NCB Group Chairman Michael Lee-Chin is praising the financial house’s recent drive to implement digital services as the COVID-19 pandemic continues to negatively impact the country and its economy.

In a letter to shareholders, Lee-Chin wrote: “I am extremely proud of the commendable financial performance recorded by the Group and how as an organisation we have demonstrated resilience, particularly with the acceleration of digital initiatives and delivery of new solutions to meet the changing needs of our customers.

“I remain extremely optimistic about the future of the NCB Financial Group.”

MEETING CRISIS WITH POSITIVITY

Lee-Chin, one of the Caribbean’s foremost business leaders, called for meeting the crisis and current difficulties with a positive mindset with optimism being the chosen approach.

He pointed to a quote from American author Helen Keller in which she said: “Optimism is the faith that leads to achievement. Nothing can be done without hope and confidence.”

The virus has meant many businesses have had to adapt and recalibrate their operating models and the NCB Group has moved with alacrity in transforming itself in the digital age.

Lee-Chin drew attention to this, writing: “The COVID-19 pandemic underscores the importance of adaptation, innovation, change and transformation. These principles have always been a part of our organisation as we evolved into a leading financial services Group in the Caribbean.”

The NCB Group chairman has garnered a reputation for optimism, drive and great daring, placing and keeping faith with Jamaica and the Caribbean, building a number of successful businesses in different sectors.

‘YOU HAVE UPS AND DOWNS’

He gave insight into his outlook in his letter, stating: “As I contemplate the challenges that we face in the region, I am reminded that life is not linear, you have ups and downs. It is how you deal with the troughs that defines you. That said, there is not a period in history in which I would prefer to be alive.

“Like Albert Einstein, I embrace the present with the knowledge that, ‘in the middle of difficulty, there is opportunity. The bigger the difficulty, the bigger the opportunity’.

“Opportunities allow us to overcome challenges, resulting in growth, resilience and strength.”

The man who presided over the NCB Group becoming the largest financial institution in Jamaica in less than two decades noted that young entrepreneurs have been taking advantage of digital technology to conduct e-commerce using mobile devices.

Streaming platforms presented an opportunity to expand creative industries by allowing those with limited resources to produce content for global distribution. It has not escaped his attention that there is now an increase in the volume of retailers now going online, allowing them to expand their reach to local and overseas-based customers. More people are working from home, facilitating a better work/life balance and creating a global marketplace for talent.

“I remain optimistic, and encourage you to do the same. This is the first step in building the resilience to withstand the ongoing uncertainty and disruption worldwide. We are accelerating our transformation to ensure we are well positioned for the future to meet the shifting and growing needs of our customers.”

Lee-Chin concluded: “We remain committed to becoming a world-class Caribbean financial ecosystem by 2024, and will continue to focus on adding value in all that we do.”