Lee Chin

The transformation of the old courthouse in the town centre of Port Antonio is complete, and the historic structure now houses a new branch of National Commercial Bank, developed at a cost of $131 million.

NCB had a soft launch of the branch on Monday which is to be followed by a formal opening July 22, making it the 48th location in the banking network.

The old courthouse was aban-doned following a fire which gutted the building on July 21, 2004.

The property, which has sentimental value for NCB chair-man Michael Lee Chin who is from Portland, was subsequently acquired by the bank through a long-term lease from the Ministry of Lands in February 2005.

The building which took about 14 months to be restored will host a staff complement of 17, and offer products from the bank's insurance and wealth management subsidiaries.

susan.gordon@gleanerjm.com