ST CATHERINE, Jamaica – The Spanish Town branch of VM Building Society (VMBS) will be temporarily closed on Thursday following violent disturbances in the area. The bank has issued a statement encouraging customers to use alternative locations for their transactions.
“We prioritize your safety. Please consider visiting our Portmore or Linstead branches for your banking needs,” the notice advised. Additionally, customers are encouraged to utilize the bank’s online services through myvmoline.myvmgroup.com for any immediate banking requirements.
The closure comes after heightened tensions in Spanish Town, following the police operation that led to the death of Othneil Lobban, a well-known figure within the One Order Gang. The incident occurred late Wednesday evening when members of the Joint Anti-Gang Task Force (JAGTF) confronted Lobban at Six Miles in St Andrew.
In the wake of the fatal shooting, unrest has spread through Spanish Town, with reports of violent retaliation, including the setting of a local store on fire. Law enforcement officials, including the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) and the Jamaica Defence Force (JDF), have reinforced security in the area and are actively managing the situation. Authorities have indicated that control is being restored, but safety precautions remain in place.
VM Building Society has assured its customers that updates on the branch’s reopening will be provided as the situation evolves.
