by Clement James

            Ma James, as she was known, was born on the 5^th of December 1912. Mabel Moir James’ father, named Stedman Moir’ was born in Scotland and served in the British Administration as a Magistrate. Her mother was Bertha Roberts, a born Dominican with family in St. Kitts. As a child she grew up living with the Methodist Minister and his wife who expressed interest in adopting her. However her mother was not in agreement. Mabel was gifted with a beautiful voice and sang with the choir.

            She was eventually sent to St. Kitts to live with her grandparents on a small farm; and after finishing School eventually returned to Dominica to live with an Aunt and inherited a small business from her. After a few years she met Christopher Oliver James, a pharmacist and the man who would become her husband and the father of her five children. Together they owned a vibrant business.

            As time moved on, Phylis Shand Alfrey, the founder of the Dominica Labour Party, rented part of her house for Party Headquarters. Shortly afterwards she was accused of encroaching onto the Windsor Park. A Court ordered survey would prove that she was well within her boundaries. Mrs. Alfrey took her on the Political Platform to tell her story and a Natural Politician was born. Ma James had a way of connecting with the common man.

            The Dominica Labour Party wins its first election and Mabel Moir James becomes the first woman to hold the Office of a Government Minister in Dominica. She served as Minister of Home Affairs and as Minister of Communications and Works. For a brief period of about a week she served as the acting Premier and was sworn in to act as the Minister o Finance.

            At the end of her Political career she immediately went back to her small business activities, eventually working oat Astaphans Hardware and later on as the Manager of the Asta Hotel.

            After she retired she and her loving husband spent their days quietly together. She had a passion for growing roses all the while advising all who she encountered about the importance of having an education, owning your own home and being independent.

 Mabel Moir James was a very proud person and often said, “Thank You Lord, none of my Children have made me ashamed.”

            At 91 she fell and broke her hip. She continued to make history by becoming the second person to have a hip replacement in Dominica. Dr. Julian cautioned the family about the high risk, considering her age. Four days later ma James walked out of the Princess Margaret Hospital and was able to walk till she fell at 97.

            Minutes before she left this world she held both her hands above her head, uttering praises to the Lord.

            Seconds before one hand held high, then finally her last breath.