DOUBLE WIN FOR DIGICEL GROUP AT THE GLOBAL TELECOMS BUSINESS INNOVATION AWARDS 2015 ( - Winner of two awards in the “Best Consumer Service Innovation” category )

Friday 15^th May, 2015 – Kingston, Jamaica

Digicel took home the “Best Consumer Service Innovation” Award for its Easypay utility payment service in Papua New Guinea which was collected by Digicel Board Member, Vanessa Slowey

Digicel Group took home two awards at the annual Global Telecoms Business Innovation Awards 2015 held at the Sheraton Park Hotel, Piccadilly, London.

The two awards – both in the Consumer Service Innovation category – were for Digicel’s Redknee-enabled utility payment service called Easypay that allows customers in Papua New Guinea to purchase electricity at any time directly from their mobile phone and the second for Digicel’s roaming service, “Roam Like You’re Home”, which sees customers paying local rates while travelling abroad and reducing roaming costs by more than 95%.

Working in partnership with the country’s incumbent electricity utility provider, Digicel and Redknee provided an alternative solution to the existing prepaid electricity voucher top-up payment method, where rural customers had to travel long distances to vending sites that were only available during business hours – a process was time consuming, costly and inconvenient for the customer. The roaming service, “Roam Like You’re Home”, is the first of its kind in the region as it gives both prepaid and postpaid customers the freedom to use their phones to make calls, receive calls for free, send SMS and use data all at the same price as at home – crushing normal roaming rates.

Digicel board member, Vanessa Slowey was on hand to collect Digicel’s award for its “Roam Like You’re Home” service at the recently-held Global Telecoms Business Innovation Awards 2015

Commenting on the awards, Digicel Group CEO Colm Delves, said; “Digicel is always looking for innovative ways to make technology really work for the benefit of our customers. As a total communications and solutions provider, we’re all about delivering the best content, services and value to customers on their mobile phone. I want to congratulate the teams who worked hard to deliver these innovative services – their awards are well deserved.”

Redknee’s CEO, Lucas Skoczkowski, commented; “I would like to congratulate Digicel on winning these awards. Digicel and Redknee have worked together to develop many innovative consumer services for their subscribers, and I am pleased that Global Telecoms Business has recognized Digicel’s achievements.”

ENDS

About Digicel

Digicel Group Limited is a leading global telecommunications provider with operations in 33 markets in the Caribbean, Central America and Asia Pacific. After 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 runs a host of community-based initiatives across its markets and has set up Digicel Foundations in Jamaica, Haiti, Papua New Guinea and Trinidad and Tobago which focus on educational, cultural and social development programmes.

Digicel is the lead sponsor of Caribbean, Central American and Pacific sports teams and individuals including the world’s fastest man, Usain Bolt and Special Olympics teams throughout these regions. Digicel also sponsors the West Indies cricket team.  Visit www.digicelgroup.com for more information.

SSL FOUNDATION CELEBRATES TEACHERS’ DAY WITH JONATHAN GRANT HIGH TEACHERS

Kingston, Jamaica, Thursday, May 7, 2015

Stocks and Securities Limited (SSL) Foundation yesterday celebrated Teachers’ Day with 120 teachers and staff of Jonathan Grant High School with a special luncheon hosted at the Four Seasons Hotel.

SSL has enjoyed a close association with Jonathan Grant High, having participated in the school’s Prize Giving Ceremony last year, with Hugh Croskery, Founder and Board Member of SSL, addressing the students. 

INVESTING IS EASY WITH SSL: Mark Croskery, CEO of Stocks and Securities Limited (SSL), shares a laugh with Tia Fiddler (left) and Natlee Palmer, English Language and Literature teachers at Jonathan Grant High School. Mr. Croskery was the guest speaker at a Teachers’ Day luncheon, hosted by SSL Foundation and Toyota Jamaica for Jonathan Grant High School at Hotel Four Seasons on Wednesday, May 6.

“Teachers’ Day is not only a special day to recognize the many sacrifices made by teachers like yourselves in honing the next generation of Jamaicans but it is an opportunity for organizations such as SSL to say ‘Thank You’ for your dedication and commitment to nation building,” said Richard Bertram, Consultant at SSL Foundation,  in his address to the audience.

Mark Croskery, President and CEO of SSL, who was the keynote speaker at the luncheon, discussed the need for investing to achieve financial stability: “I understand that the Jamaica Teachers Association has a very active credit union and that many of you have been saving wisely in order to maintain a good standard of living.  I would urge you to consider taking the next step with some of those hard-earned funds to secure your future.”

