Forde sisters expanding food business

For many, pursuing a course offered by the Board of Industrial Training (BIT) is about gaining new knowledge. But for sisters Tia and Tameira Forde, it was a strategic move to expand their food business, T’s Delight & Catering Service.

The sisters, who both graduated with distinction in Commercial Food Preparation, said their journey of studying and working was not easy — but it was worth it.

“It was rough as we have our own business. Basically, we actually open in the evening and we close off about 12 midnight or 01:00 am and them we have to get ready to prepare to go to school before 08:30 hrs. It was kind of difficult but in worth it in the end,” said Tameira.

Tia, 23, and Tameira, 26, launched their business in November 2024, and quickly earned a reputation for offering an array of dishes, including grilled seafood such as salmon, snapper, and prawns.

Given the competitive nature of the food industry, the sisters made a conscious decision to seek professional training and certification.

“We already have more knowledge, so probably by next month or August we are going to expand a little bit more. Put it on social media and all the platforms,” said Tameira as Tia nodded in agreement.

The Commercial Food Preparation programme offered by BIT allowed the sisters to gain valuable skills such as pastry baking and food safety — both essential for running a successful food business.

All programmes offered by the Board of Industrial Training are free. Over the last five years, more than 13,000 Guyanese have received certificates in critical skills courses through BIT. These include plumbing, carpentry, welding, and cosmetology — areas that help make BIT graduates more marketable in the workforce.