Kingston, Jamaica, May 6, 2020, Persons collecting their Government of Jamaica CARE benefits at some GraceKennedy Money Services (GKMS) outlets will also be able to open a bank account simultaneously with no hassle with First Global Bank (FGB).
This, as both companies assist in driving the government’s strategy of financial inclusion for all Jamaicans. According to The National Financial Inclusion Strategy, only “30 per cent of Jamaicans reported saving through a regulated financial institution”, and 65 per cent of all wage earners received their salaries in cash.
GKMS and FGB are members of the GraceKennedy Financial Group (GKFG) – the financial services arm of global consumer conglomerate, GraceKennedy. GKFG President & CEO Grace Burnett, says that promoting financial inclusion is one of the key strategies of the financial group. “The GraceKennedy Financial Group has demonstrated its support for and belief in financial inclusion for all Jamaicans most tangibly through the creation of our GK ONE locations. At these locations, customers can access a myriad of personal financial services – banking, remittance, bill payments, consumer loans and insurance. Some locations, in addition, offer cambio services and coin exchange. We are now continuing that push for financial inclusion by allowing a simpler way of opening bank accounts for our GOJ CARE recipients. We support financial inclusion because it is a safer and easier way for all customers to manage money.”
Meanwhile, FGB President and CEO, Mariame McIntosh Robinson added that having a bank account allows customers to gain access to more financial services, including savings products. “With the COVID-19 crisis, it has become increasingly important for Jamaicans to lessen their reliance on cash. Businesses and services are moving online to cashless channels, and the easiest, most convenient way to ensure constant access is by having a bank account. In addition, once you have a bank account with a free FGB VISA debit card, you can receive your remittances directly to your bank account; receive payments from others; purchase items online; as well as save for the future including participating in our Partna Plan. Very little fees are charged for these services.”
GKMS, the Western Union agent in Jamaica, will disburse GOJ CARE funds from over 100 agent locations island wide. GOJ CARE recipients are required to present the following to collect their funds: –
- A valid GOJ issued photo ID (Driver’s License, Passport, Voter’s ID)
- Taxpayer Registration Number (TRN)
- GOJ CARE Reference Number
The opening of bank accounts will be facilitated at 60 GKMS locations, including all 13 GK ONE locations.
GOJ CARE recipients opening bank accounts may use the same GOJ ID and TRN they used to collect their funds. They will also have to complete a simplified account opening form and sign an authorization form . These reduced requirements are intended to remove some of the barriers customers often face in opening bank accounts. Opening an FGB account also means that the next time the recipient is receiving a money transfer or a Government of Jamaica payment, they will be able to
receive the funds directly into their bank account and therefore to their FGB VISA Debit Card making it more convenient.
Customers interested in getting more information about collecting their GOJ CARE Packages may call 888-555-5555, or for bank account opening information call FGB at 888-CALL FGB (225-5342). They may also log on to www.gkmsonline.com or www.firstglobal-bank.com to see the list of locations offering GOJ CARE payouts and bank account opening.
