MBCC Fashion Designing Lecturer Receives JTA Golden Torch Award
MONTEGO BAY, St. James — Fashion Designing Lecturer at Montego Bay Community College (MBCC), Ann Marie Brown-Burgess, has been honoured with the 2026 Jamaica Teachers’ Association (JTA) Golden Torch Award in recognition of her 38 years of dedicated service to education.
Brown-Burgess received the award at the JTA Golden Torch Awards Ceremony, held in Kingston on Wednesday, July 1.
Mrs. Brown-Burgess noted that receiving the award marked the culmination of years of hard work and commitment. She reflected on her early introduction to the education sector, recalling the moment she began her training as a teacher and the path that ultimately led to this achievement.
“My journey started at Shortwood Teachers’ College in 1988, and from there my passion for teaching grew. In 1991, I began my teaching career at St. Mary Technical High, formerly Richmond Secondary School,” she said.
She later taught at Marymount High School and Knockalva Technical High School before joining Montego Bay Community College as a Fashion Designing Lecturer in October 1999.
“I taught Clothing and Textiles for much of my career in education. I am passionate about supporting students in developing their creative talents and applying them to the production of quality garments and accessories,” Mrs. Brown-Burgess said.
“I have had the pleasure of teaching hundreds of students fashion and design techniques. I am especially proud to have mentored two WorldSkills finalist, Tiffany Clark in 2004 and Dijonae Powell in 2023. Additionally, Nia Lyn was also named as the first runner-up in the National Skills Competition in 2023. These students have worked incredibly hard, and I am proud to have played a role in their success,” she remarked.
“Since I started working at MBCC in October 1999, I have poured into many students. I have also engaged private entities to donate scholarships and equipment to enhance the students’ learning experience because I believe teaching is transformative. I want my students to leave the programme with a renewed sense of purpose,” she said.
Brown-Burgess added that ensuring the programme remains affordable has also been a priority throughout her career. “In addition to advocating externally for resources to support the programme, I have also championed affordable tuition internally. It is important to me that students can access a quality higher education experience without financial barriers. Making quality education accessible is another way we empower students to achieve their goals,” Brown Burgess remarked.
Meanwhile, Acting Principal of MBCC, Coleen Ricketts-Evans, welcomed the national recognition, describing it as a fitting tribute to an educator whose commitment to excellence has consistently reflected the College’s mission of developing skilled and innovative graduates.
“We celebrate this well-deserved recognition for Mrs. Brown-Burgess. Over the years, she has demonstrated unwavering dedication to our Fashion Designing programme and has inspired many of our students to become globally recognized fashion designers,” Ricketts-Evans said.
“The mission of the College is to foster a vibrant community of students, faculty, and staff by providing exceptional education and support services at an affordable cost. Mrs. Brown-Burgess embodies that mission through her years of exceptional service and unwavering commitment to student success,” Ricketts-Evans added.
The JTA Golden Torch Award comes on the heels of the recently concluded MBCC Annual Fashion Show, one of the College’s signature events that highlights the creativity and innovation of students. The fashion show serves as the final assessment for students enrolled in the Fashion Designing programme providing them with an opportunity to showcase their talent and craftsmanship before a wider audience. Each year, the event is expertly coordinated under the leadership of Mrs. Brown-Burgess, whose dedication ensures its continued success and high standards.