NCB Foundation grants wishes to women from the west

Western Bureau:

Kemeshia Black, of Bethel Town, in Westmoreland; and Charmaine Green, of Montego Bay, St James, who were both impacted by Hurricane Melissa, got some much-needed financial help earlier this week when they became beneficiaries of the 13th NCB Foundation Grant a Wish Programme

The women were among scores of shoppers and residents who were invited to share their wishes when the NCB team visited the Fairview Shopping Centre, in Montego Bay, on Wednesday, left the location with much to smile about.

Black, a mother of three children, who suffered extensive damage to her home during the passage of the hurricane, was absolutely delighted that she was getting some much-needed help in her bid to rebound from the damage to her home.

“After Melissa, things have been hard,” said Black, who received a J$100,000 wish come true financial boost, which she plans to use to replace essential furniture as well as to restore some amount of stability for her family.

“We got a mattress and me and the children sleep on it. Zinc is still on the windows and door, and tarpaulin on the roof,” in relating her after-hurricane experience.

In the case of Green, she received J$100,000 towards her son’s tuition at the University of Technology. Her son is pursuing a degree in electrical engineering, but because of the impact of Hurricane Melissa, the family was placed under financial pressure.

“I still can’t believe this happened today,” said Green, who like many persons in western Jamaica are struggling to make the adjustment needed to cope with the impact of the hurricane. “Things are far more challenging than before so this (the J$100,000) will definitely go a long way in helping us.”

ACTIVATION OF THE PROJECT

The Montego Bay launch of the NCB Foundation Grant a Wish Programme marked the first activation of the programme for the 2025 season, which officials of the foundation say was deliberate, based on fact that the west suffered the greatest impact from Hurricane Melissa.

NCB Foundation’s Grant a Wish responds to real people and real circumstances,” said Perrin Gayle, CEO of the NCB Foundation. “This year, that reality is shaped by recovery. We are focused on meeting people where they are and offering support that makes an immediate, tangible difference.”

Nearly 200 wishes were shared on the on-site wishing wall during the Montego Bay launch day, underscoring the ongoing need for practical and immediate assistance by persons recovering from the hurricane.

Several residents from communities like Cornwall Court and Green Pond, who experienced significant damage to their homes, said they were disappointed that they had not heard about the ‘Grant a Wish’ and wanted to know if there was going to be a second round.

“NCB should be commended. This is a noble move on their part. I wish I had heard about it because I have many wishes as my house was flooded out and I lost most of my furniture,” said Karen Bell, who says she has not received any assistance since the hurricane. “It would be nice if they make a second trip to Montego Bay because there are so many people in need in places like West Green and Catherine Hall.”

The NCB Foundation’s Grant a Wish is open to all Jamaicans and residents, not just NCB customers. Persons are required to submit wishes online at www.jncb.com/grantawish or complete an application and drop in boxes at participating branches by December 31, 2025.

Participating NCB branches includes Mandeville, Christiana, Junction, Santa Cruz, Fairview, Savanna-la-Mar, Lucea, Falmouth, St Ann’s Bay and Port Maria. This year’s programme complements the Building a Better Jamaica Fund 2.0, launched to drive long-term recovery and resilience following Hurricane Melissa.

editorial@gleanerjm.com