STUDENTS from Pinnacle Preparatory School in Montego Bay were bursting with excitement when they attended a symbolic toy handover at the office of mayor of Montego Bay, Councillor Richard Vernon, courtesy of liquid natural gas provider (LNG) New Fortress Energy, through its foundation.

The LNG provider has received commendations from members of the public and private sector for its generosity following the handover of 2,000 toys to the St James Municipal Corporation, which were donated to children in time for Christmas.

Noting that the gifts were timely for the municipal corporation’s annual Christmas treat, Vernon said: “This will contribute to the treat in a huge way and to the Christmas Tree lighting that the children usually come out to. They will see the biggest Christmas tree in Jamaica, but they will also be treated in this way getting toys and getting the love from the municipal corporation and from New Fortress Energy Foundation, and that is what we always sthrive to do for our children at Christmastime.”

“There are many children out there who don’t know if they are going to get Christmas dinner, much more a toy. So through this type of partnership we can reach out to these families and put some smiles on their faces for the season,” added Vernon.

President of the Montego Bay Chamber of Commerce and Industry Oral Heaven was also elated over New Fortress Energy’s generous contribution.

“It’s a great feeling to know that New Fortress Energy continues to give back in such meaningful ways,” said Haven.

“It’s no surprise that at the Montego Bay Chamber of Commerce and Industry Awards held recently, they were recognised for their contribution to the continued growth and development of Montego Bay and to corporate social responsibility. We are happy to partner with them to share in giving back to the community and, importantly, to our children,” Heaven added.

In the meantime, some of the students from Pinnacle Preparatory School were able to choose a toy for their siblings during the donation.

Stacy-Ann Scarlett, the teacher who attended the handover with the students, expressed gratitude to New Fortress Energy on behalf of the students and their families.

“I feel elated. It is good that New Fortress Energy has the children at heart. Not everyone is going to be lucky enough at Christmas to get a toy from mommy and daddy, so this is a very good and needed gesture at this time of year,” Scarlett said.

According to Verona Carter, vice-president of New Fortress Energy, giving to the children and vulnerable families across Jamaica is an activity the company looks forward to each year.

“We know that this time of year can be emotionally stressful, particularly for those who do not have the resources to provide for their families. We are delighted to be able to support the community and partner with the mayor’s office in putting smiles on the faces of these amazing children during this holy season.

“Montego Bay is a very special place for us, as this was where we built our first LNG facility in Bogue when we started operations in Jamaica nine years ago. Since then, we continue to invest in initiatives that help uplift lives and support the sustainable development of the city,” said Carter.

As part of its holiday philanthropic activities, New Fortress Energy Foundation also donated food packages to 600 families on the Government’s Programme of Advancement Through Health and Education in St James; Clarendon; and Old Harbour, St Catherine, as well as well as to children’s homes and orphanages, including SOS Children’s Village, Blossom Gardens Childcare Facility, and West Haven Children’s Home.

Additionally, more than 3,500 children in these parishes also received toys for the Christmas holiday, courtesy of the LNG provider.