JBA Contributes $5M to PSOJ Hurricane Melissa Relief Effort
By: , November 19, 2025
Photo: Donald De La Haye
Jamaica Banker’s Association (JBA) President, Audrey Tugwell Henry (centre), hands over a cheque valued $5 million to Private Sector Organisation of Jamaica (PSOJ) President, Metry Seaga (second right), towards the PSOJ’s Hurricane Melissa Relief Effort. Sharing in the presentation are (from left) JBA Chief Executive Officer, Barbara Hume; Jamaica Manufacturers and Exporters Association (JMEA) President , Kathryn Silvera; and Jamaica Chamber of Commerce (JCC) President, Emile Leiba. The handover ceremony was held on Wednesday (November 19) at the PSOJ’s offices in Kingston.
Photo: Donald De La Haye
Private Sector Organisation of Jamaica (PSOJ) President, Metry Seaga (second right), converses with stakeholders during Wednesday’s (November 19) handover ceremony at the PSOJ offices in Kingston, where the Jamaica Bankers Association (JBA) presented a $5 million contribution to the PSOJ’s Hurricane Melissa Relief Effort. Sharing in the conversation (from left) are: Jamaica Manufacturers and Exporters Association (JMEA) President, Kathryn Silvera; Jamaica Bankers Association (JBA) Chief Executive Officer, Barbara Hume; JBA President, Audrey Tugwell Henry; and Jamaica Chamber of Commerce (JCC) President, Emile Leiba.The Full Story
The Jamaica Bankers Association (JBA) has contributed $5 million to the Private Sector Organisation of Jamaica’s (PSOJ) Hurricane Melissa Relief Effort.
The presentation was made during a handover ceremony at the PSOJ’s offices in Kingston on Wednesday (November 19).
Chief Executive Officer of the JBA, Barbara Hume, said the contribution reflects the association’s shared commitment to stand with Jamaica at a time when national solidarity is most critical.
“The JBA is proud to join the broader private sector community in helping to restore hope, stability and opportunity for our people. We thank the PSOJ for its leadership and coordination, and we reiterate our commitment to working collaboratively for Jamaica’s recovery,” she stated.
PSOJ President, Metry Seaga, expressed gratitude to the JBA, which represents commercial and merchant banks across Jamaica, for its contribution.
“I know that banks in general have given significantly more than this. But as an association, you have decided that you are stepping up to the plate, and this is really helpful. This money is going to go directly towards feeding people and getting shelter over people’s heads,” he said.
Mr. Seaga noted that many people in Kingston are not as seized with the urgency of providing relief, as they are not seeing, feeling, or living the impact on a daily basis.
“We know that you (JBA) are. So thank you very much for this donation. It’s going to go a very long way to help a lot of Jamaicans,” he added.
Meanwhile, Ms. Hume reported that the majority of bank branches in the hardest‑hit corridors have been safely restored to service.
“Our teams have worked tirelessly under challenging conditions, and we commend the resilience of the communities we serve. Work also continues apace to return the remaining ABMs (Automated Banking Machines) to operation, so that customers can regain full access to convenient banking services. We know that this is top of mind for everyone,” she advised.
Ms. Hume also indicated that member banks of the JBA, have activated credit relief and forbearance measures to support affected customers throughout the recovery period.
“These include temporary payment deferrals and other forms of accommodation, designed to give families and businesses the breathing room they need to recover and rebuild,” she said.