunately we lost.

“Cuba will be tough and we will play a very open game. It will be the last game so we want to give the spectators a great game. We will be making changes to our starting XI simply because Cuba will be a different opponent. We need to win.”

Barbadian player Angus Doyle, a substitute in their second match who came in at the 58th minute to score what is undoubtedly the best goal of the tournament (an amazing goal from 40 yards) is confident about their match against Netherland Antilles on Monday, saying, “We want a lot of goals in the next game. We will attack more and we are confident that we will win.”

When asked about his goal against Cuba, Doyle expressed: “I was very impressed with my goal. I dreamt about scoring the night before and I came out determined to score. We were very happy with the draw on Saturday, we tried our best, we defended very well and were successful.”

Cuba Technical Director, Raul Gonzalez Triana, still shocked by the score of Saturday’s match, said “We didn’t expect the results on Saturday against Barbados. That goal scored by Barbadian Angus Doyle was the only thing I feel Barbados did in the game.

“On Monday we will have to beat Suriname, we cannot afford to lose. We are very proud players and we must be prepared for our next game.”

Not to be left out, Netherland Antilles will be playing for pride come Monday as with 0 points and -7 goal difference they have no chance of getting to the Digicel Caribbean Championships’ Finals set for Jamaica in December.

The final two matches of Digicel Caribbean Championship’s Group G is set for Monday October 27 with Barbados vs. Netherland Antilles at 2PM and Cuba vs. Suriname at 4PM at the Pedro Marrero Stadium in Havana, Cuba.

For match pictures and further information visit www.digicelfootball.com

THE BARBADIAN BRIGADE TAMED THE LIONS OF THE CARIBBEAN IN ITS SECOND MATCH IN GROUP G OF THE CARIBBEAN CHAMPIONSHIPS

2008-10-27T11:56:00.003-07:00

-An exciting 1-1 draw in THE match of the DCC's Group G so far

Saturday, October 25; Pedro Marrero Stadium, Havana, Cuba: The Barbadian brigade managed to tame the Lions of Cuba in an exciting 1-1 draw in THE match of the Digicel Caribbean Championships' Group G so far.

Both teams entered this fixture brimming with confidence following Barbados' come-from-behind 3-2 victory against Suriname and Cuba's 7-1 mauling of the Netherland Antilles. But with a recent history of low scoring draws between the two teams, the smart money was on a tightly contested affair.

The match itself began at a frenetic pace with two goal-line clearances in the opening minute of the game. Firstly, Hensy Munoz shot bobbled past Adrian Chase in goal only for Barry Skeete to clatter into the post for the clearance, then the resultant corner from Alain Cervantes was met well by Leonel Duartes only to be denied on the line once again.

Barbados responded in the fourth minute when Norman Forde relieved Duartes of possession along the left flank, his square into Mario Harte, who turned to fire, was met with even greater heart at his feet from the brave Molina in goal.

The teams traded attacks for the remainder of the half, going at one another like heavyweight boxers in a title fight, and although both teams landed some potential knock-out blows, neither could be downed in the opening round.

Both teams came out in the second half swinging, and though the score-line remained unmoved, the introduction of substitute Angus Doyle for Barbados in minute 58 foreshadowed what could possibly be the goal of the tournament.

Doyle was only on the park for seven minutes before the Barbadian bomber produced a bolt from the blue. Having taken up a position on the halfway-line, a long clearance from the back bypassed the transitioning Cuban's, the bounce took Doyle to the edge of the center-circle, he took one glance up, saw Adrian Chase on the edge of the six-yard box and let fly from fully 40 yards. The ball sailed over the rapidly retreating Chase but perfection could not be stopped as the ball dipped under the bar to register what must surely be a contender for goal of the Digicel Caribbean Championships, if not the century. Even the comrades in the stands had to applaud their competitor's efforts.

Cuban pride was restored almost immediately, as the fans were given something of their own to cheer about. For the second time in as many games, central defender Jorge Clavelo rose head and shoulder above the rest in the box from a Jamar Watson corner, his powerful header thudded into the net and parity was restored just three minutes after conceding.

The game exploded into life again when another dynamite strike from Doyle from 40 yards was denied by Molina. Cuba went close with a 30-yard effort of their own in minute 82, when Adrian Chase almost gave the game away as he collapsed on the Jaine Colome strike only to have it skid between his legs before recovering possession on the goal-line.

The final whistle went with the score tied at one apiece, the positions in the table unchanged with both Barbados and Cuba needing a victory in their final game to be certain of their progress in the Digicel Caribbean Championships.

Cuba: 12. Odelin Molina, 3. Yenier Marques, 2. Silvio Pedro Miñoso, 5. Jorge L. Clavelo, 4. Hanier Dranguet, 14. Jaine Colome, 7. Lazaro Alfonso (8. Alianni Urgelles - min 60), 9. Alain Cervantes, 11. Hensy Muñoz (17. Armando Coroneaux - min 74), 15. Leonel Duartes (18. Mario Ruiz - min 88), 10. Roberto Linares

Subs: 1. Dany Luis Quinteros, 13. Carlos D Francisco, 16. Reysandri Fernández, 6. Yoel Colome,

Barbados: 1. Adrian Chase, 3. Jonathan Straker, 4. Omar Archer, 2. Barry Skeete, 5. Bryan Neblett, 17. John Parris, 10. Norman Forde (7. Donovan Lavine - min 85) 15. Romelle Burgess, 13. Mario Harte (11. Jamar Watson - min 58), 9. Riviere Williams (14. Angus Doyle - min 58), 12. Rashida Williams

Subs: 18. Bentley Springer, 16. Andre Daniel, 6. Rohan Hall, 8. Brian Gay,

Referee: Courtney Campbell (Jamaica)

For match pictures and further information visit www.digicelfootball.com

SURINAME TAKES NARROW VICTORY IN SECOND MATCH IN GROUP G OF THE DIGICEL CARIBBEAN CHAMPIONSHIPS

2008-10-27T11:53:00.000-07:00

- Despite its dour start to this Dutch dilemma, Suriname was able to secure a vital victory

Saturday, October 25; Pedro Marrero Stadium, Havana, Cuba: Suriname scraped to a narrow 2-1 victory, to settle their Dutch derby against the Netherland Antilles in its second match of Group G in the Digicel Caribbean Championships.

The first half of the match was a war of attrition with neither side willing to commit themselves fully in attack. However, chances came and went with some frequency - but unfortunately neither side was able to find a clear channel to goal, and shot as though they were wearing clogs.

Wensly Christoph tested Pisas Marcello in goal first, with a dipping free-kick from the right side of the box that was finger-tipped over the bar for a corner by the flying Dutchman. Suriname continued to pressure without luck, as Marcello again denied the surging Surinamese with two reflex saves at close range.

In minute 15 it was the Netherland Antilles who had an opportunity, following a potentially embarrassing collision between Aloema in goal and central defender Malcolm Weibolt, Ashar Bernandus benefitted from the mix-up but couldn’t avoid the pile-up with his shot to goal.

Suriname’s best chance of the half came just two minutes before the break when Sergio Aroepa collected the ball in his own half, sped along the right flank before crossing to Christoph who had the chance to hit it first time, but instead allowed the ball to run onto his left foot before sending his shot skyward from five yards out.

The second half looked like more of the same up until minute 70 when Suriname secured its go ahead goal. Following Weibolt’s bolt towards the goal line on the left flank, Clifton Sandvliet’s shot was charged down in the box, but fell nicely for the cleverly positioned Cleven Wanabo to power home from seven yards.

Seven minutes later, Suriname increased its lead when Sandvliet cut inside from the left before rolling the ball into the path of Wanabo, who toe-poked coolly at the far post to see the ball nestle in the nether regions of the Netherland Antilles net.

The Netherland Antilles responded in minute 83, when Djarston Torbed went to bed on the penalty spot as the ball was played in from the right side and he failed to control it. Fortunately for the Netherland Antilles Rosario Demy, the central midfielder turned striker, was on hand to slot home at the near post and narrow Suriname’s lead.

Suriname sought to re-establish its two goal advantage in minute 90, when an alert Derrick Garden intercepted a loose pass from Rishendel Doran, and with a meadow to run into, set off at speed towards the Netherland Antilles’ net. A couple of neat step-over’s were enough to get him past the last defender, however, his low rasping shot could only find the outside of the far post.

Despite its dour start to this Dutch dilemma, Suriname was able to secure a vital victory, as it registered its first points of Group G at the expense of the Netherland Antilles, who ironically now hold a part of Suriname’s Digicel Caribbean Championships’ destiny in their hands as a win or a draw against Barbados in their final fixture would qualify Suriname in first place should they defeat favorites Cuba.

Suriname: 1. Ronny Clyde Aloema , 7. Sergio Orlano Aroepa (8. Vangellino Sastrodimedjo - min 73), 4. Marlon Wendel Felter, 3. Derrick Johan Garden, 2. Ferdinand H. Jap-A-Joe, 5. Malcolm Armand Weibolt (17. Furgil Waldi Ong-A-Fat - min 55), 9. Wensly Humbert Christoph, 6. Germaine Sergio Van Dijck (15. Jerome Stryder – min 61), 14. Cleven Roberto Wanabo, 10. Clifton Guno Sandvliet, 16. Petrus Eugene Apanta,

Subs: 12. Claudio Lodrick Pinas, 22. Andre Vincent Zebeda, 11. Hesron Egward Jeroe,

Netherland Antilles: 6. Chayron Anastasia, 10. Ashar Bernandus, 4. Mujoybert Delando, 12. Rishendel Doran, 14. Curly Hooi, 17. Rishendes Marceli (7. Everon Espacia - min 46), 2. Jervine Mook (16. Djarston Torbed - min 77), 18. Marcello Pisas, 8. Demy Rosario, 11. Soranley Tomsjansen, 15. Joel Victoria,

Subs: 1. Rowendy Summer, 9. Kevin Van Velhen, 3. Rugene Virginie

Referee: Kenville Holder (Cayman Islands)

For match pictures and further information visit www.digicelfootball.com

Digicel Foundation Jamaica documentary premieres Wednesday on TVJ

2008-10-21T11:49:00.000-07:00

More than JA$500 million invested in social and educational projects in Jamaica

Kingston, Jamaica – October 21, 2008: Premiering at 8 pm on Wednesday 22nd October on TVJ is the first of a four part documentary series focusing on the work of the Digicel Foundation in Jamaica.

Launched in 2004, the Digicel Foundation Jamaica is founded on the belief that wherever Digicel operates in the Caribbean, Central America or the Pacific, communities should benefit from Digicel’s presence. The Digicel Foundation has to date invested JA$ 507 million to date in a range of social, educational and hurricane recovery projects in Jamaica. With the main focus of the Foundation being the education of young people, the Digicel Foundation is working closely with the Ministry for of Education to help achieve the goal of 100% literacy at Grade Four level.

In the last year alone, almost JA$ 71 million was put towards twelve projects across Jamaica and, over the four years that the Digicel Foundation has been in operation in Jamaica, a total of 611 projects have been completed across the island.

Importantly, the Foundation’s Board is staffed almost entirely by Digicel employees who gladly give their time to bring these worthwhile social projects to fruition. In so doing, they have helped to improve the lives of - and opportunities for - many Jamaicans.

Lisa Lewis, Chairperson of the Digicel Foundation, comments; “It’s the belief of the Digicel Foundation that taking responsibility for the communities where in which you operate, has to be an instinctive and integral part of your overall business agenda.”

She continues; “With hundreds of our staff in Jamaica happily giving their time to support the Foundation’s projects, we’re proud of our progress to date, which is evident all across the island. It’s my own personal goal to ensure that the Digicel Foundation takes further steps to empowering the communities from which we, as a company, draw our own strength and so canthereby help to drive sustainable change. ”

GOLDEN CELEBRATIONS

2008-10-02T08:41:00.000-07:00

Kingston, October 2: When Usain Bolt kicked off his spikes to sweep and snap his joy to the world over his 100-metre race win, Jamaican dance, music and culture rocketed onto the world stage. Now the superstar, who has said he could never live anywhere but home, has brought the gold home with him to dance and celebrate with his fans at concerts in Kingston and Trelawny being put on by the Jamaican Government and supported by Digicel.

The fastest man in the world and his golden colleagues will be guests of the government on October 4 at the National Stadium. Digicel will be sponsoring top name artistes who will pay tribute to the Olympians, such as Beenie Man, Mavado, Marcia Griffiths, Taurus Riley, Digicel Rising Star runner-up Lenya Wilkes and Elephant Man. Elephant Man who immortalised the hit songs ‘Gully Creepa’ and ‘Nuh Linga’, was thrilled, like all Jamaicans, when Bolt took the moves to the world. Elephant Man, commissioned by Digicel, was also the first artiste to write a song for the athletes, an Olympic version of his song ‘Clean Sweep’.
A second concert will take place in Trelawny on October 8 at the Multi-purpose Stadium there. The main acts will include Mavado, Etana and Marcia Griffiths. Digicel will be sponsoring the pre-show segment of both concerts, which will feature Bugle, Wayne Marshall, Alaine, Digicel Rising Star runner-up Noddy Virtue and past Digicel Rising Stars winner, Christopher Martin. Digicel will also be giving away a slew of prizes and surprises to people attending the concerts.

A BIGGER BETTER WELCOME FOR JAMAICA’S ATHLETES

2008-10-02T08:39:00.000-07:00

Kingston, October 2, 2008: Beginning Friday, October 3, Digicel will offer its support to the Jamaica Government’s official homecoming for the nation’s athletes. The athletes took Beijing by storm this summer, and, to celebrate, government leaders will host an ‘around town’ float parade in Kingston of which Digicel will also be a proud sponsor.

Government officials and Digicel - along with other sponsors - will formally congratulate the athletes for their successes and efforts, which made Jamaica’s presence felt worldwide. After the reception and press conference, the athletes will board the three Digicel floats: “Olympic Dreams”, “Lightning Bolt” and “Golden Girls”; which will make stops in all the major towns in Kingston, including some of the athletes’ own communities.

The excitement hits the streets in the West on Tuesday October 7 with the parade being restaged; moving from Montego Bay through to Falmouth.

