Sagicor Bank Jamaica has successfully restored banking services to the isolated community of Black River, St. Elizabeth, following the devastating impact of Hurricane Melissa in late October. The branch, which constitutes the town’s sole financial institution, resumed operations on Friday after sustaining severe structural damage from storm surges that shattered windows and flooded the interior.
Facing a critical lack of financial access, local residents and businesses had been without essential banking services for nearly two months. Bank CEO Chorvelle Johnson Cunningham emphasized the institution’s commitment to rapid recovery, stating, “Our immediate priority was to reestablish operations in Black River to support our clients and the community’s rebuilding efforts during this challenging period.”
The bank implemented an innovative temporary banking facility on the original site, which processed approximately 500 transactions during its two-day soft launch beginning December 15. This reopening forms part of Sagicor Group Jamaica’s comprehensive $200-million recovery initiative, with significant allocations addressing broader community needs.
Christopher Zacca, President and CEO of Sagicor Group Jamaica, highlighted the strategic importance of the banking restoration: “While this branch reopening stimulates economic recovery at the community level, our parallel initiatives focus on reconstructing healthcare facilities, educational infrastructure, and social support systems across western Jamaica.”
The parent company has designated $100 million specifically for clinic restoration in affected regions, with $40 million already distributed for staff relief programs. Sagicor Bank Jamaica, the nation’s third most profitable commercial bank and part of the Sagicor Financial Company Ltd network, conducted an official reopening ceremony on December 19, 2025, marking a significant milestone in the region’s recovery journey.