PORTLAND, Jamaica – During a visit to his native Portland, Chairman of the National Commercial Bank (NCB) and Chief Executive Officer of Portland Holdings, Michael Lee-Chin, alongside the NCB Foundation’s ‘Grant a Wish’ programme delivered $1 million to his alma mater Port Antonio Primary.

The bank gave $650,000 and the NCB Foundation donated $350,000.

In making the presentation, Lee-Chin told the students and teachers, “it is my honour and privilege to be here this morning because when I was your age at nine, I was in that classroom over there, Ms Henry’s class, and behind the classroom was a drain (it is still there) and in this courtyard here I used to play marbles. My being here this morning is to leave a message with every one of you because in 1961 I was just like you enthusiastic, had big dreams and my dream was to be a business person. I was like you and my family never had nothing.”

“Keep your dreams, aim high to be the best in the world. Start working hard now; wake in the morning and prepare yourself for the day. Listen when you come to school and don’t get distracted but focus on what the teacher is saying; pay attention and when you get home, study,” he encouraged them.

Acting Principal Teri-Ann Palmer told the Observer Online that “The Port Antonio Primary School is the proud recipient of a grant of $1,000,000 from the NCB Foundation’s “Grant A Wish” Programme. As the foundation vows to “Let it Shine”, the overcast morning gave way to brilliant sunshine when the honourable Michael Lee-Chin, Chairman and CEO of Portland Holdings, and a proud past student of our school, shared his recipe for success with our bright and eager students. His words were well-received and the entire Port Antonio Primary School expressed gratitude for such a generous display of goodwill.”

“This funding will enable us to complete the projects we have in the pipeline,” Palmer added.

Ten students received vouchers to open starter accounts with NCB.

Lee-Chin was accompanied by the CEO of the NCB Foundation, Thalia Lyn, and other members of the foundation.