This Friday’s celebrations are the first of many in the week to come. Most notably, on Friday, October 10, Digicel will host a special event for Jamaica’s Olympic athletes at Vale Royal. The dinner, which will be under the patronage of Prime Minister Bruce Golding, will be in appreciation of the country’s Olympians creating positive international pathways for Brand Jamaica. The night of elegant celebrations will see the athletes being presented with gifts from Digicel, and a silent auction will be held to raise funds for the Special Olympics team.

DIGICEL GIVES $1M + TO JAMAICA REACH TO RECOVERY

2008-10-01T08:38:00.000-07:00

Kingston, October 1, 2008: October 1 marks the beginning of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and a renewed show of support for the cause, beyond the wearing of pink ribbons. The most recent survey, 1998-2002, by the Jamaica Cancer Registry indicates that there were 4,737 incidences of cancer in the parishes of Kingston and St. Andrew alone.

This October, Digicel will be showing its support for breast cancer survivors, victims’ families and healthcare workers by promoting cancer awareness and raising funds for the cause in a month-long advertising and text campaign across Jamaica. The campaign is in addition to a $1 million cash donation to Jamaica Reach to Recovery.

Digicel will be making use of television, newspaper and radio to get the message out to all Jamaicans to be more self-aware and seek regular medical check-ups. The mobile company will also give their customers a chance to make individual contributions, in a text campaign, with all donations going to the Jamaica Cancer Society.

“We want to play our part in contributing to a reduction in cancer cases, by increasing awareness of the disease. Early testing is the key to fighting the disease and we want to underscore its importance,” said Patria-Kaye Aarons, Digicel PR Manager.

Customers are invited to send text messages to a special number to 444-2468. Twenty of the most generous Digicel texters will receive gift items for their support.

Jamaica Reach to Recovery is a voluntary group of breast cancer survivors, friends and well- wishers. The organization, which was founded by Denise Thwaites, is now 20 years old, seeks to increase public awareness of Breast Cancer and to inform that early detection of the disease is equivalent to a long productive life.

Elittle Sellars-Wright, Vice-Chairman of the Jamaica Reach to Recovery thanked Digicel for its generous contribution to the awareness drive. She also added, “What we want is for everyday women to be vigilant. Do your breast self examination and visit your doctor or the Cancer Society for exams. If you notice any changes, check it out. Early detection is the key”.

DIGICEL LAUNCHES IN FIJI - Initial $US70 Million Investment Ends Long Term Monopoly in Telecommunications Industry

2008-10-01T08:24:00.000-07:00

NADI, FIJI, October 1, 2008: Digicel Pacific Ltd, the fastest-growing mobile telecommunications operator in the Pacific, today announced its launch in Fiji, its fifth market in the Pacific, further strengthening its footprint in the region.

Digicel has expanded quickly in the Pacific and the launch of Digicel Fiji follows launches in Samoa, Papua New Guinea, Tonga and Vanuatu.

With investment of US $70 million to date in Fiji, Digicel has built a state-of-the-art network and, for the first time ever, Digicel will provide Fijians with reliable nationwide coverage, superior 24/7 customer care, a wide range of state-of-the-art handsets, and first-to-market high-value services.

With over 95 percent coverage in Fiji, Digicel Pacific aims to create a seamless pan-Pacific network that facilitates affordable communications.

Digicel Pacific CEO, Vanessa Slowey said ‘”Fiji is Digicel’s twenty-eighth market launch worldwide, to date. The people of Fiji have put up with inadequate services for far too long - Digicel Fiji will provide innovative and accessible telecommunications services that meet and exceed customer demand, and advance Fiji’s mobile technology to an entirely new level.”

Since receiving a license in Fiji in May 2008, Digicel has put together a highly-trained and skilled workforce of more than 170 employees, also creating an estimated 10,000 additional jobs through its local dealerships and partners. The company has opened 14 modern flagship stores and has more than 25,000 top-up locations across the country. The company is led by Mr. John Delves, CEO of Digicel Fiji, who has over ten years of senior management experience in some of the UK and Ireland’s largest FMCG companies Greencore and The Kerry Group and most recently was CEO of Digicel Vanuatu.

Digicel is offering several first-to-market services and value offerings, including per second billing, rollover minutes, international postpaid and prepaid roaming and bundled voice minutes with BlackBerry – coupled with the widest range of mobile handsets for both prepaid and postpaid customers, with prices starting as low as US $12. To celebrate Digicel’s operations in Fiji, customers will receive a US $50 free talk and text credit as part of the launch offer.

Digicel is the proud sponsor of the World Cup champions, the Digicel Fiji 7s rugby team, since 2006. With rugby legend and Digicel Brand Ambassador, Waisale Serevi, coaching the team for the upcoming season, hopes are high that Fiji will retain its crown. Digicel also directly supports rugby development right across Fiji through sponsorship of the Digicel Cup, the nation’s premier provincial rugby competition.

Digicel is also involved with the local community, working with the Fiji Paralympics Association, and sponsoring an athlete to attend this year’s Paralympics in Beijing. Likewise, Digicel Fiji is partnering with the Fiji STAHS, a service which provides counseling for youths on health and development issues.

Digicel’s launch in Fiji has seen a build up of excitement and anticipation for the last few months. On Wednesday, October 1st, the company hosted Fiji’s largest ever free concert featuring local artists and international star, Sean Kingston, from Jamaica, New Zealand band, KatchaFire, and several Fijian artists and dance groups. The concert, held in the capital, Suva, was attended by over 50,000 people.

DIGICEL CARIBBEAN CHAMPIONSHIPS INSPIRES COMMUNITY PROJECT IN ST. KITTS

2008-09-29T08:23:00.000-07:00

-Digicel St. Kitts and Local Football Club join to help local community

Saturday, September 27; Basseterre, St. Kitts: Digicel St. Kitts today, teamed up with Digicel’s locally sponsored football club, Digicel Village Superstar, to paint a local community wall. As part of Digicel’s initiative to become more involved in the communities, staff members of the Digicel Office together with the Village Superstars Football Club, jointly cleaned the sidewalk of a local football playing field and painted the wall to uplift the community.
Digicel St. Kitts’ Marketing Manager, Sharez Laws explains: “Digicel always tries to find creative ways to give back to the communities. This is the first of what we call ‘Community Involvement Week’ where St. Kitts will see Digicel staff members getting involved in similar projects on an ongoing basis. We chose a football field because we feel sports development is important in the Caribbean. If the kids have an adequate place to practice, it may encourage them to continue playing. These kids may just one day be on the National team, you never know.”
Ms. Laws further stated that this particular project was selected due to the celebrations of the Digicel Caribbean Championships currently taking place on the island: “We could not think of a more opportune time to show how the local office and the local football club can jointly pull their resources together to do something meaningful in the community.”
Digicel Caribbean Championships’ Group D games in St, Kitts continues on Sunday September 28 with hosts St. Kitts playing Barbados. Both teams will fight to gain entrance to round two of the tournament.

BARBADOS WHIPS HOST ST. KITTS 3-1 TO WIN GROUP D OF DIGICEL CARIBBEAN CHAMPIONSHIPS

2008-09-29T07:50:00.000-07:00

-Second phase spot in Cuba (Group G), St. Kitts also advance to Group H (Trinidad).

Monday, September 29; Warner Park, Basseterre, St. Kitts: It was a sweet end to group D of the Digicel Caribbean Championships (DCC) for Barbados who kept their composure and patience for a solid come from behind 3-1 win over hosts St. Kitts-Nevis when the final match in the group and the first phase of the competition ended on Sunday evening.

Despite losing out as the group winner, St. Kitts still advanced to the second phase of the Championships and will face off against group G hosts Trinidad and Tobago, Guyana and Antigua & Barbuda in early November. As group winners, Barbados sealed their place in group H to be contested in Cuba.

The team from the Land of the Flying Fish flew high in the mountainous host Island to silence the large home crowd at Warner Park which was very voluble after the home team, who held the upper hand for most of the first half had taken the lead when captain and playmaker George Isaac scored a scorcher in the 13th minute.

Isaac, who was marshalling the rampant Kittitians, received the ball mid way the Barbadian half, weaved his way closer to goal and from 20 meters out unleashed a well calculated right foot shot that went to the right of advancing Barbadian goalkeeper Adrian Chase and into the V.

The goal was just reward for the home team which was dominating play at the time and they continued to do so by stringing together passes which saw them in the Barbados half of the field for long periods.

Isaac, in tandem with Jason Lake on the right side, did present many challenges for the Barbados team who were allowing the home team to dictate the flow of play. The Barbadians, who made five changes to their starting line up from the British Virgin Islands encounter, were guilty in the first half hour of playing too much air ball, perhaps a ploy since they were taller than their opponents, but St. Kitts were playing the ball on the turf which brought them success.

After taking the lead and looking very good, St. Kitts lost their focus but the Barbadians were now beginning to put things together. With the height advantage, the Barbadians always looked dangerous on set plays as they did in the BVI game and two of their goals came via the same route from defenders.

Goal keeper Julani Archibald was called into action to pull off a save off an acrobatic nature in the 34th minute from a well taken free kick as he tipped the ball over the bar and out of danger. But their lead was soon to be nullified from the resulting corner which was taken by seasoned campaigner for Barbados, their Captain Norman Forde.

Forde’s crossed ball was again touched by Archibald, who was not able to gather cleanly, and the lurking Johnathan Straker did the honors of completing the play with goal in the 35th minute. The equalizer came at a time when the home team was still dominating play.

A few minutes later, Barbados got the chance to forge ahead when Lashida Williams found himself ahead of the defense but placed the ball straight to goalkeeper Archibald. And just when it looked like the score would have remained tied with half time approaching, Barbados won a free kick 30 meters out on the left side of their opponent’s goal. The long swirling shot was taken and the tall Barbadian defenders came into action once again, making the home team pay for poor marking as they stood flat footed allowing Barry Skeete to space and time to let off a shot that beat the keeper on the stroke of half time.

The confidence and momentum Barbados had built up in the final 10 minutes of the first half was brought over to the second as they upped the offensive tempo on the hosts. The energetic Isaac continued to work overtime for the Kittitians but the frustration of not being able to get the equalizer soon got the better of him when he drew the first red card of this leg in the 67th minute.

Isaac’s exit from the game was a major setback for the home team and they never recovered. The game was put beyond their reach ten minutes before full time when Lashida Williams scored his second goal in as many matches.

The result was good for Barbados who topped the group but the home team had done enough work when they hammered BVI 4-0 in the opening game last Wednesday to finish as the runner up.

Twelve countries will compete in the second phase of this the Third Edition of the DCC, four will be in each group with matches scheduled to be played throughout October and November in Guadeloupe, Cuba and Trinidad.

The top two from each group will advance to the finals in Jamaica in December when they face defending Champions Haiti and the host country for the top prize of US $120,000.

Barbados: 01. Adrian Chase, 03. Johnathan Straker, 04. Omar Archer, 02. Barry Skeete, 05. Bryan Neblett, 07. Donavan Lavine, 10. Norman Forde, 17. Angus Doyle (14. Ramuel Miller min 71), 15. Romell Burgess, 13. Mario Harte (11. Richard Lavine min 62), 12. Lashida Williams (18 Bently Springer).

Subs: 06. Rohan Hall, 08. Brian Gay, 09. Riverie Williams, 16. Andre Daniel.

St. Kitts & Nevis: 21. Julani Archibald, 14. Zevon Archibald (9. Jevon Francis min 46), 2. Keithroy Richards, 16. Javin Matthew, 5. Rovan Wigley (15. Orlando Mitchum min 46), 10. Jason Lake, 7. George Isaac, 13. Thrizen Leader, 6. Irandy Byron, 18. Shashi Isaac (3. Earl Jones min 76), 8. Tiran Hanley.

Subs: 01. Delroy Delaney, 4. Elvado Mitchum, 11. Stephen Clarke, 17. Errol O’Loughlin.

For match pictures and further information visit www.digicelfootball.com

VENDOR MAKES PURCHASE OF A LIFETIME

2008-09-25T08:14:00.000-07:00

Kingston, September 25, 2008: Clothing vendor, Glenston Lewis, began to make new plans for the future the moment he became the ninth and final winner of $1 Million from Digicel as part of their Summer Gold Rush Promotion.

Mr. Lewis was at home resting one afternoon when he realised that he needed to call a friend. He went out to the Bogue Village Supermarket near his home in Montego Bay, to top up his Digicel account. This was routine for Mr. Lewis, but this time “the usual” made him a very special person. After his phone call he went back to sleep. The second time he awoke from his nap, he was surprised to find a message from Digicel telling him he had won their gold prize - $1 million.

Mr. Lewis was elated on hearing the good news. “I feel glad. I feel good!” he said. Glenston Lewis has been a Digicel customer right from the start, since the network’s launch in 2001. He never dreamed that his loyalty would be so well rewarded. After travelling to the Half-Way Tree Bus Park to accept his $1 million cheque, Mr. Lewis was asked what he planned to do with his winnings. “I enjoy doing things with style. Now with Digicel’s gold prize, I can afford to travel in style in my very own car,” he said.

The Digicel Gold Rush Promotion, which was launched on July 16 and ended the week of September 15, commemorated Jamaica’s journey to the Olympics in Beijing this summer, as well as Digicel’s major sponsorship of the Olympic team. “Digicel wanted its customers to experience the thrill of competition here at home at the same time that they were spectators of the Beijing Olympics. We wanted to spread the feeling of golden victory,” enthused PR Manager, Patria-Kaye Aarons.

Digicel’s Summer Gold Rush Promotion mirrored the huge success of Jamaica’s Olympic athletes in Beijing this summer. The Jamaicans succeeded in their rush for gold in several track and field events, and it forever changed their lives, making them heroes and giving them new opportunities to do more in the world. “Equally, all the winners of Digicel’s Gold Rush Promotion had their lives changed for the better. They were given the power to fulfil their dreams,” said Patria-Kay Aarons. The end of this summer’s promotion marks the end of a magical summer, courtesy of Digicel.

DIGICEL LAUNCHES NEW CAMPAIGN - My Digicel matters to me!

