Digicel cuts 51 expat jobs in Jamaica

(Jamaica Observer) Digicel has confirmed the release of 51 expatriate members of its team with expectations that the positions will be taken up by locals.

The telecoms company did not specify whether the outgoing individuals occupied managerial positions, but noted that the majority of the team members had completed their contracts while others were transferred to the company’s South Pacific operations.

“To be clear, a small number of non-Jamaican staff are leaving the business and will be replaced by Jamaican talent,” head of group public relations, Antonia Graham stated in response to queries from the Jamaica Observer.

“Digicel remains committed to recruiting the best talent across the region as we evolve to become the total communications and entertainment provider in each of our markets.”

Currently, Digicel employs more than 1,200 individuals in Jamaica, of which 300 are believed to be expatriates.

Chairman of Digicel Denis O’Brien founded the company in October 2000. It was later launched in Jamaica in April 2001.

Digicel currently spans 31 markets across the Caribbean, Central America and South Pacific region, and holds interest in some 143 subsidiaries. Since its launch in the South Pacific in November 2006, Digicel has become one of the fastest-growing mobile operator in the South Pacific with current operations in Vanuatu, Samoa, Papua New Guinea, Tonga, Fiji and Nauru, as well as commitments from the Governments of several other countries in the Pacific.

The company provides close to 100 per cent population coverage, bringing mobile service to local and rural residents that never before had the option of mobile communications.