OVER $19 BILLION WON WITH CASH POT, PICK 4, 3 &2

Kingston, Jamaica, Tuesday January 28, 2014

 Last year Jamaican players won over $19 billion from playing the Cash Pot, Pick 4, Pick 3 and Pick 2 games.  Although our population is about 2.6 million, Jamaicans won nearly 8000 times more in 2013 from playing Cash Pot, Pick 4, Pick 3 & Pick 2 games. 

These games are played by many fun-loving Jamaicans as it adds a bit of entertainment to any ordinary run-of-the-mill day.  Some persons play just for the fun of it while others use these winnings to pay outstanding debts or buy some extra groceries.

“When I win I go to the grocery and get more food in the house,” said delivery man, Carey Richard.

However one decides to use the winnings earned, people often agree that the money comes in handy and sometimes comes right in time for a special occasion. This is exactly what happened to office attendant, Venice Malcolm.

“I won some money right before my birthday! I took it and bought a nice whatnot to set  the TV on.” “Up to last week I walked away winning money and I was able to buy a fan for my house. Whatever I want for the house, if is a pot or anything like that, I use the money I win and buy it,” said office attendant, Venice.

When asked what her secret to winning was she said, “I play Cash Pot, Pick 3, and Pick 4 all the while, all 4 times for the day.”

“For such a reasonable amount of $10, what players can gain is truly amazing!” remarked Sonia Davidson, Supreme Ventures’ Vice President for Group Corporate Communications. “I’ve heard people tell our cashiers how the silver lining to their day was looking forward to playing many of our games all through the day. They use the opportunity not only as a means of entertainment but as a way of making ends meet. And the figures say it all, our players won over $19 billion playing Cash Pot, Pick 2, Pick 3 and Pick 4. That is not petty cash.”

DIGICEL FOUNDATION, USAID, MOE LAUNCH 2014 ENRICHMENT PROGRAMME

Kingston, Jamaica – Thursday, January 30, 2014

LEARNING IS FUN: Evadne Cowell, Digicel Foundation Training Specialist, assists this youngster to fine tune his reading skills. Occasion was the 2014 Commencement of the Enrichment Programme at Davis Primary School in St. Catherine. At the event it was announced that 31 schools will be receiving Enrichment Centres and Mobile Carts to assist students in grades one to three better prepare for the Grade Four Literacy Test. This expansion has been made possible with the assistance of USAID through a partnership valued at more than US$3.7 million. Over a three year period, the Enrichment Programme will be active within an additional 95 schools, bringing the total number of schools impacted by the Enrichment initiative to nearly 200 schools island-wide.  The Enrichment Programme was initially launched by the Digicel Foundation and the Ministry of Education in 2009.

Tenth Anniversary celebrations are in high gear as the Digicel Foundation teams up with the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and the Ministry of Education to announce the start of the 2014 Enrichment Programme.

This year, thirty one schools will be receiving Enrichment Centres and Mobile Carts to assist students in grades one to three better prepare for the Grade Four Literacy Test. This expansion has been made possible with the assistance of USAID through a partnership valued at more than US$3.7 million. Over a three year period, the Enrichment Programme will be active within an additional 95 schools, bringing the total number of schools impacted by the Enrichment initiative to nearly 200 schools island-wide.

“USAID has a robust partnership legacy in Jamaica, but there is still more work that needs to be done in order to seize the full potential and impact that can result from these partnerships.  No single Government can be the sole solution to the myriad of challenges in a country,” noted Denise Herbol, Mission Director at USAID.  “Here in Jamaica, the Ministry of Education and companies like Digicel are working together to achieve established literacy objectives. Literacy is the stepping stone that enables people to gain access to information, to improve their health and nutrition, widen their livelihood options and make informed choices.  When we invest in learning and literacy, we invest in human dignity, development and peace,” she added.

Samantha Chantrelle, CEO of the Digicel Foundation, also expressed her appreciation for the partnership with both USAID and the Ministry of Education, “We are delighted that USAID has partnered with the Digicel Foundation on this very important initiative and we thank the Ministry of Education for continuing to support our efforts since 2009.”

