Frederick Ballantyne facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Frederick Ballantyne
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Ballantyne in 2017
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| Governor-General of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines | |
| In office 22 June 2002 – 31 July 2019 |
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| Monarch | Elizabeth II |
| Prime Minister | Ralph Gonsalves |
| Preceded by | Monica Dacon (Acting) |
| Succeeded by | Susan Dougan |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
Frederick Nathaniel Ballantyne
5 July 1936 Layou, Saint Vincent, British Windward Islands |
| Died | 23 January 2020 (aged 83) Villa, St. Vincent and the Grenadines |
| Spouse | Sally-Ann Ballantyne |
| Alma mater | Howard University (BS) State University of New York Upstate Medical University (MD) |
Sir Frederick Nathaniel Ballantyne (born July 5, 1936 – died January 23, 2020) was an important leader in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. He served as the Governor-General of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines from 2002 to 2019. Before this, he was a highly trained heart doctor, also known as a cardiologist. He also worked as the country's chief medical officer. He became Governor-General on June 22, 2002, taking over from Dame Monica Dacon.
Early Life and Medical Career
Frederick Ballantyne was born on July 5, 1936. He was the only child in his family. His father owned a small hotel, so Frederick grew up in a family that ran businesses. He was the first person in his family to go to high school.
He decided to study medicine in the United States. This was different from most people from Saint Vincent at that time, who usually studied in Britain or Canada. He first earned a degree in chemistry from Howard University in Washington, D.C. Then, he went to State University of New York Upstate Medical University in Syracuse, New York, to study medicine. He was the only Black student in his medical school class. He was elected to student government every year and became the student body president in his final year.
After finishing medical school, he trained at the Montreal General Hospital. He then completed his residency in internal medicine in Rochester, New York. After that, he did a special training called a fellowship in cardiology, which is the study of the heart.
Returning Home
When Frederick Ballantyne returned to Saint Vincent in 1971, he was the most highly trained doctor on the island. He was made chief of medicine at the new Kingstown General Hospital. This hospital is now called the Milton Cato Memorial Hospital.
He worked to improve the hospital and local health clinics. One of his first goals was to make the hospital's immunization program bigger. This program helps protect people from diseases with vaccines. He also started the Visiting Specialist Program. This program brought medical experts from other countries to volunteer in Saint Vincent's hospitals. In return, they received free places to stay at resorts.
In 1985, Ballantyne became Saint Vincent's chief medical officer. He held this important position until 1992. Even after he officially stopped practicing medicine, he continued to help as a consultant.
Other Interests
Besides his medical work, Frederick Ballantyne was also involved in several businesses. Before becoming Governor-General, he was the president of the Millennium Bank. He was also the president of Dimethaid International Inc., a company that makes medicines. He started International Business Services Limited (IBS), a company that helps with financial services. His son, Marcus, now runs this company. He also co-owned the Young Island Resort, a tourist resort near Saint Vincent.
Governor-General
Frederick Ballantyne became the Governor-General of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines on June 22, 2002. The country's prime minister, Ralph Gonsalves, chose him for this role. He took over from Dame Monica Dacon, who had been acting as Governor-General after Sir Charles Antrobus passed away.
Later in 2002, Queen Elizabeth II gave him a special honor. He was made a Knight Grand Cross of the Order of St Michael and St George. This is a very high award for people who have done great service.
In June 2009, the University of the West Indies (UWI) gave him an honorary Doctor of Science (D.Sc.) degree. This was to recognize his important contributions to the region.
