Delivering spring care packages to families in Jamaica
OUR FOUNDATION
We’re excited to deliver baskets full of joy
Easter is a season of renewal, and this year, we were gratified to be able to help renew pantry supplies for dozens of families with students on the Jamaican government’s PATH program.
Coping through the pandemic has been challenging for all of us, but especially for vulnerable families, where the economic dislocation and impact have been so severe. In partnership with Food for the Poor Jamaica, our New Fortress Energy Foundation recently sent much-needed care packages to the families of more than 200 primary school students in Clarendon and Old Harbour. Delivered just in time for the long Easter weekend, the care packages included rice, flour, cornmeal, buns, cheese, beans, sausages, and oil, as well as toothpaste, toilet paper, bar soap, sanitizer, and face masks.
The parents’ sense of relief and gratitude was overwhelming.
“I don’t even know what is in the bags yet, but look how much stuff I get,” said Tracey-Ann Campbell, a household helper whose third-grade son attends Old Harbour Bay Primary. “Now with the children at home since schools closed, it’s been even harder. I’m so grateful, you wouldn’t even know. Thank you, thank you so much. Keep up the good work.”
“This will go a long way for us,” agreed Shelly-Ann Broomfield, whose son is in fourth grade at Good Hope Primary. “I’m very thankful because it’s been very challenging. Thank you, New Fortress and Food for the Poor Jamaica, for thinking about us.”
The everyday challenges these families face have been exacerbated by the pandemic restrictions, especially those that have kept so many children home from school where they might normally have access to subsidized meal programs. The Easter care packages benefitted families with students at Old Harbour Primary, Old Harbour Bay Primary, Marlie Mount Primary, Blackwoods Gardens Infant, Good Hope Primary, Davis Primary and Marlie Hill schools in St. Catherine, and Mineral Heights Primary, Mitchell Town Primary, Hayes Primary, and Watsonton Primary in Clarendon.
“More than 80 percent of our students are online,” noted Jason Bryan, Principal of Davis Primary School. “The students are home and eating more, and when the parents are stressed, the students are not able to focus, and this causes some of the teachers to be naturally stressed. It’s a ripple effect, and we’re praying that it gets better soon.”
We’re proud to be able to serve and support our local communities and LNG community, especially in times like these when help is needed most.
“We’ve had the privilege of enjoying an amazing partnership with New Fortress Energy since the start of the pandemic,” said Kivette Silvera, Executive Director at Food for the Poor Jamaica last March. “We are so heartened by their heart of service and their commitment to help the communities in which they have their operations. These generously packed care packages will go a long way in helping these families… We’re delighted to be part of another amazing corporate initiative for the benefit of feeding vulnerable families.”
