In our ever-evolving landscape, in which two of our major institutions are banking and insurance entities that have survived centuries of existence; our strategic vision remains steadfast: to create a world-class financial ecosystem that empowers individuals, businesses and communities. Most importantly, we remain resolute in our commitment to being a consistent dividend payer. While our 2023 financial year saw a myriad of unprecedented challenges that demanded immediate action and change, our ability to respond positively has been a profound reminder of the resilience deep within our institution’s DNA.

We draw power from our history of innovation, expertise and strength, alongside the contributions of our people, and an unwavering dedication to excellence. We are mindful of the geopolitical and cybersecurity issues, as well as the US banking crisis within our sector, even as the world rebounds from a global pandemic. And now, as we turn the page to a new chapter, we are poised to amplify our impact and solidify our position as a beacon of stability, innovation, and community engagement

As NCB Financial Group, we have grown, expanded, and evolved into a full financial services entity. From the start, our commitment to being an indigenous operation in every market we serve has remained the same. We strive to ensure that our presence is synonymous with soundness, safety, and a firm commitment to excellence in all we do.

As we continue our journey of rebuilding investor confidence, delivering on making consistent dividend payments is an imperative as part of the strong performances for which we are known. To that end, we have based our immediate approach on the EGC strategic framework, which prioritises efficiency, governance and customer experience.

Efficiency – We will continue to emphasise the importance of efficiency in all our operations. This will improve productivity and cost effectiveness, ensuring continued delivery of superior services while maximising value to our stakeholders.

Governance – This is the bedrock upon which our organisation operates. An adherence to robust governance and maintenance of the highest standards not only safeguard the interest of our stakeholders, but also foster credibility and continued trust in our operations.

Customer Experience – Our customer-centric approach remains paramount in the fulfilment of our strategic purpose. We know we still have work to do, and continue to identify and address the gaps. We recognize that the essence of our successes lies in understanding and fulfilling the evolving needs of our diverse customer base. 

By employing a customer-first mindset we aim to continue to create tailored solutions, seamless experiences, and meaningful engagements, cementing lasting relationships built on trust and reliability.

Stakeholders – What is the maximum value-add we can provide you today? – My response is simply ensuring a frequency and amount for dividends representing our financial power as testament to our sound business approach and capital strength. Using EGC as our compass, we will navigate the challenges ahead with resilience, while staying the course and remaining steadfast. Rest assured we will be walking the talk in every aspect of our operations and this will distinguish us. I pledge our continued dedication to building and maintaining your trust, and the resumption of dividends as an imperative, not an option.

To our invaluable team at NCB, I extend my deepest gratitude. Your resilience, commitment, and unwavering spirit are planks that support our accomplishments. Together, we shall continue our journey towards renewed and sustained growth, embracing change and emerging stronger. Thank you for your trust in our vision and your continued confidence in our ongoing pursuit of excellence.

In FY 2022, we collaborated with Factories Corporation of Jamaica on the Morant Bay Urban Centre. We provided debt and equity financing to facilitate this transformational project, which is estimated to provide over 3,000 jobs and revitalise the Morant Bay Community.

Through the foundations across the NCB Financial Group, we have donated over J$2 billion and positively impacted the lives of over 250,000 citizens.

I believe that today we are as clear as we have ever been, in all 185 years of our existence, about our purpose. Every single action we take is deliberate and grounded in the prospect of empowering people, unlocking dreams and building communities. This recent period of social, political, and economic volatility and uncertainty has reshaped and redefined life and business. While it continues to be unsettling for many, it has sharpened our focus and unearthed new opportunities. The ability to find such opportunities amid crisis is a skill we have honed and a mindset we have adopted along our journey. I embrace the present with the knowledge that “In the middle of difficulty, there is opportunity. The bigger the difficulty, the bigger the opportunity.” – Albert Einstein.

With our 2024 aspiration to become a world-class Caribbean financial ecosystem in full focus, I take this opportunity to thank all shareholders and customers for their continued trust and confidence, and each employee for helping to steer the ship to the next destination.

With our continued partnership, I am excited about what is to come.