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A look back at the life of DK Duncan

Published:Sunday | September 20, 2020 | 6:32 AM
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Ahon Gray
ACTION: Peoples National Party General Secretary, Dr D.K. Duncan outlining the plan of action for the ensuing year at the 4th Vanguard Congress of the PNP Youth Organization at the Pegasus Hotel, New Kingston.
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ACTION: Peoples National Party General Secretary, Dr D.K. Duncan outlining the plan of action for the ensuing year at the 4th Vanguard Congress of the PNP Youth Organization at the Pegasus Hotel, New Kingston.
PRESS CONFERENCE: General Secretary of the People’s National Party Dr D.K. Duncan emphasising a point during a press conference at the party’s headquarters, Old Hope Road on Thursday, October 10, 1981. Seated (from left) are Mr Anthony Spaulding and Mi
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PRESS CONFERENCE: General Secretary of the People’s National Party Dr D.K. Duncan emphasising a point during a press conference at the party’s headquarters, Old Hope Road on Thursday, October 10, 1981. Seated (from left) are Mr Anthony Spaulding and Miss Portia Simpson, both vice-presidents of the party.
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Interview with Dr D.K. Duncan in May 1985.
Gleaner photograph
Interview with Dr D.K. Duncan in May 1985.
Gleaner photograph
COMADES IN ARMS: Prime Minister Michael Manley greeting Dr D. K. Duncan (left), MP for St Andrew East Central as he arrived on the platform at the National Arena for a conference..
Gleaner photograph
COMADES IN ARMS: Prime Minister Michael Manley greeting Dr D. K. Duncan (left), MP for St Andrew East Central as he arrived on the platform at the National Arena for a conference..
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Dr Donald Keith Duncan, who was better known as ‘D.K.’, died at the age of 80 and was considered one of Jamaica’s most radical and influential politicians. He was a two-term general secretary of the People’s National Party (PNP), a minister of national mobilisation, and a member of parliament for St Andrew East Central and Hanover Eastern. He was the national organiser of the party in 1972 before becoming general secretary in 1974.

Here are some facts about D.K. Duncan:

• He was a dentist by profession and operated a private practice in Kingston.

• His foray into politics began in 1966 when he was the PNP campaign manager in the St Ann South Western local government election. He later served as campaign manager for various candidates in the general elections of 1967 and 1972.

• Duncan was appointed minister of national mobilisation and human resource in 1977.

• He was the father of government senator Imani Duncan-Price.

• He was the father of Jamaica Money Market Brokers principals Keith Duncan and Donna Duncan-Scott.

• He was married to Beverley Anderson-Manley (Beverly Anderson Duncan).

• He was a cousin of former parliamentarian and JLP general secretary Percival Broderick.

• He played on the winning Jamaica College Sunlight Cup cricket team of 1959. That team was captained by future JLP tourism minister and current Breakfast Club host Anthony Abrahams.

Here is a pictorial tribute highlighting the life of D.K. Duncan.