National award for Jamaica Red Cross DG

Ask Yvonne Clarke what she did before she worked with the Jamaica Red Cross, she won’t have anything to tell you because it has literally been her life.

“I started work as a youth volunteer from primary school so I’ve always been involved with the movement,” she recalls. She soon represented Jamaica as one of our first members at a youth conference.

She became youth director in 1968 and has made several presentations on youth internationally and has received training in this and other areas.

Whether it’s seeking volunteers or coordinating a disaster relief effort, she knows it all. She has always had a soft spot for the youth, including the creation of camps for the disabled and mentally challenged.

For her years of service to the Red Cross and Jamaica, she received the Order of Distinction, Officer Class.

The movement has grown since she joined years ago. “We had a staff of about four persons. The challenges were many and resulted in us working long hours which are habits we have since inculcated,” she laughs. Now she has a staff of about 40 persons not including volunteers.

Persons question what the Red Cross does outside of natural disasters. It’s a stigma she tries to clarify.

Daily Programmes

“We have daily programmes including taking welfare to persons in need; working with the vulnerable like children on the streets and the elderly,” she points out.

Helping others has always been her motivation and she readily recalls two cases that left inerasable images in her mind.

A mother wanted to visit her dying son in the United States and through the work of the Red Cross she was able to visit and cared for him before he passed. Then there was a young woman trying to find her father after 20 years.

“When we contacted him, if that man could jump through the telephone and come from Montego Bay, he would have,” her eyes twinkled in reminiscence. Soon after father and daughter were united, he escorted her down the aisle.

“Those kinds of things are hidden that people would not realize that the Red Cross does”, she points out.

Her work has taken her all over the world. Often wading through mud and dirt with backpack, sleeping on cots and literally rolling up sleeves, she’s been there.

In Jamaica, hurricane Gilbert was one event that produced many challenges. As Director General, the criticisms of the Red Cross fell on her, but she stood tall, earning the respect of all.

One person who can’t sing her praise enough is her deputy Lois Hue who has been through the long nights with her. They remember times when the resources were low and they had to release staff.

The extra work never fazed Clarke. “She was doing what she liked doing and instilled this in a lot of people; even if she doesn’t get paid for it. I am a proud product of that; one of those who can say that she taught me well,” Mrs. Hue remarked.

She spoke of her colleague and friend’s devotion to old people and her expertise in the sewing room and kitchen while Ms. Clarke hung her head in mock embarrassment.

Mrs. Hue has to say these things because Ms. Clarke never would; she’s too modest.

Ms. Clarke has never married and has no children; at least, no biological ones. She takes pride in seeing some of the volunteers she recruited playing their role in nation building. She’s been offered jobs elsewhere but remains in Jamaica.

“I will go to any part of Jamaica even the inner-city because those are the people we are here for. These are the people we want to work with to help to develop themselves,” she reasons.

With all she’s done, the whole topic of national recognition doesn’t bother her. “I just figure that the Red Cross allows me to live and to do things which I am here to do; to serve people and to serve and praise God.”