The College of the West Indies (UWI) pays tribute to 2 excellent Jamaicans this yr—reggae icon Marcia Griffiths and the late enterprise government Don Wehby—throughout its 2025 commencement ceremonies.
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Griffiths, celebrated globally because the “Queen of Reggae,” can be conferred with the honorary Physician of Letters (DLitt) on the Mona Campus between October 30 and November 1.
“Over the course of 60 years within the music business, Marcia has recorded nineteen solo albums, 5 duet albums (with Bob Andy), and quite a few collaborations, together with the Penthouse Data hits like I Shall Sing and Fireplace Burning. Her skill to adapt to altering occasions has secured her longevity in a aggressive business,” UWI mentioned.
Her contributions have been recognised with prime nationwide honours: the Order of Jamaica (OJ) in 2023, the Commander Class distinction in 2014, and the Order of Distinction (OD) in 1994. These accolades spotlight her position as each a cultural ambassador and a pioneering lady in reggae.
The late Don Wehby, who passed away in July 2025, can be posthumously awarded the Physician of Legal guidelines (LLD). A transformational chief in enterprise and public service, Wehby is remembered for his decades-long tenure at GraceKennedy Restricted, the place he rose to turn out to be Group Chief Govt Officer. His legacy contains championing company social accountability, fostering youth improvement via sports activities, and advancing Jamaica’s financial footprint each regionally and internationally.
Wehby’s contributions have been extensively honoured. In 2015, he grew to become the primary Jamaican to obtain the Worldwide Entrepreneur of the 12 months Award from the Younger Caribbean Skilled Community. In the identical yr, he was additionally the youngest recipient of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Jamaica’s Distinguished Member Award. In 2020, he was awarded the Caribbean American Heritage Award for Excellent Company Citizenship. In recognition of his enterprise and entrepreneurial management, in 2017, he obtained the Order of Distinction (Commander Class), and in 2024, he was elevated to the Order of Jamaica (OJ).
The College of the West Indies says, “This yr’s honorary graduands characterize a various vary of professions, every bringing a long time of expertise and impactful contributions in fields equivalent to Music, Agriculture, Faith, Science and Analysis, and Aviation. The UWI Council authorised the choice to honour these people, reflecting the establishment’s dedication to celebrating excellence and innovation.”
Under is the entire record of the 2025 honorary graduands.
5 Islands Campus – October 11
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- Professor Paget Henry – Caribbean Philosophy, Sociology and Political Thought – LLD
Cave Hill Campus – October 18
- Lyndon Gardiner – Aviation Sector and Regional Improvement – LLD
- Pierce Antonio Rudder – “Culturepreneur”- musician, cultural administrator, and entrepreneur – DLitt
St Augustine Campus – October 23 to 25
- Mungal Patasar – Musician and Composer – DLitt
- Professor Niranjan Kissoon – International Well being and Medication – DSc
- Nigel Lewis Romano – Chartered Accountant – LLD
Mona Campus – October 30 to November 1
- The Late Honourable Donald Wehby-OJ, CD, Enterprise Govt – LLD
- Marcia Griffiths-Music, Tradition, and the Empowerment of Ladies – DLitt
- Bishop Robert Clarke – Preservation of the Revival Custom – DLitt
- Professor Gene D. Morse – Professor of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Science – DSc
International Campus – November 8
- Sir Calixte George – Agricultural Guide, Telecommunications, Former Minister of Authorities – LLD
