A resident of Mocha-Arcadia, East Bank Demerara, Ms. Roxanne Melville, has always wanted to learn different sewing techniques so she may make practical yet stylish clothing.
On Wednesday, November 30, 2022, she was one of the nine graduates who received certification in garment construction during a graduation ceremony at the Mocha Arcadia Community Development Centre.

A collaboration between the Mocha Seventh Day Adventist Church and the Board of Industrial Training (BIT) made the programme possible.
Ms. Melvelle told BIT’s representatives that she has long been fascinated by people who possess the knowledge and abilities necessary to design and create clothing suitable for a runaway and has desired to one day possess those same abilities.

This chance came to her one afternoon when she noticed a few women leaving the Mocha Seventh Day Adventist Church with what looked like sewing supplies. When questioned, it became clear that they were undergoing training in garment construction, so Roxanne soon sought to join and was granted her request.

She describes her experience as being both wonderful since she had finally been able to accomplish her long-term ambition and rather tough, especially for someone her age.
To that end, Ms. Roxanne expressed her gratitude to the Board of Industrial Training and, by extension, the government for giving her the chance to learn this practical talent.

She has hinted at the possibility of starting a business with her peers now that she is accredited and certified, as well as of teaching her talents to her children.
With such a promising future in front of them, Ms. Melville invited people to participate in the BIT programmes to learn valuable life skills that will benefit them.

Ms. Gillian Burton-Persaud, Political Adviser for the Ministry of Labour, urged the graduates in her keynote address to use their education and experience to pursue novel endeavours like fashion shows to further their careers.

Burton-Persaud emphasized that people’s interest in the abilities of local fashion designers will increase as their capabilities will contribute to the transformation of the nation’s fashion business.

She further expressed hope that they will explore different options to make this a possibility. Ms. Burton-Persaud also urged them to teach the craft to other willing residents to enhance their livelihood and aid in community development.

Also present at the ceremony were the Board of Industrial Training, Human Resource Officer, Melinda Kelly, Mocha Arcadia Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC); Chairman, Rudolph Adams, Mocha Seventh Day Adventist Church, Head Elder, Lincoln Green, among other officials.