NCB honours 322 staff members
08 Jul 2016
It was not business as usual as some 322 employees of the National Commercial Bank Jamaica Limited (NCB) were honoured for long service to Jamaica’s largest commercial banking institution at its 2016 awards ceremony held recently at the Spanish Court Hotel. The evening, hosted by the bank’s top-ranking executives drummed the recurring themes of change and innovation – recognising the contributions of persons who have given 10-40 years of service to the entity, and have been catalysts in the Bank’s thrust towards digital transformation. “Life has been a journey for me and I have enjoyed working with the bank for all these years. I chose banking as my career, now retired and looking back, there is nothing I would change,” former banking official and the only employee celebrating 40 years, Wayne Murray shared as he pointed out the need for young bankers to stay alert and recognise that business environment is constantly changing. Murray’s sentiments were underscored by Senior General Manager of Group Resources and Facilities Division, Rickert Allen, who encouraged staff to embrace failure, fail quickly and often, but most importantly, ensure they learn from those experiences. “To remain relevant, you need an innovative mindset and to be fearless about the future. It is a fitting challenge as you look to the next step of your development,” he explained. NCB Cards Centre’s Yashima Lawrence, 10 year awardee reflected on her journey at the back, with her start at the Customer Care Centre. She noted that without the bank’s dynamism and the countless opportunities it affords for personal and professional growth, she and other youth could not have incubated their potential for global readiness. Chairman, Michael Lee-Chin spoke earnestly to attendees as he congratulated them on consistently employing what he considers requisite business principles and for propelling the organisation in realising the level of success it has enjoyed amidst countless challenges over the years. In 2015, NCB was designated the safest bank in Jamaica by Global Finance, bank of the year by Banker Magazine; and Jamaica’s best commercial and retail bank by World Finance. The seventh largest bank in the Caribbean is also the largest shareholder in Guardian Holdings Limited (GHL). Lloyd Parchment in the Banking Operations Division, spoke humorously of his 35 year tenure, and planted words of encouragement of the minds and hearts of his colleagues in the audience. “Accomplish your assigned tasks with such excellence that nobody can do it better; Give a fair day’s work for a fair day’s pay.” He thanked colleagues and executive members for going on what he described as a life-changing journey with him. The Long Service Awards represents one of the hallmarks of NCB’s rewards and recognition strategy, which highlights the central value of its employees to the organisation’s growth and development. Last year 221 employees were recognised.