2008-09-24T08:22:00.000-07:00

Kingston, September 24, 2008: On Monday, September 22, Jamaicans all across the island witnessed the roll out of Digicel’s latest campaign – “My Digicel Matters to Me”. The new campaign intends to strengthen the network’s emotional connection to its customers, and Digicel will be pulling out all the stops by making its presence felt in print, outdoor, radio and television.

“Digicel will be banking on its network’s excellent reputation for competitive prices, strong coverage and exceptional customer service,” said Public Relations Manager, Patria-Kaye Aarons. “The ads feature quotes from Digicel customers, which aim to reinforce in the minds of the public, the tangible benefits of being on the Digicel network.”

Previous brand campaigns, such as the “I am #1” campaign focused on promoting Digicel as an innovator in supplying customers with the best and most exclusive handsets, and introducing popular foreign products and services locally, such as rollover minutes and prepaid roaming.

The “My Digicel Matters to Me” campaign features a slight change to Digicel’s well-known slogan “The Bigger, Better Network.” It has been revised to, “Jamaica’s Bigger, Better Network”. Ms. Aarons explains: “The addition of the island’s name not only underscores Digicel’s strength as a network, but also posits the idea that almost every mobile-user on the island chooses to use Digicel’s service.”

The new campaign will also feature Olympic hero Usain Bolt, fresh from his Beijing gold medal sweep, as well as other celebrities. The average Jamaican who depends on Digicel to keep in touch with family and friends will also be featured in the campaign.

ETANA ACKNOWLEDGES, “MY DIGICEL MATTERS TO ME!”

2008-09-24T08:17:00.000-07:00

Kingston, September 24, 2008: Digicel’s newly launched “My Digicel Matters to Me” campaign highlights Digicel’s focus on providing great value, island-wide coverage and world-class customer care. The campaign features real people from across the island talking about how they are benefiting from being a part of the Bigger, Better Network.

Since the campaign was launched, every Jamaican is now pondering the same question, “How does my Digicel matter to me?” Well there’s one Jamaican who isn’t afraid to speak up. When asked, popular singer Etana declared, “I’ve never been on any other network but Digicel. The first BlackBerry I ever got was from Digicel, and everywhere I take my Digicel it works.”

During the “My Digicel Matters to Me” campaign, consumers will be treated to advertisements featuring their favourite celebrities, as well as new faces they can see themselves in.

Etana will be featured in Digicel’s “My Digicel Matters to Me” television and print ads. The campaign’s irresistible jingle samples the voices of Jamaican Dancehall Artist Elephant Man. Other celebrities, such as DJs Razz and Biggy and Digicel Rising Star Christopher Martin will also be shown in the Digicel advertisements; all using their phones in everyday situations.

Since its 2001 launch in Jamaica, Digicel has introduced to the market a slew of never before seen products, services and promotions. Today, three in every four Jamaicans own a Digicel phone.

REGGAE MUSIC AND FOOTBALL

2008-09-19T08:00:00.000-07:00

-Reggae King Bob Marley was a musician known for his skills on the football pitch, did he start a trend or is there a correlation between Reggae Music and Football?

Friday, September 19 – Kingston, Jamaica: Many people are surprised to hear that Bob Marley was a fanatic soccer player and fan. That doesn’t seem to fit their image of the world’s most legendary reggae star: The lazy reggae beats, the dreadlock Rastafari easy going attitude, the political activism. But Bob Marley simply loved kicking a ball, about every single day when on tour or in the recording studio. He also loved watching soccer on TV.

“I love music before I love football. If I love football first, maybe that a bit dangerous, because the football very violent. If a man tackle you hard, it brings feelings o’ war!” – Bob Marley

But it isn’t just in Jamaica that Reggae and Football go hand in hand. At the Digicel Caribbean Championships’ Group E games in Martinique, French Dancehall / Reggae artistes Sael and Pleen Pyroman were seen participating in the tournament festivities.

A footballer since the age of eight, 30-year-old Sael is an exciting young singer from Martinique whose debut Sael & Friends has burst onto the international reggae scene with a splash that has sent out ripples like few other French-language reggae releases have done. Sael also played professionally for the Martinique league side Codst. Sael explains the correlation between Music and Football: “To sing you need to be in good physical condition. Football helps you free your mind and is a good way to express yourself, just like music.”

Fellow French Dancehall artiste, 33-year-old Pleen Pyroman, played for the Martinique National youth team until the age of 16 and has been in the music business for 20 years. Pleen gives another reason Football helps him with his music: “Football is a way to release stress. You can take out your frustrations on the ball. After playing I feel relaxed and have a clear mind to work on my music.”

Sael, who names Bob Marley, Garnet Silk and Jah Cure as his musical inspirations, has high hopes for Martinique for the Digicel Caribbean Championships: “Martinique will easily get to the second round. Haiti, Jamaica and Trinidad are the only countries I feel may stop us from winning at the finals.

Pleen also commented on the tournament: “The Digicel Championships is a way of exchanging with other Caribbean people, just like music is. It gives us solidarity with our Caribbean neighbours.”

So is there a correlation between Reggae Music and Football? Well just note: Bob Marley was buried with his guitar and a soccer ball.

DIGICEL DONATES $20M TO GUSTAV RELIEF

2008-09-18T14:10:00.004-07:00

Prime Minister Bruce Golding (right) accepts a cheque for $16 million from Digicel Jamaica CEO Mark Linehan as Wayne Miller, Digicel Head of Marketing looks on. The presentation was made on Wednesday, September 17 at the Office of the Prime Minister. Digicel has contributed some $20 million to relief efforts since the passing of Tropical Storm Gustav in late August.

Wednesday, September 17, 2008, Kingston, Jamaica: Prime Minister Bruce Golding received a cheque today for J$16 million from Digicel Jamaica CEO Mark Linehan, towards the Gustav Relief Fund. Digicel has now contributed a total of $20 million, with donations of $2 million each to Mustard Seed and ODPEM.

The presentation took place on Wednesday at Jamaica House, and the funds will go into the recently launched Gustav Recovery Fund account initiated by Minister of State for Project Implementation and Service Delivery, Daryl Vaz. The account can be accessed through the National Commercial Bank and is open to donors both locally and internationally.In welcoming the contribution to the fund by Digicel, Prime Minister Golding said Government's approach is to rebuild and restore as quickly as possible. He noted that “damages have been estimated at $15 billion and some 350 houses have been lost.”

Mr. Golding expressed his Government's appreciation for the donation from Digicel noting, “Digicel is fast becoming one of Jamaica’s most frequent benefactors” and that the company had demonstrated its concern as a good corporate citizen, which benefits from the support of the general public.

In making the presentation to the Prime Minister, Mark Linehan said that Digicel Jamaica was very concerned about the destruction brought upon several communities by Hurricane Gustav. “As a part of the Jamaican family, we are reaching out to the Government of Jamaica, Mustard Seed and ODPEM,” he said. “We are pleased to assist our Jamaican sisters and brothers in their time of need and pledge our continued support.” Digicel's $2M cash donation to Mustard Seed, which was received by Mrs. Thrya Heaven, will provide much needed assistance to the organization whose facilities suffered extensive multimillion dollar damage in the passing of the storm.

ST. VINCENT SHATTER THEIR OWN DREAMS OF QUALIFYING TO ROUND TWO OF THE DIGICEL CARIBBEAN CHAMPIONSHIPS

2008-09-18T14:10:00.003-07:00

-The “Vincy Heat” knew before hand that three points were an absolute necessity, with Grenada currently positioned to qualify for the next round from Group A (as the worst 2nd place qualifier), on three points with a neutral goal difference, SVG knew they would have to overturn their 3-0 defeat versus Martinique in the opening match of DCC’s Group E, with at least 4 goals against Anguilla.

Thursday, September 18, Kingston, Jamaica: St. Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG) were the architects of their own demise as they conceded their third own goal in two games, this time against Anguilla at a time when they could least afford such a lapse: their final game of the Digicel Caribbean Championships’ Group E.

The “Vincy Heat” knew before hand that three points were an absolute necessity, with Grenada currently positioned to qualify for the next round from Group A (as the worst 2nd place qualifier), on three points with a neutral goal difference, SVG knew they would have to overturn their 3-0 defeat versus Martinique in the opening match of DCC’s Group E, with at least 4 goals against Anguilla.

With pressure to perform on the night, an early goal would have been the best remedy to soothe early jitters for the Vincentian’s, against an unknown quantity in Anguilla. Surprisingly though, it was Anguilla who fired the first salvo of the match in minute ten through Glenville Allen.

This stirred the Vincentians to action as they fired off three shots in quick succession, to establish their own offensive intentions. In the early going it was Emerald George that showed a little sparkle, with his express pace chasing down balls played over the top. However Anguilla’s defensive posture soon cut off the avenues along the flanks, forcing the Vincentians to play narrower, which lead to midfield gridlock for the opening half an hour.

Anguilla defended the Fort with all they had, and did well to limit the Vincentians to difficult shooting opportunities, whilst still looking for opportunities to counter attack mainly through playmaker Simon Anthony - which seems to have been their game plan all along.

But the fuse for this match was well and truly lit in minute 37 as Darren Francis snuck in at the far post to knee in a cross delivered from the right by standout performer Myron Samuel, to take the score to 1-0 in favour of SVG.

Shockingly, St. Vincent would shoot themselves in the foot just 1 minute after having taken the lead, when a looped back header from Troy Jeffers proved to be a Trojan horse for goalkeeper Winslow McDonald who sold the farm when he came to collect the ball at the edge of the 18 yard box only to see it arc over his head into an empty net, and bring parity to a match that was up to this point clearly one sided.

That own goal by Jeffers was SVG’s third in two games, but few would have thought it would prove so costly, as SVG looked like they could score with each forward move.

But they weren’t tied for long as just a minute later a third goal was scored, this time in the goal they were meant to, as a low sweeping shot from Darren Hammlet on the right side of the box got SVG back on track, with Anguilla tragically sluggish in their reaction to the danger inside their own 18 yard box.

To their credit, the Vincy Heat would turn up the temperature for the remainder of the half, but never quite reach a boil, creating chance after chance only to see clumsy touches and wayward shooting squander what the midfield had worked hard to create.

The second half saw SVG burst out of the gates through Myron Samuel once more, when he was taken down in the box by Kevin Hawley’s late challenge from behind. Darren Francis would step up to take the spot kick; but with the spotlight on him, he was unable to find a way past the glare of keeper Kelvin Liddie.

With two more goals an absolute minimum for SVG, they continued to press, their improved passing found new angles for shots on goal but it would take the individual brilliance of the number ten Myron Samuels to halve that target. Samuel would pick up a loose pass some 30 yards from goal, knock it around his man, recollect it on the other side, before producing a majestic finish with the outside of the left boot that saw the ball rise up into the top left corner.

The goal was a masterpiece, and considering it was Samuels first at international level, all the more sweet. However, Samuels and SVG couldn’t savour the flavour for long, as their goal chase continued to intensify with each minute that passed.

With time as their enemy, and in spite of their best efforts that saw a header cleared off the line, Liddie left stranded with the net agape, and countless one on ones with the SVG keeper, somehow fate and plucky Anguillan defensive work kept the Vincentians at bay. And when the final whistle blew, you may not have realized SVG had won the match 3-1, as both teams left the field looking like broken teams, the Vincentians dreams in tatters- despite not allowing a shot on goal from the Anguillans.

To be fair though Anguilla still may harbour some hope of qualifying to the next phase in Trinidad, even though it means they’ll have to beat host Martinique by a margin of at least three goals if they are to advance to the Knockout stage of the Digicel Caribbean Championships 2008.

Anguilla: 1. Kelvin Liddie, 2. Nigel Conner (6. Adonijah Richardson min 76), 3. Girdon Conner, 4. Kapil Battice, 5. Kevin Hawley, 7. Denville Francis (16. Gaekwad St. Hillaire min 71), 8. Leon Jeffers, 9. Glenville Allen, 10. Walwyn Benjamin, 12. Simon Anthony, 14. Cleo Hamm (15. Lucien Flemine min 88)

Subs: 13. Colin Johnson.

St. Vincent: 1. Winslow McDowell, 3. Roy Richards, 4. Chester Morgan, 5. Darren Francis, 6. Troy Jeffers (14. Keith James min 62),8. Theon Gordon, 9. Richard Hayde, 10. Myron Samuel, 13. Dorren Hammlet (15. Ransel Badnock min 74),16. Reginald Payne (11. Steve Henry min 77), 17. Emerald George,

Subs: 2. Jolan-Shoy McDonald, 7. Amon Bascombe, 12. Teron Miller, 18. Camilli Samuel.

For match pictures and further information visit www.digicelfootball.com

DIGICEL CARIBBEAN FOOTBALL AMBASSADOR, JOHN BARNES NAMED NEW REGGAE BOYZ COACH

2008-09-18T14:10:00.002-07:00

Head Coach for the 2008 Digicel Kick Start Clinics, John Barnes, will take over as Reggae Boyz coach effective November 1, 2008

Wednesday, September 17, 2008, Kingston, Jamaica: The JFF announced yesterday, the appointment of former England International and Jamaican born, John Barnes as the new National Coach for the Senior Football Team. John Barnes will take up official duties on November 1 and will be in charge of the preparation of the national team for the Digicel Caribbean Cup (DCC) between December 1 to 15, the CONCACAF Gold Cup scheduled for June 2009, and the Final Round of World Cup Qualifiers in 2009. Should Jamaica advance to this stage of the competition, the JFF will review Barnes' contract following the afore-mentioned events.

John Barnes commented on his new job as Reggae Boyz coach: "I am really excited about this and I am honored to be given the opportunity. I really do believe in the Jamaican players and look forward to working with the Reggae Boyz.

"Having worked in the Caribbean with the Digicel Kick Start Clinics, I know the talent that is there. I am looking forward to not only working with senior players, but also the U-20's who participated in the clinics."

Barnes played professional football for Watford, Liverpool, Newcastle United and Charlton Athletic in the Premier league and League Championship. He made 409 appearances for Liverpool scoring 108 goals. He was voted Football Writers' Association Player of the Year 1988 and 1990 and PFA Footballer of the Year 1988. In 1997 he was awarded an MBE by Her Majesty the Queen.

