One year after its landmark acquisition of New Fortress Energy’s local assets, Excelerate Energy took a moment to celebrate at a reception hosted by the US Embassy, on Tuesday, April 28, at the Chief of Mission’s residence in Jack’s Hill. Industry stakeholders and Government officials gathered to toast Excelerate’s maiden year in Jamaica — a year that, according to host Chargé d’Affaires for the US Embassy in Jamaica Scott Renner, has strengthened not only the island’s energy sector but also its enduring partnership with the US.

“This achievement demonstrates a commitment to strengthening energy security and expanding economic opportunities and it’s a commitment to Jamaica. Reliable, affordable energy, as Jamaicans know, is the foundation of a modern economy,” Renner explained during his remarks. “American investments like this one by Excelerate, reflect the strength of that long-standing partnership between the US and Jamaica.”

Renner underscored the liquefied natural gas (LNG) company’s deep-rooted commitment to Jamaica, citing both its US$1-billion investment and the company’s vital support during Hurricane Melissa relief efforts, which included bringing in supplies aboard their LNG carrier, the Excelerate Shenandoah worth US$500,000. He noted the poignancy of the timing, observing that Excelerate’s anniversary aligns with the United States’ Semiquincentennial (250th anniversary) — a dual milestone representing a shared legacy of innovation, enterprise, and cross-border partnership.

“America is defined by enterprise, innovation, and shared success. But when we think about America’s story and our story, it’s not a story we walk alone. We walk with friends. We walk with Jamaica and that shared journey is not just about governments walking together. It’s about civil society, private sector, and it’s about businesses,” Renner said.

Excelerate President and CEO Steven Kobos for his part expressed pride in the growth achieved during the company’s inaugural year reaffirming a long-term pledge to invest in Jamaica’s energy security.

“When we acquired this investment, I told Prime Minister [Andrew Holness] ‘I assure you we are the right sort, but you’re only going to know that over time as you see our actions and not our words,’” Kobos said. “We do want to invest more capital in Jamaica. We know it’s the right place to invest, or we wouldn’t be here today. We’re excited and we do wish to invest more.”

Before addressing the guests on behalf of Prime Minister Holness, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade Kamina Johnson Smith was presented with a scale model of the Sequoia, an Excelerate LNG carrier by Kobos, as a token of the year-long partnership. In her subsequent address, Johnson Smith lauded Excelerate’s operations on the island, describing its presence as a vital component of Jamaica’s transition towards sustainable energy alternatives.

“The LNG infrastructure that Excelerate now operates is central to that transition, and it has contributed to more stable generation costs, it has strengthened our energy security, and created a platform for industrial users that simply did not exist before. That is real progress, and it deserves to be acknowledged and celebrated,” Johnson remarked. “Evenings like this one are a useful reminder of just how much can be accomplished when the right partners are in the room together.”

The end of the official proceedings marked the beginning of a vibrant social hour. Over delicious fare by Chef Oji Jaja and music by violinist Meah Eliana and DJ Damion Haber, guests shared in a collective tribute to a successful first year of Excelerate Energy and a toast to future triumphs.

Excelerate Energy Chief Operating Officer David Liner (right) conferred with Sagicor Group President and CEO Christopher Zacca. (Photo: Garfield Robinson)

Making the presentation of a replica Excelerate LNG carrier Sequoia to Foreign Affairs Minister Kamina Johnson Smith was Excelerate President and CEO Steven Kobos (right), Excelerate Energy COO David Liner (second right), and US Embassy in Jamaica Chargé d’Affaires Scott Renner. (Photo: Garfield Robinson)

Engaged in bons mots during the reception were (from left) Foreign Affairs Minister Kamina Johnson Smith; Excelerate Energy Vice-President and General Manager, Caribbean Verona Carter; Excelerate President and CEO Steven Kobos; and his wife, attorney-at-law Margaret Kobos.(Photo: Garfield Robinson)

Pausing for a photo-op during the celebrations were the Excelerate Energy team of (from left) Terminal Manager, Montego Bay Robert Rodney, Manager, Small Scale LNG Operations Dervin Sinclair; Terminal Manager, Old Harbour Garfield Irvin; and Plant Manager Jervis Johnson. Garfield Robinson

Excelerate President and CEO Steven Kobos (left) was spotted in conversation with Development Bank of Jamaica Managing Director Dr David Lowe (second left), Excelerate Energy Chief Financial Officer Dana Armstrong and US Embassy in Jamaica Chargé d’Affaires Scott Renner prior to the reception.(Photo: Garfield Robinson)

Captured on arrival were Grace Kennedy Group CEO Frank James and his IT consultant wife Stacy.(Photo: Garfield Robinson)

Foreign Affairs Minister Kamina Johnson Smith (right) shared the frame with Jamaica Bauxite Mining Limited Managing Director Donna Marie Howe.(Photo: Garfield Robinson)

Port Authority of Jamaica President and CEO Professor Gordon Shirley (left) shared a lighthearted moment with Excelerate Energy Country Manager Norman Davis (right) and Development Bank of Jamaica Managing Director Dr David Lowe. (Photo: Garfield Robinson)

Private Sector Organisation of Jamaica President Patrick Hylton greeted National Commercial Bank CEO Sheree Martin on arrival.(Photo: Garfield Robinson)