Kingston, Jamaica – 06 February 2019: There were grateful hugs aplenty from the children, as the SOS Children’s Village in Stony Hill, St. Andrew welcomed a team from IGT Jamaica to their campus on January 22, 2019. Residents and administrators alike were enthusiastic about their IGT After School Advantage (ASA) Centre, which has made a difference in their lives.

Students were eager to demonstrate to their visitors how they were using the Centre, which comprises 10 computers. “We are able to keep up with the other children and complete our homework on time,” said Peter Johnson* as he completed a Math Quiz online on the Lexia Educational Programme. Lexia and similar computer programmes allow students to develop at their own pace without the group pressure that traditional classrooms often impose.

The Centre is in such great demand among the Village’s 72 residents, (ranging from primary to tertiary level students) that there is a strict schedule in place to ensure that the children have access who need it the most. Director of SOS Stony Hill, Mr. Marvin Simpson, noted: “We have to keep the Centre open until late at night to accommodate everyone – especially at exam time.” Mr. Simpson added: “We have a number of remedial programmes loaded on the computers, which have really helped our students to boost their grades.”

IGT Jamaica’s General Manager Debbie Green expressed her delight that the ASA Centre is so well used. “We are so pleased to hear that the students appreciate the Centre and are using it to improve their education and enhance their lives. The aim of our ASA programme has always been to provide opportunities for children who would otherwise not have access to computers where they live. We want to ensure no child is left behind along the digital highway.”

The ASA Centre at Stony Hill has been through “ups and downs” in recent years. Established in 2015, it suffered a major blow in 2016 when it was destroyed by fire caused by an electrical fault in the old main building. However, IGT Jamaica stepped in and provided new computers and other equipment.

Since the Centre – newly refurbished and equipped – opened in August 2017, it has become even stronger.  The “Aunties” (who administer the houses that make up the village) mentor and support the children in the computer lab, and the older students provide guidance to the younger ones and those with special needs. While the weekend schedule is a little more relaxed, the roster allows enough time for the children to research projects, complete homework assignments and prepare for school-based assessments. While academics come first, the opportunity to explore new horizons and simply enjoy browsing the Internet is also an important aspect of the students’ learning and development.

In addition to the computer lab, as part of IGT Jamaica’s mentorship and support for young people, Stony Hill students benefited from several outreach projects in 2018.  Several students living on the autism spectrum at Stony Hill received special attention from IGT staff during Autism Awareness Month last April, when they received gift baskets containing books, stationery, sensory toys and other materials. Students from Stony Hill and Barret Town Villages also joined a select group of young people for a special tour of the Mona GeoInformatics Institute (MGI) at the University of the West Indies last May. These experiences provided invaluable exposure for the young people to the world of work, technology and innovation.

There are ASA Centres at both SOS Children’s Villages in Jamaica – in Barrett Town, St. James (established 1971) as well as the Stony Hill village, where construction began in 1982. The villages were founded through the initiative of Dr. Harland Hastings, Mr. John Rollins and Professor Heinz Simonitsch. The goals of SOS Children’s Villages are to offer orphaned and abandoned children, regardless of race, nationality or creed, a permanent home; and to prepare them for an independent life. IGT’s ASA programme across the Caribbean strengthens the latter goal, aiming to provide these disadvantaged children with the tools for further development, through technology.

 “Thank you, the computers help us a lot!” exclaimed one eighth grader, as he excitedly gave out hugs to the visiting IGT Jamaica team.

*Name changed to protect identity.

The Digital Generation: Ricardo Callum (right), Field Service Representative of International Game Technology (IGT), takes a keen interest in the instructions being given by Marvin Simpson (2^nd right), Director of the SOS Children’s Village of Stony Hill, to youngsters who are using IGT’s After School Advantage (ASA) Centre. IGT and its subsidiaries have opened 39 After School Advantage computer centres in the English-speaking Caribbean, including 14 such centres in Jamaica.

Kingston, Jamaica – February 15, 2019: PRO Communications (PROComm) Limited celebrated its fortieth anniversary on Thursday, November 29, 2018 – the exact date forty years ago that the company’s Founder and Executive Chairman Jean Lowrie-Chin signed her very first contract for her fledgling company, Public Relations Operations Limited. The contract was with the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel, where the joyous celebrations were held.

