By Anthony Henry

Marathon Insurance Brokers (MIB) has expanded its national reach with the official opening of a new branch in Santa Cruz, strengthening its presence beyond the island’s traditional metropolitan centres.

The move, described by company leaders as both strategic and community-focused, comes as part of MIB’s wider plan to establish branches across Jamaica while deepening relationships with clients outside the Corporate Area.

President and CEO Levar Smith said the choice of Santa Cruz was deliberate, pointing to the town’s role as St Elizabeth’s economic capital and its recovery after the devastation of Hurricane Beryl in July 2024.

“Insurance is about people. It is about relationships, whether in person or online,” Smith told the gathering. “It is about having someone you can connect with, one who understands your needs and can guide you every step of the way. That is why today is so significant.”

The Santa Cruz office will offer both general and life insurance services, including motor, property, business, and family protection policies.

Smith noted that Marathon already operates branches in Montego Bay, Portmore, and Kingston, but is moving quickly to establish additional offices in Mandeville, May Pen, Portland, and Ocho Rios. “Our goal is simple to make Marathon Insurance Brokers a household name across Jamaica, not just online, but in the heart of every community,” Smith said.

Delivering the keynote address, Jamaica Chamber of Commerce Director Winsome Callum praised the company’s investment in Santa Cruz as a recognition of the town’s resilience and potential.

“Santa Cruz has always been a hub,” Callum said. “If you look back in history, Santa Cruz was leading in agriculture and commerce many decades ago. By investing here, Marathon Insurance Brokers is declaring that this town’s best days are not behind it, but still ahead.”

She added that the branch opening should be seen not merely as a corporate milestone but also as “a legacy and a promise for the future.”

Callum also highlighted the town’s recovery efforts after Hurricane Beryl, describing Santa Cruz as a symbol of resilience. “Great things start here,” she said.

Marathon Insurance Brokers, founded in 1988, has grown steadily over the past 35 years into one of Jamaica’s leading independent insurance brokerage firms. Headquartered in Kingston, it has expanded its operations to include branches in Portmore, Montego Bay, Savanna-la-Mar, and now Santa Cruz.

The company offers a wide range of products, from general insurance such as motor, property, and liability coverage, to life insurance, group benefits, and specialised solutions for emerging risks such as cybercrime and renewable energy.

In recent years, MIB has invested heavily in technology, launching the “MIBinsure – Whatever You Drive” online motor platform, which allows customers to secure coverage quickly and conveniently. The platform was praised by government officials as a significant step forward in making insurance more accessible.

At the same time, Smith has emphasised that technology alone cannot replace the personal connection between broker and client. “As much as we celebrate digital progress, we are proud that we also made the time to carefully listen to our clients,” he said.

Industry sources have also reported that Marathon is preparing for a possible Initial Public Offering (IPO), signalling its intention to strengthen its position in the financial services sector.

Smith told the audience at the opening that Marathon’s mission remains focused on giving Jamaicans peace of mind through reliable coverage and trusted advice. “For 35 years, Marathon has been proud to serve Jamaica by protecting lives, families, and businesses,” he said. “Our journey began with a vision to simplify insurance, to make it accessible, and to provide the kind of service that gives people peace of mind when they need it most.”

He added that the new branch was a direct response to clients’ requests for in-person access. “This branch is for you. Let us celebrate not just a new office, but a stronger connection with the people we serve. This is the beginning of another exciting step in Marathon’s journey. And together, we will go the distance.”

The company says it is committed to building stronger partnerships with local communities while broadening its national footprint. By balancing digital innovation with in-person service, MIB hopes to establish itself as a household name across Jamaica.

For Santa Cruz, the arrival of a new corporate player underscores the town’s growing reputation as a commercial hub in southern Jamaica. Business leaders and residents alike say the investment signals confidence in the parish’s economic potential and positions the town for further development.