In the summer of 1999 Barnes joined Scottish giants Celtic as Head Coach, where he laid the foundations for the club's future success including overseeing the redevelopment of the team with the recruitment of Henrik Larsson, among others.

Barnes has since joined Channel 5 (England) and is the channel's principlal football presenter and regularly brings his insightful knowledge and understanding of football to television screens around the world.

The JFF also announced that former national player and current Assistant National Coach, Theodore Whitmore will take charge of the very important remaining World Cup Qualifying games at home. Whitmore, who was also a part of the Digicel Kick Start Clinic with Barnes, will continue as Assistant National Coach to Barnes, following these semi-final round games.

John Barnes will attend the remaining World Cup Qualifying games to observe proceedings as well as lend moral support to Whitmore and the national senior team. He is due to arrive in Jamaica on Wednesday, 8 October for the Mexico game scheduled for Saturday, 11 October, and departs Thursday, 16 October following the Honduras game on Wednesday, 15 October, both games to be played at the National Stadium in Kingston.

DIGICEL PLEDGES OVER US$1.3 MILLION TO HURRICANE RECOVERY EFFORTS ACROSS THE CARIBBEAN

2008-09-18T14:10:00.001-07:00

Wednesday, September 17, 2008, Kingston, Jamaica: Digicel, the fastest growing mobile company in the Caribbean and new entrant to the Central America market, has pledged over US$ 1.3 million to support the relief efforts across the Caribbean in the wake of recent Hurricanes Gustav, Hanna and Ike.

Digicel’s contribution comes in the shape of donations to NGOs like the Red Cross, Food for the Poor, Catholic Relief Services, Concern and Agerca in Haiti and the Gustav Relief Fund and Mustard Seed in Jamaica - as well as the direct supply of aid parcels and free call credit across Haiti, Jamaica and Turks & Caicos.

Colm Delves, Digicel Group CEO, comments: “As a company born in the Caribbean and one of the largest employers in the region, we understand our responsibility to help these countries in times of need. Above and beyond our role in keeping friends and family connected – which we did successfully throughout the storms – we’re committed to helping people get back on their feet.”

In Haiti, as well as making cash donations of US$400k to NGOs, US$200k towards the supply of direct aid and medical supplies and a further US$400k in free call credit and other mobile services, Digicel staff have also committed themselves to the relief efforts. Through the organization of clothing donations and blood donations for Haiti as well as taking part in telethons and radiothons, Digicel staff are actively contributing to the relief efforts and increasing public awareness.

In Jamaica, Digicel donated food and supplies to the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management to arrive in the worst hit areas the day after the passing of Hurricane Gustav and is now making further commitments of US$230k to the Government’s Gustav Relief Fund and a further US$30k to help rebuild the damaged structures at the Mustard Seed Communities – the first social project in Jamaica that Digicel assisted with back in 2001.

Meanwhile for Turks & Caicos, Digicel chartered and filled two planes with aid parcels for Turks & Caicos to get to the people in the worst affected areas the day after the passing of Hurricane Ike - and also donated free mobile handsets and car chargers to keep people in need connected.
“Our support for the relief efforts and determination to help wherever we can is inherent to our role here as is our commitment to keeping our customers connected. Digicel stands ready to assist in whatever way we can in the rebuilding efforts,” adds Colm Delves.

LIFE! PASSION! FOOTBALL! – COMMENTARY BY A NEWLY CONVERTED FOOTBALL FAN

2008-09-18T14:10:00.000-07:00

The following article was written by a female who has recently learnt the game of football. The views expressed are not necessarily that of Digicel or the CFU.

Monday, September 15 – Kingston, Jamaica: Group E of the Digicel Caribbean Championships (DCC) will start today in the cosmopolitan French island of Martinique. The group starts with hosts Martinique playing their friendly rival St Vincent at 8pm. The second match of the group takes place on Wednesday, September 17 with St. Vincent playing Anguilla and the group matches end on Friday, September 19 with Martinique playing Anguilla in the first meeting between the two teams.

Manager of the Martinique National Team and Vice President of the League de Football de Martinique, Maurice Victoire, explains how Martinique football benefits from the tournament: “We are very happy to host the Digicel Caribbean Championships. Here in Martinique we do not have a lot of competitive games and being a French department, we are not able to participate in the World Cup qualifiers, so DCC is our World Cup. We are putting all our energy behind this tournament. We would love to have DCC every year.”

Commenting on the readiness of the Martinique team, Victoire said: “The team is ready. We participated in a football camp in St. Lucia in August to help prepare. We notice that all the DCC host countries have made it to the second round, we don’t plan to break that pattern.

“This is an exciting group for us because we have only played St. Vincent in friendlies so it will be interesting to play them in a full international and Anguilla is new to us as we have never played them before so it should make for an exciting three days.”

Martinique will leave for France on Saturday September 20 to participate in the Overseas French Department Tournament, and to accommodate this, the CFU and Digicel have moved DCC Group E to play before Group D, hosted by St. Kitts, September 24 – 28.

Digicel Caribbean Championships’ Group E starts today at the Louis Achille Stadium in Fort de France, Martinique and ends on Friday, September 19. Group E includes Martinique, St. Vincent and Anguilla.

For match pictures and further information visit www.digicelfootball.com

MARTINIQUE TOAST THEIR 3-0 VICTORY AGAINST ST. VINCENT IN THE GROUP E OPENER OF THE DIGICEL CARIBBEAN CHAMPIONSHIPS

2008-09-16T07:52:00.000-07:00

Martinique played champagne football to leave St. Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG) with a 3-0 hangover as the Digicel Caribbean Championships Group E got uncorked.

Tuesday, September 16; Stade Louis Achille, Fort de France, Martinique: Martinique played champagne football to leave St. Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG) with a 3-0 hangover as the Digicel Caribbean Championships Group E got uncorked.

St. Vincent and the Grenadines had been the surprise package of last year’s DCC tournament, with both they and Martinique advancing to the final stages, but with a retooled squad mostly comprised of teenagers, SVG would find it difficult to reproduce the stellar performances of two years ago against a Martinique side brimming with flair.

Martinique approached the first half as though anything less than a victory would be uncivilized, and immediately settled into their nonchalant passing game, with former Bordeaux standout Steeve Gustan and Mikael Chorsora carving opportunities with each forward move. The Vincentian’s would eventually succumb to the early pressure when, after a breezy run and cross from Patrick Parcin on the left, SVG’s Roy Richards somehow forced the ball into his own net after just 4 minutes.

Having seen a goal within the opening four minutes the majority of the crowd wondered what kind of beating the French department would have in store for the outclassed Vincentian’s. But despite repeated opportunities, with cultured build-up play along the flanks and through the middle, Martinique seemed low on goal scoring stock, as shot after shot was sent wide of the mark, seemingly without their barcodes.

Martinique was so dominant in fact, that it would take ten minutes before SVG were able to put together a meaningful attack. It seemed that the ball belonged to Martinique, and SVG were only allowed to borrow it briefly. One such loan, following a suspect back-pass, saw Reginald Payne latch on and strike directly at former French Ligue 1 goalkeeper Hugues-Des-Etanger.

Another occasion saw the Martinican goalkeeper called into action again. When after neat buildup play through Jolan-Shoy Mcdowall, Amon Bascombe and Emerald George, Des Etanger had to react quickly to deny Bascombe.

But with little or no response from the SVG outfit, who gave Martinique too much respect and time to play, it came as a surprise when the pacy Reginald Payne rode three challenges before taking a tumble at the edge of the 18 yard box. However the resultant free kick was squandered with a dismal shot over the bar.

Martinique’s interpretation of the beautiful game seemed to lose something in translation as far as finishing was concerned in the first half. But with a nation that has produced world class talent in the form of Gael Clichy, Eric Abidal and Nicolas Anelka you knew it was only a matter of time before they toasted to their talents again.

Martinique started the second half with a better vintage, and put the game on ice within moments of the restart, the laissez-faire attitude in attack that typified the first half, was replaced by a killer instinct, as within a minute of the restart a re-focused team doubled their lead, when Jose Goron’s deep cross found Patrick Percin on the prowl at the far post.

Barely a minute later, the Martinicans saw the score beginning to reflect their absolute dominance, when for the second time in the match, St. Vincent and the Grenadines committed footballing suicide. Following a low cross from Chorsora, goalkeeper Winslow McDowall inexplicably attempted to clear with a sliding tackle, but instead took the score to three nil, with an almost comedic own goal.

St. Vincent tried for the consolation of a late goal, but when a deep cross from the left found Reginald Payne at the back-post, his volley pained most who saw it.

Martinique would continue to create chances with their irresistibly slick passing, but would be unable to add to their 3 goal tally.

The Gaelic go getters look set to continue a trend that has seen all previous hosts qualify for the next round, as they romped to a 3-0 victory against St. Vincent and the Grenadines in the opener of Group E of the Digicel Caribbean Championships.

Martinique: 24. Eddy Heurlie, 6. Joan Deluge, 15. Marc-Henry Codasse, 12. Stephane Suedile, 18. Xavier Bullet (19. Gerald Dondon min 84),, 4. Daniel Herelle, 7. Rodrique Audel, 21. Mikael Chorsora (9. Kevin Joseph-Louis min 60),10. Jose Gordon (17. Yannick Ancarno min 72), 20. Steeve Gustan, 5. Patrick Percin.

Subs: (1. Arnzug Huygues-Des-Etages), (8. Arnold Polomat).

St. Vincent: 1. Winslow McDowell, 2. Jolan-Shoy McDonald (9. Richard Hayde min 56), 3. Roy Richards, 4. Chester Morgan, 5. Darren Francis, 6. Troy Jeffers, 7. Amon Bascombe (10. Myron Samuel min 70), 8. Theon Gordon, 12. Teron Miller(13. Dorren Hamlet min 81),16. Reginald Payne, 17. Emerold George,

Subs: (11. Steve Henry), (14. Keith James), (15. Ransel Badnock), (18. Camilli Samuel)

For match pictures and further information visit www.digicelfootball.com

DIGICEL CARIBBEAN CHAMPIONSHIPS’ GROUP E HOSTS, MARTINIQUE ARE ‘PRET A PORTER’

2008-09-16T07:34:00.000-07:00

“We notice all DCC host countries have made it to the second round, we don’t plan to break that pattern” – Maurice Victoire, Manager for Martinique National Team.

Monday, September 15 – Kingston, Jamaica: Group E of the Digicel Caribbean Championships (DCC) will start today in the cosmopolitan French island of Martinique. The group starts with hosts Martinique playing their friendly rival St Vincent at 8pm. The second match of the group takes place on Wednesday, September 17 with St. Vincent playing Anguilla and the group matches end on Friday, September 19 with Martinique playing Anguilla in the first meeting between the two teams.

Manager of the Martinique National Team and Vice President of the League de Football de Martinique, Maurice Victoire, explains how Martinique football benefits from the tournament: “We are very happy to host the Digicel Caribbean Championships. Here in Martinique we do not have a lot of competitive games and being a French department, we are not able to participate in the World Cup qualifiers, so DCC is our World Cup. We are putting all our energy behind this tournament. We would love to have DCC every year.”

Commenting on the readiness of the Martinique team, Victoire said: “The team is ready. We participated in a football camp in St. Lucia in August to help prepare. We notice that all the DCC host countries have made it to the second round, we don’t plan to break that pattern.

“This is an exciting group for us because we have only played St. Vincent in friendlies so it will be interesting to play them in a full international and Anguilla is new to us as we have never played them before so it should make for an exciting three days.”

Martinique will leave for France on Saturday September 20 to participate in the Overseas French Department Tournament, and to accommodate this, the CFU and Digicel have moved DCC Group E to play before Group D, hosted by St. Kitts, September 24 – 28.

Digicel Caribbean Championships’ Group E starts today at the Louis Achille Stadium in Fort de France, Martinique and ends on Friday, September 19. Group E includes Martinique, St. Vincent and Anguilla.

For match pictures and further information visit www.digicelfootball.com

DIGICEL CARIBBEAN CHAMPIONSHIPS’ GROUP E HOSTS, MARTINIQUE ARE ‘PRET A PORTER’

2008-09-15T07:56:00.000-07:00

“We notice all DCC host countries have made it to the second round, we don’t plan to break that pattern” – Maurice Victoire, Manager for Martinique National Team.

Monday, September 15 – Kingston, Jamaica: Group E of the Digicel Caribbean Championships (DCC) will start today in the cosmopolitan French island of Martinique. The group starts with hosts Martinique playing their friendly rival St Vincent at 8pm. The second match of the group takes place on Wednesday, September 17 with St. Vincent playing Anguilla and the group matches end on Friday, September 19 with Martinique playing Anguilla in the first meeting between the two teams.

Manager of the Martinique National Team and Vice President of the League de Football de Martinique, Maurice Victoire, explains how Martinique football benefits from the tournament: “We are very happy to host the Digicel Caribbean Championships. Here in Martinique we do not have a lot of competitive games and being a French department, we are not able to participate in the World Cup qualifiers, so DCC is our World Cup. We are putting all our energy behind this tournament. We would love to have DCC every year.”

Commenting on the readiness of the Martinique team, Victoire said: “The team is ready. We participated in a football camp in St. Lucia in August to help prepare. We notice that all the DCC host countries have made it to the second round, we don’t plan to break that pattern.

“This is an exciting group for us because we have only played St. Vincent in friendlies so it will be interesting to play them in a full international and Anguilla is new to us as we have never played them before so it should make for an exciting three days.”

Martinique will leave for France on Saturday September 20 to participate in the Overseas French Department Tournament, and to accommodate this, the CFU and Digicel have moved DCC Group E to play before Group D, hosted by St. Kitts, September 24 – 28.

Digicel Caribbean Championships’ Group E starts today at the Louis Achille Stadium in Fort de France, Martinique and ends on Friday, September 19. Group E includes Martinique, St. Vincent and Anguilla.

