DIGICEL SPORTSMAX SECURES NBA RIGHTS

Tuesday 31^st March 2015 – Kingston, Jamaica

 









        

• Multiyear Deal Sees Caribbean Channels Broadcasting the League 

• Digicel becomes the Official Partner of the NBA in the region

Digicel and the National Basketball Association (NBA) announced today a new multiyear partnership that will deliver live games and extensive NBA programming to more than 30 Caribbean territories and make Digicel the Official Partner of the NBA in the region.

Digicel SportsMax will broadcast up to 48 NBA regular-season games and as many as eight playoff games each season.  The sports channel will also offer fans content-rich programming including the highlights show ‘NBA Action,’ NBA TV, the league’s 24-hour channel, and select classic games.  The partnership will include NBA broadcasts in Spanish on the CDN SportsMax channel in the Dominican Republic.

By the 2015-16 NBA season, Digicel will launch NBA.com/Caribbean, the first official NBA online destination for Caribbean fans, which will offer extensive and localised NBA editorial and video content.  NBA.com/Caribbean will be the league’s 19^th international web destination. 

Digicel NBA 1 – Left to right: Kelvin Paulino, NBA Senior Manager, Global Media Distribution, Latin America, John Suranyi, Digicel Play CEO, Caribbean, Tanya Lee, Digicel SportsMax Caribbean Marketing Manager; Olly McIntosh, Digicel SportsMax President and CEO; Philippe Moggio, NBA Senior Vice President, Latin America and Kieran Foley, Digicel Group Marketing Operations Director

“We are thrilled to be announcing this deal with the NBA which is the perfect addition to our already top-class line-up of sports programming,” said Digicel SportsMax President and CEO Olly McIntosh.  “For fans, this is a real treat with Digicel SportsMax bringing a true Caribbean feel to the programming and basketball fans closer to courtside than ever before.”

As part of the deal, the NBA, in partnership with Digicel SportsMax parent company, Digicel Group will also establish a grassroots development programme in the Caribbean, beginning with a tip-off event in 2015. NBA coaches, players and legends will participate in the programme, sharing valuable lessons that are useful both on and off the court and teach the core NBA values to young fans of the sport. In addition, the programme will give aspiring young players the opportunity to get up close and personal with the big stars of the NBA with training clinics and games in the USA.

“We are excited to bring our passionate fans in the Caribbean more live games and content through this new strategic partnership with Digicel,” said NBA Senior Vice President, Latin America Philippe Moggio.  “Digicel is one of the Caribbean’s leading operators, and its extensive reach will give our fans more ways than ever to experience the excitement of our game.”

Since its launch in Jamaica in 2001, Digicel has time and again demonstrated its commitment to making sports and sport stars more accessible to its customers across the region and further afield.

Digicel Play CEO, Caribbean, John Suranyi, said; “This landmark new partnership with the NBA, coupled with our acquisition of SportsMax last year – further cements Digicel’s position as the home of top sporting content in the region – and marks a significant step in our evolution from a pure mobile operator to a total communications and entertainment provider.”

Along with the NBA rights, Digicel SportsMax is the regional rights holder of premium content such as Barclays Premier League, UEFA Champions League, The Women’s Tennis Association, The Ashes, Australia and England cricket, IAAF Grand Prix Meets and more.

The territories included in the NBA partnership are Anguilla, Antigua & Barbuda, Aruba, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Bermuda, Bonaire, British Virgin Islands, Cayman Islands, Cuba, Curacao, Dominica, Grenada, Guadeloupe, Guyana, Haiti, Jamaica, Martinique, Montserrat, St. Lucia, St. Kitts & Nevis, St. Martin, St. Maarten, St. Vincent & The Grenadines, Surinam, Trinidad & Tobago, and Turks and Caicos.

For full broadcast schedule, visit digicelsportsmax.com.

About Digicel Group

Digicel Group is a total communications and entertainment provider with operations in 33 markets in the Caribbean, Central America and Asia Pacific.  After almost 14 years of operation, total investment to date stands at over US$5 billion worldwide. 

