DIGICEL COMPLETES ACQUISITION OF SUBMARINE FIBRE ASSETS ACROSS THE CARIBBEAN - (Government and regulatory approvals in place)

Friday 12^th September 2014 – Kingston, Jamaica

Digicel has received the required approvals from Government and regulatory authorities with regard to its purchase of a submarine fibre network across the Caribbean region from the Guadeloupe-based Loret Group and Caribbean Fibre Holdings and the transaction is now complete, it was announced today.

The completion of the deal marks another major step in Digicel’s ongoing evolution from a pure mobile provider to a global complete communications provider and follows the recent announcements of several cable TV and broadband acquisitions in the region.

This deal will provide Digicel with a wholly owned submarine fibre optic cable network providing capacity from Trinidad connecting 12 countries to Puerto Rico with onwards connectivity to the United States. In total, Digicel has secured access to a robust network comprising 15 submarine segments with a reach of some 3,100km across the Caribbean region. Digicel will also have extensive onwards capacity connecting to the United States, Europe and Asia.

Digicel Group CEO, Colm Delves, comments; “In our data hungry world, we are committed to ensuring we deliver innovative products and services to our valued customers. This latest acquisition grants us significant additional submarine fibre capacity which in turn means we can help our customers achieve their personal and business goals through advanced solutions and multimedia experiences on multiple devices.”

 ENDS 

ABOUT DIGICEL GROUP 

Digicel Group is a leading global communications provider with operations in 32 markets in the Caribbean, Central America and Asia Pacific. After 13 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.

NATIONAL ROAD SAFETY COUNCIL AND JAMAICA AUTOMOBILE ASSOCIATION OKAY NORTH-SOUTH HIGHWAY GRADIENT

Photo by Dr Lucien Jones – Vice-Chair, National Road Safety Council

Kingston, Jamaica – August 22, 2014: Following complaints by road users regarding the eight per cent gradient along a five kilometre section of the recently opened North-South Highway, representatives of the National Road Safety Council (NRSC) and the Jamaica Automobile Association (JAA) travelled the highway on August 21, 2014 and found no major fault with it. They are satisfied that the slope is safe and comfortable for travelling.

According to Dr Lucien Jones, Vice Chairman of NRSC, based on their assessment, motorists with well-serviced vehicles should have no problems travelling along the new highway.  

"We can assure the public that the highway is a good addition to our road network. We recommend the road in terms of safety and quick passage to and from the Moneague area," Dr Jones said.

"We found the eight per cent gradient over five kilometres quite easy to navigate, but also appreciate that vehicles which are not roadworthy may be challenged. The road is no worse than that when driving up Spur Tree or Winston Jones Highway as both have steeper gradients than the North-South Highway," Dr Jones added.

Dr Jones further stated that the NRSC is in agreement with the speed limit of 80 KPH of the gradient along the highway. "The matter of the speed limit of 80 kilometres per hour is quite understandable, given the many curves and steep nature of the road. Going at 110 KPH as per the East West segment, would likely result in more crashes," he said. "The continuous concrete median, which is also a feature of the new highway, should prove a great help in reducing fatal crashes. We were also very impressed with the new technologies employed to prevent land slippage and to accommodate the building of a major road on the difficult terrain. We look forward to the construction and opening of the other two legs of the North-South Highway."

Also present during the tour was Duane Ellis, General Manager of the JAA. He too said the JAA found no major fault with the North-South Highway. "It is a tremendous benefit for road users, because it really does cut the travelling time. If we use it correctly, we will have a lot of happy travellers on that road," he commented.

He said he is encouraging motorists not to speed on the North-South Highway: "At reduced speeds this road will take us on the other side significantly shorter. I drove it at 50 kilometres per hour and it took me half the time it would have taken me to drive through Mount Rosser, so there is no need to speed on it."

Damian Anderson, Engineer from China Harbour Engineering Company (CHEC) – the company responsible for the completion of the North-South Highway, who guided the tour, pointed out that the highway has several safety features. "There is a 'climbing lane' on the left for slow vehicles and for those who need to manoeuvre," he explained. "Motorists who are not accustomed to this new highway should use the 'climbing lane' when going up the slope. When going down the slope, in the event that you having a problem braking or slowing down, there are two 'escape lanes' with gravel-filled 'arrester beds' to help bring your vehicle to a safe stop."

