N.C.B. Foundation’s Grant a Wish Bings Hope to Families in Western Jamaica
17 Dec 2025
Kingston, Jamaica, December 17, 2025: Families in western Jamaica still recovering from Hurricane Melissa, received meaningful support with the launch of the 13th N.C.B. Foundation Grant a Wish programme in Montego Bay, St James.
At the Fairview Shopping Centre, shoppers and residents were invited to share their wishes. Many reflected the same reality: homes damaged, finances stretched and everyday needs made harder by the storm’s impact. Among them was Kemeshia Black, a mother of three from Bethel Town in Westmoreland, whose home suffered extensive damage during the hurricane.
“After Melissa, things have been hard,” Black said. “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.” Black received a J$100,000 wish come true, which will help her to replace essential furniture and begin restoring stability for her family.
Another wish granted on the day belonged to Charmaine Green of Montego Bay, St James. Green received J$100,000 towards her son’s tuition at the University of Technology, Jamaica, where he is pursuing a degree in electrical engineering. With the added financial pressure brought on by Hurricane Melissa, Green said the gift came at a critical time.
“I still can’t believe this happened today,” Green shared. “Things are far more challenging than before so this will definitely go a long way in helping us.”
The Montego Bay launch marked the first activation of N.C.B. Foundation’s Grant a Wish for the 2025 season and was intentionally hosted in western Jamaica, one of the regions hardest hit by Hurricane Melissa. Nearly 200 wishes were shared on the on-site wishing wall during launch day, underscoring the ongoing need for practical, immediate assistance.
“N.C.B. Foundation’s Grant a Wish responds to real people and real circumstances,” said Perrin Gayle, CEO of the N.C.B. 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.”
The N.C.B. Foundation’s Grant a Wish is open to all Jamaicans and residents, not just NCB customers. 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.
