In a continuing effort to stabilize financial services across Jamaica’s hurricane-affected regions, National Commercial Bank (NCB) has confirmed the reopening of two key western branches—Negril and Baywest—on Wednesday, November 5.
This move signals more than just operational recovery. It is a deliberate step to re-anchor economic confidence in areas hit hardest by infrastructure disruption and service downtimes. NCB has gradually brought its network back online, with 23 branches now accepting in-person visits across the island.
NCB’s chief executive, Bruce Bowen, acknowledged the broader context: “The restoration of each location is not just about business continuity. It’s about returning a sense of normalcy to thousands of Jamaicans relying on stable access to their funds, especially in regions where ATMs and digital services were temporarily offline.”
While power instability and spotty data coverage remain obstacles in some parishes, NCB reports that over 200 ABMs are once again operational. Machines at high-traffic points in St James, Westmoreland, and Hanover—particularly Fairview, Baywest, Negril, and Lucea—have resumed functionality, restoring immediate cash access to residents and small business owners.
Branch hours have been slightly adjusted. Locations in the Corporate Area and St Catherine are open from 8:30 am to 2 pm, while rural branches operate between 9 am and 2 pm. This schedule aims to balance service availability with safety and logistical concerns as restoration efforts continue.
With steady progress and cautious optimism, NCB’s rollout reflects a broader theme emerging across Jamaica: recovery through infrastructure, and resilience through people.
