The Tribune

By DENISE MAYCOCK

Tribune Freeport Reporter

dmaycock@tribunemedia.net

JAMAICA Bahamas Imports (JBI) is celebrating 32 years in business by giving back to the Grand Bahama community through donations to two local non-profit organisations.

Norrisher Newman of JBI presented cash contributions this week to the Grand Bahama Resilience Center and Reach Out Ministries in recognition of their work supporting residents on the island.

Ms Newman said giving back to the community has long been part of JBI’s commitment to Grand Bahama, noting that the company has supported local organisations over the years without publicising its contributions.

“Today, seeing that we’re celebrating, we want to recognise some civic organisations that are giving back in our community, doing positive works,” she said.

Ms Newman said JBI has maintained a longstanding relationship with the Grand Bahama Resilience Center and continues to support its work. “We have always been donating in the past, and today we just would like to highlight the GB Resilience Center and the good work that they do,” she said.

She also recognised Reach Out Ministries, founded by Dudley and Katie Seide, for its contributions to the community.

“We want to just show appreciation to them and continue to show our support for what they do in the communities of Grand Bahama,” Ms Newman said.

She said the anniversary donations reflected the company’s gratitude for the support it has received from Grand Bahama residents over the past 32 years.

“The community of Grand Bahama has been good to us,” she said. “We’re a faith-based organisation, and we think it’s important for us to give back. It’s our mission, it’s our goal to always be giving to the community, giving back to the island of Grand Bahama.”

Dr Felishia McBride, executive director of the Grand Bahama Resilience Center, expressed gratitude for JBI’s continued support. “We are elated that Jamaica Bahamas Imports decided to give back to the Grand Bahama Resilience Center,” Dr McBride said. “They have been supporters from day one, and they have constantly been giving.”

The GB Resilience Center conducts community outreach and promotes mental health awareness, offering individual and group counselling to people seeking support.

Dr McBride said JBI’s contribution would help cover operational expenses and sustain programmes serving children, adults and senior citizens. These initiatives include reading support, etiquette lessons, arts and crafts, and sewing activities, providing members with opportunities to learn, develop skills and access support.