The company is renowned for delivering best value, best service and best network.  Digicel is the lead sponsor of Caribbean, Central American and Pacific sports teams, including the Special Olympics teams throughout these regions.  Digicel sponsors the West Indies cricket team and is also the presenting partner of the Caribbean Premier League. 

In the Pacific, Digicel is the proud sponsor of several national rugby teams and also sponsors the Vanuatu cricket team.  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. Visit www.digicelgroup.com for more information.

About Digicel-Sportsmax

Digicel-SportsMax is the Caribbean sports channel of choice, committed to providing sporting content of the highest quality to the Caribbean, delivered by a team of highly innovative, passionate and qualified professionals. Founded in 2002, Digicel-SportsMax, formerly SportsMax, is the premier broadcaster and rights owner of international sports content to the Caribbean islands under the Digicel Group.  Digicel-SportsMax offers an à la carte subscription sports package called MaxPak in 30 countries, which includes its own channels Digicel-SportsMax and Digicel-SportsMax2 as well as a Spanish language channel CDN-SportsMax – launched in 2013 in the Dominican Republic. The company also targets the Caribbean Diaspora through CEEN, the North American sister channel available in the USA Tri-state (on Cablevision Optimum) and in Canada (on Rogers & Bell Media).  Along with the NBA, Digicel SportsMax is the regional rights holder of premium content such as Barclays Premier League, UEFA Champions League, The Women’s Tennis Association, The Ashes series between Australia and England cricket, IAAF Grand Prix Meets and more.

About the NBA

The NBA is a global sports and media business built around three professional sports leagues: the National Basketball Association, the Women’s National Basketball Association, and the NBA Development League.  The league has established a major international presence with offices in 13 markets worldwide, games and programming in 215 countries and territories in 47 languages, and NBA merchandise for sale in more than 125,000 stores in 100 countries on 6 continents.  NBA rosters at the start of the 2014-15 season featured a record 101 international players from 37 countries and territories.  NBA Digital’s assets include NBA TV, which is available in 60 million U.S. homes, and NBA.com, which recorded 26.9 billion page views during the 2013-14 season, with more than half of all visitors originating from outside of North America.  The NBA is the No. 1 professional sports league on social media, with more than 800 million likes and followers globally across all league, team, and player platforms.  Through NBA Cares, the league and its teams and players have donated more than $242 million to charity, completed more than 3 million hours of hands-on community service, and created more than 915 places where kids and families can live, learn, or play.

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70% OF DIGICEL’S NETWORK RESTORED IN VANUATU

Thursday 19^th March 2015 – Port Vila, Vanuatu

Five days after the Category 5 Tropical Cyclone Pam devastated the island nation of Vanuatu, Digicel’s network has been restored to more than 70% population coverage.

When Cyclone Pam struck Vanuatu early on Saturday local time (GMT +11) with 300km/hour winds, it caused significant damage to communication services on the island. However, since then, Digicel has restored the majority of its network, enabling customers to make and receive calls, text messages and emails and access the internet in the capital of Port Vila, as well as the islands of Efate, Santo, Pentecost, Malakula, Ambrym, Ambae, Maewo, Mota Lava, Gaua, Sola, Vanua Lava and parts of the Shepard Islands. 

“Following the significant damage caused by Tropical Cyclone Pam, we are pleased to report that a large portion of the network has been restored with more areas coming on line all the time. Restoring the Digicel network was critical in allowing communities, families and friends to connect, as well as providing vital communications to assist NGO’s and emergency services in their relief efforts. Together, with the Government and the National Disaster Management Office, our technical teams have been working around the clock to make sure this happens,” commented Michael Murphy, Digicel Asia Pacific CEO.

Digicel’s technical teams from across the region are supporting their counterparts in Vanuatu to restore the network fully in the coming days.

“We currently have engineers on the ground on the island of Tanna where work is progressing well – and we expect to have the network up and running there in the next 24 hours,” continued Murphy.

