Former Government minister and environmentalist Atherton Martin has described the late Dr. Bernard Yankey as someone who was misunderstood and underappreciated.
Martin, who was a friend and colleague of the former Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) High Commissioner to Canada, said that Yankey was one who constantly made himself available to serve his country, but was often not fully appreciated for his efforts.
Yankey succumbed to injuries he sustained from a car accident on Tuesday.
“As I think, Dr Yankey is probably a misunderstood individual. Certainly an individual in my view who is underappreciated I believe he attempted and continued to attempt to make himself available. His thoughts available, his energy available to the country and I think he was often not fully appreciated for the value and the wealth of information and the knowledge that he was able to bring,” Martin said.
“It is unfortunate that it is only often the death of an individual that causes us to reflect on the fullness of his contribution I certainly knew of his invaluable contribution throughout the life that I knew him,” he added.
Martin believes that Yankey, who is also a former agriculture director, would want him to urge Dominicans to appreciate each other despite differences.
“We need to learn that everyone is different and is unique and certainly doctor Bernard Yankey was a unique individual in many many,many ways and we need to have respect for each other even when we are on different sides of issues and I think he would be one who would argue strongly for the right of every individual to hold unto and defend their position. He certainly has left an indelible mark on my life,” he said.
Dr. Yankey was a community oriented person, whom Martin viewed as someone who was setting a pace and direction for commitment to community. “That we thought was really very interesting and impressive. Here was someone who on top of his strong achievements academically, still took time for sports, still took time for culture, took time to volunteer.”
He is convinced that Yankey is an exemplary individual.
LIFE is certain Death is sure! who would believe it. i gave him a hug earlier last week after a long time. I will certainly miss u when i return to work.
May ur soul rest in peace.
Most of the people shedding tears and talking sweet about Mr Yankey are a bunch of HYPOCRITES. They had noting good to say about the man. Now hear them we, sackway HYPOCRITES. Yanks you resting in peace. I still wish the family would bury the man in secret, I don’t think allu need to see dem Hypocrites at his funeral.
@Eugenia Jolly:
What more can be said. Yankey B was always a quiet person through his school days and as an adult a person who would not seek any unnecessary publicity. It must be said also, he was good at what he was involved in, and there were MANY
——–YOUR SOUL WILL REST IN PEACE——–
I do agree with the fake “George Bush”. Why wasn’t this article written before Dr. Yankee died?
While I believe what Mr. Martin wrote may be true, obviously I know very little about Dr. Yankee
and his contributions to Dominica since I left Dominica in the early 90’s, but he should have gotten his “flowers” while he was alive, not now!
All I can is WOW. The man is paying tribute and that is all you peopel can say?. no reason why the chinese just kicking all you around in DA. What ignorance; to the tenth degree
Arthie Martin who knew Dr. Bernard Yankey and his works is correct. I do not doubt him at all. Please do not criticize him for speaking the truth. There are some people, wherever we reside, who do not want to hear the truth. Let the truth be told and let it prevail. Give Dr. Yankey his dues as he greatly deserves!
When I read the article I agreed with Arthie. Generally, when someone dies good things are stated about them. This is typical of some people. You can do all the good to them; going out of your way, cheerfully and patiently, giving your all, taking an interest in them and they appear not to care less. This is depicted in their attitude which they cannot hide. You may be fortunate if you get a thank you. Have we all not experienced this at some time or the other? Some of us could write a book about our experiences.
When people are alive it may be the opposite. As the saying: “Send me no flowers when I’m gone. Give it to me when I am alive.”
Bernard Yankey, a man of his calibre who has done his utmost to assist D/ca of all should have been more appreciated. He could have done as many others, reside overseas and never return to D/ca. A son of the soil, who loved his country and its people, he chose to return to his land of birth. This should tell us something.
I have known Bernard since childhood and so do members of my family. Even though as one who resides overseas – Toronto, I have not seen him for a few years it has not diminished my feelings and what I know of him.
Bernard was a friendly and kind person. I am certain that if people needed his help, he would have eagerly assisted them. I also viewed him as a respectable person and a gentleman. The world could do with some respectable gentlemen as he.
After I heard of his passing, I reflected about him and the following came to my mind. Some years ago I met him at a function. I said to him: “Hello ‘Dr.’ Yankey”. He said to me: “Pas fais moin sa.” Hope I spelt this correctly. I am not good at writing our patois. I laughed. I knew what he meant: “call me by my name; we are not strangers.” This is humility and not seeking compliments, recognition and rewards.
He was also a hospitable person. I have had the opportunity of being at his home both in Barbados and Ottawa where he previously resided. Both times I appreciated his hospitality and that of his wife. To me, he was also a humble person. He deserved all the respect and appreciation while he was alive and deserves it in death. Let us not deprive him of that.
As D/cans and other who knew him, I am deeply saddened of his passing. Yes! Dominica has lost “A Great One”. I do hope, in time, a street or building, etc. will be named in honor of him. At least, this is one of the best gestures which Dominica could give him. Dominica must recognize those who have contributed their time and effort in whatever manner.
My heartfelt sympathy goes out to Bernard’s wife, Julietta (Juliette as her family lovingly call her) and Juliette’s family. I visualize the grief that they are presently experiencing.
Juliette and myself were in the same form at the Convent High School. Therefore, I have also known her for years.
Also, my sympathy goes out to all Dominican residents and those Dominicans overseas who specifically knew Bernard. We all grieve with his family.
Dr. Bernard Yankey, rest in peace. God has called you home to rest from your works. In his eyes, your work on earth is accomplished. You will be remembered by all those who knew and loved you, never to be forgotten.
Eternal rest grant unto Bernard, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him. May he rest in peace. Amen!
tout temps nomme la te vivant, zor par tay nee aryen bon pour diye, atrellement e mort say un defaywan parler. eh ben zor domnichen zor par a-zay. If he was my father i would have a real private funeral/ interment for him. And i mean real private, not like the funeral of mamo dat was ‘private but Govt and all kind of people still get to mess with it. I would bury him without people even know.
all the people who disagree with arthie mybe his coment will help u embrace and appreciate the good people around u before they die
this is just the reponse of the very BACKWARD dummincans Mr Matin was just saying it as it is ,plez give him a break.
Paying homage to an indomitable man. Well done Arthie.
athie wrote nothing he spoke to someone and the story was written he was asked to comment on the matter to bring to light some of Docs Achievement and that’s what he did so stop the bashing of the mans character he did
why people say good things about people when they die why not alive i beleave he was a good man r.i.p doc. great citizen may god open heaven gate for you r.i p. blesed love .
Thanks Mr.Martin for your kind words and paying respect to a great Dominican.
homey we all know why he wasn’t liked …
i mean we’re not ignorant are we?
….
RIP SIr
Boy you people never cease to amaze me.
The man is paying tribute to a citizen who in his opinion did great things for his community, country and you berate him for that?
Come on people, you have a brain, use it
Arthie sit down please. Sit down! you always look for an opportunity to talk. Enough! let the man RIP. He served on many organisations locally, regionally and internationally. He was appreciated, stop the division. Sit down Arthie.
Noticing Arthie want
Why is it that people must use other persons death as an opportunity to dance in the eyes of the public? Mr. Martin please grow up! I do not see your views as being necessary, they are only self-serving. Why do your write this now? Why did you not write this when he was alive?
come on the man is dead why now after he die leave that alone and find something better to do with your time