MANCHESTER CITY FC AND NEW YORK FC LAUNCH LANDMARK DEAL WITH DIGICEL

Thursday 11^th June 2015 – Kingston, Jamaica

 

Manchester City FC and New York City FC have launched a new multi-year partnership with Digicel, the number one communications partner across the Caribbean, Central America and South Pacific. The Barclays Premier League Club and new Major League Soccer franchise will come together with the leading telecoms brand to create a wealth of multi-media content, as well as community coaching and once in a lifetime opportunities.

In a landmark new partnership, a first for either club in the region, Manchester City, New York City FC and Digicel will work together on a range of community initiatives, unique content interaction across broadcast, digital and mobile – as well as promotional opportunities, VIP attendance at games in Yankee Stadium, New York to enjoy the MLS and at the Etihad Stadium, Manchester to enjoy Premier League games. 

From left to right: New York City Football Club President, Tom Glick, Digicel Group Head of Sponsorship, James Wynne, Digicel Group Director of Marketing Operations, Kieran Foley and Commercial Director of City Football Marketing, Omar Berrada mark the official launch of the partnership in Yankee Stadium, New York City.

The partnership will also see collaboration on Digicel’s Kick Start coaching programme which delivers clinics across 15 markets annually and further coaching opportunities for up to 24 aspiring young footballers to take place in the training Academies of New York City FC, Manchester City FC and Melbourne City FC.

This exciting new partnership is the next evolutionary stage in the already well-established Digicel Kick Start programme – delivering more interaction for more fans with more big clubs than ever before in the world’s most popular sport.

Omar Berrada, Commercial Director of City Football Marketing, which brokers Manchester City FC and New York City FC’s commercial partnerships, said:

“We are delighted to welcome Digicel as our very first partner in the Caribbean, Central America and South Pacific Islands. Digicel has invested significantly in growing, developing and marketing football across their regions for several years and we are looking forward to working together to bring exciting promotions and content to football fans across these markets.”

Digicel Group Director of Marketing Operations, Kieran Foley, said;

“Digicel is delighted to be working with Manchester City and New York City FC, both clubs who enjoy an international following. This marks the next phase in our development – marrying content and community programmes across all our markets in the Caribbean, Central America and the South Pacific as well as into our Diaspora communities. Knowing we have set the bar high with our previous partnerships from the Barclays Premier League and with the Caribbean Football Union, we are very excited to develop this platform with Manchester City FC and New York City FC, to deliver compelling and exclusive content which our customers can consume in broadcast, digital and mobile channels, exciting experiences and promotions, as well as the unique and greatly enhanced football development programmes that will be on offer through this deal to all aspiring young players across all our markets.”

New York City Football player, Khiry Shelton, sends a message to his Digicel fans.

ENDS

About Digicel Group

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.

About New York City Football Club

New York City FC is the first Major League Soccer Club located within the five boroughs. Majority owned by City Football Group, which includes Manchester City FC, Melbourne City FC and Yokohama F. Marinos, New York City FC play their home games at Yankee Stadium, which is also home to minority owner, the New York Yankees.

New York City FC kicked off their inaugural MLS season in March 2015.

HERO MOTOCORP IS THE NEW TITLE SPONSOR OF CARIBBEAN PREMIER LEAGUE ( - Support of world’s largest two-wheeler manufacturer is testament to CPL’s growing popularity among global audience )

Tuesday 9^th June 2015 – Kingston, Jamaica

The Caribbean Premier League (CPL) today announced the appointment of Hero MotoCorp Ltd., the world’s largest two-wheeler manufacturer, as the new Title Sponsor of the league for a period of one-year.

With this sponsorship, the much-awaited third season of CPL will be known as the ‘Hero Caribbean Premier League’.  

Synonymous with some of the marquee sports partnerships in India as well as globally, New Delhi (India)-headquartered Hero MotoCorp has for long had a steadfast commitment towards promoting various disciplines of sports including cricket, golf, football and hockey.

Hero has been associated with cricket for over two decades in various capacities. In 2007, Hero was the Global Partner of the ICC World Cup, held in West Indies.  In CPL 2014, Hero MotoCorp was the Presenting Sponsor of CPL teams, St. Lucia Zouks, and defending champions, Barbados Tridents.