-end-

For more information, contact:

Ainsworth Morris, PROComm, Tel: 9266740 or 3756136

STATEMENT FROM LIMACOL CARIBBEAN PREMIER LEAGUE

Sunday 24^th August 2014 – Basseterre, St. Kitts

The Caribbean Premier League having received and considered the formal complaint made to it by the Franchise Owners of the Guyana Amazon Warriors with regard to the outcome of the finals played on Saturday 16^th August at Warner Park in St. Kitts referred the Match Report to the Cricket Tournament Committee (CTC)  for its decision.

The CTC has carefully considered the report of the Match Referee and the arguments raised by the Guyana Amazon Warriors in their several written representations and has now completed its review. The CTC’s findings are as follows:

 

• The Match Referee properly applied the rules regarding the time allotted for the Match.

·         The CTC references paragraph 6.2 of Section 3A of the CPL Tournament Rules which expressly precludes a team from objecting to the result of a match on the ground of any decision made by any Umpire or the Match Referee. This rule is intended to bring finality to matches.

·         The Match Referee’s report clearly indicates an enquiry by Damien O’Donohoe, CEO of CPL and Charles Wilkin QC, member of the Tournament Committee, if in the interests of the Game and especially the fans, the full match could be played without resort to the Duckworth-Lewis rules.  To this, the consent of both Captains was required and that was not forthcoming. Hence they were informed that, according to the Playing Conditions, they did not have the authority to make such a ruling.

·         In the circumstances, the CTC has no authority nor does it find good reason under the CPL Tournament Rules to reverse the result or declare the match a nullity.  Accordingly, the CTC has ruled that the final result stands.

·         Further, the CTC and the CPL management would offer no objection to the matter being referred to the ICC, cricket’s world governing body, if contending parties still so desire, for a ruling that is definitive, transparent and expeditious.

Chairman of the CTC, Most Honourable Mr. PJ Patterson, comments; “Having carefully considered the report of the Match Referee and the arguments raised by the Guyana Amazon Warriors, the CTC has concluded that there are no grounds for the result of the final to be reversed or nullified. 

He concludes; “The CPL has succeeded in reinvigorating the passion for cricket across the region and has in two short years established its own distinctive brand and earned exciting market appeal.  Nothing must be done to impair its image or erode its credibility”

The Caribbean Premier League management would like to take this opportunity to express its sincere thanks to everyone involved in the CPL – players, event teams, team owners, sponsors, host countries and above all, the fans – for their amazing support. The CPL is a fantastic tournament which showcases the very best that the Caribbean has to offer on the world stage and each and every member of the CPL family is proud to be a part of it.

 

ENDS

 Notes to Editors:

 

·      The Limacol Caribbean Premier League is a franchise-based T20 format cricket tournament that combines two of the most compelling aspects of Caribbean life – dramatic cricket and a vibrant carnival atmosphere 

·      The Limacol Caribbean Premier League ran from 11 July 2014 to 16 August 2014, with 30 matches taking place over 37 days.

·     Billed as “the Biggest Party in Sport”, the CPL featured six teams competing throughout the region– Jamaica Tallawahs, Trinidad and Tobago Red Steel, Barbados Tridents, Guyana Amazon Warriors, St. Lucia Zouks, Antigua Hawksbills. 

CAPTAINS ARE RELISHING THE CHALLENGE OF WINNING THE 2014 LIMACOL CARIBBEAN PREMIER LEAGUE FINAL

The coveted Limacol Caribbean Premier League trophy on display in advance of Saturday's final

The captains square off in advance of Saturday's Limacol Caribbean Premier League

Climax of the tournament sees Guyana Amazon Warriors take on the Barbados Tridents on Saturday at Warner Park

Friday 15th August 2014, Basseterre, St. Kitts: Kieron Pollard's Barbados Tridents will take on Denesh Ramdin and his Guyana Amazon Warriors on Saturday in a match that will see two form teams square off to be crowned the Limacol Caribbean Premier League champions. 

