Irish entrepreneur and the founder and chairman of mobile operator Digicel, Denis O’Brien, has been granted the keys to Panama City by the city’s mayor, Juan Carlos Navarro, in recognition for the mobile firm’s contribution to the city’s economic growth.
Digicel, founded in 2001, is the largest mobile operator in the Caribbean. It entered the central American market on 2 December 2008, having invested US$350m there. It’s entrance resulted in the initial creation of 300 jobs and 700 indirect ones to date.
“As an international investor, it means a lot to be so welcomed here. Panama promises to be a very exciting market for Digicel, and we are proud to offer the best coverage, the best service and the best value,” said O’Brien.
“Just as in each of our markets, Digicel is fully committed to contributing to the social and economic development of this country.”
Digicel operates in 31 markets worldwide, with investments exceeding US$3.4bn and more than 6.5 million customers. Its central American market covers El Salvador, Honduras and Panama.
By Marie Boran
Pictured: the Monumento a Balboa in Panama City