Public charging stations are being deployed across the islands so that customers can power their phones and Digicel is providing US$250,000 in free credit so that customers can get in touch with their loved ones as services are restored.

Further updates of network and service availability are being communicated as they happen on Digicel Vanuatu’s Facebook page www.facebook.com/DigicelVanuatu

ENDS

About Digicel

Digicel Group is a leading global communications provider with operations in 33 markets in the Caribbean, Central America and Asia Pacific. After almost 14 years of operation, total investment to date stands at over US$5 billion worldwide. The company is renowned for delivering best value, best service and best network.

Digicel is the lead sponsor of Caribbean, Central American and Pacific sports teams, including the Special Olympics teams throughout these regions. Digicel sponsors the West Indies cricket team and is also the title sponsor of the Caribbean Premier League. In the Pacific, Digicel is the proud sponsor of several national rugby teams and also sponsors the Vanuatu cricket team.

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.

SIR PATRICK ALLEN APPLAUDS FOOD FOR THE POOR

Kingston, Jamaica – March 12, 2015

Governor General, His Excellency The Most Honourable Sir Patrick Allen (left), presents a plaque to Andrew Mahfood (centre), Chairman, Food For The Poor, during his visit to the charity organisation on March 12. Also sharing in the moment is David Mair, Executive Director.

Governor General, His Excellency the Most Honourable Sir Patrick Allen, met with members of Food For The Poor (FFP) Jamaica at their head office in Ellerslie Pen, St. Catherine, to express his gratitude to the charity organization.

“We really feel that we need to say thanks to you. We appreciate all that you do for the people of this country.  We hope you will keep up the good work and that more people will come on board to support your programmes so it will be more sustained and sustainable,” Sir Patrick said.

He went on to reflect on the history of the charity organization, and expressed how the committed staff members have expanded the dream of FFP’s founder, Ferdinand Mahfood, into more than what he had hoped for.

“I am very pleased to be with you today. I laud Ferdinand Mahfood, the founder, for allowing the spirit of God to lead and inspire him to start this organization. I am just dumbfounded at the expansion and reach of Food For The Poor.  This organization has printed itself on the psyche of the Jamaican people so much so that when you think about a natural disaster, you think about the role that Food For The Poor will be playing in the recovery process.  You have seeped into the system of Jamaican life and have gone to the foundation of where the rubber hits the road by lifting people to make their lives more comfortable and giving them an opportunity to advance.  You are transforming lives!” he said.

According to the Governor General, FFP was the first stop on a list of local organizations he will be visiting, as part of “the social component of the vision and mission of King’s House,” to express appreciation on behalf of the nation for their contribution to nation building.

The Governor General also spoke about his ‘I Believe Initiative’. He said it was launched in 2011, “as a service oriented programme where we find pathways to assist young people to believe in themselves, achieve their objectives and serve their country.  The three pillars of this programme are family, youth and education.  Under the umbrella of the IBI, the Summer of Service (SOS) competition was launched with the hope to increase volunteerism among youth, while offering them an opportunity to pursue academic goals. It would be great to see our young people volunteering with FFP.”

In response to Sir Patrick Allen, Mr. Andrew Mahfood, Chairman, said FFP was privileged to have been chosen as the first stop on his list of organizations to thank for their contribution to nation-building. 

“Your presence and message of thanks to us this morning is a motivation to us to continue to do what we can to help the less fortunate,” said Mr. Mahfood. “Our office would also be a good learning avenue for the youth in your SOS programme and we would be more than happy to accept them as volunteers with our organization.  Your presence with us today is really thanks enough and we thank you for coming.  We will also accept any request that we receive from your office regarding assisting persons in need.  We are very grateful that you have joined us here today.”

