Cricket West Indies mourns the passing of Governance Luminary Don Wehby
Key Points(5)
- JOHN’S, Antigua –</strong> He never wielded a bat nor bowled a ball in maroon, yet Don Wehby’s name is etched among the architects of modern West Indies cricket.
- Cricket West Indies (CWI), in an outpouring of respect and sorrow, has paid tribute to Wehby’s unwavering commitment to the region’s most cherished sport, following his passing.
- A visionary leader, corporate titan, and faithful fan, Wehby brought to West Indies cricket not the roar of the crowd, but the quiet conviction of a man who believed deeply in the game’s promise—and in the structures needed to sustain it.
- Chairing the CWI Governance Reform Task Force, Wehby authored the 2020 Wehby Report—a pivotal document that laid out a bold, consultative roadmap for modernizing cricket governance across the region.
- His leadership was rooted in the belief that “governance was not about control, but about stewardship,” serving the dreams of every young boy or girl who watched the maroon with wonder.
ST. JOHN’S, Antigua – He never wielded a bat nor bowled a ball in maroon, yet Don Wehby’s name is etched among the architects of modern West Indies cricket.
Cricket West Indies (CWI), in an outpouring of respect and sorrow, has paid tribute to Wehby’s unwavering commitment to the region’s most cherished sport, following his passing.
A visionary leader, corporate titan, and faithful fan, Wehby brought to West Indies cricket not the roar of the crowd, but the quiet conviction of a man who believed deeply in the game’s promise—and in the structures needed to sustain it.
A steward of purpose and principle
In a heartfelt statement, CWI acknowledged Wehby’s indelible contributions, describing him as someone who "never walked onto a cricket field in maroon, but carried West Indies cricket in his heart."
“He was the definition of a true fan; loyal in spirit, unwavering in belief, and committed not just to the glory of the past, but to the possibilities of the future,” the statement read.
Chairing the CWI Governance Reform Task Force, Wehby authored the 2020 Wehby Report—a pivotal document that laid out a bold, consultative roadmap for modernizing cricket governance across the region. His leadership was rooted in the belief that “governance was not about control, but about stewardship,” serving the dreams of every young boy or girl who watched the maroon with wonder.
A voice of conscience, a force for reform
President of CWI, Dr. Kishore Shallow, captured the quiet dignity of Wehby’s service:
“Today, we mourn the passing of a man who never sought recognition, only progress… Through his authorship of the Wehby Report, and his unwavering commitment to good governance, Don challenged us to be better, to lead with integrity, and to serve with purpose.”
Shallow emphasized that though strides have been made to implement Wehby’s reform blueprint, “we are now bound by duty and gratitude to complete the journey he began.”
A life anchored in excellence
Don Wehby’s influence extended beyond the cricketing sphere. As Group CEO of GraceKennedy and Chairman of CG Insurance, he was a pillar of corporate leadership in the Caribbean. His dedication to West Indies cricket endured even through turbulent times, with his companies providing critical support that helped keep the game alive.
Chief Executive Officer of CWI, Chris Dehring, reflected on their four-decade friendship, saying:
“He loved West Indies cricket with the same passion he brought to every aspect of his life—purposeful, principled, and deeply rooted in regional pride… His work on the Governance Task Force was more than reform; it was vision grounded in courage.”
Dehring described Wehby’s contributions as “seismic,” adding that “Jamaica has lost a son of distinction, and the Caribbean, a champion of progress.”
From boardroom to boundary: A legacy that endures
Wehby served as an Independent Director on the WICB from 2013 to 2017, chairing the Audit, Risk & Compliance Committee. In 2016, he was appointed to head a new task force focused on governance reform, revisiting key historical reports including the Patterson Report (2007) and Wilkin Report.
His leadership culminated in the 2020 Wehby Report—widely recognized as a comprehensive guide for sustainable cricket governance. In 2019, he was reappointed Chairman of the Governance Reform Task Force, a role that underscored the region’s deep trust in his vision and integrity.
A final farewell
Cricket West Indies extended its deepest sympathies to Don Wehby’s family, friends, and colleagues, honoring him not only as a reformer but as a guardian of the sport’s soul.
“West Indies cricket is stronger because Don Wehby cared,” the tribute concluded. “And we honor his memory best by continuing the work with the same clarity, humility, and resolve he so graciously embodied.”
May his soul rest in eternal peace, and may his example continue to light the way for generations to come.