Richard Bevan, Chairman, Hero Caribbean Premier League, said: “It is our pleasure to have the world’s largest two-wheeler manufacturer, Hero MotoCorp, as Title Sponsor of CPL. Hero has been one of the leading sponsors of cricket throughout the game’s history, and it is a testament to CPL’s growing success that the event will now be known as the ‘Hero CPL.’ We look forward to Hero’s support and to making Season 3 of the CPL the biggest yet.”

Mr. Pawan Munjal, Chairman, Managing Director and CEO, Hero MotoCorp Limited, said: “Hero MotoCorp has been associated with sports, and particularly cricket, for well over two decades. The game of cricket has for long remained the most popular sport in India, and also in the Caribbean. As Hero rapidly expands its global footprint, we have been forging strong associations with sporting icons and events as part of our global brand building initiatives. Caribbean cricket and cricketers have always been highly popular in India and in many other parts of the world, and our title sponsorship of the CPL is a logical extension of our long-term association with the game. We look forward to a highly exciting month of cricket in the Caribbean.”

Renowned international cricketers, Kevin Pietersen, Jacques Kallis and Shahid Afridi, will join the Caribbean’s finest cricketers, Chris Gayle, Kieron Pollard and Dwayne Bravo. The tournament will also witness participation of talented local players from the Caribbean region.

CPL 2014 attracted a massive global audience in excess of 65 million. This number is expected to break all previous records to post record participation of spectators from around the world.

ENDS

ABOUT THE HERO CARIBBEAN PREMIER LEAGUE

The Hero 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.

ABOUT HERO MOTOCORP

For the past 14 consecutive years, the New Delhi-headquartered Hero MotoCorp has remained the world’s largest two-wheeler manufacturer in terms of unit volumes sold by a single company in a calendar year. The company sold over 6.6 million two-wheelers in the last financial year (FY’15).

Over the past few years, Hero MotoCorp has rapidly augmented its global presence to over 22 countries across Asia, Africa, Central and South America. Hero MotoCorp has plans to be present in 50 countries by the year 2020. By that year, the company plans to clock 12 million units in annual sales.

Since its inception in 1984, Hero has sold well over 60 million motorcycles and scooters in cumulative sales.  

For more information, please visit:

www.heromotocorp.com 

FB: /HeroMotoCorpIndia

Twitter: @HeroMotoCorp

OVER 300 CCRP MEMBERS ELIBIBLE TO BENEFIT FROM MAJOR MEDICAL INSURANCE SCHEME

Kingston, Jamaica:   Friday, May 8, 2015

Effective May 1, over 300 CCRP (Caribbean Community of Retired Persons) members became eligible to benefit from the Sagicor-CCRP group health insurance plan.   The group plan which offers major medical health insurance coverage to persons aged 50 and over, with no upper age limit, was designed by Sagicor Life exclusively for CCRP members. 

The response to the plan, which was introduced to members last September at a meeting hosted by Sagicor, exceeded expectations as within the first month over 200 members had completed enrolment forms for submission. "We are delighted with this result,"said CCRP Director, Mike Fraser who had spearheaded the idea with collaborators at Sagicor Desmon Jangalee, Errol Morris and Clive Ebanks. 

Mr. Fraser further commented, "Jamaicans in the 50+ age group continue to live healthy lifestyles and deserve to be able to preserve their health and fulfil their need for major medical interventions including hospitalisation and follow-up treatments". 

The Sagicor-CCRP Major Medical Plan offers Laboratory & X-Ray Services, Diagnostic Services, Hospitalisation Services & Surgical Benefits and Overseas Emergency Benefits up to J$5 million.  There is a six-month waiting period before subscribers become eligible to access claims. The Plan is ongoing and open to all CCRP members. 

CCRP Jamaica is a membership organisation for persons 50 and over retired or planning to retire. The organisation was launched in April 2010 with a mission to work towards ensuring that the vast talent, experience and wisdom of seniors are respected, and that they enjoy the quality of life which they so richly deserve.

Application forms to join the CCRP and also to enrol for the Sagicor-CCRP major medical group health insurance are available at the CCRP Office at 6 Kingsway, Kingston 10.  Further information is available via telephone 876-926-6740 or 929-3454 or email info@ccrponline.org.

 

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.