Mrs. Chantrelle continued, “It is truly through collaboration that we can strive to get more done as a country. The Digicel Foundation remains committed to doing our part in assisting our nation to meet the UN Millennium Development Goal of achieving 100% literacy by 2015. This is a very special year for us at the Foundation as we commemorate 10 years of inspirational team work with extraordinary Jamaicans and organisations. We are actively working to make 2014 a memorable year as we continue our year long celebration with our life-changing partners.”

The official announcement for all thirty-one schools took place at Davis Primary School in St. Catherine on January 29. Renovations at Davis Primary began last year with all equipment and furnishings for the Enrichment Centre installed within the last two months. The room is now fully equipped with new desks, chairs, a filing cabinet, interactive whiteboards, a television set, DVD and MP3 players, a laminating machine and a wide range of interactive teaching resources and software. This school was also the deserving recipient of a Mobile Library Cart, containing more than 200 books to provide children with supplemental reading material. The Mobile Library Cart Programme is a joint initiative of the Digicel Foundation and The Spanish—Jamaican Foundation. More than 700 students at Davis Primary are expected to benefit from this recent intervention.

“When we look at the classroom that Digicel has set up, all of our teachers view it as the ideal classroom, with everything at your finger tips,” said Principal Sharon Campbell-Danvers. “Our literacy and numeracy rates have declined according to the National Education Inspectorate, but I expect that through the use of technology and having the programme target grades one to three, we will be able to see significant improvement, especially since children gravitate towards technology, which will in turn propel growth.”

The Enrichment Programme focuses on identifying those students who have fallen behind in school and are below their grade level in reading.  Some of the children are considered pre-primers, meaning that they are unable to identify letters of the alphabet, prior to being enrolled in the programme.  The successes to date have shown an average two-grade level increase in reading attributed to the Enrichment Programme intervention.  

 

FUN WITH COMPUTERS: These St. Davis Primary students try out the computers in their school's new Enrichment Centre.   Occasion was the 2014 Commencement of the Enrichment Programme at the St. Catherine based school. At the event it was announced that 31 schools will be receiving Enrichment Centres and Mobile Carts to assist students in grades one to three better prepare for the Grade Four Literacy Test. This expansion has been made possible with the assistance of USAID through a partnership valued at more than US$3.7 million. Over a three year period, the Enrichment Programme will be active within an additional 95 schools, bringing the total number of schools impacted by the Enrichment initiative to nearly 200 schools island-wide.  The Enrichment Programme was initially launched by the Digicel Foundation and the Ministry of Education in 2009.

DIGICEL FOUNDATION PARTNERING TO SUPPORT THE SPECIAL NEEDS COMMUNITY

Kingston, Jamaica – Tuesday February 4, 2014

 

ALL SMILES AT EARLY STIMULATION PLUS: Judine Hunter (right), Programme Manager for Special Needs, hands over a commemorative collage of photos from the 2013 Digicel Foundation 5K Night Run/Walk to Antonica Gunter-Gayle, Principal of Early Stimulation Plus. Looking on is Belinda Brown (centre), Project Manager for the Social and Economic Inclusion of Persons with Disabilities at the Ministry of Labour and Social Security. Also sharing in the moment are students and teachers of the school. The Digicel Foundation hit the road on January 30 with sponsors of the 5K Run/Walk to disburse the proceeds of last year’s event.  Last October, over 7,000 persons came out to ‘shine their light’ for members of the Special Needs community at the second staging of the event. Eleven Special Needs schools and associations are the recipients of the proceeds totaling $7.4 million.

The Digicel Foundation hit the road on Thursday, January 30 with sponsors of the 5K Run/Walk to disburse the proceeds of last year’s event.  Last October, over 7,000 persons came out to ‘shine their light’ for members of the Special Needs community at the second staging of the event.

Eleven Special Needs schools and associations will be the recipients of the proceeds totalling $7.4 million. These are:  Early Stimulation Plus, Genesis Academy, the STEP Centre, Mustard Seed Communities, Liberty Academy, the Jamaica Association on Intellectual Disabilities, Jamaica Autism Support Association, Jamaica Association for the Blind, Jamaica Association for the Deaf, NAZ Children’s Centre, and the Jamaica Downs Syndrome Foundation (JDSF).

