Kenneth Neita (left) beaming as he receives his $140 million cheque from Brian George, president and CEO of Supreme Ventures Ltd., operators of the Lotto game. The cheque was presented to him last night at the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel, New Kingston. - Winston Sill/Freelance Photographer IN A welcome usually reserved for ambassadors, Kenneth Neita, 65, of Westmoreland was ushered into the gardens of the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel last night, in celebration of his winning the record $140 million Supreme Ventures Limited Lotto Jackpot.
"I've been buying lotto my whole life, and I have won once; I'm happy," said an obviously fatigued Mr. Neita, who was driven all the way from his parish and given a brief tour of Kingston before being whisked to the venue via limousine.
The humble man did not even wish to wear the purple robe and crown waiting for him on arrival. An anxious crowd peered intently to catch a glimpse of Mr. Neita as he took his seat for the brief ceremony.
Brian George, president and CEO of Supreme Ventures Ltd., considered the day a momentous occasion in the history of the gaming industry. He presented Mr. Neita with both the replica cheque of $140 million and his 'real cheque' of $119 million, his take-home sum after the taxes are withdrawn.
