The Bank of Jamaica (BOJ) has again sought to assure citizens that the island’s banks are working to ensure that Automated Banking Machines (ABMs) are fully operational, as the yuletide season approaches.

Concerns have been raised about the availability of ABMs, with the opposition People’s National Party calling on the central bank to ensure that the banks are compliant with standards.

Speaking during today’s standing finance committee meeting, BOJ Deputy Governor Dr. Jide Lewis said as of September, there were 899 ABMs across the island in comparison to 871 for the corresponding period last year.

He said in terms of performance, 90% of those ABMs should be operational.

He noted however that improvement is needed in terms of up-time or how long ABMs are operational throughout the month, as this is currently below standard.

Mr. Lewis added that the issue is linked to operational concerns among other things, due to a change from old to newer ABM models.