The University of the West Indies (The UWI) bids farewell to Emeritus Professor of English Edward Alston Cecil Baugh.

The distinguished scholar and poet passed away on December 9, leaving an indelible mark on Caribbean literary studies.

Born in 1936 in Port Antonio, Baugh’s academic journey began at Titchfield High School and continued at the University College of the West Indies, where he earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in English in 1957. Furthering his education, he obtained an MA in English from Queens University in Canada in 1959 and a PhD from the University of Manchester in the United Kingdom in 1964.

Returning to the Caribbean, Baugh embarked on a transformative career at The UWI, contributing to the institution’s evolution over thirty-five years. As a teacher, he played a pivotal role in reshaping the curriculum, infusing it with a diverse array of national and regional literature. Baugh’s commitment to excellence extended beyond the classroom, as he served in various administrative roles, including multiple terms as head of the department and dean of his faculty.

Professor Sir Hilary Beckles, vice-chancellor of UWI, spoke eloquently of Baugh’s impact, stating, “Professor Edward Baugh blazed a trail across the cosmos of Caribbean literature, generating along the journey a silver light that illuminated paths for those around and to come.”

Baugh’s literary contributions were vast and profound, with a particular focus on Caribbean poetry. His influential survey, West Indian Poetry 1900-1970: A Study in Cultural Decolonisation, provided a roadmap for the genre’s evolution. His dedication to the symbiotic relationship between criticism and creative writing was evident in works such as Memory as Vision, the first book-length study of Derek Walcott’s poetry.

A multitalented individual, Baugh expressed his creativity through poetry, publishing three collections that showcased his lyrical and elegiac sensibility. His role extended beyond academia, as he served on various boards and committees, leaving an indelible mark on the cultural and intellectual landscape of Jamaica.

Baugh’s influence extended internationally, with invitations to lecture and read his poetry in countries around the world. His legacy lives on not only in his scholarly achievements but also in the generations of students he mentored and inspired.

The UWI community joins Professor Baugh’s family in mourning the loss of a literary giant, expressing gratitude for his profound contributions to literature, education, and the Caribbean intellectual tradition. As the university mourns, it also celebrates the life and work of Professor Edward Alston Cecil Baugh, a true luminary in the world of letters.