Dear Editor,

A Jamaican adage implies that there are two things a woman should never run down — a bus and a man — as there is always another around the corner.

My, how times have changed!

In the case of the bus, which is used for public transportation, those must have been in the days of the Jamaica Omnibus Service (JOS) or “Jolly Josephs”. As far as ‘the man’ is concerned, the question is: Which man? But let us leave that one alone as a new contender has emerged — the automated teller machine (ATM). And while there may be one around the corner — is it working?

Last week, when the one at my location was found to be lacking in funds, as is often the case, I ventured to another by a gas station only to discover that the two Scotiabank machines were out of service.

I was directed to a Sagicor location a short distance away, but it told the same tale, and so did the National Commercial Bank ATM on the other side of the square. Contemplating my next move, I went to another campus, and that was how I managed to get somefunds.

The previous week I visited the Scotiabank branch in Liguanea, which has three ATMs. Of the three machines one accepted only deposits, the other showed physical signs of needing replacement, and the third was out of cash.

How can the Jamaica Bankers Association and the Bank of Jamaica assist in resolving this untenable situation?

As we approach the Christmas season, are we expected to chase ATMs and, in the process, compromise our safety?

Joan Francis

ajfrancis08@gmail.com