Bank of Jamaica reopens after emergency repairs

The Bank of Jamaica (BOJ) has announced that its Nethersole Place location will reopen today, Monday, December 30, resuming normal operations following a temporary closure last Friday. All services, including public teller operations, will be available.

The central bank closed its downtown Kingston headquarters on Friday to facilitate emergency repairs to the building. During the closure, the BOJ activated its Essential Services Protocol to maintain core financial market operations.

Last month, the BOJ indicated it was implementing strategic measures to strengthen its operational resilience. These include the relocation of certain functions to a newly acquired property on Hillcrest Avenue in St Andrew. However, this facility will not offer services to the public and will be designated for specific operational activities.

BOJ Governor Richard Byles explained that establishing an additional operational centre aims to supplement the downtown Kingston headquarters and enhance the institution’s ability to deliver critical central banking services.

“Central banking functions are vital to the business sector, government activities across Jamaica, and international transactions,” Byles stated.

The governor also pointed out that the BOJ’s waterfront location faces heightened risks from natural hazards, including earthquakes, sea-level rise, and storm surges during tropical cyclones.