Hyacinth Chen School of Nursing Opens at NCU

The Hyacinth School of Nursing was yesterday (August 10) opened at the Northern Caribbean University’s (NCU) main campus in Mandeville, Manchester. It was constructed at a cost of $247 million, donated by Chairman of the National Commercial Bank (NCB), Michael Lee Chin, and named in honour of his mother.
At the opening ceremony held on the lawns of the school, Mr. Lee Chin said the new school will help in alleviating the shortage of nursing professionals and boost the chances of those who are ambitious, but are without the funding to pursue their career.
“Our debt to the nursing service is well known, nursing the sick is service in the highest form. This is service which requires hard work; it demands unselfishness, dedication and above all a sense of vocation. Also, we recognise that nurses have a critical role to play in strengthening the Jamaican health system, and we are proud to contribute to the doubling of the intake of nursing students here at NCU. Further, our investment in scholarships to some thirty students, will ensure that those with the commitment, but who lack the resources will not see their dreams die,” Mr. Lee Chin stated.
He added that education is the best investment to lead a people to independence, and that he was pleased that the school is in honour of his mother. “Education as we all know is the single most important factor in taking us further along the road of self determination and development. And my greatest joy today, is to see this school of nursing named for my mother Hyacinth Gloria Chen. Like many of you here, I have been blessed with a great mother who raised her children to believe that the most important values in life are honesty, kindness, compassion, industry and honor.”
Meanwhile, Mrs. Hyacinth Chen, in her remarks, said that she was thankful to the University and all the persons who made it possible for the school to be named in her honour.
“On this mementos occasion, I am extremely proud and humbled, and I am thankful for everyone who made it possible; Dr. Herbert Thompson at the Northern Caribbean University for creating this opportunity, you are truly a great organisation. And speaking as a devoted member of the Mandeville community, I salute you all for the good work that you have done and continue to do, you are more than an educational institution, you are a shining example of what faith, vision, hard work and enterprise can accomplish, in a modest community with limited resources. I thank my son Michael for his generous gift that made today possible. I am forever proud of his kind and caring spirit,” Mrs. Chen said.