Senators salute Wehby at first working session

Lawmakers from both sides of the political divide, at their first working meeting on Friday since the start of the new parliamentary term, came together to pay glowing tribute to former Senator Don Wehby, who passed away on July 26.

Wehby served as a government senator and minister without portfolio in the Ministry of Finance and the Public Service from 2007 to 2009.

He returned to the Senate in May 2016 and served until his resignation in November 2024.

With family members of the former GraceKennedy Limited CEO seated in the well of Parliament, senators reflected on Wehby’s distinguished career and wide-ranging contributions across multiple fields.

The Senate also observed a minute of silence in honour of Senator Wehby’s passing.

The following are excerpts from some senators who paid tribute to the business giant:

Dr Dana Morris Dixon:

“Don was an exceptional man. He was a giant in Jamaican business. He was building a company that was respected globally. He was saying, through GraceKennedy, that Jamaica is great … . We are great at building global brands and global businesses.”

Prof Floyd Morris:

“ ... His contribution to sports and sports is the heartbeat of Jamaica. If Don was alive, ... he would be very disappointed that having gotten the opportunity to just walk through the door to the World Cup, Jamaica, thus far, blew the opportunity.”

Kavan Gayle:

“Senator the Honourable Donald Wehby has served Jamaica with distinction. His contribution in this chamber, his leadership in the private sector and his dedication to nation building will always remain an enduring part of our national record.”

Lambert Brown:

“[He was a] visionary, patriot, a man who truly loved and served his country … . He was down to earth. He deserved every honour that our country has bestowed on him.”

Sherine Golding Campbell:

“Don was always quiet to me – he was not a noisemaker – always consistent, always dependable and always reliable … . He used his influence to open doors for others, championing education and sports, but Don was also a proponent and promoter of integrity in national development.”

Ramon Small-Ferguson:

“He was very measured. He was authentic in how he dealt with others. His reputation for excellence wasn’t only spoken about; it was embodied in his conduct and in the outcomes he was able to engineer in business and in public life.”

Keith Duncan:

“Don is a nationalist, a patriot, and a private sector leader … . Don sacrificed for this country, putting his career on hold to become a minister in one of the most challenging times in Jamaica’s economic history. That level of sacrifice is not ordinary.”

Christian Tavares-Finson:

“What has always struck me most about him is something deeper than corporate success. It is the way he carried himself with humility, discipline, and an obvious love for his country.”

Abka Fitz-Henley:

“Don Wehby was not partisan, but he was not shy or bashful about being strident and being prepared to defend Jamaica. He was slow to anger, but if you wanted to make him upset, say something negative about Jamaica which is not true or take steps which do not enumerate the interest of our country.”