In recent times, many persons in Anguillian society have been joining with their international counterparts to observe designated days, weeks or even months, that are significant to social, economic, cultural and political life. This week, we have observed Social Workers Week, under the theme “Co-building a New Eco-social World: Leaving No One Behind”, which began on Sunday, 13th March, and ends on Saturday, 19th March.
As is customary, the week opened with the regular church service to acknowledge the goodness of God, and receive his blessings and favour for the year ahead.
This year’s Social Workers church service was held at the Bethany Gospel Hall, in Stoney Ground, where Mr. Rodwell Grant is Pastor. Pastor Grant is a social worker by profession, and currently works as a Senior Juvenile Care Worker attached to the Zenaida Haven Juvenile Rehabilitation Centre. A vast majority of social workers and affiliates attended the Sunday service.
Commissioner of the Department of Social Development, Ms. Lauraine Gumbs delivered an address in which she emphasised that Social Workers cannot ignore the social ills that surround us. “Today marks the commencement of Social Work Week, with Tuesday 15th March being Social Work Day. This year, we celebrate under the international theme ‘Co-building a New Eco-Social World: Leaving No One Behind’.
This theme presents a vision and action plan to create new global values, policies and practices that develop trust, security, and confidence for all people and the sustainability of the planet…
“The Department of Social Development continues to work with partners locally, regionally, and internationally because the life affirming services that social workers provide are needed now more than ever. This is especially true as our nation continues to grapple with the Covid 19 pandemic, an economic downturn, global warming and other crises.”
Ms. Gumbs went on: “This year, the National Association of Social Workers designated ‘The Time is Right for Social Work’ as its theme for Social Workers Month. My response to this theme is: when has the time not been right for social work?”
“As Social Work Month began during this time of the year 2020,” she reflected, “our lives were about to change in ways that we had not yet imagined. Two years later, we are still reimagining what is ‘normal’. Social workers do not have the option to ignore all that is happening around us. So, yes, the time is right and continues to be right for social work.”
A special song, “Find Us Faithful” was sung by Child Care Worker James Harrigan.
Pastor Grant delivered a riveting sermon with the theme “Do What You Can”. His focus was a scripture passage in Mark 14:3-8, where an account is recorded of a woman who entered a house in the city of Bethany where Jesus was once a guest. Bowing at his feet, she worshipped Him and took her alabaster box of precious perfume, broke it open and poured the precious contents on Jesus’ head.
Some of the Pharisees, Sadducees and Scribes were furious over what the woman had done. They ridiculed her, saying that the ointment could have been sold for a handsome amount — and the proceeds could have benefitted the poor. But Jesus, knowing the intents of the critics’ hearts said to them:
“Let her alone; why do you trouble her? She has done a good work on me. You have the poor with you always, and whenever you want you can do them good. But you wont have me with you always. She has done what she could: she has anointed my body in preparation for my burial.”
The moral of the message, highlighted by the Pastor, was that people will be always looking at social workers as they undertake their duties. Even as they carry out acts of kindness — like the woman who treated Jesus – social workers will be criticised by those who would want to find fault of their services. However, social workers must remain dutiful to their cause and focus on their mission. As Commissioner Gumbs puts it, they can’t ignore the social ills that surround them.
Overall, the Sunday service at Bethany Gospel Hall was delightful and quite uplifting. In the spirit of hospitality, the church hosted lunch for the visitors following the service.