In the days leading up to last year’s 5K, CVM TV documented and aired the great work that many of these Special Needs schools and organisations are engaged in. Natalie Peterson, Marketing Manager at CVM TV expressed her delight at having partnered with the Digicel Foundation to further support the Special Needs community. “We view our partnership with the Digicel Foundation on this worthy cause, from our on-air promotion of the event to the sharing of our tent with the Jamaica Association on Intellectual Disabilities at the actual event, as our duty.  In the words of Digicel Ambassador, Tifa: ‘The Special Needs community are us and we are them’ – we at CVM TV are honoured to take a stand for them.”

Island Grill provided meals for Digicel’s staff volunteers and adopted members of Jacobs’s Ladder team on the night of the 5K, sharing their tent for the Run/Walk. Marketing Assistant at Island Grill, Corve DaCosta, noted that his company felt extremely proud to be a part of the Digicel Foundation 5K Night Run Walk and pledged its continued support. “We will continue to support and lift up those who demonstrate the continuous improvement of those living with Special Needs and other vulnerable Jamaicans. As a corporate citizen, we have the responsibility to support the next generation and that includes all Jamaicans including those with Special Needs. Kudos to Mustard Seed Communities and the excellent work they do."

This year is Digicel Foundation’s 10^th Anniversary and the team is in high gear preparing for the 2014 Digicel Foundation 5K Night Run/Walk with the hope of garnering even more support than last year.

“Last year’s event was a wonderful success and we could not have done it without the dedication of our valued partners and the support we received from over 7,000 members of the public,” said Judine Hunter, Special Needs Programme Manager at the Digicel Foundation. “It is because of our partners and the event’s supporters that we have this funding to disburse to eleven Special Needs schools and organisations. It is so heart-warming to see a underserved community receiving this amount of recognition and support.”

Other partners include:  Irie Fm, KLAS FM, JP Tropical Foods Ltd, Peak Bottling Company Ltd, Rainforest Seafoods, Sportsmax, Guardsman, Virginia Dare, Express Fitness, RJR Communications Group, Island Grill, CVM, JTB, J Wray & Nephew, UDC, KSAC, CPJ, Tru Juice and  Jamaica Producers.

In celebration of its 10^th Anniversary, the Digicel Foundation is seeking to garner even greater support for the 5K Run/ Walk for Special Needs this year noted Samantha Chantrelle, saying, “2014 is a year of renewed hope and vigour. This year we celebrate 10 years of existence, we have so many plans to make 2014 an even more memorable year and we ask members of the public to join and support us as we work towards improving the lives of persons living with Special Needs.”

NICE BOOST FOR JASA: Judine Hunter (right), Programme Manager for Special Needs at the Digicel Foundation presents Kathy Chang (left), Co Founder of the Jamaica Autism Support Association with a cheque from the proceeds of the 2013 Digicel Foundation 5K Night Run/Walk. Sharing in the moment is Roger Lyn, Marketing Manager at Rainforest Seafood. The Digicel Foundation hit the road on January 30 with sponsors of the 5K Run/Walk to disburse the proceeds of last year’s event.  Last October, over 7,000 persons came out to ‘shine their light’ for members of the Special Needs community at the second staging of the event. Eleven Special Needs schools and associations are the recipients of the proceeds totaling $7.4 million.

Bustamante Museum Benefit Performance The Golden Macca Fat

February 24th, 2014, will be the 130th Anniversary of the birth of Sir Alexander Bustamante, making the occasion an opportunity to celebrate the life and work of our National Hero.  According to various sources Sir Alexander Bustamante was fond of children and so he would give sweets and money to the little ones he met throughout Jamaica.  The Bustamante Museum has appropriately 

partnered with the Little Theatre for a Benefit Performance of the 2013/2014 

Pantomime – The Golden Macca Fat.  The family show is slated for February 15^th, the Saturday after Valentine’s Day at 7:00 pm at the Little Theatre, with a contribution of $1500 per ticket. 

