Bermuda-based Digicel Group announced yesterday it is committing $1 million in hurricane relief efforts to storm-devastated Haiti.

The passing of four major storms over Haiti this season — including two hurricanes — has left an estimated 331 people dead and tens of thousands homeless and displaced in the Western Hemisphere's poorest country. Per capita income in the country is just $1,300 a year.

Yesterday, Digicel announced it would provide aid in the form of $400,000 in support to NGOs working in Haiti, $200,000 of direct aid distribution and another $400,000 worth of free minutes and other mobile services to be given to customers in the worst affected areas.

"Since we launched in Haiti in May 2006, the Haitian people have made us their own," said Digicel Group CEO Colm Delves yesterday. "As part of the Haitian community, we're saddened by the devastation that has been caused to Haiti and its people by the storms and want to do everything we can to help with relief efforts."

The company will work in partnership with the Red Cross, Food for the Poor, Catholic Relief Services, Concern and Agerca. Some of the areas to be helped have yet to receive any support, Digicel noted in a press release. Supplies provided will take the form of food containers and toiletries, kitchen, hygiene and medical kits and supplies and air transport for two water treatment plants.