The University of the West Indies (UWI) has posthumously conferred the degree of Doctor of Laws (honoris causa) on the late Honourable Don Wehby, recognising his far-reaching contributions to business, sports and national development.
The award was presented last Saturday during UWI’s graduation ceremony for the Mona School of Business and Management (MSBM) and the Faculty of Sport. Wehby’s daughter, Stephanie Wehby, accepted the honour on his behalf.
In a media release, UWI described the award as a tribute to Wehby’s “meteoric” impact across multiple sectors and his enduring commitment to Jamaica. The citation was delivered by UWI public orator Dr Peter Glegg, who hailed Wehby as a “proud son of the soil” and a “true legend” whose professional success was matched by a deep sense of national purpose.
“Chancellor, this powering and benevolent spirit of Don Wehby had a vision for Jamaican youth that through education, there was a power to improve their lives,” Dr Glegg said. “He demonstrated this through the numerous scholarships granted to high school and university students. He believed in the institution of The University of the West Indies as a cornerstone of learning in the Caribbean.”
Wehby, who served for many years as group chief executive officer of GraceKennedy Limited, was also praised for his transformative leadership in the private sector. Under his stewardship, the company’s Financial Services Division recorded significant growth, with profits increasing from $280 million to $1.4 billion over a five-year period.
Beyond his corporate achievements, the citation offered a more personal portrait of Wehby as a devoted family man who cherished time at Silver Sands beach and maintained a lifelong, lighthearted love for Disney World.
UWI said the conferral of the Doctor of Laws (honoris causa) represents the institution’s highest honour and reflects a life defined by service, integrity and action, noting that Wehby “walked the walk” in every sphere he touched.
Wehby took a leave of absence from GraceKennedy in October 2024 for health reasons and later resigned from the Jamaica Senate in November 2024 to prioritise his recovery. He died on July 26, 2025, at the age of 62.
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