‘Macca Fat alluding to the oil from the tree and the fruit.’  This thorny palm tree grows here in Jamaica.  The plot of the pantomime is centred on the people of Macca Fat Mountain.  Award-winning journalist, Barbara Gloudon wrote this year’s script.  The cast is composed of almost 20 members, and includes actors and actresses, Faith Bucknor, Ray Jarrett, Kevin Halstead, and Sharon Edwards.  The production is under the direction of Pierre LeMaire.

Tickets for the Benefit Performance of the National Pantomime are available at the Little Theatre and the Bustamante Museum (2 ½ Goodwill Avenue, 946-2666).  The Bustamante Museum is a Jamaica National Heritage Trust site and was previously the home of Sir Alexander Bustamante before he relocated to Jamaica House.  The museum opened in 2009.  Presently the building houses a historical exhibition and is open to the public.  After touring the museum a visitor stated that it was a “fantastic collection of History.” 

 

Contact:

Nora Strudwick

Bustamante Museum

bustamantemuseum@cwjamaica.com

946-2666

“MANUFACTURING NEEDS LEVEL PLAYING FIELD” National Bakery CEO Launches Bold Ones 2014

KINGSTON, Jamaica, January 18, 2014 

Ackee Wines - Bold Ones

“Jamaican manufacturing needs a level playing field if it is to succeed, that’s what we’re asking for.  Reduce and do away with the bureaucracy that presently faces the business sector.”

National Bakery’s Chairman, Gary ‘Butch’ Hendrickson made this call at the official Launch of National Bakery’s 2014 ‘Bold Ones: New Champions of Manufacturing’ campaign. The event took place at the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel on Tuesday, January 14.

Eight Jamaican companies were honoured as New Champions of Manufacturing. They are: Spring Vale Enterprises, Lincoln Gordon and Sons, EcoFarms Jamaica Limited, Lifespan Company, Irie Rock Limited, Journey’s End Wine Company, Bartley’s All in Wood and D’Nex Step Sandals and Accessories.

This is the third such programme, bringing National Bakery’s total sponsorship of some 27 new manufacturers to almost $90 million.  Over the next six months, the selected companies will receive multimedia promotional packages, extensive advertising and publicity – including being featured graphically on the sides of the national baking trucks as they traverse the island – and will be hosted by National Bakery at its Pavilion at the upcoming EXPO JAMAICA 2014.

Mr. Hendrickson called particularly for the removal of duties on manufacturing inputs, citing a recent instance where his company, having invested some J$420 million in new equipment, found itself facing additional tariffs of $80 million.

Continuing, Mr. Hendrickson said, “I’m really hoping that our Governments will grasp the critical importance of added value. Manufacturing creates added value, which in turn creates profits, new jobs and overall a better economy and quality of life for Jamaicans.”

NATIONAL BAKERY'S BOLD ONES:  Continental/National Bakery Chairman Gary 'Butch' Hendrickson (front, centre) stands with the new ‘National Bakery Bold Ones of Manufacturing’ and guests at a press launch of the 2014 programme on Tuesday at the Jamaica Pegasus.  From left are (back row): Mrs. Sandra McLeish - Springvale Enterprises; Howard Coxe - Journey's End Wine Co. Ltd; Grace Foster-Reid – Eco Farms Jamaica; Dorrette Ubanks - D'Nex Step Sandals & Accessories; Devon Williams - Lifespan Co. Ltd; Racquell Brown - Irie Rock Ltd; Lincoln Gordon - Lincoln Gordon & Sons; (front row) Christopher Zacca - PSOJ President; Brian Pengelley - JMA President; Mr. Hendrickson; Nayana Williams of Lifespan; Lacey Bartley of Bartley's All in Wood; Ann-Marie Walter-Allen - National Bakery Marketing Manager; and Stephen Sykes - Director of Operations, National Bakery.

- Gleaner photo

To the entrepreneurs selected, Mr Hendrickson said the selection team was impressed with the professionalism and enthusiasm demonstrated by them and urged them to “be Jamaican without apology, but put forward the best of Jamaica.”