DIGICEL COMMITS US$1 MILLION TOWARDS HURRICANE RELIEF EFFORTS IN HAITI

2008-09-12T08:06:00.000-07:00

Digicel Group CEO, Colm Delves (right) hands over much needed hurricane relief supplies to a Haitian official. Digicel has committed US$ 1 million to support the relief efforts in Haiti following the passing of four major storms in the last month.

September 11, 2008, Kingston, Jamaica – Digicel, the fastest growing mobile company in the Caribbean and new entrant to the Central America market, has committed US$ 1 million to support the relief efforts in Haiti following the passing of four major storms – two of them hurricanes.

In response to the devastation caused to Haiti over the last month, Digicel has actioned a series of relief initiatives to help the Haitian people through the difficult times and to get the country back on its feet.

Colm Delves, Digicel Group CEO, comments: “Since we launched in Haiti in May 2006, the Haitian people have made us their own. As a part of the Haitian community, we’re saddened by the devastation that has been caused to Haiti and its people by the storms and want to do everything we can to help with the relief efforts.”

Digicel’s US$1 million commitment comprises $400,000 of aid support to NGOs, $400,000 of free minutes and other mobile services and a further $200,000 of direct aid distribution across Haiti.

In partnership with the Red Cross, Food for the Poor, Catholic Relief Services, Concern and Agerca, Digicel’s NGO donation of US$ 400,000 will help to get aid to some of the worst affected areas of Haiti - which in some cases, like Nippes, have not received any support to date. These supplies will take the form of (amongst other things) food containers and toiletries, kitchen, hygiene and medical kits and supplies and air transport for two water treatment plants.

In addition to putting US$200,000 towards the direct supply and distribution of aid to storm victims, Digicel is donating US$400,000 in the form of free minutes which will be given to customers in the worst affected areas of Artibonite (Gonaives) and Nippes - as well as the South, South East and West of Haiti.

Given the scale of the impact on Haiti, ongoing initiatives are key. As well as Digicel employees participating in a blood donation scheme with the Red Cross and the extension of this effort to Digicel subscribers, Digicel is taking part in a telethon and radiothon on the 14th of September. Customers will be able to donate to the relief fund by text and the Diaspora will be able to use the Digicel TopUp service to make airtime minute transfers by text. Digicel’s Diaspora partners have agreed to waive their commission fees to ensure that every penny of the donations makes a difference to the people that most need it. Digicel employees from the islands of Martinique and Guadeloupe have run two donation days resulting in four (4) containers of clothing, and food supplies already arriving in Haiti.

“Our responsibility to the people of Haiti goes way beyond ensuring that they can stay connected to their friends and family – something that we did very successfully during the storms. As well as our tireless efforts to ensure that people have access to the communications services they rely on – we’re committed to helping people to get back on their feet and to rebuilding the island,” said Colm Delves.

DIGICEL PROPOSES COMPROMISE SOLUTION TO STANFORD 20/20 IMPASSE

2008-09-12T06:53:00.000-07:00

September 11, 2008 - Kingston, Jamaica - Digicel, proud sponsor of West Indies cricket since 2004, has proposed what it believes to be a workable and reasonable compromise solution which is designed to resolve, in full, the present impasse and uncertainty that exists surrounding the proposed Stanford 20/20 event scheduled for 1 November in Antigua.

Digicel has already secured various Orders against the WICB from the English High Court in relation to the proposed Stanford 20/20 event. These Orders shall remain in place until the ongoing Arbitration process between Digicel and the WICB is fully determined. A decision in the Arbitration process is expected shortly after a hearing scheduled for early October.

Digicel’s compromise solution will involve the waiver of a considerable number of legal and commercial rights owned by Digicel by virtue of its sole and exclusive Sponsorship Agreement with the WICB. Digicel has proposed the following solution:

That the team that plays England on 1 November will wear the official West Indies jerseys complete with standard Digicel ODI branding;

That no other telecommunications company will be involved as a sponsor in respect of the proposed events;

That Digicel’s legal costs in respect of the dispute and legal proceedings to date are discharged by the WICB.

This compromise solution will involve Digicel foregoing a large number of valuable legal rights and entitlements including broadcast rights, exclusively branded pitch mats, sight screens, perimeter boards, promotional opportunities, advertising, content rights and various other avenues for commercial use that it currently owns by virtue of its sole and exclusive Sponsorship Agreement with the WICB. Digicel is prepared to make these very considerable concessions in the interests of achieving an end to what has become a serious and controversial legal dispute.

Digicel has always supported the proposed Stanford 20/20 initiative and has, at all times, sought to proactively engage with the parties concerned with a view towards resolving the present dispute on an amicable and responsible basis.

Digicel’s compromise proposal is being pursued with the best interests of cricket in the West Indies firmly at heart. Whilst Digicel remains firmly of the view that the position that it has been forced to take has been completely merited and justified (both commercially and legally), it recognises that the drawing out of the process is not in the best interests of cricket in the West Indies - nor is it in the best interests of the Caribbean region as a whole. As such, Digicel would call upon both the WICB and Stanford to engage constructively on this matter and to put cricket in the West Indies first. Digicel’s compromise solution is a very credible alternative and provides something for every party concerned.

Digicel has formally notified both the WICB and Stanford of its compromise proposal and is presently awaiting a response within the time period stipulated in its correspondence. Digicel is hopeful that its compromise proposal will be received in the spirit of co-operation and mutual respect in which it was intended and looks forward to a speedy and amicable resolution of all matters presently at issue.

2008-09-09T10:37:00.000-07:00

(l-r) Digicel Head of Facilities and Emergency Management, Donovan Betancourt and Digicel Jamaica CEO Mark Linehan hand over relief supplies including blankets, tarpaulins, toiletries, food and clothing to Ronald Jackson, Director General of the Office of Disaster Preparedness (ODPEM). The supplies, which will be distributed to shelters, as well as those persons who have been most severely affected by Tropical Storm Gustav, were presented at the ODPEM head office on Saturday, August 30.

DIGICEL CUSTOMERS STILL TALKING

2008-09-05T12:12:00.000-07:00

Kingston, Jamaica – August 29, 2008: 98% of Digicel customers able to communicate during Tropical Storm GustavDespite the onslaught of Tropical Storm Gustav, the majority of the Digicel network is up and delivering normal service; and has been so throughout the storm. Digicel has more sites in service than any other network provider in Jamaica.Mark Linehan, CEO of Digicel, said, "Preparation is key this hurricane season. Since June, Digicel has been doing extensive planning to ensure that points of contention in past hurricanes did not repeat themselves. Keeping our customers connected is of paramount importance." Although there are downed power lines in sections of the island, Digicel installed generators at all of its 1000 plus cell sites and fuel emergency reserves continue to keep all these sites running at their maximum capacity. "We are however aware of isolated areas where customers may be experiencing intermittent service issues. These are due to poor visibility between cell sites, but this will improve as weather conditions improve."Digicel Customer Care and Technical Teams have been working round the clock to ensure that customers get the help and information they need, and stay connected. And a special toll free number is on hand for customers to notify Digicel of any network quality issues they are having. This number is 877 SITE (7483)."We'd like to assure our customers that keeping them connected to friends and family is our number one priority, in and out of the hurricane season."

Statement by Mark Linehan - DIGICEL NETWORK WEATHERING GUSTAV WELL

2008-09-05T12:09:00.001-07:00

Kingston, Jamaica – August 28, 2008: “Despite torrential rains and worsening weather conditions island-wide, almost all of Digicel customers have had uninterrupted service throughout the passing of Gustav. Although there are downed power lines in sections of the island, Digicel installed generators and fuel emergency reserves at our cell sites continue to keep all our sites running at their maximum capacity. I must send a big thank you to Digicel staff who continue to show unwavering commitment to providing bigger better service. Our Customer Care Team remains accessible; toll free; right throughout the night and our technical team is ready and waiting in the field island-wide, prepared to carry out any repairs necessary. We are aware that isolated areas in St. Thomas, Portland and rural St. Andrew are experiencing intermittent service interruptions. These are due to the poor visibility, one cell site to another, and a return to normalcy is guaranteed as weather conditions improve. Digicel urges all Jamaicans to stay tuned to the media for the latest on Gustav; and remind them that they can get regular storm alerts by texting the word STORM to 444-INFO(4636). With the sincere wish that all are safe, we assure all our customers that the Digicel Team is working around the clock to keep them connected.

Digicel – Ready for Gustav

2008-09-05T12:04:00.000-07:00

Kingston, Jamaica – August 28, 2008: With Hurricane Gustav on its way, Digicel has activated its comprehensive Hurricane Preparedness Plan to protect the interests of its customers, staff, dealers and distributors.

“We know how crucial our service is to our customers at this time and want to assure everyone that we are doing everything in our power to ensure our customers have continued service” commented Digicel CEO, Mark Linehan.

He continued, “Our 1.9 million customers are depending on us to keep them connected with friends and family; at Digicel we take this responsibility very seriously.”

Digicel has mobilized a Crisis Management Team to ensure uninterrupted service for customers. Digicel’s 24 hour customer care service will continue to be available to our customers throughout the passing of Gustav.

Back-up generators are in place at all of Digicel’s 1000 plus cell cites island-wide - as is an arrangement with three petroleum retailers that have committed to meeting any extra fuel requirements. In addition, Digicel’s partnership earlier in the season with the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management to stage island-wide hurricane seminars was successful in arming Jamaicans with the tools and information to mitigate the effects of disaster during the period.

This hurricane season, Digicel has made it even easier for customers to stay up to date with Digi-Info. Customers are able to receive regular storm alerts by texting RSTORM to 444-INFO (4636) to get the latest update on systems expected to affect the island.

Linehan added, “The Digicel team is ready to make sure that you stay connected during this period. We urge all Jamaicans to take the necessary precautions to ensure the protection and safety of themselves and their families.”

BOLT’S HEROICS INSPIRE ELE’S “NUH LINGA” REMIX

2008-08-22T12:31:00.000-07:00

Kingston, August 21, 2008: High-riding dancehall DJ Elephant Man, has released a special re-mix of his hot track “Nuh Linga”, inspired by the dance of the same name (originated by the Ravers Clavers Crew). The remix is in honour of the world-beating feats of Olympic sprint double champion Usain Bolt and his cohorts on the Jamaican team at the 2008 Olympics in Beijing, China.

The tune, already a staple of sound systems and other disc jocks, got global exposure following Bolt’s record-breaking run to gold in the 100m event, during which the sprinter showed his version of the popular dance as the song reverberated around the stands. Patria-Kaye Aarons, Public Relations Manager at Digicel, which has sponsored Bolt since 2004, saw a ‘golden’ opportunity. “We immediately contacted Ele after that victory dance and suggested the remix, and he took to the idea right away and followed through, “she said.

“Digicel sponsors Usain, and they called me and it was very mucho!” explained Ele “Yuh dun know… artists don’t usually change their songs…but wi endorse Usain to the fullest… him endorse the song and wi endorse him and it was a pleasure to do the remix.”

Bolt did his version of another popular dance hyped by Elephant Man, “De Gully Creepa” after he won the 200m gold in similarly stunning fashion, stopping the clock at 19.30 and smashing American Michael Johnson’s 12-year old record of 19.32

Of all the contemporary dancehall stars, Elephant Man, known alternatively as ‘The Energy God’ or ‘Ele’ has, over the years demonstrated a singular knack for crafting insanely catchy songs based on popular dance moves. Among the many hits in this category are “Log On” “Wacky Dip” “Pon Di River” “Signal Di Plane” and “Out an’ Bad”. Moreover, these dance/song titles have crossed over into the popular lexicon, becoming choice phrases in their own right.

2008-08-21T12:48:00.000-07:00

Maurice Bryan, Digicel’s Sponsorship and Promotions Manager, Distribution Manager Gracia Whyte, and Recharge Intern Zolia Harrison, can hardly contain their excitement over Usain Bolt’s record breaking, Gold Medal winning, 200 metre run in Wednesday morning’s Olympic finals. The race was broadcast live from Half Way Tree, where a new Digi Centre was opening that morning, Wednesday August 20.

JUTC DRIVER FINDS ROAD TO RICHES

2008-08-21T12:37:00.000-07:00

Jamaica Urban Transit Company (JUTC) bus driver, Michael Roberts celebrates Usain Bolt’s 2nd Olympic gold medal, as well as his own receipt of a $1 million cheque from Digicel’s Head of Consumer Sales, Patrick King. Roberts is the 5th winner of Digicel’s Gold Rush Summer Promotion, and received his winnings at the newly opened Digi Centre in the Half Way Tree Transportation Centre. Roberts, along with many other Jamaicans, watched Bolt’s record breaking 200 metres run live outside the Digi Centre in Half Way Tree on Wednesday morning, August 20.

Kingston, August 20, 2008: Father of three, 46 year old Jamaica Urban Transit Company (JUTC) driver Michael Roberts, is $1 million richer today after winning first prize in Digicel‘s Gold Rush Summer Promotion.

Mr. Roberts, the 5th winner of Digicel’s Gold Rush Summer Promotion received his million dollar cheque at the newly opened Digi Centre in the Half-Way Tree Transportation Centre, amidst celebration over Usain Bolt’s magnificent 200 metre Olympic run on Wednesday, August 20.

Roberts, an employee of JUTC for over 7 years purchased call credit to top up his Digicel phone at a Duhaney Park ATM on Monday morning, August 18, and was overjoyed to find out moments later that he was a winner. “I’m really happy about this” he explained. “I have plans to repay some loans, and prepare my three children for back to school.”

His eldest child will be headed to university shortly, while one returns to high school and the other enters kindergarten. “I’ve been a Digicel customer for years” he went on to state, “almost since the beginning, and I’m very, very happy about this.”

Digicel pre-paid customers who add at least $ 200 dollars credit and post paid customers who settle their bills in full and on time have the chance to win a Gold prize of a million dollars each week until September 9. Silver prizes include 32-inch Samsung televisions, Samsung telephones or call credit valued at $ 5,000 or $ 10,000. Bronze prizes of six-inch black and white Digicel televisions, radio backpacks, Olympics –branded T-Shirts and call credit of up to $ 1,000 will also be given away each week.

