Digicel Samoa has presented its second dividend payment of over $3 million tala to local shareholders including the Samoa National Provident Fund.

The presentation was done by the Digicel Samoa Chairman, Pepe Fia'ailetoa Christian Fruean, who handed over a cheque of $3,027,778.36 to the Samoa National Provident Fund [S.N.P.F.] Chief Executive Officer Pauli Prince Suhren on Thursday.

"Digicel is extremely pleased to serve and give back to Samoa and our local community through the dividend payments to S.N.P.F. our local partner," Pepe said.

"We are continually looking for ways to ensure that our customers and communities benefit from our presence.

"I must acknowledge that our success is Samoa's success, and as our customers continue to invest with us, they are further investing in the future of Samoa.”

He also acknowledged the leadership, guidance and strategic support of the Digicel Samoa Board and local team and thanked Digicel's customers and business partners for their continued loyalty and support. 

Pauli acknowledged the work of the Digicel Samoa Chairman and company’s management and staff for achieving another milestone, which would see the S.N.P.F. and its contributors get additional dividend in this calendar year. 

"It comes as a surprise for N.P.F. given that this year 2020, it seems that we’ve double dipped on our dividend, in spite of all the challenges our country has faced, in light of the measles and the ongoing COVID-19 crisis," he added.

"Our partnership with Digicel over the last 14 years has been extremely successful as we see the consistent technological innovation and provision of world-class services here in Samoa.

"And as our partnership continues to thrive, our S.N.P.F. members will continue to see different benefits, namely in financial returns." 

The partnership between C.S.L. mobile, all S.N.P.F. members and Digicel continue to reap rewards for the country, Pauli added. 

This is evident through the success and growth of several community development initiatives and grass-roots programmes to larger sustainable projects, and partnerships that have positively impacted the lives of the most underprivileged and disadvantaged in Samoa. 

Digicel Samoa has thus far paid the Samoa Government dividend of $6,879,222.65 for this calendar year 2020, which supports Digicel's commitment to Samoa and the S.N.P.F. contributing members and brings the telecommunication company's total payments to $18.2 million since 2012.