“A Statesman par Excellence”
The Honourable Dr. Kenneth Baugh was appointed Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade in September 2007. The Ministry staff recalls that in his initial months, he underscored that he was a reluctant Foreign Minister as his first passion was for public health issues, given his training and lifelong service as a medical doctor.
His four-year journey with the Ministry however proved indisputably that he possessed the flexibility, the understanding, and the aptitude to rise to any challenge, especially if it would redound to nation-building and enhance the quality of life for Jamaicans. He was constantly learning and embracing the new issues that arose, giving a fresh perspective on complex international matters that needed resolution. His keen interest and dedication to the assignment ensured that he quickly developed expertise in the area and represented Jamaica well on the international stage.
As we would recall, at the time of his assumption of the role of Foreign Minister, the global community was embarking on a recession, with the trading environment being particularly adversely affected especially for small island economies such as Jamaica. During that challenging period, Minister Baugh ably led the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade through its engagement with development partners and relevant multilateral institutions. Through his pragmatic and calm but firm disposition, Jamaica was able to launch a strong defence and weather the worst of the crisis, without prejudice to the fulfilment of its international obligations.
His tenure in office will be especially remembered for his engagement in international fora and his strong advocacy for the case for the development of friendly relations among nations; the maintenance of international peace and security; the achievement of international cooperation in economic, social, cultural and humanitarian fields; and the promotion of human rights and fundamental freedoms and not least of all the critical issue of sustainable development, including climate change.
The Foreign Trade portfolio, in which he had a particular interest, was a new landscape for him but he leaned heavily on the professionals in the Foreign Service, valuing and trusting their advice. This was a time also when there were heightened disputes over commodities such as sugar and bananas – commodities that comprised Jamaica’s primary exports to European market. His leadership and stout defence of the sugar quotas for the Caribbean through lobbying efforts in London will long be remembered.
His defence of the nation’s wider international interests, both locally and internationally, was equally strong. During his visits to capitals overseas, he would use the opportunity to meet with businessmen in the Diaspora encouraging them to take advantage of the provisions for increasing exports of Jamaican products into the markets in the countries where they reside.
It was under Minister Baugh’s diligent and astute leadership that Jamaica signed the Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) with the European Union in October 2008 that allowed for duty-free quota-free market access for goods from CARIFORUM countries. The EPA negotiations were, admittedly, challenging for a small country such as Jamaica, but under his steady hand and guidance, we were able to persevere to the final outcome.
On the regional front, Minister Baugh supported the initiatives aimed at strengthening intra-CARICOM Trade through the implementation of the CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME), as well as enhanced trade with South America, especially with countries such as Brazil.
In regional negotiations where the mood could be contentious at times, Minister Baugh exuded calm and patience and was often the peacemaker calling for a united vision. His mediation and conflict resolution skills were outstanding and he always was the clear voice of reason and logic.
Minister Baugh is also remembered as being forward-thinking in his ideas. It was under his stewardship that the Ministry began the review of its National Trade Policy in 2011 which seeks to modernise Jamaica’s outlook on how to capitalise on the benefits of the global trading environment. The new Foreign Trade Policy has since been adopted in 2017.
As the current Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, I feel an awareness and sensitivity to his legacy. I feel a deep sense of privilege to have known him personally and to have worked with him outside of the Ministry’s purview. I also feel honoured by the fact that my father served the Ministry under Minister Baugh’s stewardship – they shared great personal and professional respect for each other. In addition to his portfolio responsibilities, Minister Baugh will be remembered for his integrity, humanity, compassion, generosity of spirit, and his deep interest in and care for the staff of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade and their welfare. In brief, he was viewed and will be remembered by us all, and indeed beyond our borders, as a Jamaican statesman par excellence.
