BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – LUCK struck Earl Freeman of Nevis last month when he was announced the lucky winner of EC $220,000 from the Caribbean Lottery, the perfect gift during this challenging economic time.
The Craddock Road resident told SKNVibes that he has played the lottery for years, hoping to one day hit his much deserved jackpot. He informed that success seemed distant, but noted that persistence in his purchases eventually paid off big time.
“So many years I have been playing [the lottery]; I spent hundreds and sometimes I felt like quitting because there was no luck coming, but I said to myself I have to be in it to win it. I believed that one day my luck would come.”
Freeman, who is a freelance heavy machinery operator and an ardent family man, said that after years of selecting his own numbers, he began playing Quick Pick to “increase his luck”. He said he bought his fateful ticket on his birthday, March 25, and described winning as an “unbelievable event” that would assist him significantly.
“That same night when I bought the ticket, I had six different sets of tickets. I didn’t think I was about to win that specific time. I must give thanks and praise to God, even though [gambling] may not be the best thing. This money would really help me out.
“I have to be keen with my spending. Firstly, I have already pledged 10% to go to God. So, I’m planning to give to churches in need. I would feel guilty if I break my spiritual vow. Also, this would come in handy for my wife and two children living with me. We are constructing our new home in Prospects and this would help to finance it,” Freeman said.
He further stated that one of his major investments from the newly-gained wealth would be to purchase a crane to expand and enhance his existing business.
SKNVibes contacted the Country Manager for Caribbean Lottery, Valarie Spouse, who informed that it has been a while since a local has been announced as the winner of the lottery.
She noted her pleasure in the company’s ability to give back to the community while it continues to struggle with the ongoing financial crisis.
“I’m excited because recently we’ve been having winners from St. Maarten, Barbados and Antigua. In fact, I can’t tell the last time the winner came from St. Kitts-Nevis.
“We at the lottery always encourage people to play. You don’t have a chance to win if you don’t play. We are very pleased that we can give back to the community, especially during these challenging times. Not everybody can be a winner but you have to enter to get a chance to win, and this amount can change your life!”
The Caribbean Lottery is played in six countries: Antigua-Barbuda, St. Kitts-Nevis, St. Maarten, Anguilla, Barbados and US Virgin Islands. One try may be all it takes to be a winner and change your life just like Earl Freeman!
