Banks urged to provide more ATMs across Jamaica

By Prince Moore    

 

There is a call for banks to provide more automated teller machines (ATMs) across Jamaica as customers are faced with undesirable circumstances when they attempt to withdraw or deposit cash at some locations.

 

There are complaints across all parishes about people having to stand in long lines in the hot sun to access ATMs.

 

Chair of the Ocho Rios/Runaway Bay chapter of the Jamaica Hotel and Tourist Association, Vana Taylor, said there are numerous problems with ATMs in parts of St. Ann. 

 

"A lot of times they're not working. They are not serviced properly, etc. Not to mention the ones that you have to deposit...especially the second major bank - which I won't call names - only has two in their branch in St. Ann's Bay and five in Ocho Rios and only three can deposit. It's woefully inadequate. And right outside that branch now, the line is as long as anything and if rain falls, you are in the rain; St. Ann's Bay, you're in the sun and the rain, and it is just woefully inadequate," she complained.    

 

She said the association has written to the banks for action to be taken and one of the major institutions has already responded favourably. 

 

Ms. Taylor was speaking Thursday on Radio Jamaica's Beyond the Headlines.