NEW Fortress Energy (NFE) has been lauded by parents, teachers, volunteers and community partners following the staging earlier this month of back-to-school fairs in Old Harbour Bay, St Catherine, and and Jamalco communities in Clarendon

Close to 350 medicals, 500 haircuts and more than 30 dental examinations were done at the two fairs, which were funded by New Fortress.

Roxanne Solan, a teacher at Hayes Primary in Clarendon, said, “With over 400 students from the Hayes community and environs receiving backpacks plus vouchers to assist with books, uniforms and other school supplies, I am confident and relieved that the new school year will be off to a great start. The obvious stress that students experience from not having the right resources to work with have been greatly reduced, which means as teachers we will be better able to facilitate the learning process more effectively. Thank you, New Fortress Energy, for making our jobs easier.”

Carol Kelly, an Old Harbour Bay Primary School parent, said, “I’m so thankful for the voucher and other supplies that will go a far way in preparing for the new school year for my daughter. Thank you, thank you, thank you to New Fortress Energy. this has been a big help.”

According to a release from the energy company, the excitement among the students at both fairs was evident as they eagerly joined lines to collect their backpacks, vouchers and of course, enjoy the many other treats that were provided for them. These included fun activities like merry-go-round, bounce-a-bout, water slide, trampoline, plus all their favourite treats including ice cream, popcorn, snow cones, burgers, and giveaways by the partners who were in attendance

A big hit among the students at the Jamalco fair was said to be the robotics workshop hosted by Halls of Learning. Marvin Hall from Halls of Learning, along with his team, had a full set-up that kept the students fully intrigued and engaged throughout the fair.

Minister of state in the Ministry of Education Floyd Greene spoke to the students about his journey growing up, and encouraged them to make full use of the support they’ve been given. “I’d like to commend New Fortress Energy for their investment in helping these students reach their highest potential and ultimately, helping Jamaica secure a brighter future through these young leaders. To the students here today, this gesture is testament that New Fortress Energy believes in you. I believe in you too, and so I encourage you to make full use of this opportunity by focusing in school. have a plan for your future, always put your best foot forward, and most importantly believe in yourself. Once you do that, the sky is the limit.”

New Fortress Energy, global leader in energy solutions, first started Jamaica’s transition to natural gas with its state-of-the-art liquefied natural gas (LNG) terminal in Montego Bay, which converted the JPS 120-megawatt Bogue power plant from diesel to natural gas and provides LNG to local partners like Red Stripe. New Fortress Energy is also developing the 94-megawatt natural gas-fired power plant at Jamalco in Halse Hall, Clarendon and an offshore LNG terminal to provide natural gas to JPS’s new 190-megawatt power plant in Old Harbour Bay.

Verona Carter, vice-resident for public affairs for New Fortress Energy, who was also joined by several members from NFE’s New York and Miami offices, said; “We are humbled by the overwhelming support of all the teachers, community leaders and partners. On behalf of the entire NFE team, I’d like to thank them all for their partnership and invaluable support. We’re looking forward to the final fair in Montego Bay, which we hope will be just as successful”

NFE’s back-to-school gesture continues with the final fair that will be held in Montego Bay on Friday, August 17, at which more than 400 students will be given school supplies, vouchers and other assistance.