Just like Willy Wonka and his chocolate factory, Wednesday was the last night for V.I. residents to cash in their golden tickets for the chance to win a 2010 Nissan Cube, compliments of Choice Communications.
Choice has given away four of the cars since August, and on Wednesday night picked its final two winners at celebrations held on St. Thomas and St. Croix. Choice’s Nisky Center branch on St. Thomas was open until after 7 p.m. for the event, with people gathering around for snacks, to sign up for service, and to see if they had won.
"We had an overwhelming response for the final two, with 18,000 entries," said Tony Shepherd, Choice’s vice president and general manager.
The final winner on St. Croix is Adriana Sydney, and the final winner on St. Thomas is Reema Daas.
While not disclosing any numbers, Shepherd said the company is "exceeding its expectations" in terms of new customers signing up for service and plans to see an increase after Choice spins out even more cell phone sites next year.
"We are seeing a lot of people coming from the competition recently because of our prices, and the coverage," he said.
Terriya Thomas, 29, was among the first four Cube winners and came out Wednesday evening to enjoy the festivities on St. Thomas.
"I’ve never had a four-door vehicle before," she said. “I drive it to work every day. That’s how everyone can tell when I’m there or not."
Photos of the cars and the winners will be posted on Choice-Wireless.com and on the Choice Facebook page or by following Choice on Twitter.