Patricia Belle Anthony “Tony” Toppin

Patricia Belle

Quietly, Patricia Belle supports the Consulate and Barbadian activities and causes in big ways. She made one of the biggest individual donations with a vehicle load of school supplies for distribution in Barbados.

Pat is a founding member and Past President of Springer Memorial Alumnae Association, serving three consecutive terms from 2016.

Formerly from Waterford, St. Michael, Barbados, she came to New York in 1968 at 15.Pat received a scholarship from the Urban League but in 1970 she secured a job at the Telephone Company and spent the next 25 years there, retiring in 1995.

She began as an operator, moved to Time Sheets in 1973 for two years and ended up as a technician.

Pat then worked in a flower shop for four years before taking a break but went back from 2001-2004. She still helps out at the flower shop from time to time but spends her time with her mother and enjoying her various hobbies.

Anthony “Tony” Toppin

One of the people the Consulate can count on to call and volunteer to assist in any way is Anthony “Tony” Toppin.

A man who loves to enjoy life and is a fixture at one of the well-know gathering spots for Barbadians, living in New York or visiting, Tony’s life has actually been one of service.

From Porey Spring, St. Thomas, he attended Federal High School and the Technical Institute, studying Technical Drawing and Mechanics with the intention of becoming a mechanic. However, he joined the Police Band at 16, playing the French horn for three and half years, before entering the Police Training Centre at 19. Topping spent ten and a half years in the Force before immigrating to New York.

Since then, he has been the Lost Prevention Officer at the 2000 plus rooms Marriot Marquis in Times Square. He retires at the end of December after 32 years.

Tony played cricket for Empire Cricket Club as an allrounder for 25 years from 1985 and is known to be a strong supporter of Barbadian associations.