KINGSTON, Jamaica — The Bank of Jamaica (BOJ) and the Jamaica Bankers Association (JBA) are working together to restore access to cash and other banking services in areas hardest hit by Hurricane Melissa, which caused widespread devastation across the island last Tuesday.

According to a statement from the central bank, while several banks have resumed limited operations in some regions, the financial sector continues to face “significant challenges” in reactivating branch and ATM networks nationwide. The difficulties stem from extensive physical damage to infrastructure, dislocation of bank staff, blocked roadways and ongoing outages in electricity and telecommunications. Security concerns have also compounded the situation in some communities.

Despite these challenges, the BOJ confirmed that key components of Jamaica’s financial system, including the Real Time Gross Settlement System (RTGS) used for transferring and settling funds between banks remain operational. In an effort to ease the financial strain, the central bank has suspended fees charged to banks for RTGS transactions until further notice and expects that commercial banks will extend this benefit to their customers.

The BOJ is also in discussions with deposit-taking institutions (DTIs) to explore additional temporary relief measures for customers, particularly those living or operating businesses in communities most severely impacted by the hurricane.

“Bank of Jamaica wishes to reassure customers that the central bank is working to ensure the restoration of the country’s financial system, including coordinating with the banks to ensure access to cash and the resumption of full banking services as quickly as possible,” the statement said.

The central bank emphasised that regular updates will be provided as progress continues.

Acknowledging the emotional toll of the disaster, the BOJ extended solidarity to affected citizens, noting:

“Beyond the physical devastation in significant parts of the country, the emotional stress of this moment is enormous for those directly and adversely affected and all too real for the entire Jamaica. However, we are confident that Jamaica possesses the resilience, the grit, the strength and the determination to rebuild our communities and country together as one people.”

Hurricane Melissa, the strongest ever storm to hit Jamaica, left widespread damage to homes, businesses, and infrastructure, with several parishes still without power or water.