Jamaica and the diaspora is mourning the lack of considered one of its most revered enterprise leaders and public servants. Don Wehby, former Group CEO of GraceKennedy Restricted and a former Authorities Senator, passed away Saturday evening on the Tony Thwaites Wing of the College Hospital of the West Indies. He was 62.
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Wehby, who had taken a medical depart from GraceKennedy in October 2024 earlier than retiring formally in February, died following a protracted sickness. A priest administered the final rites shortly after 6 p.m., together with his household by his facet.
His demise has sparked a wave of tributes from throughout Jamaica’s political, company, and athletic circles, underscoring the breadth of his affect and the respect he commanded.
A legacy of integrity and repair
Chief of Authorities Enterprise within the Senate, Senator Kamina Johnson Smith, mirrored on Wehby’s character and contributions: “Whether or not it was a problem within the Senate or a matter associated to the Diaspora, and even steerage on wider issues associated to the intersection between authorities and the personal sector, you can at all times rely on Don for assist and nicely thought out views,” she stated. “He actually lived his perception in nation over all else.”
Senate President Tom Tavares Finson echoed the sentiment, noting, “Don’s contribution to debates within the Senate have been at all times impactful, sober and incisive. Above all, he was an honest human being who operated with integrity, compassion and a honest dedication to the development of Jamaica.”
Wehby’s passing, he added, leaves “an amazing sense of loss.”
His loss additionally resonated within the diaspora. Jamaican-American enterprise lawyer Marlon Hill additionally paid tribute, writing on Instagram: “My deepest condolences to the prolonged @gracekennedygrp @gracefoodsusa household on the lack of our enterprise mentor buddy, and patriot, 🇯🇲Hon Don Wehby, O.J. I really cherished your mentorship, inspiration and love over time. From one Georgian @stgc_official to a different, you’ll by no means ever stroll good alone.”
Company large and nationalist
On the helm of GraceKennedy for over a decade, Wehby was extensively credited with modernizing and increasing the long-lasting Jamaican conglomerate. GraceKennedy, in a press release, described him as “a outstanding chief who embodied selfless service, unwavering integrity, and a deep love for his household, GraceKennedy, and his beloved homeland, Jamaica.”
The corporate added: “His visionary management and dedication to nation-building have left a permanent mark on our firm and nation.”
Prime Minister Andrew Holness additionally paid tribute, calling Wehby “a visionary chief” and “deeply principled.”
Athletic world pays tribute
Observe and area icon and Grace Meals Model Ambassador Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce described Wehby as “transformational,” saying, “To know Don was to witness grace and grit in good steadiness. He was the type of chief who made you’re feeling seen, valued, and able to extra.”
Their relationship started as a company partnership, however advanced right into a deeper connection rooted in shared values. “He poured every little thing he was—his mind, his ardour, his integrity—into uplifting this nation and everybody round him,” she stated.
Below his management, GraceKennedy deepened its funding in sports activities, turning into a key supporter of Jamaican athletics via sponsorships, youth applications, and long-standing partnerships with occasions just like the ISSA/GraceKennedy Boys and Women’ Championships.
Survived by family members
Don Wehby is survived by his spouse Hilary, his kids Nicholas, Stephanie, and Abigail, and a large circle of colleagues, pals, and admirers. As Jamaica continues to replicate on his passing, many agree: his legacy is firmly etched into the nation’s story.
“Stroll good, my buddy,” Fraser-Pryce stated. “You ran your race with distinction.”
