Roy Clarke
Founder, Central Medical Labs

Roy A. Clarke is one of Jamaica’s illustrious sons. This pioneer who founded Central Medical Laboratories – the first full-service, private facility of its kind in Jamaica – has blazed a trail of excellence, creating a well-networked and successful company, which now operates 19 branches islandwide.

Since its inception 40 years ago in a small room adjacent to the carport at the Marescaux Medical Centre in Cross Roads, Kingston, Central Medical Laboratories has become a leader in its field, keeping pace with the latest advances in medical technology, and constantly establishing new frontiers in service. Building a business from the bootstraps is no easy task in Jamaica. But with determination--- often belied by his laid-back disposition---Roy Clarke has pursued his vision and has, indeed, reaped the fruits of his labour. He can now retire, with the confidence that he leaves behind a legacy worthy of emulation.

“Many people thought I was outright crazy to give up the security of my steady government job and twenty years of service without thinking about the pension and other long-term benefits,” he recalls.

The former chemist and a friend, Dr. Ronald Wong, who had recently returned from Canada, both contributed a total of 800-pounds to rent the first premises. Roy, who is good with his hands, literally built the business from scratch. To help keep costs down, he constructed work benches, as well as the test tube racks. In later years, he applied that same ‘hands-on’ approach in his expanding network, actively participating in the construction, tiling and painting of some of the branches.

Some people thought the chemicals had gone to his head. But, he maintained his steadfast focus, despite the many challenges on the journey to deliver quality and affordable laboratory services to every Jamaican.

Roy Clarke is special, even to persons he has just met. A man of integrity, who believes in dealing fairly with everyone, it is not unusual to find persons seeking him out because of the father image he exudes. For those who know him better, he is all that … and more.

Perhaps, one of his most remarkable skills is his ability to hand-pick the right people for the job; and it is that unique blend of talents and personalities that has contributed greatly to the success of Central Medical Laboratories. One of his guiding principles which he insists should never be compromised— is that every individual, regardless of position is to be treated with utmost respect.

Being an only child certainly had its advantages because Roy Clarke learned to accept responsibility from an early age, when he had to take care of both his mother and grandmother. He had set his sights on pursuing medicine as a career, but financial limitations led him to pursue Medical Technology instead. Mr. Clarke holds the Diploma in Chemical Pathology from the Society of Medical Technologists in the United Kingdom and he is a member of the American Association of Clinical Chemists. Now at the pinnacle of his career, he accepts, with humility, the numerous accolades that have been bestowed on him by his peers and associates in the medical field.

Roy Clarke’s commitment to maintaining high, professional standards in the discipline of medical technology extends beyond his own company, and is manifested in his willingness to nurture competition and to help other practitioners to start their own labs, by providing them with chemicals, equipment… and even staff. This is, undoubtedly, the epitome of boundless generosity.

He attributes the outstanding achievements of his company to the dedication and commitment to excellence displayed by his “superb” team of employees who he describes as “a fine group of laboratory professionals and support staff. They have been instrumental in us keeping pace in this rapidly changing medical environment and earning the respect of doctors; and we continue to enjoy a tremendous amount of goodwill because of the high standards we have set and maintained.”

Two members of his immediate family, now hold the reins of the business - Audrey, his daughter who is Managing Director, and Richard, his son, who is Manager of Operations. Both of them were groomed from an early age to propel the company which has been his life, into the future; and they are building on the tradition of service that has become the hallmark of Central Medical Laboratories.

In his well-earned retirement, Roy Clarke is now conquering new horizons, which he did not have the time to explore during his 40 years of upward toil. Activities such as driving in the countryside, traveling to ‘foreign’, doing crossword puzzles, or just relaxing, are providing new perspectives for this “son of the soil.”

Tonight, it is with deep gratitude, respect and admiration that we salute this great achiever, Roy A. Clarke, for his outstanding ability, his vision, his steadfastness and commitment to excellence, his love for people and for being a leader worthy of emulation.
 

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