Don Wehby, a towering determine in Jamaica’s company and public life, has died. He was 62.
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Wehby handed away Saturday night on the Tony Thwaites Wing of the College Hospital of the West Indies after a chronic sickness. A priest administered the final rites shortly after 6 p.m., together with his household by his facet.
His passing marks the top of a rare life dedicated to nationwide growth, company excellence, and public service.
For 14 years, Wehby led GraceKennedy as Group CEO, steering considered one of Jamaica’s most recognizable corporations by way of a interval of sustained development and world enlargement. He took a depart of absence from the publish in October 2024, citing well being causes. His retirement was officially effective in February of this yr.
Below his management, GraceKennedy expanded its footprint throughout the Caribbean, North America, and Europe—reworking from a Jamaican family identify right into a globally revered conglomerate.
Prime Minister Andrew Holness paid tribute to Wehby in a press release Saturday evening, describing him as “a visionary chief” and “deeply principled.”
“His transformational management helped information GraceKennedy’s enlargement into regional and world markets,” Holness mentioned. “Don was identified not only for his skilled excellence however for his character—variety, gracious, and unwaveringly dedicated to Jamaica’s future.”
Wehby’s service prolonged past the non-public sector. He was appointed a authorities senator and served as Minister with out Portfolio within the Ministry of Finance from 2007 to 2009 underneath the Bruce Golding administration. He later returned to the Senate in 2016, persevering with to supply steering and assist for nationwide coverage.
In recognition of his distinctive service, Wehby was awarded the Order of Jamaica in October 2024. A proud graduate of St. George’s School and a longtime supporter of cricket and horse racing, he was extensively admired for his humility, patriotism, and mentorship.
Wehby is survived by his spouse and three kids.
“His passing is an amazing loss for his loving household, for the colleagues and communities he uplifted, and for the nation he so passionately served. However Don Wehby’s legacy endures, within the lives he mentored, within the establishments he helped construct, and within the beliefs he championed,” Prime Minister Holness mentioned.
“To his household, your loss is deeply felt. To the employees of GraceKennedy, his fellow policymakers, and the numerous college students, entrepreneurs, and residents who seemed to him for management, I do know your sorrow. Might you discover solace within the numerous methods he made Jamaica higher. Might his reminiscence endlessly be a blessing, and will his legacy proceed to encourage us to serve with goal, integrity, and love.”
