14 Facts About Frederick Ballantyne

Frederick Ballantyne succeeded Dame Monica Dacon, who had been acting in the position after the death of Charles Antrobus.

Frederick Ballantyne's father owned a small hotel, and he has described himself as "from a business family".

Frederick Ballantyne completed an initial degree in chemistry at Howard University, and then went on to the SUNY Upstate Medical University to study medicine.

The "sole black individual" enrolled in the medical school, Frederick Ballantyne was elected to student government in every year of his degree, and in his final year was elected student body president.

Frederick Ballantyne interned in at the Montreal General Hospital after graduation, and then completed his residency in internal medicine in Rochester, New York, followed by a fellowship in cardiology.

Frederick Ballantyne was consequently appointed chief of medicine at the newly constructed Kingstown General Hospital.

Frederick Ballantyne oversaw upgrades in the facilities of both the hospital and regional health clinics, with one of his first priorities being to expand the hospital's immunisation program.

Frederick Ballantyne instituted the hospital's Visiting Specialist Program, which recruited overseas medical specialists to volunteer in Saint Vincent's hospitals in exchange for free accommodation in the country's resorts.

In 1985, Frederick Ballantyne was appointed Saint Vincent's chief medical officer, serving in the position until 1992.

Frederick Ballantyne remained involved in medicine after his official retirement from practising, in a consulting role.

Outside of his career in the medical field, Frederick Ballantyne had business interests in several other areas.

Frederick Ballantyne was the founder of International Business Services Limited, a financial services provider now run by his son, Marcus, and a co-owner of the Young Island Resort, a tourist resort on a small island off Saint Vincent's southern coast.

Frederick Ballantyne was sworn in as Governor-General of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines on 22 June 2002, having been nominated to the position by the country's prime minister, Ralph Gonsalves.

Frederick Ballantyne replaced Dame Monica Dacon, who had been acting governor-general since the death of Sir Charles Antrobus in 3 June 2002.