NCB Foundation, in partnership with UNICEF Jamaica, has handed over 400 Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) Shelter Kits, valued at J$14.8 million, to the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM).

The presentation, held at ODPEM’s headquarters last Tuesday, is part of the Strengthening WASH Resilience to Climatic Events Post-Hurricane Beryl (WASH) Programme. This J$43.8 million initiative is designed to strengthen emergency preparedness and public health resilience in vulnerable communities across Jamaica.

“Prepared shelters save lives, but true resilience begins with compassion, ensuring our people have what they need to recover and rebuild after a disaster. Clean water and sanitation are essential in those moments, and through the WASH programme, we’re helping ensure that every Jamaican has access to these vital supplies. NCB Foundation’s support for this initiative reflects our commitment to building a better Jamaica—supporting our communities, especially when they need it the most,” said Perrin Gayle, CEO of NCB Foundation.

Food for the Poor (FFTP), as the executing partner, sourced and procured the WASH Shelter Kits. Each kit includes essential hygiene and sanitation items such as disinfectants, soap, tissues, gloves, and sanitary supplies.

“Every effort to ensure clean water and sanitation in shelters saves lives and restores hope. This ensures a safe and sanitary environment for all beneficiaries. We’re proud to be part of a partnership that delivers real, lasting impact,” said Nakhle Hado, Director of Operations and Implementation at FFTP.

Michelle Edwards, Acting Deputy Director General of ODPEM, welcomed the donation, stating: “These WASH Shelter Kits will make a tangible difference in safeguarding lives during crises. With partners N.C.B. Foundation, UNICEF, and FFTP, we are better equipped to provide clean and safe conditions for those displaced by natural disasters.”

ODPEM will deliver the kits to municipal corporations for distribution to selected shelters across the island.

With UNICEF Jamaica serving as technical advisor and local parish councils engaged in implementation, the initiative is designed to empower communities to manage and maintain these resources beyond the project’s lifespan.

“These WASH Shelter Kits are a vital step toward ensuring that emergency shelters across Jamaica can offer clean, safe, and dignified conditions for families displaced by disasters,” said Mohammad Mohiuddin, Representative (Officer-in-Charge) UNICEF Jamaica. “UNICEF is proud to partner with NCB Foundation and ODPEM to strengthen national disaster preparedness and safeguard public health in vulnerable communities.”

Through these efforts, NCB Foundation said it continues to champion climate-smart, inclusive development, aligning with UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDG 6 – Clean Water and Sanitation) and SDG 11 – Sustainable Cities and Communities. The project was funded by NCB Foundation to support national WASH and disaster resilience efforts.