In the studio, Chief finance officer, Mercury International, Ekundayoh Rowe started by sensitizing the public on the new finance act which has seen an increase in tax generally in the Country. The new tax regulations has seen an increase in tax on Mercury International’s normal 10% tax deduction from winnings above Le10 million to 20% and still maintains the 10% tax deduction on winnings of Le10 million and below.
“Despite the new tax regulation, we wish to inform the government and the public that Mercury International is a tax compliance Company and will continue to adhere to any regulation governing taxation in the country”, Mr. Rowe affirmed.
“This has further proved that Mercury International is a credible and efficient Company that has the capacity to pay its winners instant. I would like to reprove our valued and esteemed customers to continue trying their luck in making the next Mercury Millionaire”, Mr. Rowe assured.
Presenting the cheque, Samir Hassanyeh, Chairman Board of Directors of Mercury International Company SL. Ltd who also doubles as Chairman of the company’s Charitable Foundation, intimated the public that Mercury as a Company is very happy for setting the standard high. We will continue our commitment in giving Sierra Leoneans the opportunity to become millionaires thereby transforming their lives, their families and the Country at large.
“As a Company, we’ve been helping the Sick, less privileged, Disabled and providing educational scholarships to deserving students amongst other things as part of our Cooperate Social Responsibility”, Mr. Hassanyeh stated.
Mr. Hassanyeh further shed some light on the history of the 4/50 Jackpot. He said, since the inception of the famous 4/50 jackpot in March last year, it has generated huge momentum among our respected customers and has made several millionaires.
“This winning happened to be the highest ever in the history of Sierra Leone Betting and Lottery in the Country, recalling that, the previous record breaking winning of the 4/50 jackpot was on Tuesday 13th December 2016 when Abdul Abu Kaloko received a cheque of Two Hundred and Twenty Million, One Hundred and Ninety-six Thousands Leones (Le 220,196,000) as a historic Mercury 4/50 Jackpot lottery winner. Today, his record has been broken while looking forward in making more historic millionaires”, Mr. Hassanyeh Stated.
Mr. Hassanyeh further advised the winner to utilize the amount won judiciously as it is part of the company’s responsibility to advise it winners to utilize their winnings in a way beneficial not only to themselves but their families and the country at large.
Receiving the cheque, Mr. Williams started by praising God for his grace, adding that he is short of words and can only give God the glory for choosing him amongst millions of other Mercury customers to win this record breaking amount.
“I have been playing Mercury International games for over two years now, I have been winning two numbers and three numbers, but this is my first time of winning the Jackpot, and I’m really overwhelmed”, Mr. Williams Said.
When asked what will he do with the amount won, He said……….. “No doubt this is a life changing opportunity, I’m in no rush to determine what to do with the money yet, there must be some plans that I cannot disclose now, the money is going to be deposited in my account and afterwards, I will ask God for direction”, Mr. Williams responded.
“I knew I have won the Jackpot since Monday but deliberately did not surface due to security reasons. I was one person who had doubt about the reality of the Jackpot. I thought it was a make up thing, but now that am seated here today with a cheque of such a huge amount, am left with no option but to now serve as an ambassador for Mercury out there in promoting the real nature of the Jackpot and all other products of the company”, Mr. Williams Confessed.