Toasts, laughter and congratulations rang out, in an atmosphere of fellowship, as public and private sector individuals, custodes and high-ranking diplomats enjoyed the sparkling event, warmly blessed by His Grace, Most Rev. Archbishop Kenneth Richards. Chairman of the Electoral Commission of Jamaica, Hon. Dorothy Pine-McLarty, O.J., raised a toast to PROComm, led by Mrs. Jean Lowrie-Chin, C.D. and Administrative Director Hubert Chin, congratulating them on achieving this milestone and pointing out that the ECJ is the longest client on record for the company – since 1995. PROComm worked with the ECJ in crafting several media campaigns with powerful but fair and unbiased messages of unity and respect ahead of general elections.

PROComm celebrated 40 years with anniversary party held on Thursday, November 29 at The Jamaica Pegasus Hotel. Joining in a lively conversation are: Jeremiah Knight, US Embassy’s Counsellor for Public Affairs (left) Thalia Lyn, CEO of Island Grill and William Mahfood, Chaiman of Wisynco Group Ltd. In the background is Keith Collister, Senior Executive at ATL-Sandals

PROComm’s Founder and Executive Chairman Jean Lowrie-Chin (centre) happily joins Terra Nova executives Ruth Hussey, Managing Director (right) and Christelle Harris, General Manager at PROComm’s 40th Anniversary party on Thursday, November 29 at The Jamaica Pegasus Hotel.

Mrs. Pine-McLarty commended PROComm for their dedication to nation-building through various outreach programmes, including the PROComm Scholarship Fund and the establishment of the thriving non-profit organization Caribbean Community of Retired Persons (CCRP), serving the needs of seniors, in memory of Mrs. Lowrie-Chin’s beloved mother. Master of Ceremonies Mr. Sydney “Tony” Lowrie pointed out that PROComm was “conceived from an act of kindness, and that has been a defining feature of their operations ever since.” Jean, Hubie and their company have given significant support to many worthwhile causes, while the firm is known for its dedication to strong principles of fairness, respect, balance and compassion.

Hon. Dorothy Pine McLarty, Chairman of the Electoral Commission of Jamaica, served by PROComm since 1995,  made a warm toast to the company during its 40^th Anniversary celebration held at The Jamaica Pegasus Hotel on Thursday, November 29. 

In her response, Mrs. Lowrie-Chin paid tribute to her “actual dream team” at PROComm, who are always willing to put out extra effort, pointing out that “every member…is a mentor for one of our scholars from Grants Pen, and a volunteer for CCRP.” She also saluted the work of PROComm clients, including Food for the Poor, IGT (formerly GTECH), GraceKennedy, Rainforest Seafoods, National Road Safety Council and EPOC; and made special mention of the outstanding work of the Digicel Foundation, of which she is Chair, which is working towards greater inclusiveness in Jamaican society.

PROComm’s first Scholar, Etmour Williams – now Sales and Marketing Manager at Ayrton Distributors – made a passionate presentation, expressing his sense of honour and privilege to be able to attend Calabar High School for five years. He thanked Mrs. Lowrie-Chin and Mr. Hubert Chin for their unwavering support for his educational endeavours both at high school and university.

To commemorate their 40^th Anniversary, PROComm presented a total of $400,000 to three organizations: Archbishop’s Development Fund, Convent of Mercy ‘Alpha’ Academy and Stella Maris Church Ministries.

Kingston, Jamaica – February 15, 2019. Digicel Foundation recently partnered with King’s House to provide much needed medical equipment to the Port Antonio Hospital in Portland. The hospital’s Chairman Hugh Perry, CEO Althea Gardner and staff of the hospital, which has a complement of over 200 health care professionals, welcomed the visit from Their Excellencies, Governor General Sir Patrick Allen and Lady Allen.

Digicel Foundation Chair Jean Lowrie-Chin accompanied Sir Patrick and Lady Allen, as well as the Custos of Portland Lincoln Thaxter on a two-hour tour of the hospital. The group visited both the Maternity and Paediatric Wards. During their visit, Mrs. Lowrie-Chin announced to the delighted administrative and nursing staff that Digicel Foundation has purchased critical medical equipment for donation to the health care facility. The Foundation will donate an Electronic Patient Care Monitor, a Defibrillator, a Nebulizer and an Electronic Foetal Monitor, valued at over J$1.65 million. The equipment was provided following a needs assessment at the hospital.