OLYMPIC PARTY IN HALF WAY TREE

2008-08-21T12:36:00.000-07:00

Kingston, August 19, 2008: Half Way Tree will erupt in Olympic frenzy tomorrow morning, Wednesday, August 20 as Digicel will host a party to celebrate the Olympic success of 100 metre Gold Medallists Usain Bolt and Shelly-Ann Fraiser, and other members of the Jamaican Olympic team.

The day will also mark the opening of a new Digi Centre in the Half Way Tree Transportation Centre, where televisions will be set up to allow the viewing of the men’s 200 metre Olympic finals scheduled to take place in the morning. Patrons will be treated to refreshments along with live entertainment provided by popular reggae artist Busy Signal and presenter Jenny Jenny.
The morning promises to be full of excitement as Bolt is favoured to win the 200 metre final and sponsors Digicel will be on spot to celebrate the magnificent achievements of one of Jamaica’s most talented athletes.

WELLESLEY BOLT GOES TO CHINA FOR USAIN’S BIRTHDAY!

2008-08-21T09:49:00.000-07:00

Sponsorship and Promotions Manager Maurice Bryan, Usain’s father, Wellesley Bolt and Public Relations Manger Patria-Kaye Aarons at Norman Manley International Airport.

Kingston, Jamaica – Tuesday, August 19 2008: “I’m feeling great”, said Wellesley Bolt, father of Usain Bolt, speaking from his cell-phone on the drive from Trelawny to Kingston this morning. He stated that he was looking forward to being reunited with his wife and son. “I am going to celebrate Usain’s victory with him” said Wellesley, “and it will be even more special to be with him on his birthday”.

Telecommunications giant, Digicel, called Wellesley Bolt on Monday evening, August 18, to make the special offer to fly him to Beijing, China where Usain will be celebrating his 22nd birthday on Thursday, August 21, after completing his 200 M run the day before. The senior Bolt was still surprised at the suddenness of the trip but confirmed that he is elated and is taking his yellow and green Jamaica shirts!

“We’re very excited for Mr. Bolt”, says Digicel’s Public Relations Manager, Patria-Kaye Aarons, “We know he’s eager to see his son, and excited about celebrating his birthday with him.”

Jamaica’s Olympic athletes have been producing spectacular performances in the Beijing Olympics, taking Gold in both the Women and Men 100m sprint and collecting double Silver medals in the Women 100m.

DIGICEL CELEBRATES OLYMPIC HEROES SUCCESS WITH UNPRECEDENTED $200 MILLION FREE CREDIT GIVEAWAY

2008-08-20T12:12:00.000-07:00

Even Digicel employees enjoy the $100 free credit from Digicel in celebration of Bolt’s lightening run.

Every customer to get $100 free credit courtesy of Digicel

Kingston, Jamaica – August 18, 2008: In celebration of Usain Bolt’s historic Olympic 100 M gold medal and new World Record – and the 100M ladies medals haul - Digicel Jamaica is giving away a massive $200 million of FREE credit to its customers.

This is the largest free giveaway of its kind ever to happen in Jamaica. Digicel is marking a historic sporting event with a historic promotional event and helping its customers to spread the word of Jamaica’s great achievements.

Monday 18th August will see each and every Digicel customer receiving $100 free credit. This gift can be used for any call and will ensure that all Jamaicans can contact their friends and families across the globe to celebrate the success of our Jamaican Olympians.

This weekend has been a proud one for Jamaica as the entire country watched Usain achieve a new World Record of 9.69 seconds in the 100 metres closely followed by Shelly-Ann Fraser, Sherone Simpson and Kerron Stewart taking gold and two silvers in the women's 100 metres.

As a committed sponsor and supporter of the Olympic team since 2004; and of Usain Bolt since 2005, Digicel recently extended its sponsorships of both the Olympic team and Usain Bolt up until 2011.

Expressing his delight at Bolt’s accomplishment, Digicel Jamaica CEO, Mark Linehan, said, “Digicel wants all of our customers to share in the success and celebration of the astounding achievements of Jamaica's 100 metres heroes so we are rewarding each and every one of our customers with $100 free credit. This is the biggest free giveaway of its kind ever in Jamaica.”

“We’d like to say a massive congratulations to the fastest man and the fastest women in the world. Digicel has believed in and supported these athletes for the last four years and now we want all our customers to share in their awesome success. We’d also like to extend our best wishes to all of the talented athletes representing Jamaica in the Beijing Olympics.”

Wayne Miller, Head of Marketing for Digicel Jamaica, commented, “This is a landmark moment in Jamaica’s sporting history. We’re extremely proud of the amazing things our Jamaican athletes have achieved and want to help our customers to spread the good word and share the excitement with their friends and family. This gift should help them to do just that.”

DIGICEL FORGES GROUNDBREAKING PARTNERSHIP WITH UNIVERSITIES

2008-08-13T10:10:00.000-07:00

Education Minister, Andrew Holness (right) in discussion with Digicel Jamaica CEO Mark Linehan.

Kingston, August 12, 2008: A meaningful step is being made to bridge the divide between business and academia as Digicel forges partnerships with local and regional Universities.
A Memorandum of Understanding has been signed between Digicel and the University of the West Indies, University College of the Caribbean, University of Technology, and Northern Caribbean University, which will allow university students to formally complement their education with real world working experience.
The Universities along with Digicel will identify the strongest candidates in several areas of study. Head of Human Resources at Digicel Jamaica Limited, Cynthia Reid, points out that it will immerse students in the practical world of work through paid summer internships at Digicel, and a mentorship programme which will twin them with some of Digicel’s brightest minds. Scholarships and exposure to practical guest lectures are other components of the programme.
Digital technology, Physics, Marketing, Finance and Accounting are some of the areas which the project will concentrate on and it will result in full time employment for some of the chosen candidates. The Programme, which begins in the upcoming semester, will be open to students in at least the second year of their tertiary study.
It is also designed to ensure that based on an assessment of their performance in the working world, students will get credits which will ensure that their practical experience is a part of their final grade.
Speaking at the press launch today Head of Human Resources at Digicel Jamaica Limited, Cynthia Reid noted: “We are excited because of what it will mean for us as an organization, because of how it can help in the transformation of places of study into incubators for a new generation of entrants into the Caribbean workforce and … because of what it will mean to the individual graduates who will leave the institutions of learning … with a firmer grasp on the reality of the world of work.”
Corporate Jamaica has often raised concerns about the practical applicability of the courses of study of many graduates of university programmes. Graduates also often note that they have difficulty finding suitable work and convincing employers that they are properly equipped to fit in to professional contexts. The new Digicel partnership is aimed at correcting this situation.

MAN GETS $1 MILLION IN DIGICEL “GOLD RUSH” ON 08.08.08

2008-08-13T10:05:00.000-07:00

Conrad Matthews celebrates the fact that he is $1 million richer, thanks to the Digicel Gold Rush Summer Promotion. Matthews was presented with his cheque on the opening day of the Olympics, Friday, August 8 (08.08.08), which the Chinese say is the luckiest day of the year.

Kingston, August 12, 2008: The Chinese lucky day, August 8, 2008, proved to be lucky for Jamaican Conrad Masters, a self employed clothing salesman, who received a cheque for $1 million from Digicel last Friday. Masters, the fourth winner of $1 million in Digicel’s Gold Rush Promotion and the first man to win the coveted prize, was on his way home on Thursday evening, when he stopped to buy food at the Stony Hill Petcom gas station. While there, he decided to top up his cell phone and was overjoyed to find out minutes later that he had just won $1 million.

The clothing salesman has big plans for the money. “I’m going to invest it,” he says excitedly. “I’ve been in the sales business for many years, and I’ll be putting it towards something that will turn over, and improve my business.” Digicel Public Relations Manager, Patria-Kaye Aarons expressed her delight at Masters’ win. “We’re happy for Conrad, he’s the first man to win since the competition started and he tells us he has big plans for his business.” She went on to say “Digicel has always been supportive of small businesses, we’ve watched many businesses grow along with us over the years and I’m sure this one will be another success story.”

The Gold Rush summer promotion lasts for eight weeks, and will end on September 9. Both Digicel pre-paid customers who add at least $ 200 dollars credit and post-paid customers who settle their bills in full and on time, are eligible to win a range of prizes each week throughout the promotion.

In addition to the Gold prize of one million dollars, there is a Silver prize of 32-inch Samsung televisions, Samsung telephones or call credit valued at $ 5,000 or $ 10,000. Persons who receive Bronze are entitled to the following prizes: six-inch black and white Digicel televisions, radio backpacks, Olympics –branded T-Shirts and call credit of up to $ 1,000.

2008-08-06T11:45:00.000-07:00

(L-R) Patria Kaye Aarons, Digicel’s Public Relations Manager, and Maurice Bryan, Digicel’s Sponsorship and Promotions Manager pose with Prime Minister Bruce Golding and Governor General, Professor Sir Kenneth Hall at the recently held Independence Grand Gala. This year marks the second of a three year sponsorship of the festival by Digicel to the tune of $30 million.

2008-08-01T11:40:00.000-07:00

Agriculture Minister, Dr Christopher Tufton is in Olympic mode as he tests out the Gold Rush exercise bike in the Digicel booth at the Denbigh Agricultural Show on Friday, August 1. Patria-Kaye Aarons, Digicel Public Relations Manager (left) and an excited crowd look on.

2008-08-01T11:03:00.000-07:00

Prime Minster Bruce Golding (left) is greeted by Sponsorship and Promotions Manger, Maurice Bryan, as Jamaica Agricultural Society President, Senator Norman Grant looks on.

THIRD GOLD RUSH WINNER SCORES ON THIRD CHANCE - A Golden Moment During a Difficult Time

2008-07-31T09:58:00.000-07:00

Delroy Anderson, Digicel Recharge Executive and Patria-Kaye Aarons Public Relations Manager present Parleen Green with a cheque for $1 million. Parleen is the third $1 million winner in Digicel’s Gold Rush Summer Promotion. The presentation took place on Thursday, July 31 at the Digicel Store at Norman Manley International Airport in Kingston.

Kingston, Jamaica – July 31, 2008: She needed to talk to her sister the night before, but was out of credit. On her mind was her cousin who lost her baby in a tragic car accident on Waterloo Avenue on Tuesday, July 29. As soon as she got to work the next day, Parleen Green bought $200 credit from her co-worker at the Diamond Paint Store in Portmore. It was Parleen’s third purchase of credit since the Digicel Gold Rush promotion began in mid July.

They say the third time is a charm and the 51 year old Production Supervisor could not believe her luck when she got the news on Wednesday, July 30 that she was the third winner of one million dollars.

Widowed for 19 years, Mrs Green is the mother of two young adults, one studying to be a Dental Hygienist, the other, heading to the University of Technology.

Mrs. Green says life has not been easy but she trusts in God. She already has her sights set on creating more space for her family at her home in Greater Portmore. She says she wants to build bedrooms upstairs “I really hope it can stretch to do two rooms”
The million dollar cheque was handed over today at the Digicel store at Norman Manley International Airport.
Digicel’s Public Relations Manager Patria Kaye Aarons noted “These stories are so heart-warming and it is particularly satisfying that our biggest winners seem to have the greatest need and can therefore appreciate their fortune the most. This is really rewarding”.

Miss Green’s windfall leaves five one million-dollar prizes remaining for the five weeks left in the Gold Rush promotion.

In addition to the Gold prize, there are Silver and Bronze categories of prizes which see customers winning 32 inch Samsung LCD televisions, Samsung telephones, thousands of dollars in telephone credit, radio backpacks, portable televisions, Olympic Games branded T-shirts and other paraphernalia.

Customers are simply required to buy $ 200 of credit or pay their post-paid bills on time. The winners are randomly selected and immediately informed via text message. They receive a phone call and must be able to state the Digicel tagline.

2008-07-30T10:48:00.000-07:00

Digicel’s Marketing and Communications Manager Marlon Davis and Public Relations Manger Patria-Kaye Aarons, with Reggae artist Etana at Reggae Sumfest.

2008-07-30T10:45:00.000-07:00

Maurice Bryan, Digicel’s Sponsorship and Promotions Manager gets a hug from Reggae Artist Queen Ifrica, at Reggae Sumfest.

2008-07-29T14:24:00.000-07:00

Taneisha Slyfield receives a cheque for $1 million from Digicel Recharge Executive Delroy Anderson. The presentation was made on Saturday, July 26 in her hometown of Savannah-la-Mar, Westmoreland. Slyfield is the second $1 million winner in Digicel’s Gold Rush Summer Promotion.

GAS STATION ATTENDANT IS FIRST MILLION-DOLLAR WINNER IN DIGICEL “GOLD RUSH”

2008-07-29T14:13:00.000-07:00

Million dollar plans: Gas station attendant, Ann-Marie Taylor, relates her plans to buy land as she receives her giant cheque for $1 million from Recharge Manager Trevor Wright and Public Relations Manger Patria-Kaye Aarons. The mother of four says she had prayed, “that her cycle of poverty would be broken." The presentation took place at the Speektalk Digicel dealership in Linstead and is the first of eight million-dollar prizes being offered in the Digicel Gold Rush.

Kingston, July 19, 2008: When gas station attendant Ann-Marie Taylor went to the annual “Prayer Mountain” held in Portmore in February, she said her one prayer was that her cycle of poverty would be broken.

It was broken this Saturday morning when she received her one million dollar prize in Linstead making her the first big winner in the Digicel Gold Rush, which launched only three days ago.

“From morning I have been giving God thanks, people should pray more and God will open doors,“ she said happily.

Miss Taylor, who has been a Digicel customer from the company launched in Jamaica, says she has been “eye-shopping” for land and feels strongly that every woman should have the independence of having her own home. With today’s windfall, her dream can become reality.

Ms. Taylor went to Speed Talk, the Digicel dealership in Linstead, St Catherine to buy credit Friday morning, and 20 minutes later she received a call informing her that she had won one million dollars.

The 36 year–old mother of four girls says she wanted to help out her cousin with phone credit as she was getting married the next day, Saturday, July 19, so she left the gas station and went just next door to Speed Talk to top up.

