Despite the damage caused by Hurricane Tomas, Digicel St. Lucia remains steadfast in its efforts to ensure that its customers remain connected to their family and friends.

While the network remained operational throughout the storm, the coverage in the south of the island – namely in the areas of Soufriere, Vieux Fort, Dennery and Choiseul – was badly affected by the hurricane. Since Saturday, the Digicel team has been working to restore the network to 100% service, as well as providing humanitarian relief to the affected areas.

Digicel has coordinated relief efforts with Digicel operations in neighbouring Martinique and Dominica, with both islands organising a shipment of over 60 tonnes of water, food and clothing through various donation drives. Supply boats have been commissioned to make daily deliveries to St. Lucia and the aid will be distributed by Digicel employees and the St. Lucia Red Cross -which is presently stationed in the south of the island.

The company has also provided the National Emergency Management Organisation in Castries and Soufriere, Ministry of Works and Communications, LUCELEC (St. Lucia Electricity Services Limited) and St. Jude’s Hospital with complimentary mobile phones and credit to assist them in coordinating the relief effort.

Geraldine Pitt, Country Manager of Digicel St. Lucia said; “Keeping our customers connected to family and friends during this difficult time – as well as doing everything we can to support the relief efforts – is our number one priority. We have made an initial donation of EC$1.6 million in the form of free credit, medical aid and food supplies. In addition, in areas that are without commercial power in Soufriere and Vieux Fort, we have distributed top up cards so that our customers can continue to stay in contact with loved ones.”

“We are, however, aware of isolated areas in the south of the island where customers may be experiencing intermittent service issue. Service has been restored in Soufriere and the technical teams have been working nonstop to restore full service and coverage within the next 48 hours.”

Digicel Customer Care and Technical teams have been working around the clock to ensure that customers get the help and information they need, with customer care service being available 24 hours a day as usual. All Digicel stores including the Soufriere and Vieux Fort are open for customers.

“We would like to thank the people of St. Lucia for their continued support and patience as we continue in our efforts to return full service to the island after Hurricane Tomas. I would also like to extend a heartfelt thanks to the technical teams, staff members and external suppliers that have selflessly committed to helping those less fortunate in these difficult times,” concluded Pitt.