Consider deployment of mobile ATMs
Published:Thursday | November 2, 2023 | 12:06 AM
THE EDITOR, Madam:
The earthquake of October 30 will leave an indelible mark on our memories. My own experience occurred while conducting financial transactions in the ABM at the First Global Bank (FGB) in Mandeville, Manchester. Just as the approved transaction was confirmed by me, and my bank card was returned, the earthquake disrupted online connectivity, resulting in the failure to dispense my requested funds. When I checked my bank balance, I realised that the amount was withdrawn from my account; however, I did not receive neither the money nor the standard email notification of the transaction.
As such, I visited the FGB customer service to lodged my complaints and seek redress. I was fortunate that waiting to access their help took 10 minutes and the process of enquiry and completing of documentation for recovery of the money lasted another 35 minutes. Kudos to the efficient customer service representatives at the FGB in Mandeville.
The disruptions caused by the earthquake, however, raises some questions about how prepared are members of the Jamaican banking industry in providing mobile alternatives if earthquakes affects their standard ABM/ATMs across the island?
Turkey, being prone to earthquakes that cause the disruption of both telephone lines and electrical power, along with damaged ATMs or disruption causing them to go offline, began since 1998 to deploy mobile ATMs to help restore normal services to their population affected by earthquakes.
While we have seen several attempts at robbery at our ATMs, resulting in closures of many access points across Jamaica, we should not let these circumstances prevent us from advocating for the need in every parish to have mobile ATMs for use, especially in natural disasters and emergencies.
Let us dare not wait until the big one happens.
DUDLEY MCLEAN II
Mandeville, Manchester