US resident from Old Harbour donates back-to-school items to native community

Newman, 39, migrated to the United States five years ago and always wanted to give back.

“Always remember where you coming from,” he told one of the recipients while handing over a package including books, pencils, crayons, sharpeners and erasers.

The Maryland resident and Wall Mart supervisor said while he may not visit his home country every year, he will continue to give back to the community in whatever way he can whenever he’s visiting.

Newman, who also spent a great part of his life in Nightingale Grove, roughly half mile from Lloyd’s Pen, said: “It’s not about having a lot of money. I’m just a normal guy, working in a normal job like everybody else. But if we can all give back to where it all started for us then life will become easier for all of us.”

Many parents on hand witnessing the occasion expressed their gratitude for the kind gesture.

The tiny community of Lloyd’s Pen was built by the state in the 1970s but has fallen into disrepair with many residents living below the poverty line.