PHILIPSBURG:— The Caribbean Lottery has established itself as a national steward in St. Maarten, having brought goodwill to numerous individuals and organizations through a host of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives. Within the last five years, the company has executed many goodwill gestures which have positively impacted healthcare, education and youth development in the country.
Some of the most notable social contributions of the Caribbean Lottery in recent times have been observed in its regional response to the COVID-19 pandemic. In March 2021, the Caribbean Lottery made its latest donation of personal protective equipment (PPE) to the St. Maarten Public Education School Board. 1,500 disposable children’s masks and 26 touch-free soap dispensers along with refills were gifted to the Board to assist with the virus alleviation measures amongst the nation’s students and educators.
Another major contribution by the Caribbean Lottery towards healthcare in St. Maarten was its support for the work of the White and Yellow Cross Foundation in 2020. The company injected US$4,651 into the first-ever Hospice in St. Maarten to offset the cost of morphine pumps, an oxygenator and an oxygen meter for the nonprofit health organization.
The IGT-operated business has also championed the cause for community development and education in St. Maarten with a range of other contributions. At its fundraising bingo and raffle events in 2018 and 2021, The Lions Club of St. Maarten received a total of US$1,400 from the Caribbean Lottery towards community outreach projects. Back in 2019, the Caribbean Lottery made its fifth consecutive donation of US$2,400 towards the “Now You Know” breakfast programme at the Prins Willem-Alexander School for Special Needs. Funds allocated to the institution since 2015 have boosted the breakfast programme budget, providing up to 35 special needs pupils with balanced and nutritious meals ahead of classes.
Special mention must also be made of the August 2019 donation of US$3,660 towards the renovation of the Philipsburg Cultural Centre, following considerable damage from Hurricane Irma in 2017, as it continues to serve as a cultural and community services hub for its residents and many visitors.
Through the IGT After School Advantage (ASA) programme – the flagship community initiative of its parent company, IGT – the Caribbean Lottery has also exerted much effort to secure internet access, computers, other equipment and facilities for less fortunate students. One of the high-tech IGT ASA facilities opened its doors at The St. Maarten Youth Council Association in 2018. The centre was a new addition to the Association’s refurbished building, which also sustained damage from Hurricane Irma in 2017. The Caribbean Lottery also provided funds that assisted with these repairs.
The Caribbean Lottery, through these various CSR initiatives and many more, has supported positive social change in St. Maarten and other regional territories. In 2020 alone, the company injected over US$1.85 million into CSR projects, which have benefited various sectors of society.
Site Operations Manager at the Caribbean Lottery Miss Paula Williams noted: “Over the past five years and beyond, we have implemented a variety of social projects that have benefited the youth, educators, health services, communities and organizations in St. Maarten. We are committed to continuing our support for these causes. It is a demonstration to our people and the region that the Caribbean Lottery as a caring corporate partner is much more than just a lottery.”
