KINGSTON, Jamaica — Digicel has again made the shortlist at the World Communications Awards — this time in the social contribution category for the Digicel Jamaica Foundation’s work to assist the blind community.

This is the 26th staging of the awards which was launched in 1999 to showcase and celebrate innovation and excellence throughout the global telecoms industry.

In 2023, the Digicel Foundation donated three braille machines to the Salvation Army School for the Blind and Visually Impaired. It was during the handing over of the machines that the Digicel team discovered the school had only 26 working machines to serve the student population of 130.

It then partnered with The Open Door Foundation to conceive and launch the “Follow the Trail, Invest in Braille” campaign, with an original goal to provide 50 machines, with that target doubled and then surpassed as 42 public and private sector sponsors jumped on board ultimately coming together to donate 107 braille machines and two embossers to the school.

Training is also being provided to ensure the machines are well maintained and can help students to a brighter future for many years to come.

Digicel Jamaica Foundation CEO, Charmaine Daniels (right), spends time with students at the Salvation Army School for the Blind and Visually Impaired during the handover event. (Photo contributed)

Commenting on the initiative, Digicel Group Chief Executive Officer, Marcelo Cataldo said: “This incredible campaign truly showcases the power of partnership. The dedication of our amazing Digicel Foundation team whose close ties to our community mean they always have their finger on the pulse of progress, coupled with the generosity of our public and private partners, means we can go where the need is greatest as we help to create a world where no one gets left behind. My sincere thanks and congratulations to all and fingers crossed for the award ceremony in London in December!”

Digicel has built a strong track record with the World Communications Awards over the years taking home the Best Operator in an Emerging Market for its work in Haiti in 2023; the Social Contribution Award in 2022 and 2020 for its work in the areas of education in Haiti and special needs in Jamaica respectively; and the Best Operator in an Emerging Market for Papua New Guinea in 2019.

The company was also shortlisted in the Customer Experience category in 2022, the Operator of the Year category in 2021 and the Social Contribution category in 2019 for both Haiti and Papua New Guinea.

The winners will be announced at a black-tie ceremony and gala dinner at the Marriott Grosvenor Square in London on December 10, 2024.