In response to growing customer dissatisfaction, there is an urgent call on Jamaican banks to provide additional automated teller machines (ATMs) across the country.
Lengthy lines under the sweltering sun
Reports are that many customers attempting to perform routine cash withdrawals or deposits at various locations have encountered distressing circumstances, prompting demands for increased accessibility.
One widespread grievance echoing across all parishes is the agonizing experience of enduring prolonged queues, often beneath the scorching sun, just to access ATMs.
ATMs plagued by Issues in St. Ann
In particular, residents of St. Ann, a picturesque region known for its tourism appeal, have been grappling with numerous issues related to ATMs.
Vana Taylor, Chair of the Ocho Rios/Runaway Bay chapter of the Jamaica Hotel and Tourist Association, shed light on the challenges faced by ATMs in parts of St. Ann.
She was speaking on Radio Jamaica’s Beyond the Headlines on Thursday
Taylor pointed out a range of problems, including frequent ATM malfunctions and inadequate maintenance.
She also drew attention to the limited availability of deposit-capable ATMs, singling out one of the major banks for its insufficient presence.
Without calling the institutions’ name, she shared that in St. Ann’s Bay, it only provided two ATMs, with Ocho Rios having five, of which only three allow cash deposits.
Woeful inadequacy sparks frustration
Expressing her frustration, Taylor emphasized that the situation was nothing short of woefully inadequate.
In response to these pressing concerns, she said the association has taken action by formally addressing the banking institutions responsible for the ATMs.