At first when she received the call advising her of her prize, Miss Taylor said she didn’t believe it and she was afraid to be happy. However, when she eventually accepted that it was not a hoax she felt her prayers were answered.

Digicel’s Public Relations Manager Patria-Kaye Aarons noted: “ We are so delighted that Miss Taylor is our first big winner because it has so clearly brought her such joy and hope and will make a meaningful difference in the quality of her life and her daughters’ lives. She is very focused on her future and in making good choices about how to use these unexpected funds. We couldn’t have asked for a better start for this promotion.”

The eight-week Gold Rush summer promotion which ends on September 9 allows Digicel pre-paid customers who add at least $ 200 dollars credit and post paid customers who settle their bills in full and on time, to win a range of prizes each week in three categories.

In addition to the ultimate million-dollar “Gold Rush” prize there are Silver and Bronze categories in which several other prizes can be won each week.

In the Silver category customers can win 32-inch Samsung televisions, Samsung telephones or call credit valued at $ 5,000 or $ 10,000.

In the Bronze category, six-inch black and white Digicel televisions, radio backpacks, Olympics –branded T-Shirts and call credit of up to $ 1,000 will be given away each week.

MOBAY GEARING UP IN HURRICANE SEASON

2008-07-29T13:42:00.000-07:00

A visitor to the Digicel/ODPEM Hurricane Preparedness Expo in Montego Bay receives a free Digicel Survival Kit and hurricane preparedness tips from Digicel’s Janine Effs. Digicel and the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management partnered with the National Water Resource Authority to prepare residents of the second city for the 2008 hurricane season.

Kingston, Jamaica – July 21, 2008: Despite the rain, Montego Bay residents came out on Saturday, July 19 to participate in the Digicel/ ODPEM Hurricane Preparedness Expo at the Old Hospital Grounds. Digicel and the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management partnered with the National Water Resource Authority to prepare residents of the second city for the 2008 hurricane season.

“Hurricane preparedness is essential,” says Digicel Project Manger, Paula Pinnock-MacLeod. “Digicel has always participated in relief efforts, and this year we are taking preparation very seriously.” Visitors to the expo received hurricane preparedness tips, booklets and a Digicel Hurricane Survival Kit, which contains a flashlight, raincoat, cell phone charger, and first aid items, among other essentials.

DJ Fames was on hand to keep the crowd entertained, and Rising Stars Romain Virgo and Inga Stewart thrilled them with hit songs.

The workshop was one in a series of workshops, targeted at Montego Bay and other disaster prone areas. “Last weekend we held a very successful expo in Old Harbour Bay” commented Paula Pinnock “and next Saturday we’ll be taking it to Morant Bay Primary School in St. Thomas.”

Digicel’s post-hurricane relief efforts include a $200-million donation in 2004 towards national reconstruction after Hurricane Ivan, and a $20 million donation to the Ministry of Education for post-hurricane Dean school repairs last year. In 2006, the Digicel Foundation provided funding for the upgrading of equipment at the Meteorological Services.

The next workshop will be held at the Morant Bay Primary School, in St. Thomas.

DIGICEL AND ODPEM PREPARE DISASTER PRONE AREAS

2008-07-17T12:59:00.000-07:00

Kingston, Jamaica – July 17, 2008: Digicel and the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management have joined forces along with the National Water Resource Authority to promote disaster preparedness during the 2008 hurricane season. A series of workshops is currently being carried out by the agencies in Old Harbour Bay, Montego Bay and Morant Bay, some of the areas that are hardest hit during hurricane season. “These workshops are led by experts in the field, and give residents islandwide an opportunity to interact with authorities on disaster preparedness,” explained Digicel Project Manager, Paula Pinnock-MacLeod.

On Saturday, July 12, residents of Old Harbour Bay turned out in their numbers to the Expo held at Old Harbour Bay Primary School, where they received hurricane preparedness tips, booklets and a Digicel Hurricane Survival Kit which contains a flashlight, raincoat, cell phone charger, and first aid items, among other essentials.

Master of Ceremonies for the expos, RJR presenter ‘Flames’, kept the crowd entertained, even as the ODPEM and Water Resource Authority kept them informed. “Digicel has always been committed to providing relief to hurricane damaged areas,” says Paula Pinnock-MacLeod. “This season we are here to stress the importance of hurricane preparedness, in an effort to reduce the loss of life and other valuables.”

The next workshop will be held from 10:00 am –3:00 pm at the Montego Bay Old Hospital Grounds on Saturday, July 19 and will be followed by another in Morant Bay, St. Thomas at the Morant Bay Primary School on Saturday, July 26.

These workshops come on the heels of a Disaster Preparedness Seminar held by Digicel and ODPEM last month in Kingston, at which State Minister for Local Government Robert Montague implored communities to take the necessary precautions against flooding such as proper disposal of waste.

Digicel’s post-hurricane relief efforts include a $200-million donation in 2004 towards national reconstruction after Hurricane Ivan, and a $20 million donation to the Ministry of Education for post-hurricane Dean school repairs last year. In 2006, the Digicel Foundation provided funding for the upgrading of equipment at the Meteorological Services.

THE DIGICEL GOLD RUSH IS ON

2008-07-17T09:59:00.001-07:00

Digicel Gold Rush Prizes

Kingston, Jamaica – Wednesday, July 16, 2008: A frenzied eight-week rush for Gold began today Wednesday, July 16 as Digicel’s Summer Promotion Gold Rush got off to an explosive start at 6:30 am at the National Stadium East Field. The launch took the form of a mini track meet, which simulated some of the excitement and energy of the Olympics. Media personalities, sporting personalities, entertainers and other celebrities were on hand to participate in a series of races, on behalf of several children’s homes, as the excited children, who were present in the stands, cheered their runners on.

Celebrity runners included, former sprinter Grace Jackson, Entertainer I-Octane, Under 20 National Footballers Andre Darby and Alonzo Adlan, and Sunshine Girls Sabrina Spence, Malysha Kelly and Christina Salmon.

Patria-Kaye Aarons, Digicel’s Public Relations Manager commented on the launch, “With the Olympics around the corner and with Digicel a sponsor of some of Jamaica’s finest athletes, including the National Olympic team, it seemed natural that the Gold Rush launch should take this form.”

Digicel Gold Rush gives its prepaid customers and post-paid clients who settle their bills in full, on time, the weekly chance to win the ultimate Gold prize of one million dollars in cash. Silver prizes of 32 –inch Samsung televisions, Samsung cell phones and call credit valued at $5,000 or $10,000 are among the great prizes to be won. In the Bronze category, Digicel customers stand to win up to one thousand dollars worth of credit or six-inch Digicel colour televisions, black and white TV’s, backpack radios or T-Shirts.

All the prizes will be randomly chosen and customers will receive a text message advising them of whether and what they have won. Digicel has also announced a special for Sumfest where similar prizes will be given away on each of the three nights of the festival.

“Digicel is all about doing things Bigger and Better,” says Patria-Kaye Aarons, and our 2008 Summer Promotion is the perfect opportunity for us to blend together customer satisfaction, sports and charity –three of the major things, which we at Digicel care about. Customers are also advised to disregard any prank call requiring them to pay money to redeem prizes”, she explained, “as this is not a requirement of the promotion.”

First place winners in today’s races took home $25,000 for the children’s homes of their choice in addition to 32” flat sceen Samsung TV, while second and third place brought home $15,000 and $10,000 respectively. Glenhope Place of Safety, Westhaven Child Care Facility and Muirton Child Care Facility were among the big winners, while Copse Place of Safety, Summerfield Child Care Facility and Windsor Child Care Facility took home second place prizes. Mustard Seed Community, Pringle Child Care Facility and Blossom Gardens Child Care Facility also took home prizes of $10,000 each.

VIP SUMFEST FOR DIGICEL WINNERS

2008-07-17T09:45:00.000-07:00

Kingston, Jamaica – Monday, July 14, 2008: Mobile operator Digicel is offering several lucky patrons the chance to experience Reggae Sumfest 2008, VIP style and free of cost. As platinum sponsors of the event, Digicel is making things bigger and better for its customers; and allowing them to partake in “My Music. My Digicel”. For two nights, from July 18-19, winners will receive free access passes to the concert and to Digicel’s exclusive booth.

“Digicel is very excited about its association with the festival this year, and is committed to giving its customers the best Sumfest experience” says Public Relations Manager, Patria-Kaye Aarons. “We think of all of our customers as VIPS and this is just one of our many ways of showing it.”

Celebrating its 16th anniversary this year, Reggae Sumfest is set to take place in Montego Bay, Jamaica from July 13 – 19. The show will feature a host of popular artists. Bounty Killer, Busy Signal, Buju Banton, Richie Spice, Etana, Queen Ifrica and Beenie Man have been confirmed to headline this year’s festival. International acts Akon, Keisha Cole and Chris Brown are also among the all-star lineup.

Other prizes will be available, as Digicel has partnered with handset manufacturer Motorola for the sponsorship. Motorola, which recently offered a plethora of stylish mobile phones for the fashion forward, will also have handsets on sale at the venue.

DIGICEL STATEMENT RE PROPOSED STANFORD 20/20

2008-07-10T11:45:00.001-07:00

TUESDAY, 8 JULY – KINGSTON, JAMAICA: Digicel, proud sponsor of West Indies Cricket, welcomes the Stanford 20/20 initiative scheduled to take place in Antigua in November between the West Indies and England. Digicel applauds the various initiatives developed in 20/20 and recognizes the great potential that this format provides to the development of the game in the Caribbean.

Digicel’s comprehensive Sponsorship Agreement with the West Indies Cricket Board (“WICB”) affords Digicel a wide range of sole and exclusive rights as principal sponsor of West Indies cricket. The Agreement also provides opportunities for other commercial bodies to become actively and financially involved in the development of cricket in the Caribbean. Such provisions were expressly sought by Digicel in the negotiation of the Sponsorship Agreement with the WICB. However, the involvement of such third parties must be in accordance with the terms of the Sponsorship Agreement and must respect the clear and unequivocal rights granted to Digicel by the WICB in exchange for Digicel’s guaranteed minimum US$20 million investment over the five year period of the Sponsorship Agreement. Digicel will also invest close to that amount again in operational and support costs for the Sponsorship Agreement with the WICB as Digicel looks to substantially progress the development of the sport of cricket throughout the West Indies.

Regrettably, the WICB has recently entered into a separate agreement with a third party which wholly compromises the exclusive rights granted to Digicel as principal sponsor of West Indies cricket. Digicel has been involved in intensive negotiations and communications with the WICB in an effort to resolve this situation. Unfortunately Digicel’s considerable efforts in this regard have not resolved this situation.

As such, Digicel has been left with no option but to refer the matter to a formal dispute resolution process as provided for in the Sponsorship Agreement with the WICB. Digicel has taken this step in order to protect the valuable rights which are enshrined in the Sponsorship Agreement entered into with the WICB.

Digicel remains hopeful that this matter can be resolved quickly and amicably and that we can all look forward to a successful and exciting 20/20 event in November.

Digicel remains firmly and enthusiastically committed to the further development of cricket throughout the Caribbean and will continue its support for the sport throughout the West Indies. This continuing commitment has been evident over the past number of months with such exciting initiatives as the Digicel cricket coaching clinics, the Digicel Scholarship programme, the Digicel Scotiabank Cricket Experience and Digicel’s Extra Cover TV show. Digicel’s support for the West Indies team is also evident in its various innovative measures including the funding of a bowling coach, a team psychologist and a top level fitness coach for the West Indies team.

RIVER BOTTOM GETS ‘TOP UP’ FROM DIGICEL

2008-07-10T11:35:00.000-07:00

Patrons purchase Digicel phones and credit after watching the popular Jamaican play River Bottom. The play was sponsored in Washington and Georgia by mobile operator Digicel which recently made its ‘Top up’ service available in those states.

Kingston, Jamaica – July 7, 2008: Mobile operator Digicel, recently made its ‘Top Up’ service available to the diaspora in Washington and Atlanta, where Digicel representatives were on hand to promote the play River Bottom, currently on tour in the US. “Digicel is a major sponsor of this leg of the tour,” says Digicel Public Relations Manager Patria-Kaye Aarons “We are happy to help Jamaicans who are away from home to feel closer to home”, she explained, “and our Top Up service will help them to stay connected to friends, family and their Jamaican culture”. The popular credit transfer system, ‘Digicel Top Up’, formerly known as CaribFlex, allows users to transfer credit from the UK, USA, Cayman Islands and Canada to Digicel customers in the Caribbean and South America.

River Bottom, which has been promoted in Washington and Atlanta by Sunshine Theatre Company, has been very well received and was sold out at most locations on its tour. “Digicel Top Up was available at all play venues and is very simple and convenient to use", explains Patrick King, Digicel Head of Consumer Sales. There are several partner locations in the UK, USA, Canada and the Cayman Islands that sell Digicel cards. Consumers purchase the amount of credit they want to send to their relatives and friends in the Caribbean and now South America, and then select the number they want to send it to, at the partner location. The credit is automatically sent to the receiver’s number. A message will immediately follow to notify Digicel users in the Caribbean and South America that credit has been added to their phones by Digicel Top Up.

Mr. King further explains that the rational behind Digicel Top Up is that there are many Caribbean nationals in Washington and Atlanta who are loyal Digicel supporters. It is easy for them to buy credit and top up other family members and friends in the Caribbean. “Besides the rates are quite similar to those in the Caribbean and it is an excellent source of remittance to the region. Digicel has to continue doing bigger and better things for our customers and that means making Digicel Top Up available in these locations”, adds King.

OLD ENGLAND PRIMARY GETS FACE LIFT

2008-07-03T09:52:00.000-07:00

Major General Robert Neish, Executive Director of Digicel Foundation unveils a computer at the Old England Primary School, Mandeville. The roof of the computer lab, which was damaged by Hurricane Dean was repaired with funding received from Digicel Foundation. The Foundation donated $20 million to refurbish 10 schools, which were damaged by the hurricane in 2007.

