NCB salutes fathers’ impact with tribute brunch series
Published:Tuesday | June 25, 2024 | 12:09 AMOlivia Brown/Gleaner Writer
The National Commercial Bank (NCB) continued its Fathers’ Month activities with the second of a three-part brunch series at Murray’s Fish and Jerk Hut in Toll Gate, Clarendon, on Saturday.
The series, titled ‘Honour Dad’s Legacy’, is designed to celebrate the crucial role fathers play in their families and communities. The first event took place in Kingston, and the final brunch is scheduled for Montego Bay, St James, this Thursday.
Kevin Ingram, NCB’s head of branch sales, emphasised the institution’s commitment to fostering strong communities through the support of dedicated fathers.
“It’s about celebrating our fathers, the legacy that many of them have started, and their partnership with NCB, because this is what NCB is about. We’re 185 years old. That’s a strong legacy, and we want to help to build customers so their businesses can see 185 years,’’ he said.
Ingram highlighted the importance of collective responsibility in building a better Jamaica, where children benefit from the presence and guidance of strong father figures.
Reflecting on his own experience as a father of six, he shared the joy he finds in witnessing his children’s growth and independence, attributing it to the lessons and values he has instilled in them.
Among the attendees was retired Jamaican sprinter Asafa Powell, who shared his thoughts on fatherhood with The Gleaner.
JOY OF PLAY
Powell expressed that the most fulfilling aspect of being a father is the joy of playing with his children.
“Growing up, I didn’t understand what it meant to be a father. I only saw my dad working and all that stuff, so for me to be in that role now, I get to understand the challenges and what it’s like to try and guide the kids in the right way and be a responsible parent. [Fatherhood] means a lot to me,” said Powell.
Deidrie Hudson-Sinclair, director of the Road Safety Unit in the Ministry of Transport, attended the event with her husband Andrew and their daughters.
Hudson-Sinclair lauded her husband as an outstanding father, expressing deep appreciation for his unwavering support and dedication in caring for eight-month-old Danielle and six-year-old Ariyah, while she fulfils her professional duties.
“Boy, I don’t know what I would do without him. As a working mother, it is really good to have a village, and the one key person in that village is their dad, and he plays such an integral role. He’s there and does everything except comb their hair. They light up when they see him – even the baby; she smiles when he steps into the room, and it’s so clear to me how important the role of the father is in the family – not just as a provider, but also for emotional support and reassurance that it is okay for me to work, and that he’s here, and he does this five days out of the week until I come home,” Hudson-Sinclair told The Gleaner.
Andrew finds inspiration in the example set by his own father, whose approach to parenting guides him in his journey of fatherhood.
“It is an opportunity for us to recognise the roles of fathers in the lives of your children. For me, it’s an opportunity to reflect, revel in the moment and enjoy the fact that I’m a father,’’ Andrew shared.
Laurie Spencer, branch manager of NCB May Pen, shared a heartfelt story about losing his 15-year-old daughter three years ago.
POSITIVE MEMORIES
Instead of dwelling on the loss each Father’s Day, Spencer said he chooses to focus on the positive memories, saying, “We had 15 good years.”
He added, “One thing we know for sure is that every family or institution has its ups and downs. You just have to pray for the courage and the strength to deal with them.”
Reflecting on his role as a father, Spencer expressed how seriously he takes the responsibility.
“I love having my children around me. I enjoy watching them grow. Being a father is extra special. When it comes to children, love is unconditional,” he told The Gleaner.
Financial advisor Kirk Allen was also present with his family.
“I have two children and being a father means the world to me. Watching them grow up, learning what I’ve taught them, and seeing them use that knowledge throughout school and into adulthood is an incredible joy,’ Allen told The Gleaner.
NCB’s Kevin Ingram said that another important initiative the institution is spearheading is the ‘Meet the Chairman’ series. This programme provides an opportunity for successors of family businesses to meet and interact with NCB Financial Group Chairman Michael Lee-Chin.
“We’re serious about building intergenerational wealth, so it’s not just about generating wealth, but to continue for several generations to come. That is our commitment in our ethos about building a better Jamaica,” Ingram told The Gleaner.
Ingram emphasised the importance of families and reaffirmed NCB’s dedication to its mission of nation-building in Jamaica. He shared, too, that the chairman’s own experience as a scholarship recipient inspired him to establish similar opportunities for others through the NCB Foundation.