Wehby a ‘true legend’
Late businessman conferred with honorary doctorate by UWI, recognised as ‘proud son of the soil’
Published:Monday | January 19, 2026 | 12:09 AM
The University of the West Indies (UWI) on Saturday posthumously conferred the honorary Doctor of Laws on late business titan Don Wehby, hailing him as a “proud son of the soil” whose uncanny brilliance in commerce and visionary leadership remain a blueprint for the region.
The award, recommended by the Senate and university, was accepted by the daughter of the late former senator and GraceKennedy Group CEO, Stephanie Wehby, during the class of 2025 graduation ceremony at the Mona campus.
Wehby, who died in July 2025, after battling cancer, had earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in accounting from the university, before completing an advanced management college certificate course at Stanford University in California.
On Saturday, the former business executive was described as a “once in a generation” talent who embarked on a mission to serve and elevate his country through business and sports.
“This man not only talked the talk but walked the walk, and has left a legacy so awesome that he has to be deemed a true legend. A true legend in his own right, this proud Jamaican reached the apogee of achievement in business, sports, and politics by following the simple principle of always working hard and not cutting corners, being upright and true, and placing integrity at the centre of all his actions,” said public orator Dr Peter Glegg, who read from a citation.
Wehby’s love for sport, said Glegg, translated into a “sterling contribution” to its advancement in Jamaica.
Described as a passionate advocate in the realm of sports development, the husband and father of three is said to have understood the power of athletics to unite and inspire.
That was coupled with his involvement in horse racing not only as an owner, Glegg noted, but as someone who genuinely appreciated the sport’s role in Jamaica’s cultural fabric and its potential for economic growth.
“He was instrumental in GraceKennedy’s sponsorship of schoolboy cricket in Jamaica, and the ISSA GraceKennedy Boys’ and Girls’ [Athletics] Championship that we know as Champs, propelling the latter to an event of international prominence … . Don also loved cricket and served on the West Indies Cricket Board, and as chairman of his audit risk and compliance committee,” said Glegg.
He said Wehby, a former Cabinet minister, served the country by giving an independent, nonaligned voice in critical national matters – especially as it related to the drafting and amending of critical legislation.
“He was respected by both sides of the aisle, as he saw his role not as partisan, but as a Jamaican,” said Glegg.
Remembered as living a balanced life and for his sense of humour, Glegg said Wehby, though always studying and learning, took the time to have lots of fun, noting his love for Disney World.
Added to that, Glegg pointed to his benevolent spirit, noting that he had a vision for Jamaican youth and that through education, there was a power to improve their lives.