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.
Kenneth Baugh | |
---|---|
Leader of the Opposition | |
In office 21 January 2005 – 24 January 2005 | |
Prime Minister | P.J. Patterson |
Preceded by | Edward Seaga |
Succeeded by | Bruce Golding |
Personal details | |
Born | Kenneth Lee O'Neil Baugh 24 February 1941 Montego Bay, Jamaica |
Died | 1 September 2019 78) | (aged
Political party | Jamaica 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 joining 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 North West St. James 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
- "Official Funeral for the Hon. Dr. Kenneth Baugh, OJ". Jamaica Information Service. 11 September 2019. Retrieved 10 May 2020.
- "Point Hill Health Centre to be renamed in honour of Dr Ken Baugh". Loop Jamaica. 9 October 2019.
- "Dionne Rose, "Baugh takes over - Will remain Opposition leader until Golding gets a seat", Jamaica Gleaner, 21 January 2005".
- "Foreign Ministry Mourns the Loss of Dr. Baugh". Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade. 3 September 2019.
- Hall, Kenneth (2012). The Pertinence of Caricom in the 21St Century: Some Perspectives. Trafford. p. 373. ISBN 978-1-4669-4147-2.
- "Former Deputy Prime Minister, Dr Ken Baugh, is dead". Loop Jamaica. 1 September 2019.
- "Former JLP MP Dr Ken Baugh has died". jamaica-gleaner.com. 1 September 2019.
- "Daughter Says Baugh Was The Gold Standard - Former Politician, Surgeon Saluted In Memorial Service". The Gleaner. 20 September 2019.