Prime Minister Announces Measures to Re-establish Banking Connectivity Disrupted by Hurricane Melissa

Prime Minister, Dr. the Most Hon. Andrew Holness, has indicated that efforts are under way to restore telecommunications services to banks, enabling the resumption of automated teller machine (ATM) operations in the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa.

“There is a programme to give connectivity to the banks in the areas that are cut off from electricity and telecommunications. They are working with the banking association to put Starlink and other forms of connectivity within the banks so that their ATMs can get back in operation,” he said.

Dr. Holness added that the collaboration is expected to facilitate the resumption of banking services in several of the most severely impacted areas.

“I would say, in a matter of days, you will start to see ATM [operations resume] in some of these towns that have been cut off,” he said.

The Prime Minister was responding to questions following a statement in the House of Representatives on Tuesday (November 4).

Dr. Holness also advised that the Government is actively working to restore connectivity to essential public buildings, ensuring continuity of critical services in the wake of Hurricane Melissa.

“We are working on some more Starlink [devices] to ensure that each Member of Parliament can have connectivity, and we want each [Municipal Corporation], police station, fire station, all public institutions that are not connected… we are working to bring connectivity to them. Each affected area with a public building… we are looking to have Starlink or other form of connectivity there,” he stated.

The use of Starlink satellite technology is being employed to facilitate communication in communities affected by Hurricane Melissa while terrestrial infrastructure undergoes restoration.

Starlink is a satellite internet constellation operated by SpaceX.