SSL EDUCATES TEACHERS IN INVESTMENT: Mark Croskery (left), CEO of Stocks and Securities Limited (SSL), engages in investment talk with Ansell White, a retired teacher of over 60 years who now acts as a motivational speaker. The occasion was a Teachers’ Day luncheon hosted SSL Foundation and Toyota Jamaica for Jonathan Grant High School teachers and staff at Hotel Four Seasons on Wednesday, May 6. 

Mr. Croskery spoke to the important role that teachers play in empowering Jamaicans to achieve, and the need to protect their future. “You have done so much for others, now it’s time for you to look to yourselves.  When you retire, you will have a fixed income, but if you have an investment portfolio you can supplement your income greatly,” he noted.

The concept of investing was explained by Mr. Croskery, who also described various investment options. He provided insight into how profits are generated from investments and discussed the need for diversification and understanding risk tolerance.  Teachers and staff were provided with a full immersion in financial education as two of SSL’s brokerage representatives answered questions from the audience.

Jacqueline Morrison, Work Experience Coordinator for grades 10 and 11 at Jonathan Grant High School, was the winner of a weekend for two at Sandals. She correctly answered the giveaway question posed by Mr. Croskery, to name the world’s greatest company to invest it from SSL’s perspective.

Ending on a high note, Mr. Croskery affirmed that SSL stands ready to assist teachers with choosing the right investment portfolio to effectively plan for the future: “With so many challenges that you as teachers face – you certainly deserve to have a secure future,” he said.

TEACHERS’ DAY WITH SSL:  Richard Bertram, Stocks and Securities Limited (SSL) Foundation consultant, engages in conversation with Vice-Principal of Jonathan Grant High School, Mary Frank. Occasion was a luncheon hosted by SSL Foundation and Toyota Jamaica for Jonathan Grant High School teachers at Hotel Four Seasons on Wednesday, May 6.

TREND MEDIA INKS CARIBBEAN DISTRIBUTION DEAL WITH SHAZAM & CELTRA

7^th May 2015 - Kingston, Jamaica

As it marks its one year anniversary, leading Caribbean digital media group Trend Media, publisher of the popular Caribbean news app and website Loop News, has announced a partnership agreement with digital technology giants Shazam and Celtra.

Shazam, one of the world’s most popular mobile apps, pioneered audio recognition technology that helps people identify music and has grown into an app that effortlessly connects people with artists, TV shows, ads, cinema and radio. The Shazam app has been downloaded over 500 million times internationally, with over 13 million new downloads each month, and has over 100 million monthly active users. The strategic partnership will establish new and engaging ways for advertisers to engage a Caribbean audience with a strong music interest that are digitally savvy.

In addition to Shazam, Trend Media has also partnered with Celtra, a leading creative, analytics and optimization platform for display advertising, for the creation of data-driven, mobile and cross-screen display ads. The partnership brings content, data, and media together, enabling messages, improving the quality and performance of digital advertising.

For Trend Media, the Celtra partnership will provide its user-base with best-in-class ad formats, allowing consumers to interact natively with the ads they offer and in an exciting way.

Commenting on the partnerships, Trend Media Group CEO Richie Kelly said: “As we pass our one year mark as the leading Caribbean news source we are happy to be announcing this partnership with Shazam and Celtra; both world-leading digital-first companies.” 

Kelly added: “When we launched, we promised to deliver innovation in the field of digital advertising in the region. It is strategic alliances like these that allow us to provide additional value for our users and advertisers and to keep ahead of our competitors. We are happy to be leading the way of digital advertising in the Caribbean.”

Trend Media was launched in April of 2014, with plans to revolutionize the Caribbean media landscape and to lead the way in digital advertising with targeted, measurable and accountable advertising services.

ENDS

About Trend Media

Established in 2014, Trend Media Group is the Caribbean's new digital media house.

Trend Media is the leading enabler of purpose driven advertising on digital and mobile devices, changing brands and impacting lives on the new screen in our lives.

Trend Media’s sales team plans to revolutionize the advertising industry by providing brands with first-in-class digital advertising solutions from concept development through to full campaign reporting on all our products.

