Flow NBL Stars Gunning for MVP Title

Three of the biggest names in the 2013 Flow National Basketball League are among the players vying for the Most Valuable Player (MVP) Award slated to be announced at the end of the soon to be completed season. Spanish Town Spartans’ Lynford “Shooty” Brown and Majesty Gardens Legends’ Havando Dunn and Baldon Todd  are in the running for the prestigious title.

Leading the trio is Spanish Town Spartans shooting guard Lynford “Shooty” Brown who has amassed 332 points at an average of 18.4 per game. The national representative has been an instrumental player for the Spartans as they bid to secure the Flow National Basketball League title in the Game 1 of the best of three finals on Friday, August 16.

Brown’s impressive numbers have put him in good stead for the MVP crown, having recorded an average 39.2 points percentage. It is however his range from beyond the arc that has raised the eyebrows of the league’s hierarchy. Brown has knocked down fifty three-pointers this season, more than any other player in the league. The quick-handed ball handler has also recorded the most steals, thirty three.

Another player who will stake a strong claim for the MVP honours is Majesty Gardens Legends shooting guard Havando Dunn. The 24 year old Dunn, who also plays the point guard position, has scored 326 points in the season at an average of 21.7 per game.

Dunn, who once played for Jamaica’s Under 19 team, has thrown down 99 two-pointers to lead all players. Having a reputation of showcasing some massive dunks, Dunn is also known to be an outstanding defender, registering eight blocks. The player who stands at six foot four inches has also forced forty seven turn overs.

Also vying for the MVP accolade is Dunn’s teammate, Baldon Todd. The Majesty Gardens Legends team captain has been the consummate leader at the shooting guard position, racking up 296 points at 19.7 points per game.

Dunn has been regarded as one of the best free throw shooters in the league having made 88 in the season thus far. Defensively, the skipper has made his mark as an all-round player, leading the league with 176 rebounds, almost doubling the amount of his nearest rival Dunn.

The 31 year old Todd has also been dishing out assists, posting 32 to top the competition. He also leads the turn over stats with 53 for the season.

Lyndford Brown will be in action again Tuesday, August 20 at the National Stadium as the Spartans face off with Urban Knights in Game 2 of the finals.

Discovery Channel , Flow partnership brings technology boost for Back To School

As the back to school preparations of parents, educators and students move into high gear, a partnership between  the Discovery Channel and Flow in association with the office of the Mayor of Montego Bay  will showcase  the importance and impact of technology-aided learning at home and in the classroom. This comes as part of a Back to School fair that the three parties have come together to host in Montego Bay this weekend.

Through this partnership, parents and teachers will have greater access to educational material available via The Discovery Channel, whose programming complements and enhances the learning experiences of children through a diverse range of fun and interactive programming. Over 140 primary and secondary schools across the island are beneficiaries of Flow’s Building Leaders Through Technology programme, receiving free internet and cable TV service in their libraries, classrooms and computer labs. Students and teachers are able to view the programmes on the Discovery Channel and access the vast array of educational content online at various Discovery Channel online portals, both while at school and at home.

On Saturday August 24^th, more than 1000 parents, teachers and students will reap early benefits from the partnership as they participate in activities at the Flow/Discovery Channel Back To School Fair. The afternoon’s activities will include presentations and exhibits to deliver educational tips, professional development and educator support for teachers from representatives from the Discovery Channel and a host of other partners in the local health, educations and financial sectors. Sangster’s book stores will extend discounts on books and school supplies and free health screenings will be conducted for children. A highlight will include a session for parents about using the internet safely to enhance their children’s learning experience online.  Three lucky students will have the opportunity to win scholarships valued at $30,000 and up to 100 persons will receive free backpacks full of school supplies valued at over $6,000 from the Discovery Channel.  

“Enabling the delivery of education and enhancing the learning process with our technology is an area of  major focus for us. We have a long tradition of partnering with our international channel providers and are pleased to join forces with the Discovery Channel to bring meaningful assistance to the community in Western Jamaica as they prepare for the new school year,” said Nicole Campbell, Corporate Social Responsibility Executive for Columbus Communications Jamaica Limited, operators of the Flow brand.

The Flow/Discovery Back to School Fair takes place from 12 noon to 6pm at the Old Hospital Park in Montego Bay.  Entertainment by a host of performers will round out the afternoon’s activities.

