KINGSTON, Jamaica – National Commercial Bank Jamaica Limited (NCB) and its partners have mobilised $450 million to aid Jamaica’s recovery from the devastation to sections of the island by Hurricane Melissa.

The initiative comes through the relaunch of the Building a Better Jamaica Fund, which aims to provide relief and rebuilding assistance to affected communities islandwide.

The drive began with a $200 million commitment from NCB, bolstered by contributions from its partners and a significant $50 million donation from Guardian Group.

“Our hearts are broken, and our love goes out to every Jamaican now picking up the pieces after Hurricane Melissa,” said Thalia Lyn, Chair of the NCB. Foundation. “Inspired by our Group Chairman Michael Lee-Chin’s philosophy, Prosperitas cum Caritate — ‘doing well by doing good’ — we are committed to restoring hope, dignity, and resilience for those who have lost so much.”

Funds will be distributed through the NCB. Foundation in collaboration with key partners including the American Friends of Jamaica (AFJ), Food for the Poor Jamaica, UNICEF Jamaica, and the Global Empowerment Mission (GEM). These organisations will help ensure that assistance reaches families and communities most in need.

The Building a Better Jamaica Fund will focus on immediate priorities such as food and shelter, home repairs, the restoration of community infrastructure, and livelihood support in the hardest-hit parishes.

“This is about getting help to people quickly and responsibly,” said Bruce Bowen, CEO of NCB. “By working with trusted partners already active on the ground, we can ensure that relief efforts reach those who need it most. Recovery will take time, but together, we can rebuild stronger communities.”

Originally launched in 2024 after Hurricane Beryl, the fund then raised more than $459 million, which supported roof repairs, community rehabilitation, and emergency relief across parishes including St Elizabeth, Manchester, Clarendon, and St Catherine. Drawing on that proven model, NCB and its partners are once again joining forces to help Jamaicans recover and rebuild stronger than before.