For more information visit www.TrendMediaGroup.org

 

Trend Media brands:

Loop News is currently live in Jamaica (www.LoopJamaica.com ) Trinidad and Tobago (www.LoopTT.com ) Barbados (www.LoopNewsBarbados.com ) Cayman (www.LoopCayman.com ) and Curacao (www.LoopCuracao.com ). The Loop app became the Caribbean’s number one news app in the Google Play store and Apple Appstore within 2 months of launch. 

Loop.Trade (www.Loop.Trade ) is currently live in Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago, Cayman and Barbados. Loop.Trade is your go-to classifieds site. Search and sell on our world-class, user-friendly site. You can post your own classified’s ad in real-time.

Digicel SportsMax (www.DigicelSportsMax.com ) is a hub for all Caribbean sports fans. Digicel SportsMax covers the best of local sports combined with all your favorite international sport and teams.

MARRIOTT ROLLS OUT THE RED CARPET FOR THE LIMACOL CARIBBEAN PREMIER LEAGUE (- Hotel giant becomes a partner of the Biggest Party in Sport )

Friday, 24^th April 2015 – Kingston, Jamaica

The Limacol Caribbean Premier League (CPL) is today proud to confirm a partnership with Marriott Hotels, which will see the global giant become the leading Hotel Partner of the CPL.

The deal will see the leading resort brand play host to CPL teams and their staff throughout the tournament, in St. Kitts and Nevis and Guyana. The Marriott Courtyard in Barbados will look after all the TV and support staff, whilst travelling fans in Trinidad and Tobago will be offered fantastic discounted rates during finals week. The news is testament to the continued growth of the CPL, dubbed the ‘Biggest Party in Sport’, which continues to go from strength to strength in its third year.

The Marriott brand is a global leader in the hospitality industry, with over 4,100 hotels in over 79 countries and across 19 brands, offering a service with exceptional standards. Marriott offers over 26 hotels across the Caribbean in destinations like including Jamaica, Barbados, Trinidad and Tobago, and St. Kitts and Nevis and Aruba.

Pete Russell, Chief Operating Officer, Limacol Caribbean Premier League, said: “It’s a sign of the wide-reaching appeal of the CPL that such an internationally-renowned brand has recognised the value of partnering with us. We’re confident that this relationship with Marriott Hotels will ensure that our teams will enjoy excellent hospitality during the tournament, and local economies will continue to thrive in each country that we visit.”

Andrew Houghton from, Marriott Hotels, said: “We know how important the CPL is not just for the millions of global fans, but for the Caribbean countries, from both a social and economic viewpoint. With our expertise aligned to our values, it made perfect sense to associate ourselves with the number one sporting event in the Caribbean, where we can give the teams and our guests the services they require and help showcase the beauty of this amazing part of the world.”

Anticipation for the 2015 Limacol Caribbean Premier League is ramping up, with the tournament schedule revealed last week, and fans snapping up tickets, which went on-sale online last weekend. Global superstars including Kevin Pietersen, Jacques Kallis and Shahid Afridi will join the Caribbean’s finest cricketers, like Chris Gayle, Kieron Pollard and Sunil Narine and exciting up-and-coming local talent.

Last year’s tournament attracted a global audience in excess of 65 million and this year is set to be even higher as fans across the world continue to be drawn to the high quality action on the pitch and the unique party atmosphere off it.

Located just 10 minutes from the airport and downtown Basseterre, the beautiful St. Kitts Marriott Resort and The Royal Beach Casino will be the island's host hotel for the tournament, accommodating the players and event staff. In addition to the full-service spa, multiple pools and dining options, attendees will have access to a celebrity golf tournament held at the resort's championship golf course, the Royal St. Kitts Golf Club. For more information or to make a reservation, please contact St. Kitts Marriott Resort directly at (869) 466.1200, toll free at 1-888-PARADISE or visit www.stkittsmarriott.com.

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 Barbados Tridents are the defending champions from 2014.

A Local Retired Major General Builds a Village in Jamaica

COCONUT CREEK, Fla. (April 17, 2015)

Nearly 200 people gathered recently for the dedication of the Peacemakers Community of Hope Village in the town of Spring Pass in Hamstead,  St. Thomas, Jamaica. Thanks to the sheer determination of retired Maj. Gen. Bernard “Burn“ Loeffke and Food For The Poor, 27 families now have a redeveloped community with sturdy new homes and hygienic sanitation.