Scholarships, Education, Fun and Entertainment delivered to Western Jamaica families

Three lucky students walked away with scholarships valued at $30,000 each courtesy of Flow and the Discovery Channel over the weekend. Kadine Powell, Taiesha Neisha and Dahlia Reid were awarded the grants after being chosen from over 1,000 patrons who turned out at the Old Hospital Park in Montego Bay for the Flow/Discovery back to school fair on Saturday, August 24.

Kadine Powell said that the grant would greatly assist with relieving some of the burdens associated with the new school year and a pleasant surprise.

Ardette Ambersley, Kadine’s mother, noted that the scholarship would help, “in every way!”  She continued to explain that, “I didn’t buy or prepare anything for back to school and now, I can finally get started.”

Dahilia Reid, an unemployed engineer was another winner of a scholarship and was proud to announce she would be giving this to her sister to help with Back to School preparations for her niece and nephews who all attended the afternoon’s events with her. “I have not been able to do much to help them since I have not been working recently, so I am pleased to be able to give this to them at this critical time,” she said as she hugged her 11 year old niece Shayane, who attends Catherine Hall Primary.

It was a day full of fun, education and excitement as parents and children were treated to special back to school gear, stationery and other supplies from various partners who came onboard to support the initiative.

Flow and the Discovery Channel also provided school bags with notebooks and other useful supplies to students who attended the Fair.  Additionally, the children enjoyed a special appearance from the international broadcaster’s official mascot and animated character Doki, who entertained throughout the day showing off popular dance moves and took photos with them.

Other partners for  The Flow/Discovery Back To School Fair included the Jamaica Observer, who provided free Back to School gifts for children, discounts on books in the Jamaica Observer Lecture Series and hosted the popular Learning Centre Pavilion with facepainting and a colouring zone for the children. Sangsters provided discounts on text books, The Ministry of Labour and Social Security shared information on the PATH programme, NCB provided details about its OMNI Educator plan and KFC and Wisynco provided meals and beverages for patrons throughout the afternoon. Volunteers from the National Health Fund, Cornwall Regional Hospital, University of Technology (UTECH) and CUMI provided free health checks for attendees with supplies provided by Fontana Pharmacy.

 “The day has been a total success!” explained Discovery Account Manager - Affiliate Sales Yne Gonzales.  “There were big smiles from children and adults who recognized Doki from watching the Discovery Kids,” she added.  Parents and children on site were happy to learn about the multi-platform, multi-language learning tools available from Discovery via the Flow network online and cable TV.

Later this year, Discovery Networks Latin America introduce their cable in the classroom programming (‘Discovery En La Escuela’), which is comprised of interactive educational content  that will give a boost to education delivered in the classroom as well as being useful to parents and students to deepen knowledge of topics covered in the curriculum.

The Flow/Discovery Channel partnership for Back To School is another initiative from Flow that complements the company’s Building Leaders Through Technology Programme which provides free commercial grade internet and cable to over 140 primary and secondary schools across the island.

“We are very pleased to have been able to further fulfil our commitment to give back to communities in Western Jamaica with this Back To School Fair,” said Nicole Campbell, corporate social responsibility executive for Columbus Communications Jamaica Limited, operators of Flow. “The response from the families who attended and from our public and private sector partners exceeded all expectations. We will continue to implement initiatives such as this which will enable Jamaicans to realize their full potential in education and all other endeavours.”

Flow celebrates children on Mandela Day

Nelson Mandela Day, celebrated on Thursday, July 18 this year, marks a day of celebration for the life and work of the humanitarian, child advocate and former president of South Africa.  To commemorate this special day, Columbus Communications Jamaica Limited, operators of Flow and Columbus Business Solutions joined many other private and public sector organizations to partner with the South African High Commission to celebrate the life of this world leader.

(l-r) Nicole Campbell, corporate social responsibility specialist at Columbus Communications, operators of Flow and Columbus Business Solutions brands and caretakers at the SOS Children’s Village admire the beautifully crafted art pieces created by the children at the home to celebrate Nelson Mandela Day on Thursday, July 18. 