Governor General Sir Patrick Allen congratulated the Port Antonio Hospital on its 75^th anniversary. Commenting on the pressure that many health care institutions find themselves under due to increased demand for their services, he said: “Today we pause to show appreciation to you who do so much with very little. Despite the scarce resources, you have not allowed this constraint to compromise your mandate to deliver the best possible service to your patients.”

Noting the value of private sector partnerships that the hospital has benefited from, Sir Patrick thanked the Digicel Foundation for its generosity in providing the much-needed equipment.

“This equipment will not only help to save lives,” said Mrs. Lowrie-Chin, Chairman of Digicel Foundation. “It also reflects the Foundation’s goals of strengthening communities – including our friends and partners in rural Jamaica, where access to healthcare is particularly important for the quality of life of our citizens outside urban areas. We are so happy and honoured to join Their Excellencies, Governor General Sir Patrick Allen and Lady Allen on their tour of the hospital. We know that, as a former nurse herself, Lady Allen has a particular interest, and truly cares about improving the health and wellbeing of Jamaican citizens. We at Digicel Foundation feel the same way.”

Kingston, Jamaica – 15 February 2019: The staff and residents of the Mustard Seed Communities are gearing up for the construction of a new multi-purpose centre at their St Catherine-based Jerusalem residential care facility for children with special needs. This, after receiving a JA$16.5 million grant from Digicel Chairman Denis O’Brien through the Digicel Foundation.

The funds were handed over to founder of the Mustard Seed Communities, Monsignor Gregory Ramkissoon, at the Digicel Headquarters in downtown Kingston, on Monday January 28.

The new multi-purpose centre will house an art therapy room, arts and craft and woodworking workshop, a home economics centre, distance learning, and computer education area for residents and staff, a large multi-purpose reception hall, a large storage room, an office, gift shop and a classroom for adult literacy

The centre will be the second of its kind to be built by the Digicel Foundation for Mustard Seed, following the construction of Jacob’s ladder in St Ann, completed in 2014. The Jacob’s Ladder facility was established to expand the scope of skills training being offered to adult residents with Special Needs. In addition, six residential cottages were constructed on the property to expand the living facilities.

“After seeing how much the facilities enhanced the day-to-day lives of staff and residents at Jacob’s Ladder, we’re so happy to be able to do the same for the group at the Jerusalem Community,” said an enthused Darcy Tulloch- Williams, Executive Director of Mustard Seed Communities Jamaica.

She continued, “Often times the special needs community is ignored. However, Digicel and Mr. O’Brien are always there to assist, and for that we’re very grateful.”

Founder and patron of the Digicel Foundation, Denis O’Brien responded, “Through this partnership with Mustard Seed, we continue to enhance the lives of persons with special needs. Valuable skills will be learnt here; skills that will empower and prepare our young people to participate in the society and lead wholesome, productive lives,” O’Brien commented.

The Mustard Seed Communities was established in 1978 in the impoverished community of Mona Common on the outskirts of Kingston, as a home for a handful of abandoned and disabled children.

Today, the group has expanded to serve over 600 children, young adults, and families who belong to the most vulnerable groups in Jamaican society. The populations of the homes, which now are spread across the island, include children and young adults with disabilities, children affected by HIV/AIDS, and teen mothers along with their babies. The Mustard Seed Communities also manages a number of community outreach programs to combat poverty and provide education to local populations.

About Digicel Foundation:

Our vision is to help create a world where no one gets left behind. Fully supported by everyone in Digicel, over the last 14 years the Digicel Foundation has completed 1,173 projects and helped over 623,000 people in Jamaica. Concentrating on the areas of education, special needs and community empowerment, we work with communities to develop and implement meaningful interventions. To date, we are delighted to have given back over US$33 million island-wide.

The Foundation’s programmes seek to impact key markers of social and economic development. We achieve this by partnering with governmental and non-governmental organisations, communities as well as individuals to provide critical tools of upliftment that will deliver a measurable impact to the most challenged and disenfranchised citizens. By tapping into community roots and expanding opportunities, we are able to positively impact lives in a sustainable way.