“I used to be a fisherman, but during Hurricane Sandy in 2012, I lost everything and since then I have been doing odd jobs every now and then,” said Denville Clarke, a Spring Pass resident. “I couldn’t afford to repair or buy a house, so when Food For The Poor came to help me and others in the community, I was really, really happy and thankful. Words are not even enough to thank them for what they have done for this community.”

Aretta Dennis and Maj. Gen. Bernard Loeffke stand inside her new home in the Peacemakers Community of Hope, located in the town of Spring Pass in Hamstead, St.Thomas, Jamaica. Loeffke led an effort to rebuild 27 homes with sanitation through Food For The Poor.

Loeffke, who now calls South Florida home, is an impressive man with a military career that spans more than three decades. Fluent in Spanish, Portuguese, Russian and French, and proficient in Mandarin Chinese, Loeffke was awarded the Purple Heart for wounds in combat, as well as Silver and Bronze Stars for Valor. He also has authored several inspirational books.

But it was the inspiring story of the teen Food For The Poor donor, Rachel Wheeler, who touched the heart of this warrior for peace. Starting at age 9, Rachel fundraised to build a village and school in Haiti. 

“When I heard about the young girl who built two villages, I thought surely I can build one to honor two men who personified what it means to give their lives on behalf of their fellow man. U.S. Army Sgt. Larry Morford and China’s Cpl. Lei Feng are these men. Morford saved my life in Vietnam, now I am living his,” said Loeffke. “I was very impressed with seeing the work done by Food For The Poor in putting a roof over the heads of the needy and giving them the pride of ownership.”

Loeffke dedicated the Peacemakers Community of Hope in honor of these two soldiers. Both Morford and Lei Feng died at the age of 22 – men, he says, who lived to be agents of peace in the midst of war. Loeffke says he chose Jamaica because it is the birthplace of Food For The Poor and is the homeland of the parents of another general, his dear friend Gen. Colin L. Powell, who supported the community.

“I am glad I had the opportunity to help with the project. I offer my congratulations to Chris Wallace, my friend Burn Loeffke and all the other committed people who are bringing this project to fruition,” said Gen. Colin L. Powell.

Life for more than two dozen families living within Spring Pass has not been easy. The need for safe housing and sanitation was dire. Last summer, an outbreak of the Chikungunya virus, a mosquito-borne disease that causes fever and excruciating joint pain in its victims, ripped through Spring Pass. 

“The redevelopment of the Spring Pass community is truly a blessing for the 30 or so families. These families have been living for many years in makeshift shacks, and their only water source for drinking, cooking, cleaning and washing came from a single pipe located in the middle of the town. No one should have to live like that,” said Angel Aloma, Executive Director of Food For The Poor. “Loeffke’s passion for the poor has resulted in the Peacemakers Community of Hope, a community that has restored hope to these families by providing them with safe new homes and access to running water. For that, we are truly grateful.”

Loeffke’s desire to improve the lives of the poor extends beyond the borders of Jamaica. Fundraising for Peacemakers Community of Hope villages in Central America is in the works. So far, enough funds have been raised for the construction of 10 homes in Nicaragua, and plans are under way for a village in Honduras.

“The Peacemakers Community of Hope is the first of several villages that we want to do to honor the memory of John Gardener, former Secretary of Health, Education and Welfare under President Lyndon Johnson and Founder of the White House Fellows,” said Loeffke. “He authored the statement that ‘a real leader is the one who keeps hope alive,’ and that’s what we’re doing with Food For the Poor – keeping hope alive.”

Loeffke plans to share his recent experience with Food For The Poor at the 50th Anniversary of White House Fellows 2015 Leadership Conference in the Washington, D.C., October 22-24.

Food For The Poor, named by The Chronicle of Philanthropy as the largest international relief and development organization in the nation, does much more than feed millions of the hungry poor in 17 countries of the Caribbean and Latin America. This interdenominational Christian ministry provides emergency relief assistance, clean water, medicines, educational materials, homes, support for orphans and the aged, skills training and micro-enterprise development assistance, with more than 95 percent of all donations going directly to programs that help the poor. For more information, please visit www.FoodForThePoor.org.

CCRP JAMAICA TO HONOUR FIVE LIVING LEGENDS

Kingston, Jamaica, April 15, 2015

Five distinguished Jamaicans are to receive Living Legacy Awards from the CCRP (Caribbean Community of Retired Persons) Jamaica for their contribution to nation-building. This will be a special feature of the CCRP’s fifth Anniversary event to be held at the Devonshire, Devon House on Thursday, April 23, 2015.

