FAMILIES in western Jamaica still recovering from Hurricane Melissa, which ravaged the area on October 28, received meaningful support with the launch of the 13th NCB Foundation Grant a Wish programme in Montego Bay, St James, recently.

At Fairview Shopping Centre, shoppers 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 $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. She received $100,000 towards her son’s tuition at 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 NCB Foundation’s Grant a Wish for the 2025 season and the foundation said it was intentionally hosted in western Jamaica, one of the regions hardest hit by Melissa.

Nearly 200 wishes were shared on the on-site wishing wall during launch day, underscoring the ongoing need for practical, immediate assistance.

“NCB Foundation’s Grant a Wish responds to real people and real circumstances,” said Perrin Gayle, CEO of the 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,” added Gayle.

NCB 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 include 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.

A mother and son smile as they review their wish on the Wishing Wall during NCB Foundation’s Grant a Wish launch, held recently at NCB’s Fairview Financial Centre in Montego Bay.