KINGSTON, Jamaica — P Stewart was overcome with joy and relief when she discovered that she had hit the $142 million Lotto jackpot earlier in April, effectively making her financial challenges a thing of the past.

She won with the lucky numbers 05, 06, 08, 27, 28 and 31.

Speaking at the official handover event, Stewart said she and her family were almost being overtaken by debt and weren’t sure what their next move would be.

“My family has had a number of setbacks over the past few years that has put us in a lot of debt. We really felt like our backs were against the wall and we couldn’t see a way out,” she shared.

The frequent Lotto player was in shock and disbelief when she realised she hit the jackpot.

“I’ve been buying these numbers for some time now, I got them from my father who used to buy them too. He was sure that one day they would hit so I kept buying them. I was so overwhelmed when I checked the results and realised I had won. My first call was to daddy to tell him not to worry, our money problems are over!” she said.

Her plans for her winnings include settling all the family’s debts, securing her siblings’ future tuition payments and investing to ensure the family remains financially stable for generations to come.

Meanwhile, Vice President of Lotteries and Transactions at Supreme Ventures Limited, Danielle Douglas was delighted to change the fortunes of yet another Jamaican winner and their family.

“It’s heartwarming to see the profound impact our jackpot winnings can have on individuals and their loved ones. We are honoured to be a part of making dreams a reality for individuals like P Stewart and her family. This Lotto jackpot not only provides financial security but also opens doors to opportunities previously out of reach. It’s a reminder of the positive impact our games can have on people’s lives, inspiring hope and generating joy across communities,” Douglas said.

This is the first Lotto jackpot winner in 2024.

Last year, the Lotto jackpot was hit five times — $63 million in February, $45 million in March, $49 million and $35 million in May and the highest Lotto jackpot of 2023, an impressive $100 million in October.