The five recipients to be awarded this year are:  

·         Mrs. Merel Hanson, a retired nurse and currently the acting Chair of the National Council for Senior Citizens (NCSC).  She will be awarded the Inaugural Syringa Marshall-Burnett Award for her contribution in the fields of Health and Community Services.

·         Mrs. Beverly Hall-Taylor, former Executive Director of the National Council for Senior Citizens (NCSC) will be awarded for her contribution in the fields of Social and Community Service.

·         Ambassador K.G Anthony Hill, who has served Jamaica for decades both locally and internationally, for his contribution to the Diplomatic Service and the filed of Climate Change.

·         Mr. Ken Jones, for his contribution in the field of Journalism and his authorship of books on the lives of outstanding Jamaicans such as Marcus Garvey and Sir Alexander Bustamante.

·         Dr. Badih Shoucair, a medical doctor who has rendered outstanding services to the Jamaican community for over 60 years, will be awarded for his contribution in the fields of Health and Community Service.

CCRP Founder and CEO, Jean Lowrie-Chin stated that CCRP recognises the important contribution of many seniors to nation-building in Jamaica. She said, “There are many Jamaicans who have lived a life of service to our nation, seniors who have dedicated themselves to the building our country.  We want them to know and we want Jamaica to know that we applaud these persons, we respect them, and most of all, we want their contribution to be recognised by the Jamaican public.”

The CCRP Living Legacy Award was established in 2012 as part of Jamaica’s 50^th Anniversary celebrations when over 60 Living Legends were honoured for their outstanding contribution in diverse fields of endeavour. To date over 73 persons from various walks of life have received Living Legacy Awards.

                                                                                                                      

Contact:          Dorett Linton, CCRP Jamaica,

                        Tel. 929 - 3454, 383 - 2150

Ambassador K.G. Anthony Hill

Mrs. Beverly Hall-Taylor

Dr. Badih Shoucair

Mrs. Merel Hanson

HAITI BOYS RAISE THE BAR AT THE DIGICEL KICKSTART CLINICS

Tuesday 14^th April 2015 – Kingston, Jamaica

 

Chelsea FC Foundation Coaches, David Monk and Max Fouracre, were excited to be back in Haiti to train with some of the best youth football players in the region in the Digicel Kickstart Clinics

With the Digicel Kickstart Clinics moving apace, the Chelsea FC coaches are continuing to unearth superb talent across the Caribbean. In Haiti, the players were right on point, impressing the coaches with their technical ability and attacking prowess.

The coaches were excited to visit Haiti once again as it has a significant youth football talent pool and this year was no different. Senior International Football Development Officer and Digicel Kickstart Clinics Head Coach, David Monk, said he and his fellow coach had challenges narrowing down the group to a top three finish as there were a number of players who could have easily made the cut.

 

Chelsea FC Foundation Senior International Football Development Officer and Digicel Kickstart Clinics Head Coach, David Monk, gives instructions to some of the participants during the Haiti leg of the Digicel Kickstart Clinics

David Monk speaks to media at the opening press conference for the start of the Digicel Kickstart Clinics in Haiti

He said; “The level of skill and talent at the Digicel Kickstart Clinics in Haiti has improved every year – and this year it was no different as we saw a consistent high level of ability among all the participants. At the end of the first day, we had about 15 or 16 boys who we felt could go to the Academy and impress. On the second day, it became a lot more difficult as we wanted to select the best boys as well as acknowledge the different positions – all while narrowing it down to three.”

Over the years, the Haiti Clinics featured a number of attacking players, which is typical of the Haiti youth football landscape as they have always produced standout players at the Digicel Academy. At the end of the Clinics, the Chelsea FC selected three players who they believe are technically gifted and will raise the level of talent at the Digicel Academy. The boys selected are 14 year old Noel Werlofky Elysée, 15 year old Serge Anthony Lucien and 14 year old Charleus Talson.

The Chelsea coaches also visited the Haiti Special Olympics athletes which they considered one of their personal highlights. Monk said; “We have enjoyed visiting the Special Olympics teams during the Digicel Kickstart Clinics and we have worked with the Haiti Special Olympics teams in previous years. They are an inspiration to us and we enjoyed connecting with them again.”

Haiti’s youth players are known for their strong attacking style and technical ability

 

The Haiti boys were on form during their Clinics training session and continue to impress the Chelsea FC Coaches

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 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.