In giving his endorsement of the 2014 ‘Bold Ones’ programme, Jamaica Manufacturers’ Association (JMA) president, Brian Pengelley, also called on the Government to work more assiduously in reducing and eliminating costs and waste so as to create a truly business-friendly environment.

The manufacturing sector, Mr. Pengelley said, remained a critical sector to the economy. It employs some 75,000 persons, earning over USD 900million from exports, and contributes some 13% of all taxes collected as well as 8% to GDP.

“We appreciate the strides made to fate, but we as manufacturers would still want to see the Government tackle a number of serious issues, including tax reform, removing bureaucracy, stabilizing currency movements to allow for better planning, reducing energy costs and crime,” Mr. Pengelley said.

Also speaking at the launch Private Sector Organization of Jamaica (PSOJ) President, Christopher Zacca, lauded National for starting and sustaining the initiative, describing it as “a great positive start to the year.” Mr. Zacca said it was long established that small and medium enterprises were key to development, particularly in transitioning economies such as Jamaica’s, as they contributed to job growth, improved innovation and community development.

He countered however by saying that the SME sector was the most vulnerable to a poor business environment, high taxes, inefficient and costly bureaucracy, corruption and crime. In light of this Mr. Zacca said, “for the country to achieve its full economic potential, major improvements in the business climate will be necessary, to nurture, facilitate and encourage small businesses.”

He added that great progress had been made but that the PSOJ, in seeking to further advance the cause of Jamaican businesses, was presently developing a multi-point agenda for the promotion of the sector and to foster greater co-operation between large and small enterprises.  

This year’s ‘Bold Ones,’ being the third group chosen since 2010, had the privilege of hearing testimonials from two of the initial Bold Ones, Michelle Smith of Chocolate Dreams, and Dennis Hawkins of Spur Tree Spices.

Calling the programme “a dream come true” Smith told the audience that the inclusion in the programme has had a significant positive impact on her company. “We recently completed a mini-expansion at our plant, have also increased our presence in the retail market through outlets at Loshusan Supermarket in Kingston and at the Sangster International Airport in Montego Bay, and we recently completed our first export order to Antigua.”

For his part, Hawkins, speaking on behalf of business partner Mohan Jagnarine, said that since its ‘Bold Ones’ campaign in 2010, the sauces and spices company had moved to a much larger base, had quadrupled output, more than doubled sales and had grown exports to the point where they now accounted for 70% of total sales revenue. He encouraged this year’s class of Bold Ones to plan and carefully consider their overheads and expenditure needs, and to put a proper financial records system in place. Mr. Hawkins also emphasized the importance of believing in their brands and in particular, encouraged them to wear their brands, citing numerous valuable business contacts made locally and overseas by virtue of wearing his Spur Tree branded shirt.

Replying on behalf of the eight chosen companies, Sandra McLeish, Managing Director of Springvale Enterprises, thanked National Bakery for the wonderful opportunity provided by the programme, “Your incredible generosity has made us all very happy, and are excited to embark on this tremendous journey.” The entrepreneur also acknowledged the previous ‘Bold Ones’ for sharing their experiences and said that the companies were eager to learn from their more established counterparts and from the National team.

Sweet - Bold Ones

ABOUT NATIONAL BAKERY (Continental Baking Company)

National Bakery is the leading manufacturer of baked goods in Jamaica, offering a wide range of products under three distinctive brands: National, HTB, and HoMade. Started in 1952 as a family-owned bakery, the company has expanded from its humble beginnings to become the top producer of breads, buns, crackers and other baked products in the island.

The company operates on a 220,000 sq. ft. complex with a state-of the-art biscuit and bread plant. There are over 700 people in the National family. National distributes its freshly made products islandwide each day. The company also exports a variety of its products to the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada and other Caribbean Islands.

