BOSTON – It was a night of glitz, glamour, culture, and honor on Saturday, April 25, 2015 as the Montserrat Progressive Society (MPS) of Boston held its 80th Anniversary Gala. With a distinct panel of speakers and guests, the event offered incredible insight into the progress that the Montserrat diaspora has made. There was also an overwhelming show of support from various Caribbean organizations and local elected officials.
The festivities began with a humbling message from the longest serving president of the MPS, Alfred Molyneaux. His words, a sobering reminder of the commitment Montserratians must have to each other as we grow and evolve at home and abroad. The evening continued with an appearance by Boston’s Mayor Martin “Marty” Walsh, who eloquently spoke of his immigrant experience and special connection to the island of Montserrat. He noted that during Boston’s annual Caribbean festival, he paraded through the crowd with his own Montserratian flag and will continue to do so for years to come.
The gala’s keynote address came from fellow Montserratian, Gary Morton, a distinguished businessman with a message of “Perpetual Positive Progress” as the key to success. The evening came to a close with remarks from Premier Donaldson Romeo, who spoke on his pledge to connect native Montserratians and friends of Montserrat together to rebuild and move the nation forward.
A night of distinction and nostalgia, the Montserrat Progressive Society paid special homage to notable leaders who have encouraged diaspora growth, while offering hope and support to another generation of young Montserratians. Through programs such as this and their John Buffonge Scholarship fund, progression will surely never cease on their watch.
