Bermuda National Association Of Social Workers

The Late Ida James

The outpouring of grief over the violent end that befell trailblazing social worker, Ida James is overwhelming. It has been especially pronounced amongst the professional social workers who, meeting informally just hours after news peaked that she was murdered in her home in Paget, paid tribute to her legacy as Bermuda's pioneering social worker and as an unsung hero.

Seven social workers instantly went on record stating they will always have fond memories of time spent working and sharing with Ms. James. They were Dr Sharon Apopa, the Executive Director of the Mid Atlantic Wellness Institute (MAWI), Mrs Gina Hurst Maybury, Mrs Marilyn (Peggy) Jackson, Mrs Olga Scott, Mrs Miriam Shaya King, Ms Donna Trott and Mrs Lauren Trott.

Ida was the first qualified Bermudian social worker, stated Mrs. Scott. She added, Ida was a founding member of the Bermuda Social Workers Association. She remained involved in the evolution of the social work council for over twenty-five years.

Whether it was foster care, residential care, age concerns or social assistance, Ida was able to operate in excellence. Her life was so impactful, Mrs. Scott noted, that social workers from the early days have been calling to express how affected they had been by the news of her passing, Dr Apopa hailed Ms James as a great mentor. She declared, Many people including me owe their success to Ida's helpfulness.

Mrs Lauren Trott said: Ida embodied and introduced Bermudians to the core principles of social work. This was evidenced by her advocacy, competence, enhancement of human well-being and integrity.

Ms. Donna Trott felt: Even before social work was fully developed in Bermuda, Ida was the ideal standard for social work.

Ms Trott: Shared the view of her colleagues that Ida was the icon for thinking outside of the box. She embraced everyone, making them feel special.

Peggy Jackson said: Ida was a good team player and colleague. She believed in continuous upgrade and would travel to as many conferences as she could.

Mrs Gina Hurst-Maybury said: Ida was concerned about the total person, spiritually, biologically and psychologically.

Miriam Shiva-King stated: Ida was an angel. Those she touched she changed. Her mission was to empower people to become self sufficient.

The group felt Ida James told the truth whether one wanted to hear it or not. Although Ida never became a biological mother, she had several children across the Island. She was an unwavering, fearless change agent. She operated from a place of humility that was uncommon to see with someone of her caliber.

Ida did not work for the system, they said. She was the system. Many social services departments were established based on Ida's intellectual properties. And the grieving professionals declared an archive of social information has passed on with the departure of Ida from this world.

By Ira Philip
Published by The Royal Gazette
Sep 10, 2011 at 7:51 am (Updated Sep 10, 2011 at 7:50 am)