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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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