Derrick A. Scott, Gleaner Writer
ATLANTA, Georgia:
THE GEORGIA Department of Banking and Finance has granted a licence to Jamaica National Overseas U.S. Incorporated, a subsidiary of Jamaica National Building Society, to begin operating money transfer services in the state of Georgia.
According to Carmen Bartlett, regional manager of Jamaica National Overseas Money Transfer, the approval was received four months ago and money transfer transactions out of Georgia started last month.
SIXTH STATE
Mrs. Bartlett noted that Georgia has become the sixth state in the U.S. in which Jamaica National Overseas operates its money transfer services. The others are New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Washington D.C., and Florida.
Mrs. Bartlett said Georgia was chosen because it was one of the fastest growing states in the U.S. as it relates to its Jamaican population, which now stands at about 40,000 and climbing. She added that within another two months, an office will be opened to serve the Jamaican community in Georgia.
The Jamaican community is now served by four agents in Atlanta, including Jamaica World Travel, the Family Gallery, Island in the Sun Restaurant and Naje's Hair Studio.
Vin Martin, Jamaica's Honorary Consul to Atlanta, commended Jamaica National Overseas for starting operations in Atlanta. Mr. Martin said it was the first Jamaican financial institution that has chosen to set up operations in Atlanta, a welcomed move. He said there was no doubt that the Jamaican community would support Jamaica National Overseas.
Jamaica National Overseas U.S. Incorporated has been operating in the United States for more than 12 years, with its main office in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Its parent company, Jamaica National Building Society, is now in its 134th year of operation.
