A resident of West Trinidad is the country's latest multimillionaire having recently won the $18,044,066.08 Lotto Plus jackpot.
The winner was interviewed by the NLCB after collecting his prize money. He said on Saturday, 1st February, he was struck by an overwhelming feeling that he had to play. He said he went to Christian’s Mini Mart in Bourg Mulatresse and purchased Quick Picks.
However, as he left, he didn't realise his tickets had slipped from his pocket and scattered on the ground. Luckily he rushed back to the Lottery Centre, where he found the tickets still lying on the pavement.
It wasn’t until Monday morning after the Saturday draw that he checked the results. Disbelieving at first, he said he asked his wife to read the winning numbers aloud while he double-checked. They matched. Calm yet joyful, he expressed gratitude, saying, “I thank the Almighty God, and of course, NLCB, for allowing me to experience this.”
The winner said that life had not always been easy for him. He was the only son in his family and when they started experiencing financial difficulties, he left school early to help support his loved ones, carrying the weight of responsibility from a young age.
Despite the life-changing sum, the winner said he intends to maintain a humble lifestyle. He plans to give to charity, particularly to support children, and while his family may wish to travel, he is content with simple pleasures, possibly a quiet visit to a nearby island. Luxuries like fancy cars don’t interest him — he remains happy with what he already has.