Barbara Ellington, Lifestyle Editor

This huge banner, bearing the bank's logo and packed with confetti, is unfurled to declare the new Port Antonio branch open, much to the delight of branch manager, Maxine McKenzie, Group Managing Director Patrick Hylton, (centre) and Chairman Michael Lee Chin. - photos by Roger Robinson/Freelance Photographer

Last Tuesday evening saw residents of Port Antonio occupying every available space in the square to get a glimpse of the new branch office of the National Commercial Bank (NCB). The former courthouse still bears the facade of the building constructed in 1895 on the outside but the interior is a study in modern comfort and design.

And branch manager, Maxine McKenzie, could not be more thrilled with the opportunity to serve as she declared, "We are up to the challenge." They had had a soft opening on Monday the 14th.

Refurbishing costs amounted to $130 million. The old courthouse was almost destroyed by fire in 2004. The entire refurbishing process was overseen by the Jamaica National Heritage Trust because it is one of the island's protected heritage buildings .

values every community

Mrs Audrey Tugwell Henry, senior general manager for the retail banking division, stressed the value that NCB places on every community and pointed out that a team of experts had been assembled to serve them.

Bank chairman, Michael Lee Chin, took the audience back to his childhood dreams for the future of his parish. He listed many schoolmates (some present) and acknowledged the part played by his parents whose hard work and sacrifice had laid the foundation for his success. Using the analogy of what would happen if sand were removed from Portland's beaches over a number of years, he showed how Jamaica would fail to develop if all the funds made here by multi-nationals were repatriated rather than used to help build the country.

product of Jamaica

"I am a product of a country - Jamaica, that made me believe I could be anybody I wanted to be - anywhere."

He outlined his vision for Portland as a place where people can play and work in peace; children can be educated in the best schools, visitors can roam the streets free, where there is opportunity for employment, and aspirants can return as professionals. "The future of Port Antonio is in our hands. The next move is ours," Lee Chin said.

That future includes plans for the marina, Navy Island and the new courthouse that will be opened soon.

Strolling towards the new National Commercial Bank branch on the streets of Port Antonio are (foreground left-right) Patrick Hylton, group managing director and businessman Aubyn Hill. Behind them are Dennis Cohen, deputy managing director, and businessman Eric Stultz.

Members of the family (from left) Eric Stultz, Lisa Stultz, Gloria Chen, Vincent Chen and Dr Robert Chen at the opening of the new National Commercial Bank in Port Antonio, Portland, on Tuesday, July 22.

What could NCB head honchoes Patrick Hylton (second right), Rickert Allen (leaning behind them) and Micheal Lee Chin (left) be discussing so intently? Meanwhile, Audrey Tugwell Henry, senior general manager for the retail banking division and Dennis Cohen (left) have their attention focused elsewhere.

The popular Jamaica Military Band thrills the audience.