By Robert Lalah, Staff Reporter 
The heads of some of the nation's leading financial institutions explain their plans to help in the island's recovery effort during a press conference at the Office of National Reconstruction (ONR) yesterday. From left are: Aubyn Hill, managing director, NCB; Michael Lee Chin, chairman of NCB; Danville Walker, chief executive officer of the ONR; Karl P. Wright, president of VMBS; Mark Golding, managing director of DB&G, Llewelyn Bailey, assistant general manager at JNBS is in foreground. - Norman Grindley/Staff Photographer
THE OFFICE of National Reconstruction (ONR) yesterday received $40 million from four leading financial institutions, to be put toward local reconstruction efforts in the wake of Hurricane Ivan.
The companies Victoria Mutual Building Society (VMBS), Jamaica National Building Society (JNBS), Dehring Bunting and Golding (DB&G) and National Commercial Bank (NCB) made a joint presentation to Danville Walker, chief executive officer of the ONR, at his office on Oxford Road.
Llewelyn Bailey, assistant general manager at JNBS, pledged $10 million on behalf of the institution, while Mark Golding, managing director at DB&G and, Karl P. Wright of VMBS each pledged $5 million on behalf of their respective institutions. The combined total of the three companies ($20 million) was matched by NCB, which was represented by chairman, Michael Lee Chin, and Aubyn Hill, group managing director. NCB's matching pledge of $20 million forms part of the bank's Disaster Relief Fund, which seeks to match all contributions up to $100 million.
Mr. Wright of VMBS, praised NCB for its willingness to match the contributions made by others.
"It is a very good move on their part and should not be taken lightly. Their formula is quite elegant and should be applauded by all," he said.
JAMAICANS URGED TO DONATE
Lee Chin, for his part, praised the other three financial institutions, saying they had done well to help meet the great need of the nation at this time. He implored all other Jamaicans to pledge support to the reconstruction fund.
"We are happy to match the $20 million put forward by these companies today, but we are looking forward to writing another cheque for $80 million," he said.
Danville Walker said he was grateful to all four companies for their support.
"What we are seeing here today is a fine example of corporate relationships. The cheques represent an investment in Jamaica's future," he said.
The ONR boss added that he was willing to provide his personal guarantee that "every dime will go directly to the reconstruction effort."
