ATM theft leaves Duncans residents frustrated

The recent theft of the ATM in Duncans, Trelawny has caused significant inconvenience for residents, who rely on the machine for their daily transactions. The machine, which was stolen two weeks ago, served people from both near and far in the community.

Nicole Sutherland, a cashier at FESCO gas station in Duncans, explained the frustration felt by many.

"It has affected people all over Duncans. People don't carry much cash these days. They just have their taxi fare to get here, and then withdraw money to do their business. Now, they have to travel all the way to Falmouth to access cash, spending extra money and wasting time. It's really bad for the people," she shared.

Two weeks ago, thieves broke into the building where the National Commerical Bank (NCB) ATM is housed and stole the vault containing the money. Contacted for comment on the matter yesterday, the bank said the investigation into the incident is currently ongoing and thus it is unable to provide further details at this time. The bank, however, said it "remains committed to providing secure and convenient banking services across Jamaica".

Duncans is located about 20 minutes by car from Falmouth, the parish capital. Dennis Seivewright, who operates the gas station, witnesses the frustration first-hand as customers struggle to adjust to life without a local ATM.

"I drive, so it's not a big deal for me, but I feel for the people. I never realised just how many people depended on that machine. As the saying goes, 'A cow doesn't know the use of its tail until it's cut off.' This is a real-life example of that," Seivewright remarked.

Courtney Buckle, who runs the Duncans Bakery next door to where the ATM was once located, echoed these sentiments. "It's greatly missed. The machine was heavily used, especially on payday when people's salaries are deposited into their accounts. You'd see long lines of people waiting to withdraw cash. A replacement ATM is urgently needed," he stressed.

The impact of the missing ATM is felt not just by businesses but by the wider community. Rafael Simpson, a janitor who used to clean the area around the machine, mentioned that people from Jackson Town, Prospect, Carey Park, Spicy Hill, and Rio Bueno would regularly travel to Duncans to use it.

"It's really tough for the people. I still see some come and stare at the boarded-up entrance, confused and wondering what's happening. On top of that, I'm now out of a job. My wife has to stretch what little she earns to keep food on the table," Simpson shared.

Taxi operator Ezron Eccleston, who drives the Duncans-to-Falmouth route, has had a front-row seat to the inconvenience caused by the missing ATM. "Since they broke into it, I've seen how much people relied on that machine. Every day, I'm taking people to Falmouth just to withdraw money. It's especially hard on the elderly, who now have to make that extra trip just to access cash," he said.