Liberian Media Holds
Exclusive Interview With
Dr. Clarence Yaskey
By
Robert Sayon Morris
Senior Political Editor
Liberian Media & Advertising Services
Dr. Clarence Yaskey
OLM Board Member
Telephone 763-458-4398
A few weeks ago, the Organization of Liberians in Minnesota held elections for Board Members and nine Liberians were elected, including Dr. Clarence Yaskey.
Recently, the Liberian Media interviewed Dr. Yaskie. In that interview, Dr. Yaskie disclosed that “The OLM has underachieved compared to other immigrant organizations. This new organizational structure places us in the position to reverse this trend and make this organization truly functional and efficient relative to the provision of basic social services to its membership.”
Below is the full text of the interview.
Liberian Media: Can you briefly tell us something about yourself for the benefit of our readers?
Dr. Yaskey: Well, I’m trained as a medical doctor. I’m a 1989 graduate of the Achilles Mario Dogliotti College of Medicine, University of Liberia. I did my internship and residency at the JFK Medical Center. I worked for Medecins sans Frontieres (“Doctors without borders”) from 1992 – 2000. I served in different capacities, including Medical Director of the Swedrelief Hospital, Project Physician and lastly headed the entire MSF Monrovia Project. I did Sports Medicine courses/training through the International Olympics Organization and FIFA. I was the Physician of the Senior National Soccer Team until I immigrated to the US. Here, I work for Ramsey County Adult Mental Health and am pursuing getting into a residency/specialization program.
Hon. John Tarley
OLM In-coming Board Chair
Liberian Media: Why did you decide to run for OLM Board?
Dr. Yaskey: The OLM is our umbrella organization in this state and it behooves all of us to contribute our time, talent and treasures to the pursuit of its Goals and Vision. I intend to use my presence on the Board to work with other Directors and articulate the dreams/aspirations of the membership, ensure that basic social services are accessible to the membership, and supervise the transformation of this organization into a functional service-oriented organization.
Liberian Media: You are now a Board Member. How do you feel?
Dr. Yaskey: This opportunity comes with a lot of hope on the part of the membership and the enormity of the task ahead is certainly not lost on me. I appreciate that so much confidence has been reposed in my ability to serve and I intend to measure up to the challenges inherent in transforming this organization into one we all can be proud of. I do assure all Liberians resident in Minnesota that I will strive to ensure that we break the yoke of been perennial underachievers compared to other immigrant populations and communities. It is high time that the OLM takes it rightful place amongst other immigrant communities and I intend to work to achieve that milestone.
Liberian Media: During the Board election, you ran for the Chairmanship. Why did you want to be chair?
Dr. Yaskey: Leadership is a call to service and a leader must always be willing to take up the challenge. I was approached by many persons to consider going for the Chairmanship and I consented due to my drive to give back to this community. I am of the conviction that this platform would have afforded me the vantage point to harness my managerial skills and fashion a direction for the Board in the next 3 years. I bring a peculiar set of skills to the position and a record of leadership excellence. Nonetheless, I have always been able to work with individuals from diverse backgrounds and I remain committed to working with my fellow Board Members. I do owe no less to all who have reposed so much confidence in my ability.
Liberian Media: Why did you lose the election?
Dr. Yaskey: An election is about people having the opportunity to make a choice. The members of the Board, by their votes, registered their choice of leadership. We all have to respect and protect their right to choose their leader. I make the assumption that their votes clearly indicate what direction they want to chart for the OLM.
Liberian Media: Since your defeat, has your enthusiasm diminished? Why?
Dr. Yaskey: Certainly not! I have never been defined by a position. I am who I am and a position can’t and will never define by capabilities. I have a desire to provide service to this community and will do so with or without a position on the board. We have work to be done and let’s hunker down and get to business.
Liberian Media: What is your perception of the Organization of Liberians in Minnesota (OLM)?
Dr. Yaskey: The OLM has underachieved compared to other immigrant organizations. This new organizational structure places us in the position to reverse this trend and make this organization truly functional and efficient relative to the provision of basic social services to its membership. We have a momentous opportunity to address the many social issues confronting our members, re-energize the participation of the members, and ignite their sense of ownership in the OLM. This Board has to seize this opportunity and maximize the goodwill of our friends and partners.
Liberian Media: In five years, where do you hope to see OLM?
Dr. Yaskey: There is infinite promise out there of how much we can accomplish as a community. The onus is on us to craft the OLM into a truly non-profit organization providing services and liaising with partners to address issues of importance to our stay in the US. We need to galvanize our collective resources to influence immigration reform, ensure increased educational/vocational opportunities and device programs tailored to meet the needs of our elderly, offer day-care opportunities to working parents, and acquire a safe environment for after-school programs for our children. The OLM has the capacity to achieve all of this in the next 5 years.
Liberian Media: What message do you have for your fellow Liberians?
Dr. Yaskey: My message is a simple on. This organization belongs to us all. Only we can make it what we desire, so we need to come together and work to fashion it into the OLM of our dreams. We need your participation and contribution. The time to stay away is passed, come and join in the work…..there is work to be done and we need each and every one of you.
