Rotary Club – By Jeressa Jeremy
Rotary Club Donates Sewing
The Rotary Club of Antigua and Barbuda presented four sewing machines, 10 laptops, fabric, and sewing accessories to Salvation Army during a ceremony on Tuesday, marking 15 years of partnership aimed at empowering women and youth across the island.
Rotary Past President Cordel Josiah said that the sewing program, which is free to the public, is now active in approximately 10 communities across Antigua: Pigotts Village, Liberta, Jennings, Bolands, Swetes, Freetown, Willikies, Villa, Cedar Grove, and Seaview Farm.
“This sewing project has helped many women who may not even be working, but they go to these classes and they are learning a skill as to how they can complete a finished product like making a dress, pants, shirts, blouses, so that they can even make for their children, school children who go to school, rather than having to buy,” Josiah said. “And at the same time, some of them can even form a business, or some have done so in the past, out of sewing. So the whole idea is so that women can become self-sufficient and the possibility of becoming self-sustaining through the gift and the natural ability of sewing.”
He noted that while the donation of four sewing machines was originally promised in 2024, the Rotary Club honoured that commitment on Tuesday.
Major Jean Raymoncil Pierre, the Salvation Army’sDistrict Officer for Antigua and Barbuda, St Kitts & Nevis, and St Martin reflected on how the partnership has grown over the years, noting that Rotary’s support has extended far beyond sewing equipment.
“They provided us with 20 refurbished laptops. And if here, also, we are able to access internet, it was because of the coordination from the Rotary Club of Antigua that coordinated the installation. And now, I am here, I can get internet service,” he said. “We are very grateful, and we welcome every opportunity that you have given to us to better serve the community that looks forward for the work of the Salvation Army. Service is our top priority.”
He also shared a story of how the partnership has made a direct difference in the life of a young person in need.
“[Someone] had difficulty to study and was in need of a computer and we were able to donate one of that. The person is very grateful and had done well, supposed to do some CXC subjects. So when you give us, we extend the giving and we continue to assist,” he said.
RCA President Elisa Graham said Tuesday’s donation reflects the organization’s broader mission of women’s empowerment and community development.
“For the last 15 years, this program has provided persons with opportunities to learn practical skills, build confidence, and improve their livelihoods. It has created a safe and supportive space where individuals can develop talents, share experiences, and become stronger advocates for themselves, their families, and their communities,” she stated.
She emphasized that the laptops and sewing machines are more than just equipment. “They will help women to transform skills into sustainable livelihoods, contributing to stronger families and more resilient communities. Rotary believes that when we empower women, we empower entire communities. We are confident that these tools will not just be used as equipment, but as instruments of hope, empowerment, and transformation,” Graham said.
The Rotary Club has been involved in sewing projects across Antigua since 2009, with Josiah crediting International Coordinator Jan Martinka and her husband John Martinka for their long-standing commitment to the program spanning 17 years.
Jan Martinka, who travelled from Washington for the occasion, said the cross-border partnership embodies Rotary’s core values.
“I’m just honoured to be here and to donate these sewing machines and all of the other things on the table that the sewing students will use,” Martinka said. “This donation reflects Rotary’s belief in service that crosses borders.”
Women interested in joining the free sewing classes can contact the Salvation Army or any of the 10 community centres where the program currently operates.
