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.

KEVIN PIETERSEN IS BACK FOR THE CARIBBEAN PREMIER LEAGUE 2015

Monday 2^nd February 2015 – Kingston, Jamaica

Kevin Pietersen will be back in the Caribbean this summer to play in the third staging of the Limacol Caribbean Premier League (CPL).

The big-hitting England star played for St. Lucia Zouks for the 2014 tournament where he joined the side for the final round of CPL matches, held at Warner Park Stadium in St. Kitts and Nevis. During those matches, Pietersen, alongside team captain, Darren Sammy, helped the Zouks romp to victory against reigning champions, the Jamaica Tallawahs, as well as setting the Zouks’ highest total for the tournament of 189/7.

Kevin Pietersen (left)

Commenting on his inclusion in the CPL Draft, Pietersen said; “Being involved in CPL 2014 was a fantastic experience and I thoroughly enjoyed playing for the St. Lucia Zouks albeit briefly. This year I will be available for the duration of the tournament so I hope to be able to make a bigger impact and give the Zouks fans something to shout about. The CPL is a very special event and I can’t wait to get back out there to experience more of the biggest party in sport.”

CPL CEO, Damien O’Donohoe said; “We are delighted to welcome back Kevin to the CPL for the 2015 season. He’s a true superstar and to see him line up again with the best of the best from the West Indies and around the world will be a real thrill for CPL fans. The calibre of players in the Draft this year is another step up for CPL which has proved itself to be a world class showcase of sporting entertainment with the stars of T20 performing in front of the best fans in cricket.”

The CPL 2015 Player Draft is set to take place on 5^th February in Kingston, Jamaica and will feature world class regional and international cricketers being selected by each of the six teams that will feature in the upcoming tournament this summer.

ENDS

ABOUT THE CARIBBEAN PREMIER LEAGUE

Billed as “the Biggest Party in Sport”, 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 Barbados Tridents are the defending champions from 2014 and the third staging of the tournament will take place in June and July of this year.

SHAHID AFRIDI CONFIRMED FOR CARIBBEAN PREMIER LEAGUE 2015 DRAFT ( - Pakistan cricketer raises his bat to CPL )

Wednesday 28^th January 2015 – Kingston, Jamaica

One of Pakistan’s most beloved cricket heroes, Shahid Afridi, has been confirmed to join the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) 2015 Draft – adding to the talent pool for the upcoming tournament.

The CPL Draft, scheduled to take place at the beginning of February, will see six CPL franchise coaches bidding for some of the best and most experienced cricketers to play in one of the world’s most exciting T20 tournaments.

On joining the draft, Afridi, said; “I'm looking forward to playing in the CPL, what's not to like? Beautiful venues, knowledgeable crowds and top class cricket...Bring it on!”

The right-handed all-rounder, also called “Boom Boom Afridi” for his aggressive batting style, has batted for 11 centuries and 50 half-centuries. At 34 years old, Afridi brings over 16 years of all-round experience to the pitch, boasting over 10,000 runs and 500 wickets in all forms of the game.

CPL International Cricket Director, Tom Moody, said; “Once again, the excitement and competition level has been heightened with the addition of Pakistan cricket legend, Shahid Afridi, to the roster for the CPL 2015 Draft. With CPL attracting some of the biggest names and most talented players in cricket, the tournament is set to electrify the region once again this year.”

ENDS

ABOUT THE CARIBBEAN PREMIER LEAGUE

 

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 CPL, billed as “the Biggest Party in Sport” features six teams competing throughout the region – Antigua Hawksbills, Barbados Tridents, Guyana Amazon Warriors, Jamaica Tallawahs, St. Lucia Zouks, Trinidad and Tobago Red Steel.  The Barbados Tridents are the defending champions from 2014.

DIGICEL SUCCESSFULLY PULLS OFF REALITY TV IN THE CARIBBEAN WITH THE ‘ULTIMATE MISSION’ ( - Live stream viewed by 30,000 online and user engagement in the tens of thousands )

Monday 26^th January 2015 – Kingston, Jamaica

Digicel put its own spin on reality TV last weekend when it pulled off the ‘Ultimate Mission’ event in Jamaica which has been described as a first for the Caribbean.

The ‘Ultimate Mission’ was the culmination of Digicel Jamaica’s Christmas promotion and saw four contestants locked in a 1974 Volkswagen Beetle for 48 hours and having to complete new and interesting ‘challenges’ every two to three hours. The entire experience was streamed on Digicel’s Facebook page, while the last hour was aired live on public television. The contestants, who at times struggled with sleep deprivation and the cramped confines of the car, sang and played games together to keep alert – and the resulting exchanges proved very entertaining for viewers.

Using creative means of consumer engagement has long been a mantra for Digicel in the region. The company’s longstanding sponsorship of the talent show, Rising Stars, which takes place in Haiti, Jamaica and Trinidad and Tobago, has over the years, developed huge popularity in the region and the Caribbean diaspora.

