Lee Chin gives back to alma mater

Business mogul and chairman of National Commercial Bank (NCB) group Michael Lee Chin, handed an increased cheque amounting to $6 million to assist with the aesthetics at his alma mater Titchfield High School in Portland.

Lee Chin willingly changed the original figure on a cheque valued at $1.5 million after principal Richard Thompson made a passionate appeal for the NCB Foundation to reconsider its initial offer.

"Upon realising that there was a gap in our budget, the NCB chairman has agreed to fill that void. It therefore means that we will be able to undertake the works that were original planned including the construction of a lunch pavilion for students, creating parks for students to sit and study, upgrading the schools playfield, and creating an atmosphere wherein students will see need to observe basic civic pride at this school," he said.

And according to Thompson, Titchfield continues to excel academically with overall passes in Caribbean Secondary Examination Certificate at 85 per cent and 90 per cent at Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examination, ranking them among the top performing schools in the Arts and Science Island wide.

Lee Chin made it abundantly clear that his decision to fill the void in the school's budget was not discussed and signed-off by the NCB group executives, and is being done on the basis of a need identified within Titchfield and its quest for higher academic achievement.

"Not to worry, but I will absorb the additional amount needed to ensure the success of this project," he said.

He told the students to pursue their opportunities vigorously.

"Try and develop a passion for whatever you decide to undertake. I have been fortunate and blessed and so are you. In all things remember to give your best service. Giving is a blessing and it is a good foundation for success. Prepare your hearts and minds to identify and absorb the best opportunity at hand," he added.