Digicel Samoa has paid the Government of Samoa a "record" dividend of $3.8 million tala which brings the telecommunication company's total payments to over $15 million in the last eight years. 

Digicel Chairman, Pepe Christian Fruean and the company's Chief Executive Officer, Mark Witthuhn presented the cheque of $3,851,444.29 million to Prime Minister, Tuilaepa Dr. Sailele Malielegaoi, during a meeting at his office. 

The Samoa National Provident Fund (S.N.P.F.) Chief Executive Officer, Pauli Prince Suhren, was also present during the presentation.  

“We are delighted to give back to our local shareholders as this money benefits our Samoan people directly,” Mr. Witthuhn is quoted as saying in a press release. 

“A lot of people aren’t aware that by being a Digicel customer, you are supporting your own investment and future. 

“Every year, we pay dividends to S.N.P.F. and S.N.P.F. in return pays dividend back to its contributing members which is paid out yearly.”

The new C.E.O. added that the company had achieved some great milestone last year such as the sponsorship of the 16^th Pacific Games in 2019. 

For Chairman Pepe,  given the current situation around the world with the COVID-19 pandemic, he is confident the fund will assist the community at large. 

“It is reassuring knowing that the support we get from the people of Samoa, especially those that are Digicel customers, are translating into financial returns to the community, which is paramount especially at tough times like these,” he is quoted as saying.

In thanking Digicel for their financial support, Pauli said the partnership between Computer Service Limited (C.S.L.) and Digicel continues to flourish.

“All the members of S.N.P.F. stand to benefit from this very lucrative investment that has earned us excellent returns year on year,” Pauli said. 

“A big faamalo to the entire Digicel team behind the best network in Samoa.”

Digicel has been paying dividends to the Samoa Government since 2012 which now totals $15.2 million tala over the last eight years.