PM SIMPSON MILLER ON WORK OF DIGICEL FOUNDATION: “NO SMALL ACCOMPLISHMENT”

Kingston, Jamaica – Friday, January 17, 2013

NATIONAL KISS: Brian Foote, Head Boy for Genesis Academy, gleefully receives a kiss on the cheek from Prime Minister, the Most Honourable Portia Simpson Miller. Occasion was the 10^th Anniversary Launch of the Digicel Foundation on January 15, which was held at the Stella Maris Foundation, a foundation partner. The Keynote Speaker for the launch was the Prime Minister, who commended the Foundation for its collaborative approach to national development. Digicel Foundation’s core mission is to facilitate sustainable national development through three focus areas—Education, Special Needs and Community Development. Through partnerships, the Foundation has to date directly empowered 446,000 Jamaicans through 400 development projects, with a total investment of JA$1.95B.

PARTNERING FOR OUR FUTURE: Prime Minister, the Most Honourable Portia Simpson Miller, laughs on the shoulder of Andy Thorborn, Digicel’s CEO for Latin America and the Caribbean. Occasion was the 10^th Anniversary Launch of the Digicel Foundation on January 15, which was held at the Stella Maris Foundation, a foundation partner. The Keynote Speaker for the launch was the Prime Minister, who commended the Foundation for its collaborative approach to national development. Digicel Foundation’s core mission is to facilitate sustainable national development through three focus areas—Education, Special Needs and Community Development. Through partnerships, the Foundation has to date directly empowered 446,000 Jamaicans through 400 development projects, with a total investment of JA$1.95B.

COMMITTED TO JAMAICA: Samantha Chantrelle, CEO of the Digicel Foundation, highlights the successful partnerships with persons, organisations, and communities in Jamaica, which the foundation has had since its inception in 2004. Seen in the background is sign language interpreter, Tarji Miller, of the Jamaica Association of the Deaf. Occasion was the 10^th Anniversary Launch of the Digicel Foundation on January 15, which was held at the Stella Maris Foundation, a foundation partner. The Keynote Speaker for the launch was the Prime Minister, who commended the Foundation for its collaborative approach to national development. Digicel Foundation’s core mission is to facilitate sustainable national development through three focus areas—Education, Special Needs and Community Development. Through partnerships, the Foundation has to date directly empowered 446,000 Jamaicans through 400 development projects, with a total investment of JA$1.95B.

   “The Digicel Foundation was created precisely as a response to the urgent needs of people.  Its birth came as a result of Digicel's response to an emergency--- in the aftermath of Hurricane Ivan in 2004,” noted the Prime Minister, the Most Honourable Portia Simpson Miller, who served as the Keynote speaker at the Digicel Foundation 10th Anniversary Launch. The function was held at the Stella Maris Foundation. 

The Prime Minister continued to commend the work of the Digicel Foundation as she said, “In a decade, this foundation has funded 437 projects to the tune of US$19 million, impacting the lives of 400,000 persons. That is no small accomplishment!  It is an indication of Digicel’s commitment to the people of Jamaica.  The Digicel Foundation has done impressive work in community enterprise, assisting persons in income-generating activities and building their skills.  I am particularly gratified by the foundation’s work in education and with persons with special needs.” 

The Prime Minister further noted the importance of teamwork in national development, “Digicel, and in particular the Digicel Foundation has continued to display its commitment to partnership, collaboration and cooperation with the development of Jamaica and Jamaicans as its primary mandate. The administration I lead believes in Public Private Partnership.  We believe that ‘we are all in this thing together’.

Over the past 10 years, the Foundation has learned that the key to sustainable development is successful partnerships with communities. As such, the Foundation’s core mission is to facilitate sustainable national development through three focus areas—Education, Special Needs and Community Development. 

“Ten years ago, the Digicel Foundation started with the conviction that where we grow, our communities should grow with us. Our Patron, Dennis O’Brien, believed and still believes that the key to national development is the facilitation of sustainable community enterprise projects; true development is only sustainable when people are empowered to help themselves,” said Digicel Foundation Chair, Lisa Lewis. 

To celebrate this 10th Anniversary milestone, the Digicel Foundation also announced a number of collaborations that will be undertaken in each of the three areas of focus. The Special Needs portfolio will continue to work with schools across the island to create Centres of Excellence for Special Needs students, bringing the total number of Centres from four to ten. This year, the Foundation will again host the 5K Run/Walk for Special Needs as well as a 10K Inspiration Run. 

