Over 1,000 Manchester residents attended the National Commercial Bank Jamaica Limited’s (NCB) ‘Sum’n Nice fi Dem Future’ back-to-school fair in Mandeville, where the spotlight was on health and readiness for the new school year.

Families across Manchester turned up at the NCB Mandeville branch for the final stop in the series.

“I was focused on my book list, so the health checks were a blessing I didn’t expect. Knowing my children are healthy makes me feel so much better—it’s one less thing to worry about for school,” said Jodie-Ann Cassanova, mother of three from Mandeville.

Healthy Start

The Guardian Medical Bus provided free screenings to over 150 residents. Parents and children benefitted from blood pressure checks, glucose testing, and vision assessments, services that relieved the financial pressure of preparing for September.

“Every parent knows how expensive back-to-school can be, and health checks are sometimes the first thing to fall off the list,” said Kaysia Vaughan, Head – Group Marketing & Communications Unit, NCB. “That’s why we felt it was important to take this service to them. We want families to focus on getting ready for school, knowing their children are healthy.”

For many families, back-to-school comes with tough trade-offs—a new pair of shoes or a doctor’s visit, groceries or textbooks. Dr Shamir Manya, physician with the Guardian Medical Bus, noted the importance of access: “You’d be surprised how many families overlook health checks when school expenses pile up. Parents were relieved to have screenings right in their community, and it showed how powerful preventative care can be. Catching small issues early gave them peace of mind that their children are starting the year on a healthy path.”

Alongside the free screenings, families also received practical reminders to keep health part of their back-to-school routine: make time for annual check-ups, keep vaccinations up to date, pack balanced lunches, and ensure children get proper rest so they can perform at their best in the classroom.

Family First

The atmosphere stayed lively from start to finish with Jennifer ‘Jenny Jenny’ Small at the mic, filling the branch with laughter as she hosted dance-offs, quizzes, and surprise giveaways that had both parents and children cheering each other on.

The Mandeville leg of ‘NCB’s Sum’n Nice fi Dem Future’ back-to-school fair brought the series to a close, providing families with school supplies, fee-payment solutions, and free health checks.

“Building a better Jamaica is at the heart of what we do,” said Vaughan. “Education is a key driver of national development, and NCB is proud to play its part by removing barriers for families. Through our partnership with our sister company Guardian, which provided free health screenings, and with local NCB Merchants who offered free haircuts and discounts on schoolbooks and stationery, we’re happy to give families help that makes a real difference.”