Ormiston Arnold “Ken” Boyea: A Life of Business and Politics

Early Life and Career

Prominent businessman and former legislator Ormiston Arnold “Ken” Boyea has died at 87. Boyea, a first cousin of Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves, died at his home in Prospect after a period of ill health.

Political Career

He was elected a member of parliament for Central Kingstown on the now-ruling Unity Labour Party (ULP) ticket in 1998 and served on the opposition benches until 2001. However, by 2001, Boyea had fallen out with the ULP and founded the People’s Progressive Movement (PPPM). The PM contested the general election that year but failed to win a seat, receiving 2.6 percent of the popular votes.

Business Career

However, Boyea enjoyed more success in business. The trained engineer served as the chief engineer at St. Vincent Electricity Services (VINLEC) when the Commonwealth Development Corporation (CDC) owned the lone electricity company. He later managed the East Caribbean Flour Mills (ECFM) but that relationship ended sourly, with Boyea later suing the company for wrongful dismissal.

KFC Franchise

Boyea brought the KFC franchise to St. Vincent and the Grenadines in 1986 and held it until 2015, when the restaurant closed after months of customer complaints about the food quality. Boyea blamed the delay in the ULP’s promised new city at Arnos Vale for the closure of KFC, an assertion that Gonsalves rejected. The businessman invested EC$16 million in a new building at Arnos Vale that housed a KFC restaurant. The KFC franchise has since been awarded to a new entity.

Awards and Recognition

Boyea was the first-ever Ernst and Young Entrepreneur of the Year for Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean and the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Entrepreneur of the Year in 1996. He also represented country cricket and was a national lawn tennis doubles champion (in partnership with Allie Lynch).

Conclusion

Ken Boyea’s life was marked by both business and political success, as well as controversy. His legacy will be remembered in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, where he played a significant role in shaping the country’s business and political landscape.

FAQs

Q: What was Ken Boyea’s political career like?
A: Boyea was a member of parliament for Central Kingstown on the Unity Labour Party (ULP) ticket from 1998 to 2001 and later founded the People’s Progressive Movement (PPPM).

Q: What was Ken Boyea’s business career like?
A: Boyea had a successful business career, serving as the chief engineer at St. Vincent Electricity Services (VINLEC) and managing the East Caribbean Flour Mills (ECFM). He also brought the KFC franchise to St. Vincent and the Grenadines in 1986.

Q: Why did the KFC franchise close in 2015?
A: Boyea blamed the delay in the ULP’s promised new city at Arnos Vale for the closure of KFC, an assertion that Gonsalves rejected.