Former Jamaica Diplomat and CEO of CARICOM Development Fund Dies

KINGSTON, Jamaica – Former Jamaica diplomat and the first chief executive officer of the Barbados-based Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Development Fund (CDF), Lorne T. McDonnough, has died, his family has confirmed.

Lorne T. McDonnoughIn a statement, the family said that Ambassador McDonnough passed away “peacefully, surrounded by loved ones,” on Thursday and that they remain “immensely proud of his contributions and the legacy he leaves behind”.

No details about his death have been disclosed but the family said that funeral arrangements will be announced at a later date.

McDonnough’s diplomatic career spanned several decades, marked by significant contributions to regional integration, trade negotiations, and economic development.

He was appointed the first chief executive officer of the CARICOM Development Fund (CDF) on November 3, 2008, and guided the CDF as it implemented the multi-million dollar Country Assistance Programmes (CAPs) across eight beneficiary member states  that helped to reduce regional disparities, enhance competitiveness, and drive investment across the Caribbean.

Before his tenure at the CDF, McDonnough served Jamaica in various capacities, including High Commissioner to Trinidad and Tobago, Barbados, the Eastern Caribbean States Suriname.

He was also the country’s Permanent Representative to the Association of Caribbean States (ACS) and Deputy Permanent Representative in Jamaica’s Mission to the Organization of American States (OAS).

In 2011, he was recognised for his work by the Jamaica government when it conferred the Order of Distinction (Commander Class) for his distinguished service in regional and hemispheric affairs.

On retirement, McDonnough worked with his daughter in real estate.

He leaves to mourn his wife, Michelle Gyles McDonnough, four children, as well as his sister  Grace Lyon and foster daughter, Camille Patterson.