FOOD FOR THE POOR HANDS OVER 50TH BASIC SCHOOL

Kingston, Jamaica – March 3, 2015

Veronica Baker (center right), Principal of New Testament Early Childhood Development Centre in Wynters Pen, St Catherine and Dr. John Buuk (center left), Donor Representative, Food For The Poor (FFP) cutting the ribbon to officially open a new building for the school on March 3. Sharing in the moment are (from left): Reverend  Bruce Farrell, the school’s Board Chairman; Andrew Mahfood, Chairman of FFP Jamaica; David Mair, Executive Director of FFP Jamaica and the Very Rev. Burchell McPherson, Bishop of Montego Bay and Board Member of Food For The Poor Inc. This is the 50^th basic school to be constructed as part of FFP’s Jamaica 50 campaign.

Food For The Poor (FFP) officially handed over the 50th basic school, fulfilling their commitment made in 2012 to mark the 50th Anniversary of Jamaica’s Independence.  This took place today, March 3, 2015 at the New Testament Early Childhood Development Centre in St. Catherine.

On June 12, 2012, at the Jamaica 50 Campaign Launch, the charity organisation announced that it would build 50 basic schools in 50 months, at a cost of approximately $150 million, as its gift to the nation.  The fifty basic schools have been completed 18 months ahead of the time promised to achieve the objective.

Present at the handover of the 50th basic school was Minister of Education, Reverend The Honourable Ronald Thwaites and FFP Chairman, Andrew Mahfood.

In his address, Mr. Mahfood said his philanthropic organisation could not have completed its objective of building 50 schools in 50 months, without donations received from his local and overseas donors.

"Today, we can say 'mission accomplished!' However, FFP's journey in developing Jamaica's education system has not ended. We remain committed to our children and to constructing suitable structures for their upliftment. In this regard, under our ongoing projects portfolio, eight schools are currently at various stages of construction," Mr. Mahfood said.

During his address, Minister Thwaites thanked FFP for fulfilling its promise to Jamaica, and more so, the education sector.

"I want to begin by expressing, on behalf of the Ministry of Education, our sincere gratitude and appreciation to Food For The Poor for its continued support for education. Specifically, we commend the organisation for sticking to its commitment to build and upgrade 50 basic schools in 50 months as a gift to Jamaica and Jamaicans for the island's Golden Jubilee," Minister Thwaites said.

"You not only said it, you did it! It is fitting that Food For The Poor has undertaken this project as it targets basic schools in communities across the island where the Early Childhood Commission and the Ministry of Education have identified the more dire needs for pre-primary facilities. This is in line with the Government's overall policy to lift up the weakest in the society," he further stated.

Both Minister Thwaites and Mr. Mahfood handed over the newly constructed school building to Veronica Baker, Principal of New Testament Early Childhood Development Centre.

In her heartfelt response, Mrs Baker said, "We are so thrilled and happy to have received the 50th school building from Food For The Poor as part of their Jamaica 50 Campaign. We had no school building in the past. We were behind of the church in a space that was not suitable for teaching young children. Now, we have a wonderful building."

Funding to build this school was provided by Hope Lutheran Church, Bonita Springs, Florida and Faith Lutheran Middle and High School, Las Vegas, Nevada.

DIGICEL FOUNDATION AND NBA LEGEND, RICK FOX, OPEN FIRST SPECIAL OLYMPICS BASKETBALL COURT IN JAMAICA

Friday 13^th March 2015 – Kingston, Jamaica

Showing their support for Special Olympics by joining in the ring of inclusion and acceptance are sporting legends Rick Fox and Usain Bolt, Paralympian gold medallist, Alphanso Cunningham, Special Olympian, Dillon Robinson along with Digicel Jamaica Foundation Special Needs Programme Manager, Judine Hunter (left), Executive Director of the Special Olympics Jamaica (front centre), Lorna Bell (centre) and UNICEF representative to Jamaica, Mark Connolly (second left)

NBA Legend, Rick Fox, yesterday officially opened a Digicel Jamaica Foundation funded Special Olympics Basketball Court and sports complex – the first of its kind to be built in Jamaica – at a ceremony held on site at the National Arena.

