For more than five decades, Sarah Green has been a dedicated member of MOPPA and a committed supporter of the Montserratian community in the United Kingdom. From joining the organisation as part of the original team, Sarah has given her time, energy and commitment to a cause that has remained close to her heart — bringing Montserratians together, supporting community wellbeing and maintaining strong connections with Montserrat. After more than 50 years of dedicated service, Sarah has now retired from the MOPPA Board. On Sunday 20 September, her remarkable contribution was celebrated and honoured at the MOPPA Thanksgiving Service, where members of the community came together to recognise her many years of service, commitment and dedication. It was a fitting tribute to a woman whose life has been closely woven into the story of MOPPA and the Montserratian community in Britain. Joining MOPPA The MOPPA Association was formed in the summer of 1969 by a group of Montserratians who recognised the importance of creating an organisation that could bring the community together and support its members. Sarah served as Entertainment Officer, contributing to the social and cultural activities that became an important part of MOPPA’s work. Her involvement marked the beginning of what would become more than five decades of commitment to MOPPA and the Montserratian community. The other team members were: * William Trant — Chairman * Benjamin Howson — Vice Chairman * Samuel Greenaway— General Secretary and Co-Founder * Charles Silcott— Treasurer * Tony Wade— Public Relations Officer Mr Corbett— Executive Member Loretta Joseph— Executive Member Mrs Ann Tomlinson — Executive Member Jane Furlong – Executive Member Among those associated with MOPPA was Anthony “Tony” Wade, the Montserrat-born businessman who served as the organisation’s Public Relations Officer. Wade was also a key figure in Dyke & Dryden, the pioneering Black-owned British hair and beauty company, where he became Company Secretary and Director in 1968. The connections between these individuals demonstrate how the generation that built Caribbean businesses in Britain was also building community organisations and institutions. More Than 50 Years of Commitment Sarah’s contribution to MOPPA extended far beyond her original role as Entertainment Officer. Across more than five decades, she remained actively involved in supporting Montserratians through some of the community’s most challenging periods. Her service included involvement in Hurricane Hugo relief efforts for Montserrat, as well as supporting Montserratians who came to the United Kingdom following the island’s volcanic crisis. These were moments when community organisation mattered enormously. For those affected by disaster, displacement and uncertainty, the support of people who understood their circumstances could make an immense difference. Sarah was one of those people who continued to stand alongside her community. Supporting People During the COVID-19 Pandemic Sarah’s commitment was also evident during the COVID-19 pandemic. At a time when many elderly Montserratians in the UK were unable to see their families and loved ones, Sarah regularly telephoned people, checked on their welfare and provided a reassuring connection during an extraordinarily difficult period. It was a simple act, but one that reflected the essence of community service. She understood that supporting people is not always about grand gestures. Sometimes it is about making the phone call, asking how someone is doing, listening to their concerns and making sure they know that somebody cares. Her work reflected a simple but powerful principle: Looking after our people matters. Supporting Montserrat Through the Farming Project Until recently, Sarah was also involved in MOPPA’s farming project, which provided subsidies and support to farmers in Montserrat. The initiative reflected an important dimension of MOPPA’s work — maintaining the relationship between Montserratians living in Britain and the island itself. Through projects such as this, the organisation has demonstrated how the Montserratian diaspora can contribute to the wellbeing and development of communities back home. Sarah’s involvement once again demonstrated her commitment to practical community support, extending beyond the United Kingdom to Montserrat itself. A Woman Who Helped Build Community Sarah’s story is also a reminder of the important contribution made by women in the development of the Montserratian community in Britain. The history of Caribbean migration can sometimes focus on prominent male leaders, businessmen and politicians. But community organisations were also built and sustained by women who gave their time, organised events, supported families, cared for vulnerable people and maintained connections between generations. Sarah was one of those women. Having joined MOPPA , she remained involved for more than half a century. That is an extraordinary record of commitment. A Thanksgiving and a New Chapter The MOPPA Thanksgiving Service on Sunday, 20 September, provided an especially meaningful occasion to recognise Sarah. Thanksgiving is about giving thanks — and there was much to give thanks for. For more than 50 years, Sarah has contributed to the life of MOPPA and to the wellbeing of the Montserratian community. The service offered an opportunity for colleagues, friends, family and community members to reflect on that contribution and honour a remarkable journey of service. Her retirement does not erase that history. It becomes part of her legacy. A Legacy That Will Endure Sarah’s retirement from the MOPPA Board marks the conclusion of more than 50 years of continuous commitment to the Montserratian community. From joining MOPPA , through hurricane relief, the volcanic crisis, the COVID-19 pandemic and community development initiatives such as the farming project, Sarah has remained committed to the wellbeing of Montserratians. Her journey is now part of MOPPA’s history. But it is also part of the wider story of the Montserratian diaspora in the United Kingdom*— a story of people who came to Britain, built communities, supported one another and never lost their connection with home. Sarah’s contribution has helped sustain that connection across generations. Thank You, Sarah Sarah Green is not simply a former Board member. She is a long-serving MOPPA member, community servant and respected figure in Montserratian community life in Britain. On Sunday, 20 September, MOPPA had the opportunity to say publicly what her decades of service have meant
