PORT-AU-PRINCE,HAITI. - November 18, 2008 - Voilà, a telecommunications company in Haiti, the leading company in Haiti for social investment and a subsidiary of Trilogy International Partners, is a top ten finalist for a prestigious corporate social responsibility (CSR) award bestowed by the Organization of American States (OAS) from hundreds of submissions. The award, titled the Corporate Citizen of the Americas (CCA) award, honors companies who have the most innovative and effective social investment programs benefitting the community in which they operate. From hundreds of submissions, Voilà has been chosen as a finalist for its Education For Success program.

The first place award and two honorable mentions will be announced at the OAS Annual Gala, a black tie event, in Washington, DC on November 20. The goal of the CCA Award is to encourage other companies to be inspired by and implement socially responsible practices.

Haiti is the poorest country in the Western Hemisphere. It has an 80% unemployment rate, a 60% illiteracy rate, and it does not export any product more than it imports. Half of the country's population of 8 million lives on $1 per day, a level designated by the UN as "extreme poverty." But while this country is enduring such poverty, it is bursting with culture, pride and hope.

From a CSR perspective, Voilà believes in an obligation to give back to communities in ways that provide sustainable and long lasting developmental tools using education as the platform to create a culture of excellence. Voilà believes that education for youth is the key to moving a country forward, out of poverty and into a productive place that can generate economic growth and viability. Under this platform, Voilà supports programs through NGO partners in schools, the arts, technology, environment, sports and food production, most notably with NGO partner Yele Haiti, musician Wyclef Jean's foundation.

"From the outset, Voilà proudly believed that a strong program to aid our disadvantaged population in Haiti is as critical an organizational value as the firm commitment to provide quality services to its clients", said Bernard Fils-Aime, President, Voilà Foundation. "Being a finalist for the Trust for the Americas' Corporate Citizen of the Americas Award is an important validation and recognition of our efforts."

Around the world, the private sector is playing an increasingly important role in developing solutions to overcome poverty. Since launching in 2005, Voilà's programs have grown to benefit thousands of deserving Haitians with a special focus on youth. The private sector plays a critical role in community development in poverty stricken countries, and it is Voilà's belief that it is the private sector, both domestic and international, that can provide the engine for economic growth and development in Haiti. Voilà believes it is good business to invest in the future of the country in which one does business.

Following are Voilà's active projects in Haiti:

1. Installation of wireless internet computer labs with USAID and Conatel
   
2. University scholarships for Haiti's best and brightest students with Yele Haiti and the Haitian Education Leadership Program
   
3. Youth Soccer with Yele Haiti and L'Athletique d'Haiti
   
4. Primary school scholarships with Yele Haiti and Fonds de Parrainage National
   
5. Basketball courts and tournaments with J'Aime Haiti
   
6. Environmental education to "Pas Coupe Les Bois!" with Yele Haiti and Fondation Seguin
   
7. Environmental education in schools
   
8. Responding to the food crisis, providing farmers with seed and fertilizer, and doing food distributions, with Yele Haiti
   
9. Teaching children non-violence with KALM
   
10. Free outdoor evening cinema in the slums with Yele Haiti
    
11. Supporting a theatre festival with Fokal
    
12. Education and vocational training for the youth in the boy's prison with Yele Haiti and Prodev
    
13. Supporting women's associations in developing businesses to produce and sell food with Yele Haiti
    
14. Donating a percentage of Toupatou sales to Yele Haiti
    
15. Sending Haitian students to the UN to present their ideas for a better Haiti
    
16. Telecommunications support for NGOs
    
17. Serving the disables community through Voilà store ramps, special disabled phones and proactive employment of disabled persons
    
18. Building windmills for wind powered energy, eliminating the need for diesel fuel and decreasing harm to the environment
    
19. Disaster relief efforts through monetary and item donations, manpower and telecommunications products and services

    Following are Voilà's completed projects

20. Rehabilitation of 20 schools in Gonaives with Yele Haiti and the Pan American Development Foundation
    
21. Sponsorship of YéleFest 2006 and 2007, Wyclef Jean's free concerts in Haiti, with Yele Haiti
    
22. Over-20 soccer tournament with Yele Haiti
    
23. Teacher training with Yele Haiti and Centre d'Apprentissage et de Formation pour la Transformation

About Communication Cellulaire d'Haiti S.A. (ComCEL) d/b/a/ Voilà
ComCEL launched services in Haiti in 1999, and provides high-quality affordable wireless service throughout Haiti under the Voilà brand name. Services include pre-paid, post-paid, public telephony and fixed wireless. International services include remittances, pre-paid long distance, pre-paid calling cards and electronic top up. Information about Voilà can be found at www.voila.ht and http://www.FamilyInThe509.com.

Trilogy International Partners

Trilogy International Partners

multinational telecom providing cell phone service in Haiti, the DR and Bolivia.

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