Kingston, Jamaica – Friday, June 27, 2008: Old England Primary School in Manchester celebrated the renovation of its campus with a thanksgiving service on Thursday, June 26. The school, which was badly damaged by Hurricane Dean in August 2007, received much needed assistance from Digicel Foundation, which undertook the cost of electrical repairs as well as repairs to the school’s roof, doors, and windows.

Major General Robert Neish, Executive Director of the Foundation was on hand to perform the symbolic unveiling of a plaque and addressed the staff and students. ”Digicel Foundation is pleased to be a facilitator of the renovation of Old England Primary. We are committed to ensuring that our children get the best opportunity to learn and thus succeed in life”.

Acting Principal, Violet Carthy, thanked Digicel for its contribution to the health and welfare of the students. “Digicel Foundation has given us tremendous assistance, they came to our rescue at a time when we were in need and we are very grateful.”

Digicel Foundation donated a total of $20 million for repairs to schools that were damaged by Hurricane Dean in 2007. Cheques were presented to the principals of eight schools including, Robert Lightbourne High School, Bethabara Primary and Junior High, Ebenezer All Age, Broadleaf All Age, New Broughton Primary, Old England Primary, Victoria All Age and York Street Primary School at an official ceremony on Wednesday April 16.

DIGICEL FOUNDATION SUPPORTS “EAT WHAT YOU GROW” CAMPAIGN

2008-07-03T09:36:00.000-07:00

Culture Minister the Hon. Olivia “Babsy” Grange, Digicel Foundation Executive Director, Major General Robert Neish and a representative of the Rural Agriculture Development Authority, plant a breadfruit tree during a recent workday carried out at the National Children’s Home’s Tegwyn Unit. The planting of the tree, which was dubbed the “Babsy Breadfruit Tree” by the Minister, was a part of a project which included the painting and general beautification of the home and its grounds.

Kingston, Jamaica – Wednesday, May 28, 2008: In three years, the residents of the National Children’s Home are expected to literally reap the fruit of Digicel Foundation’s Labour Day project.

A Breadfruit tree was planted by Culture Minister the Hon. Olivia “Babsy” Grange who represented the Prime Minister and christened the tree “Babsy’s Breadfruit Tree”

Based on normal agronomic processes the tree should bear fruit in three years, providing a breakfast, lunch or dinner staple for the over 100 children resident at the home.

The Foundation’s Labour Day project focussed primarily on the Tegwyn Unit, which caters to children with severe mental and physical challenges.

A general painting job was undertaken at the home by the Digicel team, which also trucked away debris cleared out of the buildings and the yard.

The Foundation members also overhauled one of the stimulation areas on the property, transforming it into a colourful garden, laden with vegetables and flowering plants.

The Labour Day activity was a continuation of Digicel’s support of the National Children’s Home.

Just under two years ago, the Digicel Foundation spearheaded the renovation of a section of the home, upgrading the bathrooms, the kitchen and the living area of one of the boys’ dormitories.

The Foundation also made a significant investment in the education of the children there when the library was retooled with books donated by Digicel staff.

2008-07-03T06:56:00.000-07:00

Well done: Minister of State with responsibility for Local Reform, Robert Montague, presents a Digicel volunteer’s award to Hector Allen. The Occasion was the Digicel/ODPEM hurricane preparedness seminar held on Tuesday, June 24 at Knutsford Court Hotel. Looking on are Executive Director of ODPEM Ronald Jackson and Digicel Head of Corporate Affairs Yvonne Wilks. At the seminar, representatives of first response organizations from across the island gathered to explore the most effective ways to protect the Jamaican people from the ravages of national disasters.

DIGICEL PROMOTES HURRICANE PREPAREDNESS

2008-07-02T09:48:00.000-07:00

Great kit: Minister of State with responsibility for Local Reform, Robert Montague (left), shows appreciation to Digicel for the nifty disaster preparedness kits distributed at a Digicel/ODPEM seminar on preparedness held on Tuesday, June 24, at the Knutsford Court Hotel. Sharing the moment are Digicel Head of Corporate Affairs Yvonne Wilks and ODPEM Executive Director Ronald Jackson.

Kingston, Jamaica – June 24, 2008: Digicel Jamaica and the Office of Disaster Preparedness (ODPEM) joined forces to host a hurricane preparedness seminar today, Tuesday, June 24 at the Knutsford Court Hotel. The seminar, which was overwhelmingly subscribed, brought together residents of flood prone areas, first response groups such as the Red Cross and other stakeholders including the Child Development Agency, Combined Disabilities Association and representatives of Corporate Jamaica. Other authorities such as the National Meteorological Service and Jamaica Fire Brigade were also present.

The seminar was chaired by the Executive Director of ODPEM, Ronald Jackson, who expressed his gratitude to Digicel for its support of the effort to encourage disaster preparedness island-wide.

Special guest speaker the Hon. Robert Montague, Minister of Local Government and Reform, was on hand to discuss the government’s efforts, pointing out that several attempts are being made to improve the country’s hurricane preparedness methods. He implored communities to take the necessary precautions against flooding such as proper disposal of waste, and went on to share the government’s consideration of a plan to construct a new plant, which would “consume solid waste, and provide employment for those who collect and transport waste materials to the plant”.

Digicel also took the opportunity to honour 8 volunteers, whose contribution to disaster relief efforts over the years has been immeasurable. Digicel Public Relations Manager, Patria-Kaye Aarons who presented the awardees with their gifts noted “ODPEM has told us that they would not be able to function effectively were it not for the network of volunteers throughout Jamaica. We are all moved that in the face of so many criticisms about Jamaica there are many concerned citizens still willing to play their part”.

Digicel and OPDEM will continue their partnership with a series of island-wide workshops on disaster preparedness, the first of which was held immediately after this morning’s seminar. “These workshops are led by experts in the field, and give residents island-wide an opportunity to interact with authorities on disaster preparedness”, says Patria-Kaye Aarons.

All participants of the seminar received a special Digicel Hurricane Survival Kit. The kits contain a flashlight, raincoat, cell phone charger, and first aid items, among other essentials.

Digicel’s post-hurricane relief efforts include a $200-million donation in 2004 towards national reconstruction after Hurricane Ivan, and a $20 million donation to the Ministry of Education for post-hurricane Dean school repairs last year. In 2006, the Digicel Foundation provided funding for the upgrading of equipment at the Meteorological Services.

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REGGAE BOYZ EQUIPPED FOR THE JOURNEY TO SOUTH AFRICA

2008-07-02T09:42:00.000-07:00

Ready for the journey to South Africa: (l-r) Jamaica Football Federation (JFF) President, Captain Horace Burrell, Digicel Public Relations Manger, Patria-Kaye Aarons, Reggae Boyz Captain, Ricardo ‘Bibi’ Gardner and Assistant Coach, Theodore Whitmore show off the Reggae Boyz’ new travel bags courtesy of Digicel. The Reggae Boyz have advanced to next phase of the CONCACAF World Cup Qualifying Series. Digicel is a proud sponsor of the Reggae Boyz.

Kingston, Jamaica – Sunday, June 19, 2008: With Jamaica’s National Football team firmly on the road to South Africa, Digicel Jamaica is again signaling its confidence in the Reggae Boyz. In congratulating the team for their impressive 13-nil goal aggregate against the Bahamian National Team, Digicel today presented the Reggae Boyz with a full set of luggage at Grand Lido Braco in Trelawny.

Digicel’s Public Relations Manager Patria-Kaye Aarons described the luggage as a significant symbol. “With the qualifiers ending in October of next year, and with Digicel confident that the Reggae Boyz will stay the course, it is quite clear that they will be doing quite a lot of traveling. We believe they can make it all the way and we are therefore equipping them for their journey, as they have a long way to go... all the way to the end of the final round of qualification next October and on to South Africa in 2010”.

With only three teams qualifying for the World Cup Finals from the CONCACAF region, which has 24 national teams, including the United States, Canada Guatemala, Mexico and Trinidad and Tobago, the Reggae Boyz have a challenging task ahead.

The 24 teams whittle down to twelve this weekend and with the Reggae Boyz’ convincing win against the Bahamas, Jamaica is guaranteed a spot in the semi final round which begins on August 20.

In addition to the three top teams in CONCACAF, the fourth placed team has a chance for another spot in the World Cup and will play the 5th placed team in the South American grouping for that place.

Digicel has been consistently increasing its involvement in the development and sponsorship of regional football in general and specifically the Reggae Boyz. With the Jamaica Football Federation announcing a 1.3 billion dollar budget for 2008-2010, Digicel’s support goes a long way in boosting the sport locally and regionally.

Digicel’s support also extends to the coaching element of the sport with its recent hosting of Kick-Start Clinics coached by Jamaica-born former British player John Barnes. The first round of clinics led to the selection of eight regional footballers for training and exposure in Britain.

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DIGICEL – A BIG PART OF JAMAICAN CULTURE

2008-07-02T09:41:00.000-07:00

Friday, 13th June – Kingston, Jamaica: The Jamaica Cultural Development Commission (JCDC) will celebrate the start of its annual festival season on Thursday, June 12 at Emancipation Park in New Kingston with a major involvement from Digicel. This year marks the second of a three-year sponsorship of the festival by Digicel to the tune of $30 million.

The season will see the return of the Float Parade, Independence Grand Gala and the parade of effigies, all of which have not been a part of the celebration in many years. Popular festival activities such as, Mello Go Round, National Visual Arts Competition, Best of Festival Concert Series, Festival Queen Competition, Festival of Foods, National Creative Writing Competition, Festival of Choirs, and Jamaica’s Independence Celebrations, will also be highlights of the season.

“Digicel is excited to be associated with preserving Jamaica’s rich and vibrant heritage and celebrating our people’s unique talents,” says Yvonne Wilks, Digicel Head of Corporate Affairs. “Jamaican culture is so unique, that Digicel has replicated what our chairman, Denis O’Brien calls the ‘Jamaican DNA’ in all of our locations worldwide.”

Digicel is the official mobile network of Jamaica Festival, and their three-year sponsorship, which began in 2007, has allowed the JCDC to revive several of the traditions it had been forced to discontinue. “Digicel is the largest contributor to culture in Jamaica by virtue of their cash investment in Jamaica Festival” explained Dahlia Harris, JCDC Marketing & Public Relations Consultant. “Their contribution has helped us to develop hundreds of performers across Jamaica, and we’ve been able to increase the numbers and the nature of the festival activities as we try to bring back old-time Festival to Jamaica”.

“We’re happy to be involved” says Digicel Public Relations Manager, Patria-Kaye Aarons, “and we applaud the JCDC for its continuing work and the significant impact Festival has had on showcasing and ensuring the sustainability of our national customs.

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MY MUSIC, MY DIGICEL!

2008-07-02T09:40:00.000-07:00

Kingston, Jamaica – Wednesday, June 11, 2008: Mobile giant Digicel is onboard as platinum sponsor of Reggae Sumfest 2008, which was officially launched on June 11 at the Hilton Hotel. Celebrating its 16th anniversary, Reggae Sumfest is set to take place in Montego Bay, Jamaica from July 13 – 19, and will feature a host of reggae artists including Bounty Killer, Busy Signal, Buju Banton, Richie Spice, Etana, Queen Ifrica and Beenie Man, among others. International acts Akon, Keisha Cole and Chris Brown have also been confirmed to headline this year’s festival.

Digicel, long time supporter of Sumfest, is excited about its association with the festival, says Patria-Kaye Aarons, Public Relations Manager. “Digicel is very supportive of Jamaican culture and in particular, Jamaican music.” she explained. “We’re committed to promoting our music and Brand Jamaica both locally and internationally. This marriage between the greatest Reggae Show on earth and Jamaica’s number one telecommunications provider is a synergy bound to deliver the very best to patrons”. She explained that Digicel will be offering Jamaicans a slew of activities to get them involved with the festival. “We’ll be giving some lucky customers the opportunity to experience Sumfest VIP style; all access passes, free tickets, free accommodation.”

The mobile giant has also partnered up with handset manufacturer Motorola for the sponsorship. Motorola, who recently has offered a plethora of stylish mobile phones for the fashion forward, will have handsets on sale at the venue.

Reggae Sumfest is one of the premier events on the Jamaican entertainment calendar, and Digicel, the official communications partner of Reggae Sumfest 2008, will be bringing innovative and creative ideas to this year’s festival. “Our theme for Sumfest this year is ‘My music. My Digicel’ ”, continued Aarons. ”As usual, patrons can expect something, ‘bigger and better’ from Digicel at Sumfest 2008.

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DIGICEL HELPS TO GROW FARMING WITH SPONSORSHIP OF DENBIGH AGRICULTURAL AND INDUSTRIAL SHOW

2008-07-02T09:28:00.000-07:00

Tuesday, 10th June – Kingston, Jamaica: With food prices on the rise, the value of producing for consumption has become more and more apparent to consumers. With this in mind, mobile giants Digicel are, for the eighth consecutive year, sponsoring the Jamaica Denbigh Agricultural and Industrial Show, which will take place in the parish of Clarendon from August 1-3.

In 2005 Digicel signed a three-year, $10 million sponsorship contract with the Jamaica Agriculture Society, to show support for one of Jamaica’s most important industries. Today, Digicel renewed that contract for another 3 years to the tune of $12 million. The annual event facilitates the exhibition and sale of the best of Jamaica’s livestock and produce and allows agro-businesses to showcase their goods and services.

“Digicel recognizes the importance of the agricultural economy in Jamaica, especially in these times; and we’re proud to give our support to the Denbigh Agricultural Show” says Maurice Bryan, Digicel’s Sponsorship and Promotions Manager. “This show was one of the first which Digicel sponsored, it’s very special to us and we’ve been happy to see its growth over the years.”

This year, Digicel will do things bigger and better; by providing free Wi-Fi access to media houses at the show. “Everyone will have free wireless Internet access, they’ll be able to browse, upload and share pictures of the event from the venue” says Maurice Bryan. “We’ll also be having our Digicel Fun Zone, which patrons know and love”. The fun zone will include sporting games centred around cricket, track and field, netball and football, all of which are sponsored by Digicel. Patrons will get the opportunity to win gifts of free handsets, credit and other prizes. The ever popular Digicel Rising Stars Top 10 will be the highlight of the show’s entertainment package.
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