Family, friends, colleagues, and dignitaries gathered on Thursday at Holy Trinity Cathedral in Kingston to honor the life of the late business leader and former Group Chief Executive Officer of GraceKennedy Limited, Don Wehby.
Wehby, who passed away on July 26 at the age of 62 after a prolonged illness at the Tony Thwaites Wing of the University Hospital of the West Indies, was remembered for his leadership, contributions to national development, and devotion to family.
For 14 years, Wehby steered GraceKennedy through a period of sustained growth and global expansion, transforming the company from a Jamaican household name into a respected international conglomerate with operations across the Caribbean, North America, and Europe. He took a leave of absence from the company in October 2024 to focus on his health and officially retired in February 2025.
Beyond the private sector, Wehby served as a government senator and was Minister without Portfolio in the Ministry of Finance from 2007 to 2009 under the Bruce Golding administration. He later returned to the Senate in 2016, contributing to national policy discussions and initiatives. In recognition of his service, he was awarded the Order of Jamaica in October 2024.
A graduate of St. George’s College and a longtime supporter of cricket and horse racing, Wehby was widely admired for his humility, patriotism, and mentorship. He is survived by his wife and three children.
Prime Minister Andrew Holness, who attended the service, paid tribute to Wehby as “a great son of the soil” whose life was “devoted to service, integrity, and national development.” He lauded Wehby’s loyalty, intellect, and tireless energy, highlighting his distinguished service in the Senate, in Cabinet, on corporate boards, and within communities across Jamaica.
Holness praised Wehby’s leadership at GraceKennedy and as Chairman of JAMPRO, noting that “Don brought the same values to every role: honesty, fairness, respect, and an unshakable belief in doing what is right. His leadership was never about personal gain. It was about lifting others, advancing Jamaica’s progress, and showing that ambition and humility can walk hand in hand. In both the public and private sectors, he proved that excellence and compassion can coexist, and that patriotism is a daily commitment to act in the best interest of the country.”
The Prime Minister concluded: “We honour Don Wehby’s remarkable legacy and extend our deepest condolences to his beloved family and to the GraceKennedy family. Jamaica has lost a statesman, a businessman of the highest order, and a true patriot; his example will continue to inspire generations to come.”
The service brought together leaders from government, business, and civil society, all celebrating a life that left an indelible mark on Jamaica’s corporate and national landscape.