For more information about the Digicel Jamaica Foundation, please visit our website at www.digiceljamaicafoundation.org or follow us @digiceljamaica on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

Kingston, Jamaica – Monday 28^th January 2019. Jean-Yves Charlier, who was appointed to the Digicel Group board in September of last year, was today announced as Group Chief Executive Officer of the communications and entertainment provider, with immediate effect.  Mr. Charlier’s appointment comes one month after the untimely passing of Digicel Group Chief Executive Officer, Alexander Matuschka von Greiffenclau.

A recognised leader in the global telecoms industry, from 2015 to 2018, Jean-Yves Charlier served as Chief Executive Officer of VEON and prior to that, he served as Chairman and Chief Executive of SFR.

Commenting on his appointment, Jean-Yves, said; “I am delighted to be leading a strong set of communication and entertainment operations serving 14 million customers across 31 markets and to be continuing to work closely with the Board and its Chairman, Denis O’Brien.  Over the past few years, Digicel has continued to innovate and make significant investments in new internet and media services across the Caribbean, Central America and the Pacific, making an indelible impact, and I am happy to be taking the business forward on these strong foundations.”

In congratulating Jean-Yves on his appointment, Digicel Group Chairman and founder, Denis O’Brien, commented; “Jean-Yves’ exceptional capacity to support continuing growth was reflected in his appointment as Executive Director some months ago, deepening our executive team and facilitating this succession process. As we continue to build Digicel for the future with the power of digital firmly at the core of our ambitions, Jean-Yves is the natural leader for our business. His impressive track record leading some of the industry’s major providers – coupled with his vision and pragmatism – make him the ideal choice for the next stage of our journey.”

ENDS

About Digicel

Digicel Group is a total communications and entertainment provider with operations in 31 markets in the Caribbean, Central America and Asia Pacific. After 17 years of operation, total investment to date stands at over US$5 billion worldwide.

Digicel also runs a host of community-based initiatives across its markets and has set up Digicel Foundations in Haiti, Jamaica, Papua New Guinea and Trinidad and Tobago which focus on educational, cultural and social development programmes.

– Delivering efficiency, speed and flexibility

Thursday, 24th January 2019, Bridgetown, Barbados – The Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) and ICT managed services provider, Digicel, have announced a partnership geared towards advancing digital transformation at the regional financial institution. Focused on expanding and enhancing data and voice services, it will allow CDB’s staff to work more efficiently, faster and with more flexibility at its Headquarters, across the Bank’s membership and in other international locations.

“Last year, CDB strengthened its focus on digital transformation to be able to deliver greater value to our members and partners. This partnership with Digicel helps us to be more efficient, responsive and collaborative in supporting economic and social development throughout the Region. Powered by Digicel, we look forward to building a truly mobile workforce to fulfil our business goals,” said Carlyle Assue, Director, Finance and Information Technology Solutions, CDB.

“Our best in class ICT managed services solutions are the perfect fit for the CDB’s Digital Transformation initiative, which in itself is a forward thinking and ambitious strategy. Taking a partnership approach, the result is a first of its kind solution which not only provides unparalleled value, but empowers the CDB and its employees by enabling increased productivity and collaboration irrespective of a user’s geographic location. We are proud of our partnership with the CDB and look forward to the future as we partner with them on their transformation journey.” said Katherine Payne, Director Business Solutions, Digicel.

Under the partnership, CDB will benefit from:

· a more cost-effective way of doing business regionally and globally;

· better access to analytics and other technology services anytime, anywhere;

· faster and more reliable internet; and

· improved staff collaboration through mobile applications.

The agreement for enhanced data and voice services between the Bank and Digicel formally cements the relationship between the two organisations, which primarily focused on mobile data and voice services. As part of the renewed partnership, CDB and Digicel are also collaborating on a project designed to boost on-site data at CDB’s Headquarters to approximately six times the current speed, and introduce a cloud-based PBX. The expansion of non-regional data coverage for Bank Staff has been earmarked for the end of 2019. The move will improve the mobility of CDB employees who travel internationally, giving them access to on-demand data and work tools.

The partnership between CDB and Digicel emerges within a wider context of the Bank’s work towards supporting digital transformation in the Region. Later in 2019, the Bank is expected to release a study, which is intended to build a foundation for subsequent regional investments in digital technology, designed to support productivity, innovation and better decision-making at the policy level.

