KINGSTON, Jamaica — In a poignant ceremony last Saturday, the University of the West Indies (UWI) bestowed its highest honor upon the late Honourable Don Wehby, awarding him a posthumous Doctor of Laws (honoris causa) degree. The recognition occurred during graduation proceedings for the Mona School of Business and Management and the Faculty of Sport, celebrating Wehby’s extraordinary legacy in business, sports development, and national leadership.
The university’s public orator, Dr. Peter Glegg, delivered an emotional tribute characterizing Wehby as both a ‘proud son of the soil’ and a ‘true legend’ who masterfully balanced corporate excellence with profound civic commitment. Glegg highlighted Wehby’s unwavering belief in education as a transformative force for Jamaican youth, evidenced by his establishment of numerous scholarships for secondary and university students.
Wehby’s transformative tenure as group chief executive officer of GraceKennedy Limited received particular recognition, with the company’s Financial Services Division achieving remarkable growth—escalating profits from $280 million to $1.4 billion within just five years under his strategic guidance.
Beyond his professional achievements, the ceremony revealed the personal dimensions of Wehby’s character: a dedicated family man with cherished connections to Silver Sands beach and a lifelong enthusiasm for Disney World. His daughter, Stephanie Wehby, accepted the honor on behalf of the family.
The University stated that this honorary doctorate represents its utmost respect for an individual who consistently ‘walked the walk’ while maintaining integrity as the cornerstone of his actions. Wehby passed away in July 2025 at age 62, leaving behind a substantial legacy in Caribbean business and philanthropy.