“NCB’s mantra is ‘Building A Better Jamaica’. If this bank is going to be everlastingly successful, it has to take on the ailments of this society. We believe in doing well by doing good.”
- Hon. Michael Lee-Chin, O.J - Chairman
Following the devastating impact of Hurricane Beryl in July 2024, along with the vision of NCBFG Chairman, Michael Lee-Chin to match dollar-for-dollar up to $150M, the NCB Building a Better Jamaica Fund was established to provide urgent relief and support for our fellow Jamaicans.
Through this initiative along with responsive partners locally and internationally we helped restore communities, rebuild lives and contributed to Jamaica's recovery with resilience and purpose.
The Fund has achieved a 94.2% utilisation rate, demonstrating strong financial discipline transparency, and efficient execution. Guided by global humanitarian benchmarks (Sphere Standards), which recommend a per-beneficiary range of J$15,000 - J$35,000, our average run rate of J$31,787.60 falls well within international standards.
Among several key achievements, we procured and installed a 500 KVA generator at the Newell Facility and a 350 KVA generator at the Little Park Facility, both critical in restoring water access via the National Water Commision to hospitals and communities, benefiting over 3,000 residents.
This national milestone showcases the strength of donor agency collaboration and the collective determination of our people to rebuild stronger.
Under the terms of our Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), partners played two critical roles: Donor/Fundraising Partners and Executing/Project Management Partners. Our Donor Partners included respected NGOs locally and internationally, while our Executing Partners comprised trusted local charities and social development agencies. We also welcomed Equity Partners, whose matched contributions amplified the impact of the funds raised.
We are deeply grateful to all our partners and donors whose collaboration made the Building a Better Jamaica Fund a reality. The funds were administered by the N.C.B. Foundation, ensuring full transparency and accountability every step of the way.
Together, we helped communities recover, rebuild, and begin the journey toward a stronger Jamaica.
The NCB 'Building A Better Jamaica' Fund is an initiative administered by N.C.B. Foundation to provide disaster relief aid and support recovery efforts for communities in Jamaica. The first initiative focuses on assisting victims of Hurricane Beryl, particularly in the severely affected areas of St.Elizabeth, Clarendon, Hanover and Manchester.
NCB matched all donations received up to JM$150M. This means that for every dollar donated, NCB contributed an additional dollar, effectively doubling the total contributions. The goal is to reach at least JM$300M to aid in the disaster relief and recovery efforts and this goal was surpassed and funds raised and matched exceeded J$459M.
N.C.B. Foundation has partnered with several reputable organisations to ensure the proper disbursement, accounting, and reporting of funds. These partners include the Breds Treasure Beach Foundation, Food for the Poor Jamaica & Canada, Jamaica Social Stock Exchange, American Friends of Jamaica, Blue Marlin-Myco Meditations, Global Empowerment Mission, UNICEF, Guardsman Beryllium, Mustard Seed Communities among others.
Thanks to our combined efforts, 1,821 homes, facilities and roofs were restored, helping families and communities regain a sense of stability and security. Additionally, 1,191 small farmers received crucial support to rebuild their livelihoods and resume food production. Most importantly, humanitarian aid reached over 12,685 individuals, bringing relief, hope, and tangible assistance to those most affected.
The collaboration from all involved has truly helped rebuild lives and communities across Jamaica.