KINGSTON, Jamaica – Jamaica National Building Society (JNBS) opened a new branch at The University of the West Indies (UWI) on September 1, as part of a deepening relationship with that institution.
General Manager of JNBS, Earl Jarrett said the branch offers a convenient mix of financial products and services to serve the Mona Campus community. He added that opening the branch symbolised a partnership with the UWI which provided a competitive advantage to JNBS.
“This branch represents a physical presence for the delivery of services,” Mr. Jarrett said during the opening ceremony. The UWI is experiencing increasing demand for a wider mix of financial services and facilities as the institution expands, and Jamaica National saw an opportunity to supply those needs.
Jamaica National Building Society (JNBS) General Manager, Earl Jarrett
Savings, mortgages, investment information, money transfer, and bill payment services, are offered. A drop box to make deposits by cheque is provided along with automated teller machines to disburse and accept cash deposits.
With a total of 25 branches now in operation, JNBS is on a drive to expand its service offering islandwide and the UWI branch is its first at a tertiary institution
“You will no way regret opening here on the Mona Campus,” Mr. Joseph Pereira, Deputy Principal of the UWI, said in his address to the function. He pointed out that the campus has 8000 full time students, 4000 part time and 3000 affiliated students as well as a staff of 2000.
“I want to congratulate JNBS for their initiative in establishing and developing this location,” he stated. “We look forward to your doing very good business.”
Mr. Pereira told the audience at the Ring Road branch location that, “JNBS has been an excellent collaborator with the UWI.” He suggested that the building society could assist in the institution by helping some of its staff acquire their own homes.
“We think it is important to encourage staff and students to use the services of institutions such as Jamaica National,” Mr. Pereira stated. He pointed out that culture of saving to promote home-ownership needs to be developed.
Jamaica National Building Society (JNBS) General Manager, Earl Jarrett (centre), in discussion with Leon Mitchell, JN Group Marketing Executive, and Joseph Pereira, Deputy Principal of the University of the West Indies (UWI) Mona Campus.
“Jamaica National, has forged and maintained solid relationships with the leadership, specific departments and academic groups within this institution,” Mr. Jarrett said. he stated that, “For three consecutive years we granted scholarships to students at the Mona School of Business, and the Society has provided some 57 tuition scholarships and bursaries to students attending this academic institution.”
The Society had partnered with the Caribbean Institute of Media and Communication (CARIMAC) and the Commonwealth Secretariat to implement in a Financial Literacy Programme for students primarily in secondary schools. It also contributed business start-up funds to the winners of CARIMAC’s Business Venture Programme; and over the years, sponsored a Media Awards Programme.
One result of this relationship for JNBS, the General Manager noted, was the data gathered by the Tropical Medical Research Institute, to quantify the positive effects that JN Small Business Loans Limited, has had on the business and lifestyle of small business people particularly in the areas of health, education, social advancement and self-esteem.
Additionally, he pointed out that Mona GeoInformatics conducted a study to map and manage risk and another, in conjunction with the Math Department, to solve the problem of fixing and identifying addresses for customers in communities across the island.
“These are but a few examples of the serious work that has been produced by this university,” Mr. Jarrett declared. He added, “I commit to continue developing our relationship with the university.”
Chairman of the function, Leon Mitchell, JN Group Marketing Executive, said the services offered through the branch could assist in building wealth and eliminating debt for those who used its services. He pointed out that it would serve as a conduit to access the resources of the wider JN Group network.
With a total of 25 branches now in operation, JNBS is on a drive to expand its service offering islandwide and the UWI branch is its first at a tertiary institution.
Members of the JN Chorale, under the direction of Ibo Cooper, provided a highly spirited medley of Jamaican folk songs, which were well received by guests.
Among those attending the event were Professor Nigel Harris, UWI Vice Chancellor; Mr. Lyew-Ayee, JNBS Director; Hon. Dorothy Pine-McLarty OJ, JNBS Director; Mrs. Jennifer Martin, JNBS Director; Mr. Wendell Smith, JNBS Assistant General Manager Management Information Systems and Operations; Mrs. Michele Pollard Gonzalez, JNBS Senior Manager, Customer Service and Quality Assurance; Mrs. Jacqui Robotham, Branch Manager; Professor Terrence Forrester, TMRI Director; and Professor Claremont Kirton, Senior Lecturer, UWI Department of Economics.
