Papa Green

With Papa Green in Medan 2007

A book authored by Papa Green given to me as a present by a Member of Parliament

I was presented a book of Papa Green, which Gerald Green is fondly known as, before I met him in person. A member of parliament gave me the book. He bought one after attending a public speaking course. That was a few years after I joined Toastmasters club. 

I met Papa Green in person when I was at Medan convention in 2007 to received my Distinguished Toastmaster award. I had a chat with him and had a photograph taken with him. 

I met him again in 2010 in Miri for the last District 51 convention where he was invited to speak. I remember he felt sad that District 51 has to split once again and that time around into District 51 and District 87. He said he would prefer that members could have more personal touch, helping and guiding each other instead of rushing for goals, charter new clubs and eventually the district has to split. 

I remember his words as they were very real and relevant. Some members have grown too ambitious in achieving goals that they forgot even the chore values of Toastmasters International. Some made used of others to achieve their goals. Some chartered clubs merely to fulfill their Distinguish Toastmaster requirements but those clubs were closed down almost immediately after they were chartered. Being a Club Coach and Club Coach Chair for District 87 twice, I know exactly what happened to the weak clubs. 

For a man who has the passion for Toastmasters and saw what was coming long before others, his wisdom will stay on for us all to learn and practice. 

Rest In Peace, Papa Green!