The big-hitting Tridents will be looking to replicate their group stage form and make the most of their week-long preparation as they come up against a confident Warriors team fresh from their dominant display in the semi-final against the Jamaica Tallawahs.

Barbados Tridents captain, Kieron Pollard, said; "The Warriors played very well last night, but I am not worried. We will do our preparation and get ourselves ready for playing them, but we are going to concentrate on our strengths rather than worry too much about theirs."

He continues; "They beat us at home a few weeks ago, so we know we will have to bring our 'A-Game' on Saturday to win. They do have dangerous bowlers in the form of Narine and Santokie, however, when the bad ball comes, we will look to capitalise on it and it should be an exciting match."

Guyana Amazon Warriors captain, Denesh Ramdin, said; "After last night's game, the players who did not get a chance to bat yesterday will be working hard in the nets today so we are all fully prepared for tomorrow's final. Santokie and Narine have been bowling well so we will also be looking for them to carry their good form into tomorrow's match."

Barbados Tridents coach, Robin Singh, said; "Preparations have been good this week and we have welcomed the break after playing so many games in quick succession at the end of the group stages. We have some players who have done really well throughout the tournament such as Jason Holder and Kieron Pollard, but we will be looking to prepare all of our players to be their best in the final."

On being asked how they will try to do things differently from last year's final, where they lost in the last over, Guyana Amazon Warriors coach, Roger Harper, said; "This time around we will be looking to produce our best cricket when it counts. We will not necessarily be looking to do anything different to what we have done previously in the tournament, but we will think about the Barbados Tridents today and fine tune our plans so we are ready for tomorrow."

The Limacol Caribbean Premier League will take place on Saturday 16^th August at 4pm (ECT) at Warner Park, St. Kitts.

ENDS

Contact:

Antonia Graham

+1 876 564 1708

antonia@cplt20.com

10 Things Money Can't Buy

Digicel gives away tablets at Denbigh

This is a very cool thing to do Digicel! - Noel 

Published: Gleaner |Thursday | August 14, 2014

Public relations manager at Digicel, Jacqueline Burrell-Clarke (left), and Dane Richardson, education programme manager at the Digicel Foundation, congratulate the winners of the tablets at the Denbigh/Digicel School's Challenge Quiz competition. Seventy-five students attending the Denbigh Agricultural Show went home with tablets just in time for back-to-school, courtesy of the Digicel Foundation's Project 1000. - Contributed

Seventy-five students who attended the Denbigh Agricultural Show went home with tablets just in time for back-to-school, courtesy of the Digicel Foundation's Project 1000

Through its Schools In initiative, there was a huge focus for Digicel at Denbigh to equip students for back-to-school. Students were invited to sign up in teams to compete in the company's quiz competition for the opportunity to win tablets and other goodies.
In keeping with the United Nation's Millennium Development Goal of achieving 100 per cent literacy by 2015, Digicel Foundation's Project 1000 has reached almost 3,000 students to date.

Jamaica Tallawahs (158-6) beat Trinidad & Tobago Red Steel (155-6) by 4 wickets with 2 balls remaining

 

Wednesday 13th August 2014 – Basseterre, St. Kitts - A brilliant late order batting performance from Andre Russell secured victory for the Jamaica Tallawahs in the first play-off in this year's Limacol Caribbean Premier League. It looked as if the Trinidad & Tobago Red Steel had done enough to win this game, but Russell's arrival at the crease changed all of that. The Tallawahs were five wickets down and needing 12 runs an over when Russell came in to bat. Thanks to his efforts, the Jamaicans won the game with two balls to spare.

A fantastic innings from Ross Taylor meant that the Red Steel had a decent total, but with Samuel Badree ruled out with injury, they would have to defend it without their best bowler. Taylor was well supported by Darren Bravo, and they would have won easily if it had not been for the Russell fireworks.

