The financial status of a 28-year-old Manchester route taxi driver jumped seven rungs up the ladder when he was announced as the $5 million winner in the Digicel Loaded Christmas grand draw on Friday.

Representatives from Digicel and financial group (Jamaica Money Market Brokers) JMMB, journeyed to Kendal square to present an elated Othneil Hyman with his cheque and some needed advice to ensure that he remains a millionaire for a long time to come.

"Winning this money is so timely for me. I was planning to start a partner this month to buy my own taxi as the one I drive now belongs to someone. Now, thanks to Digicel Loaded Christmas, I can save that money and still buy my car. I also haven't seen my father in a while, so I definitely want to visit him overseas, Othneil said. "I'm also very happy that Digicel brought JMMB to give me tips on how I can invest and plan for my future".

Imani Duncan, group marketing manager at, JMMB Group said "We commend Digicel in taking this holistic approach toward their customers and, therefore, contacting us to provide this type of specialised assistance for the winner. Othneil will not only receive the grand prize draw of $5 million, but just as important for his financial sustainability, he will receive financial advice and active partnership, to ensure he is truly 'fully loaded' and begins 2011 with a solid financial footing."

In the meantime, Donovan White, Digicel's head of marketing said, "Digicel Loaded Christmas was a phenomenal success that has undoubtedly fulfilled our objectives which were to continue to thank our customers for being a part of Jamaica's bigger, better network; to give our customers everything they needed to stay connected with their friends and family and to help make a positive change in our customers lives".

The promotion ran from November 12, 2010 to January 13, 2011 and saw a total of 200 customers winning $100,000 each, over 3,000 winning call credit daily, plus others winning exciting prizes and free gifts in the telecommunications company's post-paid and prepaid, Digicel 4G Broadband and BlackBerry offers.