Fox was joined by the Honourable Natalie Neita-Headley, Jamaica's Minister with Responsibility for Sports, Natalie Neita-Headley, members of the Jamaica Special Olympics Community including President, Lorna Bell, as well as the Digicel Jamaica Foundation team led by its Chairperson, Jean Lowrie-Chin.

Special Olympics Jamaica athlete, Corey Bennett, showcased his moves for three-time NBA Champion, Rick Fox, during the unveiling of the Digicel Jamaica Foundation-funded Special Olympics Court

The multi-purpose court and bocce training facility was built thanks to an investment made by the Digicel Foundation, in partnership with the Government of Jamaica, Independence Park Limited, and National Basketball Association. The new court forms part of the Digicel Foundation's overall efforts to improve sports development for thousands of people with intellectual disabilities.  Most importantly, the Jamaica Special Olympics team will now have a facility where they can train and prepare for the upcoming 2015 World Summer Special Olympics Games to be held in Los Angeles.

"We are proud of our Special Olympians who continue to forge ahead by breaking down barriers and reminding the world that there is no need to focus on their disabilities, rather it is about focusing on their tremendous abilities and the passion with which they take on the world," said Minister Natalie Neita Headley.

The Hon Natalie Neita-Headley, Jamaica's Minister with Responsibility for Sports, shares a laugh with NBA legend, Rick Fox, during the launch of the Special Olympics Court in Kingston, Jamaica. Sharing in the moment are the CEO and Chairman of the Digicel Jamaica Foundation, Samantha Chantrelle (left) and Jean Lowrie-Chin (right) respectively

NBA Cares, the league's global social responsibility programme, partnered with the Digicel Foundation to make this court a reality through its donation of equipment and court fixtures such as the basketball hoops and nets.

"We are thrilled to work with the Digicel Foundation and continue the NBA family's global support of Special Olympics," Fox said.  "Basketball is a game for people of all ages that promotes inclusion and respect, and we are excited to be part of this amazing new sports training facility for the Jamaica community." 

Executive Director of Special Olympics Jamaica Lorna Bell said; "This court is the best thing to have happened to Special Olympics in Jamaica and with the opening of this new court, our athletes will have a first class training facility that will no doubt improve their skills. It is our mission that through sports, we can change the lives of people with intellectual disabilities and thanks to the Digicel Foundation and the NBA Cares programme, we are now able to make this possible."

Digicel Foundation Chairperson Jean Lowrie-Chin said; "Digicel has long celebrated the extraordinary achievements of Special Olympics athletes. Since 2004, Digicel has been the largest sponsor of Special Olympics in the region and in Jamaica, we have shown our support of the Special Olympics team here, which has seen them being able to attend international games and also have the best equipment with which to train.

She continued; "Over the last two years, the Digicel Jamaica Foundation has invested over JM$200 million towards the development of special needs as we believe everyone has something to contribute to national development including those with special needs and our beloved Special Olympics athletes."

On 5^th June, the Court will host its first official event – the annual Special Olympics National Summer Games which will see hundreds of Special Olympics Athletes from across Jamaica showcasing their skills.                                                                     

The fastest man in the world and Digicel Brand Ambassador, Usain Bolt, presents NBA legend, Rick Fox, with an autographed shirt to commemorate the occasion

ENDS

ABOUT DIGICEL

Digicel Group is a total communications and entertainment provider with operations in 33 markets in the Caribbean, Central America and Asia Pacific. After almost 14 years of operation, total investment to date stands at over US$5 billion worldwide. The company is renowned for delivering best value, best service and best network.

Digicel is the lead sponsor of Caribbean, Central American and Pacific sports teams, including the Special Olympics teams throughout these regions. Digicel sponsors the West Indies cricket team and is also the presenting partner of the Caribbean Premier League. In the Pacific, Digicel is the proud sponsor of several national rugby teams and also sponsors the Vanuatu cricket team.

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.

Visit www.digicelgroup.com for more information.