Steer, who is also associate opinion editor at The Gleaner, was speaking yesterday during Scotiabank Jamaica's 120th-anniversary celebrations at Coke Methodist in downtown Kingston.

"The social dynamics of Jamaica and the world in which we live are that there is great affluence and yet deep poverty," he said.

"At the foot of every affluent development in Jamaica ... at the foot of those hills, you will find poverty. People who are finding it difficult to find the next meal."

Steer pointed out that his aim was not to condemn or criticise corporate Jamaica, as it was well recognised that it has contributed much to the development of the nation through its generosity. However, he said there was always the opportunity to do more.

Kingston banking on scotia

Scotiabank's anniversary celebrations play a large part in this year's 'Christmas in the City ... Downtown Comes Alive' activities, which seek to inject life back into the operations of downtown Kingston.

Bruce Bowen, president and CEO of Scotia Jamaica, expressed gratitude to the people of Jamaica for their support since 1889.

The bank will be hosting a symbolic reopening of its King Street branch this morning at 8:30, which will be followed by a street parade at 3 p.m. along Kings Street. The day's celebrations will culminate in a ceremony at which Kingston Mayor Desmond McKenzie will present the institution with the key to the city.