IRIS May Vassell Murray, a retired midwife, has dedicated over 40 years to serving St Mary communities. Her journey into midwifery was unexpected. She initially wanted to be a teacher and was disappointed when she was not able to attend Mico University College because of space issues. When she was referred to Moneague Teachers’ College, her heart sank. As fate would have it, the same day she went to do her interview, she was also called to do an interview at Kingston School of Nursing, and this was where her life’s journey was changed forever.

In 1977, Vassell Murray started her studies at Kingston School of Nursing. She thought she just going to study ‘nursing’, as she did not know the different areas in the practice.

Her studies ended in 1979, and she embarked on a career that would see her becoming a mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and aunt to countless women in St Mary. She pointed out that at that time midwives were employed by the parish council, and she was placed in south-east St Mary in the rural community of Long Road, which was her base. However, she also gave assistance to the Enfield, Camberwell, and Annotto Bay clinics.

“I conducted many home deliveries, and throughout all those years I conducted those home deliveries, my hands were blessed, as I never had a dead mother or baby. That is why I know midwives are blessed. My hands are blessed,” the retired healthcare provider said with a warm smile, as she said many of the deliveries were often done under challenging conditions.

After she was transferred to the Enfield Health Centre, she noted that she once did over six deliveries in one month from the community. This was a cause for concern and, as an executive member of the Police Youth Club, she proposed the building of a half-way house so that it would be easier for the women who “take in”(go into labour) to have a clean and safe place to deliver instead of journeying to the Annotto Bay hospital. With assistance, this became a reality.

“At that time, the hospitals were overcrowded, and two or three mothers were in one bed. Others claimed that they were not treated nicely by those in charge, while some felt more confident and comfortable about a home birth because I would be the one to deliver them,” she said.

She recalls one memorable night in 1988, during Hurricane Gilbert, when she braved treacherous roads to deliver a young mother’s baby.

“This mother was sent home from the hospital because she wasn’t due [to give birth]. But due to the anxiety of the pending hurricane, she took in,“ she said. “I packed an extra bag of clothing and spent the night with her. The birth took a long time, but it went well.”

Vassell Murray’s impact on young women in St Mary is immeasurable. She has mentored hundreds, guiding them through life’s challenges, and empowering them to pursue their dreams. “

Books before boys, as independence is sweet,” she advises. Her door is always open, offering wise counsel and unwavering support. Many of her mentees have gone on to become leaders in their own right, crediting her for their success.

As former president of The Jamaica Midwives’ Association, Vassell Murray played a pivotal role in shaping midwifery practices islandwide and, to an extent, in the Caribbean and Latin America. Her leadership and expertise helped to elevate the profession, earning her respect from colleagues and peers. She was instrumental in developing training programmes that improved maternal healthcare outcomes in Jamaica.

As a revered member of the Hillside Primary School board and the United District of Islington, Vassell Murray champions quality education for all. Through her outreach activities, she has assisted many in her adopted community of Islington with their healthcare and personal development. Not looking for any accolades, she has, however, been recognised over the years by her peers and the community.

For her, if given the chance to re-live her life again, “I would do it all over again, as I did what I love and love what I did.”

Iris Vassell Murray as a young midwife.Ingrid Henry

One of the many accolades Iris Vassell Murray has receivedIngrid Henry