Vendor wins cash prize in Malta Scratch and Win sweepstakes
WITH THE competition moving closer to the half-a-million-dollar grand-prize draw, another lucky winner has walked away with $50,000 in the Malta Back-to-School Scratch and Win sweepstakes. Omeal Houston, a mother of three from St Elizabeth, was delighted to receive the news of winning the much-needed funds.
With more than 50 winners already receiving cash and other prizes, Houston is the first winner from the Breadbasket parish. “My two sons’ school fees need to be paid, so I’m going to clear that because all the expenses are on me. The rest of the money, I plan to put in my business,” said Houston, who described the Malta prize as a blessing.
An avid Malta drinker, Houston also sells the product as part of her small business. “I don’t have a shop where I directly operate from, so I travel with my goods and sell them at events. Sometimes I sell at parties, dead yards, and any other event that has a crowd,” she explained.
With stock running low, Houston noted that she had been making plans to see where she could find funds as she didn’t have surplus money to replenish her supplies. “I’ve been doing this a while now, so I know my way around. I’m really grateful because the win came at a time when I definitely had a need for the money.”
In the future, Houston plans to open a liquor store while continuing to provide products at events. “I really want to own a shop one day, but in due time when I have more money.” Adding to this, she shared her anticipation for the big draw and jokingly declared herself the winner.
One lucky student will receive $500,000 towards his or her tuition, courtesy of JMMB and Malta.