Kenneth Baugh

Kenneth Lee O'Neil Baugh, OJ (24 February 1941 – 1 September 2019) was a Jamaican politician and surgeon. A member of the Jamaica Labour Party, he served as Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, and Minister of Health.

Not to be confused with Kenneth Branagh.

Dr. The Honourable

Kenneth Baugh

OJ
Leader of the Opposition
In office
21 January 2005 – 24 January 2005
Prime MinisterP.J. Patterson
Preceded byEdward Seaga
Succeeded byBruce Golding
Personal details
Born
Kenneth Lee O'Neil Baugh

(1941-02-24)24 February 1941
Montego Bay, Jamaica
Died1 September 2019(2019-09-01) (aged 78)
Political partyJamaica Labour Party

Early life

Kenneth Lee O'Neil Baugh was born on 24 February 1941 in Montego Bay, St. James, Jamaica. He attended Cornwall College and the University of the West Indies. Before entering politics, Baugh worked as a surgeon and Senior Medical Officer at the Cornwall Regional Hospital.[1][2]

Career

Baugh served as general secretary and chairman of the Jamaica Labour Party.[3] He represented Saint James North Western as a Member of Parliament from 1980 to 1987, then as a senator from 1989 to 1993. From 1997 till his retirement in 2016, Baugh was a Member of Parliament for West Central St. Catherine.[1] Baugh also held various ministerial portfolios, including Minister of Health (1980–1989) and Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade (2007–2011).[4][2] In his first speech at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), Baugh "lustily condemned" how the European Union negotiated the Economic Partnership Agreements (EPA).[5]

Later years and death

Baugh retired from politics in 2015 due to ill health.[6] He had brain surgery later that year.[6] Baugh died on 1 September 2019 from a long illness at the age of 78.[6][7] A state funeral for Baugh was approved by the Cabinet of Jamaica on 9 September.[1] The service was held at the University Chapel at The University of the West Indies in Mona, St. Andrews.[8]

Recognition

In 2016, Baugh was awarded the Order of Jamaica for his political contributions to Jamaica.[8] In October 2019, following Baugh's death, the Point Hill Medical Centre was renamed after him.[2]

References
  1. "Official Funeral for the Hon. Dr. Kenneth Baugh, OJ". Jamaica Information Service. 11 September 2019. Retrieved 10 May 2020.
  2. "Point Hill Health Centre to be renamed in honour of Dr Ken Baugh". Loop Jamaica. 9 October 2019.
  3. "Dionne Rose, "Baugh takes over - Will remain Opposition leader until Golding gets a seat", Jamaica Gleaner, 21 January 2005".
  4. "Foreign Ministry Mourns the Loss of Dr. Baugh". Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade. 3 September 2019.
  5. Hall, Kenneth (2012). The Pertinence of Caricom in the 21St Century: Some Perspectives. Trafford. p. 373. ISBN 978-1-4669-4147-2.
  6. "Former Deputy Prime Minister, Dr Ken Baugh, is dead". Loop Jamaica. 1 September 2019.
  7. "Former JLP MP Dr Ken Baugh has died". jamaica-gleaner.com. 1 September 2019.
  8. "Daughter Says Baugh Was The Gold Standard - Former Politician, Surgeon Saluted In Memorial Service". The Gleaner. 20 September 2019.
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