Indicators of the success of the event showed that 30,000 people viewed the live steam online and more than 300,000 tuned in to local television for the final hour and the results. Most viewers who watched online were located in Jamaica, but over eight percent were from the USA, Canada and the UK. Another three percent watched from other Caribbean countries, including The Bahamas, Barbados, Cayman, Guyana, Haiti and Trinidad and Tobago.

The conversation, which took place over the live chat on the online stream, generated approximately 50 messages every five minutes, as viewers remained glued to the feed and continued to talk throughout. There was also high user engagement on Digicel’s social media pages. For example, one photo of the winner – an affable, easy-going Keisha Lawrence – reached over 28,000 timelines on Facebook organically and within minutes of being posted.

“The making of the ‘Ultimate Mission’ underscores our commitment to engaging our customers with more innovative, interesting and original content,” said Peter Lloyd, Digicel Jamaica Marketing Director. “It was an amazing 48 hours and we can’t thank the contestants and all our customers enough for helping to make this a remarkable experience.”

The world’s fastest man and Digicel Brand Ambassador, Usain Bolt, featured in the campaign and also had some words of encouragement for the contestants. “You can do it, just stay focused, remember what you are in there for and just get it done.”

The contestants completed 20 challenges, which included a scavenger hunt, trivia games, memory challenges and eating raw food, among other things. The grand prize was placed on a stage across from the contestants and served as a constant reminder of why they should endure their stay in the cramped VW Beetle. The winner was determined based on a combination of points accumulated for completing the challenges, call/text votes and online votes.

“It wasn’t easy to stay in the car and do all of the challenges, but when you think about it—the Audi was across from us the whole time, so it motivated me to do my best,” said Ms Lawrence, who won a 2015 Audi A3 for her efforts.

The other three challengers walked away with a share of JM$1 million. The first runner-up, Sacha Shaw-Cuthbert, said she was happy to take home her prize of JM$500,000, which she plans to use to grow her business – a medical practice for families.

ENDS

ABOUT DIGICEL GROUP

Digicel Group is a leading global communications provider with operations in 33 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.

For more information, please visit www.digicelgroup.com

CARL HOOPER APPOINTED COACH OF GUYANA AMAZON WARRIORS FOR CPL 2015

Monday 19^th January 2015 – Kingston, Jamaica

The Guyana Amazon Warriors is pleased to announce the appointment of former West Indies and Guyana cricketer, Carl Hooper, as the Head Coach of the Guyana Amazon Warriors for the 2015 edition of the Limacol Caribbean Premier League (CPL). 

Following his retirement from professional cricket, Hooper has held various coaching positions which included Assistant Coach for the Antigua Hawksbills in 2014, and coach at the West Indies Cricket Board’s High Performance Centre (HPC) in Barbados.

A former West Indies captain, Hooper was an elegant right-handed batsman and off-spin bowler who came to prominence in the late 1980’s in a team that included other West Indies cricket legends like Courtney Walsh, Curtly Ambrose, Desmond Haynes, Gordon Greenidge, Desmond Haynes and Malcolm Marshall. During his illustrious international career spanning 21 years, he had a career high test score of 233 against India in 2001 and scored a total of 5,762 runs. 

Hooper represented Guyana at the first class level and also played English county cricket for Kent and Lancashire. Hooper became the first cricketer in the world to have scored 5,000 runs and taken 100 wickets, held 100 catches and received 100 caps in both ODI’s and Tests, a feat only matched since by the South African, Jacques Kallis. 

On his appointment, Hooper said; “I am extremely delighted to be appointed as Head Coach of the Guyana Amazon Warriors and to be part of the CPL 2015. I look forward to working with the immensely talented group of cricketers in this team and I also want to assist with the overall development of the young Guyana cricketers who will also be part of the squad. I would like to thank Dr. Ranjisinghi ‘Bobby’ Ramroop, franchise owner of the Guyana Amazon Warriors, for providing me with this opportunity.”

Guyana Amazon Warriors Team Operations Manager, Omar Khan, has expressed his full support for Carl Hooper’s appointment by saying; “Carl brings a wealth of experience and skills to our team and I am confident that he will be a great motivator and will use all of his expertise to bring the best out of all the players and contribute to the team winning the tournament this year.”

ENDS

About the Caribbean Premier League:

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 CPL, billed as “the Biggest Party in Sport” features six teams competing throughout the region – Jamaica Tallawahs, Trinidad and Tobago Red Steel, Barbados Tridents, Guyana Amazon Warriors, St. Lucia Zouks, Antigua Hawksbills. The Barbados Tridents are the defending champions from 2014.

