Government Minister Delano Seiveright has raised concerns about political representatives from both major parties promoting Barita debit card registration drives, some advertising grants of up to $15,000.

The development comes as Barita expands its digital banking services through BPay, offering digital wallet and debit card facilities.

However, in two posts on X Saturday night, the minister of state in the Ministry of Industry, Investment and Commerce, while welcoming efforts to expand financial inclusion, called for greater transparency surrounding the incentives and consumer safeguards.

“I notice political representatives (both sides) promoting Barita card sign-ups, some advertising grants of up to $15,000,” Seiveright wrote. “Financial inclusion is welcome, but who funds the incentives and what safeguards apply?”

He also questioned what expectations constituents might have of political representatives if difficulties arise with financial products they had encouraged people to use.

His comments followed reports of large crowds attending registration drives promoted by politicians across party lines.

One promotional flyer for a September 24 registration event in western Jamaica featured a Member of Parliament and advertised a one-time debit card grant of up to $15,000.

The discussion comes amid wider national debate about consumer protection, including recent disagreements over proposed changes to penalties under Jamaica’s competition and consumer protection legislation.

Despite his concerns, Seiveright stressed the potential benefits of expanding access to affordable financial services.

“Financial inclusion and digital banking can be game changers for Jamaica,” he said, adding: “Innovation and transparency must go hand in hand.”

His posts did not allege wrongdoing by Barita or political representatives involved.