ENDS

About Digicel

Digicel Group is a total communications and entertainment provider with operations in 31 markets in the Caribbean, Central America and Asia Pacific. After 17 years of operation, total investment to date stands at over US$5 billion worldwide.

Digicel also runs a host of community-based initiatives across its markets and has set up Digicel Foundations in Haiti, Jamaica, Papua New Guinea and Trinidad and Tobago which focus on educational, cultural and social development programmes.

– Transformational project makes new advanced digital eGovernment services a powerful reality

Roseau, Dominica – Monday 14th January 2019. Digicel has signed a landmark technology services contract with the Government of the Commonwealth of Dominica.

The 15-year managed services agreement heralds a massive step forward in the rebuilding of Dominica in the wake of Hurricane Maria which struck the island in September 2017 and will not only catapult the country and its people to the forefront of the knowledge economy, but also sees the Government being able to introduce innovative cutting edge digital services, reduce its ICT costs, improve productivity and create new revenue streams.

The delivery of a highly resilient, state of the art network infrastructure at a standard never seen before in the region will see the people of Dominica initially benefiting from access to 24×7 digital eGovernment services, Connected Health, Smart Learning and advanced Safe City solutions.

In supporting Dominica’s journey to become a world-leading climate resilient nation, Digicel will undertake the rebuilding and provisioning of telecommunications, internet, data, cloud and other ICT services to all of the Government sites – including every Government office, school, community centre, police station, post office, fire station and health centre, across the length and breadth of the island.

Commenting on the transformational technology partnership, Digicel Dominica CEO, Nikima Royer Baptiste Jnr, said; “Along with the powerful reality of 24×7 digital eGovernment services, one of the many other benefits that our transformational technologies and managed services capabilities will deliver is the positioning of Dominica as an attractive destination for Foreign Direct Investment given the significantly improved ease of doing business here. We could not be prouder or more excited to be embarking on this journey to a digital future in partnership with the Government of the Commonwealth of Dominica.”

Kelver Darroux, Minister for Information, Science, Telecommunications and Technology of the Government of the Commonwealth of Dominica, added; “Having a robust and future proofed ICT infrastructure is the cornerstone in our quest to become the region’s number one digitised economy. This programme is going to see citizen consumers and businesses flourishing in Dominica, as well as fostering the growth of indigenous SME’s across Dominica. We are delighted to be embarking on our journey to the future in partnership with Digicel.”

Students in the Theatre Arts and Fashion departments of Montego Bay High School for Girls have more room to learn, thanks to the generous donors of Food For The Poor-Jamaica.

The charity handed over a new building at the school on November 22 as part of its classroom expansion project.

The ribbon-cutting took place during the school’s annual prize-giving ceremony, which was attended by Senator Ruel Reid, Minister of Education, and Ministry officials as well as teachers, students and parents.

The building, painted blue and yellow, was blessed by Archdeacon Justin Nembhard.

David Mair, Executive Director of FFP-Jamaica, said the building was named in honour of two former Vice Principals and past students of the school, the Rev. Thora Levy, one of FFP-Jamaica’s donors, and Dahlia Hewling Robinson, who attended the ceremony.

Prior to the new building, students in the Theatre Arts and Fashion departments did not have their own space, “which caused great confusion,” said School Principal Gairy Powell.

Powell said teachers and staff have warmly welcomed the new building. “The teachers were so eager to use it,” he said. “In fact, eager is an understatement. The impact will be felt right across the school.”

For 36 years, Mair said, FFP-Jamaica has been working to improve education with overseas and local stakeholders and the support of its donors.

One of the charity’s goals is to “uplift the materially poor and renew the poor in spirit through education,” Mair said.

During the ceremony, Mair encouraged parents and guardians to be involved in their children’s education.

“Education is a necessary obligation of parenting,” Mair said. “It is not enough to leave it to teachers alone. You must invest your time. You are the mirror through which your children see life.”

Education is one of FFP-Jamaica’s key areas of focus. This year, more than 250 students from basic to tertiary level have benefited from back-to-school grants. Since 2012, more than 100 basic schools have been built islandwide, numerous water projects installed, and 78 schools have received modern bathroom facilities, replacing pit latrines. The charity also has trained more than 400 students in music under its band summer camp initiative.