Digicel is deeply saddened by and concerned about the devastation caused by the magnitude 7.0 earthquake that hit Haiti yesterday.
Whilst our Turgeau building in Port-au-Prince withstood yesterday's earthquake and we were able to evacuate all of our 900 employees from the building, it is our very sad duty to confirm that two of our staff members lost their lives.
We are deeply shocked and saddened by these terrible losses and we would like to extend our deepest heartfelt sympathies and condolences to all of their families, friends and colleagues at this very sad time.
In terms of the Digicel network, while it was somewhat damaged during the earthquake, it is operational. That said, due to the unprecedented amount of people trying to contact friends and family in Haiti, we have been experiencing -- and continue to experience -- extensive congestion. To be clear, the network is currently up and running, however, some people may still have some difficulties making and receiving calls.
This morning, we sent a team of our technical experts to Haiti to assess exactly what the situation is on the ground and what support the team in Haiti needs in terms of network equipment and emergency aid.
We have announced a donation of US$5 million that will go towards NGOs (Non-Governmental Organisations) in Haiti to support the massive relief effort to help rebuild Haiti.
We will also be launching donation lines over the coming hours for the public to donate to the people of Haiti -- this will be supported with a press, radio & TV appeal campaign.
Clearly, we are all deeply upset. This is a very sad day for Digicel and for the people of Haiti and we will do whatever we can to support the desperately needed relief efforts. The team spirit and offers of support from right across the organization, including former employees, are very much appreciated and needed. We will assess today what specific additional resources and help we need and will make arrangements to get these people to Haiti as soon as possible.
The people of Haiti welcomed us and made us their own when we launched there in 2006 and we are determined to be there for them in their time of need. Our thoughts and prayers are with the people of Haiti and we would like to assure them that Digicel stands ready to assist in whatever way we can at this difficult time.
We will continue to provide updates on the situation.
Contact:
Antonia Graham
Digicel
+ 1876 564 1708
antonia.graham@digicelgroup.com