Norbrook Transaction Service Ltd (NTS), a subsidiary of Norbrook Equities Partners (NEP), has unveiled a digital payment solution that, it said, will revolutionise payment management within schools.

NTS hosted a media launch event at Campion College on Tuesday, October 29, 2024, during which it introduced the expanded digital solution, ePay – a cashless payment system designed to streamline transactions, enhance security, convenience, and efficiency for parents, students, transportation providers and educational institutions. 

The payment card will initially be introduced in schools across the Corporate Area, with plans to expand the service to educational institutions island-wide in subsequent phases. It offers parents a secure, cashless solution that leverages cellular technology for increased transaction efficiency even in areas with poor internet connectivity.  

NTS has successfully integrated ePay in varying sectors across corporate Jamaica, including retail, hospitality, transportation, and education.

Khary Robinson, chairman of NEP, describes the new cashless payment system as a transformative solution for Jamaica’s educational sector.

“This payment technology has the potential to significantly improve the efficiency of financial transactions within schools, transportation sectors, enhance financial inclusion, and provide a safer environment for managing school-related expenses. We envision this system becoming the preferred payment method for Jamaica’s educational sector, making life easier for both parents and schools,” he stated.

In addition to the convenience of making payments, the ePay card system has enhanced safety features. With it, parents can monitor their children’s transactions and school-related activities in real-time through the ePay mobile app, which includes GPS tracking for added peace of mind.

Parents can also set spending limits on the card, encouraging responsible money management among their children and reducing the risks associated with carrying large amounts of cash in the school environment.

Both parents and students can securely fund their cards in real-time through several channels, including e-commerce, bank transfers, ePay merchant-agent top-ups, and bill payment service provider Paymaster. Parents can also view and transfer balances using the ePay online/web-based portal at https://epayja.com/ or via the ePay mobile app.

JMMB Bank, the treasury bank for NTS, has welcomed the expansion of the digital solution into the education sector. CEO of JMMB Bank Jerome Smalling pointed out that with the increase in demand for secure, user-friendly, and accessible payment systems that promote greater financial inclusion, ePay is well-positioned to meet this need.

“We are committed to supporting our clients’ innovative solutions that drive digital transformation and enhance the ease of doing business for Jamaicans. ePay has already revolutionized payment management in the corporate sector, and we are excited to see NTS extend these benefits to the education sector, reaching a younger demographic,” Smalling added. 

Robinson also emphasised that the ePay solution is designed for all school-based service providers and is supported by a robust financial literacy public education programme that benefits schools, service providers, and students.

“ePay offers a streamlined solution for tracking payments and managing finances, catering not only to larger franchises within the school network but also to smaller service providers,” the NEP chairman outlined.

“Additionally, students will gain valuable financial literacy skills through ePay’s educational initiatives, while ongoing enhancements to the ePay product will ensure it continues to meet the evolving needs of the school population.