CLOSE to 600 families registered on the Government’s Programme of Advancement Through Health and Education (PATH) were in a jubilant mood after receiving food hampers from New Fortress Energy (NFE) Foundation recently.

Seventy-year-old retired fish vendor from Old Harbour Bay, St Catherine, Covely Grey, who lost his home to fire five months ago, was one such beneficiary who was beyond grateful. “This is a blessing. After my house was burnt down my nephew took me in to live with him so this will be a big help the two of us. Thank you and God bless you.”

Similarly, a 31-year-old mother of two, Julia Harrison, also from Old Harbour Bay, said she was extremely grateful and excited to receive help, especially at this time of the year. “I never expected it to be so much. I’m very grateful and I’m sure that everyone else who will collect their package today is just as happy and thankful. Thank you so much NFE.”

The annual initiative, done in partnership with local NGO, Food For the Poor, targeted PATH families in the Port and Refinery Council communities in Clarendon as well as in Old Harbour Bay, St Catherine and Montego Bay, St James, where the company has its LNG facilities. Each family received three packages containing items to supply a family of up to five members for a few weeks. These include chicken, Christmas cake, cooking oil, canned foods, peas, dried food supplies, milk products, cereals, as well as personal care items such as bath soaps, toilet paper, rubbing alcohol, hand sanitiser, masks and toothpaste.

“There are so many people who are in need so when companies like New Fortress Energy extend such a generous hand it is greatly appreciated by the recipients and even by other persons in the community who can afford it. They would like to help but they themselves do not have it so we are all very thankful to NFE for what they continue to do every year in ensuring that these families can have food on their tables for the holiday,” said Reverend Sandra Nembhard, president of Old Harbour Bay Development Committee.

The overall excitement and gratitude from people collecting their packages was overwhelming, with shouts of, “Thank you, thank you so much for this!” and “God bless and merry Christmas when it comes,” as they walked away.

Kivette Silvera, executive director at Food For the Poor Jamaica, said: “It’s always a pleasure to work with New Fortress Energy at this time every year to deliver hope in a package to so many families. We’re happy that their heart of service matches ours, which makes it a joy to work with them.

“We’re delighted that we’re able to support these families in meaningful and practical ways. Old Harbour Bay has always been near and dear to our hearts since we started our operations in Jamaica over seven years ago. We always look forward to bringing Christmas cheer to the communities we operate in and [are] happy to be able to help these families to make the holiday season even brighter for them and their loved ones,” said Verona Carter, vice-president, New Fortress Energy.

All beneficiaries are families who are registered on the Government of Jamaica’s social programme. Selections were managed by the Ministry of Labour and Social Security at each of New Fortress Energy’s distribution locations.