NEW Fortress Energy has donated toys for 1,000 children in St James, which will be distributed as part of the mayor’s annual Christmas treats in communities across the parish.

Additionally, the company, which first started its operations in Jamaica with the build out of its state-of-the-art liquefied natural gas terminal in Montego Bay three years ago, has signed on as the main sponsor of the upcoming Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony, held annually in the parish.

The event is scheduled for December 15 in the historic Sam Sharpe Square, starting at 6:00 pm, a release from the company said yesterday.

This is the second-consecutive year that the natural gas company is partnering with the St James Municipal Corporation as a main sponsor to host the event that has become a tradition for families, community associations, businesses, and individuals in Montego Bay, according to the release.

In expressing thanks to New Fortress Energy, Mayor of Montego Bay Homer Davis said: “We are very excited about the upcoming tree-lighting ceremony and we are grateful to New Fortress Energy and all our other sponsors whose contributions have helped us to maintain this event each year. There’s no doubt that this event has become one of the most anticipated events for families, as everyone — young and old — look forward to coming out every year to have a good time, and to formally usher in Christmas in our beautiful parish.”

Meanwhile, Verona Carter, VP, public affairs for New Fortress Energy, said: “We’re delighted to be on board for this amazing event for another year. Montego Bay is where we first started our operations in Jamaica and so we feel a special connection with the parish and the communities. This is one of the many ways we’re saying thanks to the people of Montego Bay for welcoming and supporting us as we transition Jamaica’s energy sector to using liquefied natural gas to secure sustainable economic and social development for the country.”

According to the release, the company will also be hosting Christmas treats in other communities in which it operates. It said a Christmas Fair in Old Harbour Bay will cater to more than 800 children, while in the Jamalco refinery communities, it will cater for over 1,000 children — each of whom will also receive a Christmas gift.

“Getting a present at Christmas is a high point of the holidays for many children. We’re thrilled to be able to put a smile on their faces and help them to have a very merry Christmas,” Carter said.

The release said just a few months ago, the company hosted its second back-to-school fair in the parish at Pier One, where more than 1,500 children at the primary and junior high school level received backpacks with school supplies, plus vouchers valued at $6,000 each, haircuts and medicals. Fifteen high school students also received bursaries valued at $50,000 each to cover tuition fees and the costs associated with Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate exams.