PHILLIPSBURG, St Maarten – Super Lotto winner Maria Almonte has claimed her prize of BDS $4.33 million and says she can do a lot of good with her winnings.
Her first priority is to purchase a home – which she has wanted to do for a long time – as well as a vehicle.
She also has other plans for her new-found wealth.
“I want to go to University to learn English, and I also want to help my children and family. I would like to start a business here and in Santo Domingo. My two sons are currently away and this will help me finance their education. Mama and Papa had 12 children so there is a lot of good that I can bring to my family with these monies,” she said.
Almonte’s winning numbers, 04-11-19-21-28 Super Ball: 04, were not selected by chance, but hold great sentimental value.
“I play the same numbers all the time and each number represents birthdays of persons close to me. My mom is represented by 04, my fiancé by 11, my two children by 19 and 21, and my birthday is 28.”
However, she has mixed feelings about her windfall.
“I am excited, happy, and, at the same time, sad. I am sad because my dad was an avid Lotto player and he never won, and now that I have won this huge jackpot, he is not here to share this special moment with me,” she said.
Almonte, who resides in Cole Bay, St Maarten, purchased her ticket from Tackling Shell, for Draw #656 on January 22, 2016.
The Caribbean Lottery has a history of producing winners, having paid out prizes to over 193 334 players in the Eastern Antilles totalling US$5 725 174 in 2015. (PR/SAT)
