LACOVIA, St Elizabeth — AFTER living in a run-down shack under deplorable conditions for over twenty years enduring flood rains and hurricanes, 68-year-old farmer and retired security guard Selvin Coke is now the owner of a newly built concrete house.

The keys to the house, built on Coke’s land, were handed over to him and his family at Red Hills, Lacovia district, St Elizabeth recently.

Coke’s condition was first brought to public attention by the news media last year. Two corporate entities, National Commercial Bank (NCB) and Sunshine Auto Parts Limited responded by partnering in providing the building.

“Well, getting this house, and holding the keys in my hands, brings a joy in my heart,” said Coke as he gave thanks to those who had come to his assistance. “I could not come out of the house standing up straight, I had to bend down to go outside and it gets worse whenever rain fell, my bed wet…” he recalled.

Manager at NCB Black River branch, Conroy Ward said his firm’s involvement in the project was reflective of a commitment to community service.

“When I was approached I didn’t hesitate, I put pen to paper send it off to head office and got the necessary approval to get the donation. This was more than just a donation. We came by, looked at what was happening, made other suggestions and talked with Coke, encouraged him and in so doing, we saw where our effort brought a smile to his face,” Ward said.

“We have received a lot from our customers in terms of revenues and we are grateful. If in any way we can give back to our community we will. NCB is committed to nation building and we will look at any way possible to assist nation building because we take you into account not just your money,” the branch manager added.

Errol Brennan, CEO at Sunshine Auto parts and chairman of the Errol Brennan Foundation shared similar sentiments.

“I am feeling very good. It brings joy to my heart because we were able to touch the life of somebody in dire need, somebody who was living in a dilapidated condition,” Brennan said.

“Jamaica is at the tipping point and we all have to pull together to do what we can to bring it back, we can’t just live for ourselves and our family,” says Brennan who is also a director of the St Elizabeth Homecoming Foundation. St Elizabeth’s branch of the Jamaica Red Cross handed over a mattress, bed lining and other household items to Coke and his family.