Haughton was raised in Mount Salem, Saint James Parish, and attended Cornwall College before earning his master's degree in economics at the University of the West Indies, Mona.
[1] Haughton taught at UWI for two years, then began doctoral studies at the University of Essex, funded by the British Commonwealth Scholarship.
[1] Upon completing his doctoral degree, Haughton resumed teaching at UWI.
[3] In January 2019, Haughton accepted a nomination as People's National Party parliamentary candidate for Saint James West Central.
[4][5] On 14 April 2019, Haughton was appointed to the Senate of Jamaica to replace Noel Sloley.