WRAY & NEPHEW WHITE RUM GIVING AWAY $1 MILLION CASH TODAY ( - All persons who participated in Wray’s Q is the Key promotion up to January 8, 2015, are eligible for a chance to be one of two $500,000 winners today. )

Kingston, Jamaica : Friday, January 9, 2014

Today, two lucky Jamaicans will be winning $500,000 each in Wray & Nephew White Overproof Rum’s Q Is The Key promotion. The live draw for the two winners will be done on Hitz 92 FM at 5PM.  All persons who participated in Wray’s Q is the Key promotion up to January 8, 2015, are eligible for a chance to be one of two $500,000 winners today. 

Wray’s Q is the Key promotion was launched in October 2014, and had fans who bought a  200ml-sized Wray & Nephew White Overproof Rum Q, peel the back label, locate the seven-digit code and text this code to 444-WRAY. Instant winners won either $200 in phone credit or $10,000 in cash, all players entered into the draw for the two super cash prizes and the two WIHCON homes.

In the 12 weeks of the promotion, over 14,000 Jamaicans have won cash and prizes valued at $12.8 million.  Over 1,000 persons have won a totaling over $10Million is cash and over 13,000 entrants have won mobile phone credit worth $2.7 million. 

Today’s two prizes worth $500,000 each, represents the largest single giveaway of the multimillion dollar competition, which was added as a prize component to bring New Year cheer to Wray & Nephew White Overproof Rum consumers.

J Wray & Nephew’s Group Brand manager for Rums, Cecil Smith explained:  “The beginning of each New Year brings opportunity for all of us to change our lives, so we decided to assist with this by giving our consumers two chances to win $500,000 today.  We know that cash in hand is a need for many, as we have heard many stories of persons who had benefitted during the holidays from Q Is The Key winnings.”

One such person is Ava Pryce. Her Q Is the Key winnings gave her a much needed boost for Christmas: “I saw the Q Is the Key advertisement on television, and knew immediately that I had to buy a Q and enter. I’m currently unemployed, so with the $10,000 I won, I was able to buy paint and fix up my house for Christmas. I was also able to buy groceries as well,” commented Mrs. Pryce who is also looking forward to the draw today

Wray & Nephew White Overproof Rum’s Q Is The Key promotion ends on January 18, with customers still being able to win instant prizes of $200 phone credit.  The date of the final draw for the jackpot prizes of two WIHCON homes taking place on January 23. For more information on the competition, persons can visit the brand on Facebook at www.facebook.com/WrayandNephewWhiteRum, and on Instagram at ‘@WrayRum’.

JACQUES KALLIS CONFIRMED FOR CARIBBEAN PREMIER LEAGUE 2015 DRAFT (- South African Cricket Star Set To Join ‘The Biggest Party In Sport’ )

Wednesday 17^th December 2014 – Kingston, Jamaica

Excitement for CPL 2015 cranked up a notch today with the announcement that South African cricket hero, Jacques Kallis has been confirmed to join the draft list for next year’s tournament.

The news comes hot on the heels of last Friday’s announcement that the Caribbean Premier League is set to offer contracts to young cricketers from the Caribbean and ICC Americas region and will see these players rub shoulders with some of the game’s greatest players.

Each of the six CPL franchise coaches will no doubt be clamouring to secure Kallis at the official CPL 2015 draft, which is tentatively scheduled to take place in early 2015.

Speaking about joining the draft, Kallis, said; “I have really enjoyed playing in the Caribbean with The Proteas and am looking forward to hopefully returning for the CPL. It is an amazing place with amazing people and I am excited to see what team I will be playing for. CPL has produced some fantastic cricket and the fans really bring a special atmosphere so I can’t wait to be a part of it.”

South African cricket hero, Jacques Kallis, is confirmed for the CPL 2015 Draft

CPL International Cricket Director, Tom Moody, said; “The addition of these cricketing greats to the roster for CPL 2015 is testament to the growing success of the ‘Biggest Party in Sport’ which has grown significantly since its inaugural year. And, with players of this calibre getting on board, CPL is offering young Caribbean cricketers a great opportunity to test their skills against some of the best of their generation.”

Jacques Henry Kallis is regarded as one of the greatest of the game's all-rounders having scored more than 11,000 runs and taken 250 wickets in both one-day and Test match cricket as of 2013. In 2008, he was named Leading Cricketer in the World in the 2008 Wisden for his performances in 2007 in addition to being the “ICC Test Player of the Year” and ICC Player of the Year in 2005. He has been described by Kevin Pietersen and Daryll Cullinan as the greatest cricketer to play the game.

ENDS

ABOUT THE CARIBBEAN PREMIER LEAGUE

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 CPL, billed as “the Biggest Party in Sport” features six teams competing throughout the region – Antigua Hawksbills, Barbados Tridents, Guyana Amazon Warriors, Jamaica Tallawahs, St. Lucia Zouks, Trinidad and Tobago Red Steel.  The Barbados Tridents are the defending champions from 2014.