In the Education sector, the Foundation will continue to expand the Enrichment program with the provision of specially designed Mobile Science Carts for 10 schools island-wide. Among the schools selected are: Belmont Academy, Cedar Grove High, Steer Town High, St. Andrew Technical High, Kingston High and others. 

The Digicel Foundation will also partner with the BREDS Foundation under the Community Development portfolio by contributing an additional JA$10 million in support of the Treasure Beach Foundation Sports Park. It was officially opened in November 2011 to the tune of JA$5.7 million, courtesy of the Digicel Foundation. The Park, which is already hosting local schools and clubs, aims to host regional and international sporting events.

About Digicel Foundation

The Digicel Foundation is the largest local private sector foundation in Jamaica. Since its inception in 2004 the Foundation has invested over J$2 billion in communities in which Digicel operates islandwide. The Digicel Foundation has been proactive in the areas of Education, Special Needs, and Community Empowerment.

The Digicel Foundation has:

·          Invested over J$100 million in their Enrichment Initiative in partnership with the Ministry of Education to improve literacy at the primary school level islandwide.

·          Invested over J$100million in resource rooms, including science and IT labs, in high schools islandwide.

·          Committed to building 10 Special Needs schools, two of which, the STEP Centre, and NAZ Children’s Centre and Early Stimulation Plus. An investment of over $100 million has already been made to the special needs sector.

·          Invested over J$60 million in Community Empowerment initiatives over the past four years, including $10 million annually and $15 million in 2012 to support the National Best Communities Competition and Program.

·          Invested $13 million in the ‘Back to Roots—Stronger Roots, Stronger Communities, Stronger Nation Project.’ The programme aims to help community organizations become more self-reliant by facilitating their transition to social enterprises, by teaching them how to run sustainable community businesses.

VINCENT HAYNES CLAIMS super lotto PRIZE IN BARBADOS

Kingston, Jamaica – JANUARY 16, 2014

 The J$173M Super Lotto Jackpot winner who purchased the winning ticket for Draw #436 (November 29, 2013) in Barbados, claimed his prize at the Barbados Lottery on January 15.

Mr. Vincent Haynes received the equivalent of BD$3.29M or US$1.65M during a press conference held at the Barbados Lottery office in Barbados. Mr. Haynes received his Cheque from Denny Brewster – Site Manager for the Barbados Lottery, in the presence of Sonia Davidson of Supreme Ventures Limited (SVL) and Junior Smith of the Betting Gaming & Lotteries Commission (BGLC).

The winning numbers, which were purchased through a Quick Pick bet, were: 05, 06, 19, 21, 31 and Super Ball 07 at a price of J$250 or BD$5. Quick Pick bets are numbers randomly selected by the lottery system. Mr. Haynes purchased his ticket at 3K’s located in the Super Centre at Holetown, in the parish of St. James in Barbados.

Haynes who was born in Barbados works at the golf course of the Sandy Lane Resort. He comes from a large family and had plans to retire soon, so the winnings will come in handy for retirement income. He also has plans to build a new house. Haynes said: “I never used to check my lottery tickets but would leave them in the car and my wife would find them and check. For this one though, I just had a feeling and decided to check the numbers online with my son. I was so surprised to find that the numbers were the winning ones.”

Davidson who also spoke at the press conference said: “We at Supreme Ventures, the lottery operator in Jamaica are very pleased that Mr. Haynes has come forward to claim the prize. He has told us of his retirement plans and we wish for him a long and fruitful retirement period.”

The total Super Lotto Jackpot prizes won to date is over J$2B since SVL started selling Super Lotto tickets on August 25, 2009 for the multi-jurisdictional game, which is the first game of its kind in the Caribbean and Latin America. The participating territories are: the Dominican Republic, Jamaica, Barbados, St. Kitts & Nevis, Anguilla, Antigua, St. Maarten and the US Virgin Islands.

The draw is conducted live in the Dominican Republic on Tuesdays and Fridays, with a delayed broadcast in Jamaica at 8:30pm, simultaneously on Television Jamaica and Irie FM.

Super Lotto winner Vincent Haynes displays the cheque for the Jamaican equivalent of $173M