IT WAS an honour to celebrate with the David Rose School for Handicapped Children for their 50th anniversary, the headteacher, Mrs McKenzie and her team need to be commended for their diligence and commitment to that institution. I’ve had the privilege in the last decade to have collaborated on a number of projects with this school. I was asked to give brief remarks at the anniversary celebration and I encouraged people to let the next 50 years of this school make a significant mark. There is so much more we can do for people living with special needs and we need to stop talking and act. My vision for the David Rose School is for children, especially in the beauty and creative sector, to be employed by designers like myself, salons, barbershops and other entities.

One of the touching moments that day for me was when one of the students of the school named Margaret came up to me with a big hug. She told me that she saw me in the papers with a beautiful blue dress and that her mom said every time she sees me in the newspaper she cuts it out.

These kids will always have a special place in my heart, the love and the hugs and kisses I’ve experienced through the years makes me energised to do more. I left that celebration to see some other people that are dear to me when I visited the New Amsterdam Women’s Prison for International Women’s Day. I had promised the mothers that I would give them a special treat for Mother’s Day and for anyone that knows me knows that my word is my bond.

I must thank the Director of Prisons and the prison officers, especially Mrs George, who was very enthusiastic about making this event a success and for giving us the opportunity to make the women look and feel beautiful inside and out even if it’s just for one day. Denielle John who is my sister and assistant and Alana De Souza who manages Makin’ Style Boutique had a wonderful makeup session with the ladies and boy did they look stunning.

The makeup was provided by Lisa’s Beauty Shop and I must commend Mrs. Bibi Ramlall for answering the call, the ladies were very excited to do their fittings from selected outfits from my collection. I was chatting with a young lady from Canada who is in there on narcotics charges who told me that her mom sent her this beautiful dress that she probably won’t get to wear, so I told her I will give you an opportunity today because you will be the MC of the show. She started sobbing uncontrollably saying you have no idea what you will be doing for me, so I told her to go into the makeup chair, get her makeup done and put on the dress that means so much to her. Then it was showtime, we started with a song by one of the ladies then the distribution of Mother’s Day cards that I personally signed, then it came time for the fashion show. The ladies all looked like they were walking the catwalk at Guyana Fashion Week with exceptional style, and the loud applause from their colleagues gave them more confidence.

Some lucky mothers won prizes that were provided by Integrated Security Services. The prizes were for the youngest mother, the oldest mother and the mother with the most kids. The mothers were then serenaded by one of the inmates and her song of choice was ‘Flying without wings’. Another memorable moment was when one of the mothers came to me and told me that my book, Living With Intention has taken her out of a major depression. It feels good to know that your story is inspiring other lives.

They even surprised me with a gift and one of the ladies sang a special song for me and it was so emotional. She mentioned that they can’t repay me for all I’ve done for them over the years and this is their way of showing appreciation. We closed off in prayers and encouraged each other to keep keeping on and to continue to build our faith. Best wishes to all the mothers who are celebrating Mother’s Day. May we think of every day as Mother’s Day as we continue this journey called Life BEYOND THE RUNWAY.