The Jamaica Bankers Association is acknowledging that the availability of cash has been a chronic issue for citizens, citing the recent spate of criminal incidents targeting automated banking machines (ABMs).

The JBA, in a statement, noted that the incidents range from vandalism of the ABMs and vestibules to theft and unlawful removal of the machines, to robbery and attempted armed robbery of cash-in-transit (CIT) bags from third-party service providers.

“The criminal attacks have impacted not only banking services at our ABMs but money transfer & remittance businesses, gas stations and supermarkets as well. The brazenness and viciousness of the assaults raised for us, serious concerns regarding: the safety of our employees, the customers whom we serve and the Jamaican public at large,” the JBA added.

The association says it is considering the following countermeasures in aims of restoring critical financial services to the general public, not limited to:

• Re-deploying decommissioned ABMs from remote areas to more secure sites (such as police stations).

• Increasing ABM deployments in key districts to fill existing demand gaps.

• Utilising revised operating plans to improve cash access and fault resolutions.

• Increasing monitoring and coordination with law enforcement to safeguard service providers and improve incident response times as well as reinforce ABM vestibule infrastructures and protection methods.

Read statement in full:

“There are over 884 automated banking machines (ABMs) island wide which are owned and operated by members of the Jamaica Bankers Association (JBA), and which are programmed to deliver banking services to our customers.

Regrettably, over the last few months, there has been a decline in the availability of cash due to an increasing number of violent criminal incidents targeting automated banking machines (ABMs). These incidents have ranged from the vandalism of the ABMs and vestibules to theft and unlawful removal of the machines, to robbery and attempted armed robbery of cash-in-transit (CIT) bags from third-party service providers.

The criminal attacks have impacted not only banking services at our ABMs but money transfer & remittance businesses, gas stations and supermarkets as well. The brazenness and viciousness of the assaults raised for us, serious concerns regarding: the safety of our employees, the customers whom we serve and the Jamaican public at large.

As an association, we have taken firm action to mitigate the threats faced. Our efforts have included closer collaborations with service providers, law enforcement, and other authorities to guide operational decisions and implement measures to bolster and enhance security protocols. Banks are seeking to do this, while attempting to maintain stable levels of cash provision to our customers.

Our aim is to a) expeditiously increase the accessibility of our ABMs and b) restore the availability of cash to improved levels while we balance the impact of the new security measures against the ongoing threats to our ability to service the machines.

Some of our member banks experienced challenges related to operationalising the new polymer notes at their ABMs. Banks worked with their teams internally and with service providers to address these issues, the vast majority of which are now resolved.

While we continue to work to restore full service levels across our ABM networks, we wish to remind customers that as an alternative to cash, debit cards can be used to make purchases at over 19,000 point-of-sale terminals island-wide. We also encourage members of the public to utilise online banking or mobile apps to execute service and bill payments, transfers, and mobile-phone top-ups.

The JBA sincerely appreciates the continued patience and support of our clients as we work to resolve the issues related to ABM services including the readiness of ABMs to accept the new banknotes. We remain committed to providing transparent communication and to resolving any outstanding concerns from our stakeholders on this matter.”