Columbus and the South African High Commission hosted a very special treat for children at the SOS Childrens’ Village which included the feature movie ‘The Lion King’, sweet treats as well as a Nelson Mandela Art & Craft showcase put on by the children.  Mandela, who has been an advocate for the protection, safety and nurturing of children, was a prominent supporter of building an SOS Children's Village in Umtata, in the Eastern Cape Province. Since then, he has spoken openly, encouraging people across the world to support this charitable organization.  Columbus has also adopted the Home and has supported several initiatives to support the continued growth of the Home.

Mandela’s passion for children and a desire to end their suffering also led him to establish the Nelson Mandela Children’s Fund (NMCF) in 1995, among a number of other institutions in his name dedicated to the development of youth and the advancement of education.

Columbus Communications also shares this passion for youth development. In honour of Nelson Mandela, Columbus is implementing efforts to build awareness of his life and work of this legendary icon, role model and for many, a hero.

"We are delighted to be able to play our part in spreading Mandela’s message," noted Nicole Campbell, corporate social responsibility specialist at Columbus Communications Jamaica Limited. "We are proud of our longstanding association with the SOS Children's Village and feel that this special initiative is very appropriate, especially because of what the charity represents in fostering a better living experience for the children there, which is what Nelson Mandela also fought for," she continued. 

The Lion King which took the world by storm in a ground breaking animated series in 1994 and is set against the majestic backdrop of Africa, tells a simple, powerful story of a young lion cub named Simba and his heroic journey to claim his destined role as king of the jungle. Showing this movie on Mandela Day sends an important message about the link between some of Nelson Mandela strongest attributes, unmovable willpower, self-discipline and determination and his rise to success.

Nicole Campbell, corporate social responsibility specialist at Columbus Communications, operators of Flow and Columbus Business Solutions brands, shares cupcakes with the children at the SOS Children’s Village on Thursday, July 18.

The theme for this year is ‘Take action, Inspire change and make everyday a Mandela day’. The SOS initiative will also see the children participating in creative activities such as poetry, music and arts and crafts to express their understanding of Nelson Mandela and what he means to them.

In a further effort to promote the celebration, the broadband service provider will broadcast Nelson Mandela Day messages on Flow’s Interactive Programming Guide for the period.  In addition, Columbus employees will be volunteering 67 minutes of their day on Thursday to serving others through charity involvement, service in the local community and other worthwhile causes.

The SOS children's Village offers orphaned and abandoned children a permanent home in a family oriented environment and prepares them for an independent life. Children at SOS are raised with caregivers who function as "The Mother and "The Father" within the "House" and "The Village".

Flow Introduces lowest phone rates in Jamaica

Columbus Communications, Jamaica Limited, Operators of Flow today announced further cuts to its phone rates making Flow the most affordable in the market.

Effective Thursday, July 18, calls to  any mobile phone from Flow landlines have been reduced from $6.99 to $2.99, billed per second representing a massive 57% reduction.

Donovan White, VP of Marketing and Sales for Columbus explained that the Company is able to offer these significant cost savings to customers because of the Office of Utilities Regulations (OUR) implementation of the reduced Mobile Termination Rate (MTR).

 “The cost previously charged by the mobile operators to terminate our customers calls on their networks was the single most significant  contributor to the higher call costs” explained White. “The new mobile termination rate”, he continued “provides the opportunity to pass on savings to our customers and continue to deliver on our promise of more value.”

In addition to the new retail rate ($2.99) to call any mobile number in Jamaica, White said that, "Flow is the only telephone service provider that has always offered 100% free on-network calls; that means, Flow to Flow calls are free. A little known fact is that Flow also offers the lowest rate to call Lime landlines ($0.95c) (this is lower than calls made from Lime to Lime). 

White also emphasized that customers on the Flow International call plan (Talk to the World) with 2,500 minutes monthly, pay an effective rate of ($0.74c) per minute to call more than 45 destinations around the world including the United States, United Kingdom and Canada."  Other mobile operators are charging as high as $17.70 to call international destinations.

These are all significant savings to our customers said White. "With the lowest call rates in Jamaica, we now have the opportunity to be very competitive in delivering a superior digital landline product for Jamaicans and with it, massive savings, crystal clear connection, no dropped calls or having to worry about credit refills. Customers can leave the complicated mobile plans at work or on the road. When you’re home, relax and talk freely with the absolute lowest call rates in Jamaica on your Flow phone." White ended.