Digicel on Friday announced that it was granting share options to more than 2,000 employees in its 20 areas of operation as part of an employee reward programme.

The company plans to divvy up "close to one million shares" to employees.

Denis O'Brien, founder and chairman of Digicel Group, announced the share option plan to staff in Digicel's flagship operation in Jamaica.

"It is fitting that we should make this announcement on the fifth anniversary of Digicel's inaugural launch in Jamaica. Our colleagues across the region have contributed greatly to our success and their commitment is at the cornerstone of Digicel's speed to new markets and unmatched level of service that we provide to our customers," said O'Brien, quoted in a Digicel release.

"We want to thank them for helping to ensure that Digicel is a leading player in the Caribbean mobile market, and give them the opportunity to share further in the success of the business."

Digicel's employee share plan is similar to an incentive programme that O'Brien introduced to staff at Esat Telecom.

The company's release also quoted finance minister Dr. Omar Davies, congratulating the telecoms for initiating the scheme here.

"We commend the company for delivering such an inclusive reward programme and are confident that it will encourage other corporations in the region to follow its example," said Davies.