André Williams, Star Writer

An automated teller machine (ATM) is a machine which enables a customer to perform basic banking activities, however, such convenience it appears, over an extended period, is hard to maintain in the community of Stony Hill, St Andrew.

Inconvenience caused by the usually out-of- function ATM located in the community square, has been met with harsh and even unsympathetic criticisms toward the operators, from customers who depend heavily on the sole cash machine.

Communities such as, Stony Hill, Mannings Hill, Golden Spring, Mount James, Mount Pleasant, Brandon Hill, Above Rocks, Bowden Hill, Temple Hall, Golden Meadows and other surrounding areas, all depend on this usually out-of-function ATM.

Imagine the inconvenience when there is this one ATM that caters to thousands of people? As there is no clear data to measure how many users utilise the machine, bear in mind, the next available ATM is located miles away, I cannot appropriately say how many people maybe affected, but I am willing to bet it is a hefty number.

Complacency

Every month, especially as it approaches end of month, one can bet their last dollar that this ATM in particular is out of service.

At one point in time, customers in that area had the luxury of two ATMs, from competing financial institutions, which were virtually situated adjacent to each other.

With competition out the way, complacency has taken over and ATM users are left to be inconvenienced time after time.

I know for a fact that the matter has been reported to the relevant stakeholders, who themselves seem baffled in rectifying the ongoing issue.

With so many issues surrounding ATM use in Jamaica, for one not to have a functioning ATM in his or her community is a great deal.

People are forced to use machines out of their comfort zone, which heightens safety concerns.

On the other hand, most of the local banks charge additionally fees for utilising the services of other providers, but for the most part ATM users in Stony Hill seem to overlook such a deed when the choice is limited in certain regard.

Several persons are of the view that if the hands of time were to be reversed, and competition sets back in, then things would be much better for consumers.

Situations like these make one appreciate competition even more.

Modern country

Not too long ago, while on vacation in the United States, I was asked jokingly, I think, if Jamaica has ATMs.

I laughed and before I provided my response, the old unfaithful ATM located in Stony Hill square came to the forefront of my mind.

In the end, all questions were answered when I presented my ATM card for inspection and the matter surrounding ATM existence was quickly put to rest.

It dawned on me though, in this day and age, that one would think ATMs were not available in a modern country.

Though as modern as we may be, it appears that money belonging to customers and residents in Stony Hill are locked away for 'extra' safe keeping or that we are restricted beyond our control to acquire our cash as we desire.

Whatever the issue, I implore the powers that be to look carefully at the situation and take into consideration the thousands of users who depend heavily on this one unreliable ATM.

Questions, comments, observations? You can email me at andre.williams@gleanerjm.com.