The Red Steel innings began slowly as three wickets inside the Powerplay left them struggling for momentum. Kevin O'Brien was the first man to go, edging the ball to first slip. After an excellent run of form in the middle of the tournament, the Irishman has struggled. His 11 runs here was his highest score in four innings. The Red Steel took a gamble with Nasir Jamshed who had not played since the Trinidad & Tobago side's second match. He replaced Javon Searles, but the change did not work as the Pakistani player pulled a ball from David Bernard in to the hands of Nkrumah Bonner on the square leg boundary. Just three balls later, Evin Lewis repeated the trick, departing in exactly the same fashion as his team mate.

Taylor and Bravo went about steadying the ship, and they took the score from 36 to 146. The partnership could have been broken with the score on 87 when Taylor skied a ball from Andre Russell, but Nikita Miller and Bernard collided as both went to take the catch. Neither man was hurt, but the chance was gone.

Taylor made the most of his luck as he went on to score 70 runs from just 44 balls in a partnership of over 100 runs with the younger Bravo brother. Taylor accelerated after the chance was put down, scoring another 43 runs off 17 balls to really make the Tallawahs pay for their poor fielding.

When Taylor fell slogging into the legside, it slowed things down again for the Red Steel. Darren Bravo went in the same over to leave two new batsmen at the crease for the last seven balls of the innings. It was therefore not surprising that they only managed a run a ball from that point until the end of the innings.

A middling score meant that the Red Steel bowlers would have their work cut out, especially with Badree missing. They got off to the best possible start when Chris Gayle was dismissed LBW for just a single by Shannon Gabriel. The replays showed Gayle was unlucky to go as the ball had pitched outside leg stump.

The rate continued to rise as the Tallawahs also lost early wickets. After Gayle had gone, the Jamaicans lost the wickets of Chadwick Walton and Adam Voges, both men making single figures. As in the last match, Bonner was the only member of the top order who found a way to make a score of any substance. The man who was picking up the other end was Sulieman Benn. He mixed his pace well and his three wickets were well deserved.

Bonner was run out for 39 and the game looked like it was over, although Andre Russell did not want to give up. He blasted the ball from the moment he arrived in the middle. He was particularly harsh on Jason Mohammed. The off spinner was in the side as a replacement for Badree, but he could not come close to matching the man he was deputising for. Russell went to his fifty with a shot that broke his bat, off just 22 deliveries. Russell rode his luck, but when Evin Lewis put him down in the 19^th, it looked like it was the Jamaicans night.

In combination with Rusty Theron, he just refused to give up. Russell finished on 62 not out, but it was Theron who hit the winning runs, a flat six over extra cover that saw his side through to the second playoff game tomorrow night.

QUOTES:

Mickey Arthur, Jamaica Tallawahs coach, said; "Ten overs into our innings, I really didn't think we would do it, but with two overs to go, I was very confident. Andre Russell was our last hope – he has won three matches for us in the tournament and he was brilliant again tonight.

"I am still waiting for us to put together a complete performance – we bowled well to begin with today and again in the final three overs, but we need to concentrate in the field for the full twenty. In terms of our batting tomorrow, we really need our top order to begin performing and not just rely on Chris Gayle and Andre Russell."

Man of the Match for the Jamaica Tallawahs, Andre Russell, said; "When we were six wickets down, we were in a bit of trouble and the run rate was rising, but hitting a boundary straight away right out of the middle got me going nicely. This gives us a lot of confidence for tomorrow's match and all the hard work in the nets paid off for me today."

Simon Helmot, Trinidad & Tobago Red Steel coach, said; "I am obviously so disappointed with the result as I feel we had a great opportunity to get to the semi-final. The last two overs cost us dearly with the dropped catches and the misfields, but in many ways we played well throughout the game and the tournament as a whole. We were just not quite precise enough when bowling to Andre Russell and his amazing innings took the game away from us.

"I have really enjoyed my time in the Caribbean with the Red Steel and have made lots of friends. I have coached in the IPL and in Australia but nothing compares to the Caribbean. The 36 hour flight home will be a long one knowing we came so close, but that is T20 cricket."

Contact:

Antonia Graham

+1 876 564 1708

antonia@cplt20.com