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.

Students at Claude McKay High School, in Clarendon, are reaping the benefits of a new greenhouse and additional agricultural resources, thanks to Food For The Poor-Jamaica and its generous donors.

The equipment was officially handed over in a ceremony on Nov. 28.

The school received a 1,500-square-foot greenhouse with rain water harvesting and irrigation systems, a layer unit with 100 chickens, vegetable seedlings, fertilizers, chicken feed, sprayers and feeders.

Lerone Chin, head of the school’s Agricultural Department, said the impact is already reflected in the achievement of his students.

“The performance in agricultural science has decreased nationally. But at Claude McKay for the last year, we increased our passes in agricultural science,” Chin said. “Our pass rate last year was 92 percent and with the investment, we have received up to 94 percent.”

Nakhlé Hado, Director of Agriculture and Fishing at Food For The Poor-Jamaica, said agricultural resources are “not always affordable or accessible.” But he said the charity’s donation will enable students to meet academic requirements and boost their interest in agriculture as a viable career while providing a source of income for the school.

Hado thanked the charity’s donors, saying they will help the school “become an exemplary beacon of profitable agriculture.”

Richard Azan, member of Parliament for North West Clarendon, who attended the hand-over ceremony, commended Food For The Poor-Jamaica’s support for agriculture in the parish.

“All the schools that have been assisted so far are singing praises that now they are producing,” Azan said. “We are truly grateful for the provision that has been made so far because the investment in agriculture is working.”

Chin said students are enthusiastic about the new resources.

“Students come to school in the mornings and they are begging to assist with collecting eggs. They are begging to go to the greenhouse,” Chin said.

Vegetable production has increased dramatically with the new greenhouse producing more than 150 pounds of sweet peppers so far.

“Our agricultural programme has become more attractive, thanks to Food For The Poor,” Chin said. “We thank you for your contribution towards national development.”

The Digicel Foundation, Jamaica Council for Persons with Disabilities (JCPD) and UNICEF are calling for the full enforcement of the Disabilities Act 2014, and for greater inclusion of children with disabilities.

The agencies made the appeal on the International Day for Persons with Disabilities, with the launch of a new comprehensive report on persons with disabilities. They also launched the “I am Able” media campaign to promote the empowerment and inclusion of children with disabilities.

The “Situational Analysis of Persons with Disabilities” report and the campaign are main outcomes of a two-year partnership between the agencies which began in 2017.

The report underscores that persons with disabilities are often overlooked and marginalized, and tend to face discrimination and social exclusion.

The main purpose of the report is to provide evidence-based recommendations for the implementation of the Disabilities Act, which was passed in 2014 but is yet to be fully enforced.

Speaking at the launch event on Monday morning, Minister of Labour and Social Security Shahine Robinson said “The Government remains committed for the long term to guarantee full inclusion, consequently it has been working through the Ministry of Labour and Social Security to ensure that persons with disabilities are constantly empowered. We recognize however, the need for strengthened capacity, and so the organizational review currently taking place will provide many of the solutions for the issues and challenges raised”.

Robinson added that her Ministry is dedicated to the implementation of the Disabilities Act.

“I have been pressing the entire team at the Ministry to provide a timeline when this is expected to be completed as implementation of the Act is contingent on corresponding codes of practices, and I have been told that the code of practices will be ready early in the coming financial year,” she added.

Digicel Foundation CEO, Karlene Dawson acknowledged that the signing of the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC); the Convention on the Right of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) and the enactment of the Disability Act 2014 have been important efforts, but more must be done.

“The government has made significant strides to address the problems faced by persons living with disabilities,” Dawson said. “However, the country has to move swiftly to enact the Disabilities Act. We hope to prompt that action by sharing the comprehensive report, along with the ‘I am Able’ campaign.”

Mariko Kagoshima, Country Representative for UNICEF, who emphasized that children with disabilities need special services and protection, underscored this point. “We cannot be content until the Disabilities Act is enforced. There should be no more delays,” Kagoshima said. Urging the government to act with urgency, she said: “Our agencies are counting on you. And our children are counting on you too.”

The partnership between Digicel Foundation, JCPD and UNICEF aims to raise awareness of the issues faced by persons with disabilities, strengthen advocacy for them – specifically around the Disabilities Act – and support access to services by promoting the registration of children with disabilities with the JCPD.

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Before the running of Everyone’s A Winner 5K and 10K, held on Sunday, April 29, 2018, road race organisers, Running Events Jamaica, committed to support the Jamaica Society for the Blind with the race proceeds.

On Monday, October 8, the partners delivered on their promise, in collaboration with Food For The Poor Jamaica, to present 24 HP personal computers, specially equipped with non-visual desktop access (NVDA) software to the society.

NVDA allows blind and vision-impaired individuals to access and interact with the Windows operating system and many third-party applications. In other words, members of the blind community are able to interact and access web pages, pay bills, send and receive emails, among other things, through the assistance of NVDA.

Reproduced from the Gleaner on Friday, October 19, 2018