The Ministry of Sports, Jamaica Athletics Administrative Association (JAAA) and the InterSecondary Schools Sports Association (ISSA) have paid their tributes to Don Wehby as Jamaica continues to mourn the loss of one of its favourite sons.

The 62-year-old Wehby, who died on Friday, was not only a former Government Minister, Senator and CEO of GraceKennedy Group, but an avid sports fan, administrator and a gold medal winner at Champs.

Sports Minister Olivia Grange said that Mr Don Wehby made an immeasurable contribution to various aspects of national life.

“Don Wehby’s visionary leadership and strategic insight doubled the size of GraceKennedy, and through the company’s legendary support of the Inter-Secondary Schoolboys and Girls Championships (Champs), the lives of thousands of student-athletes were touched with financial support and inspiration, and his commitment to sports also saw his involvement in cricket and horse racing.

“My sincerest sympathy to his wife, Hilary and children, Stephanie, Abigail, and Nicholas; and to his relatives, friends, and associates and to the Grace Kennedy family. Jamaica has lost a truly great son with the departure of Donald George Wehby, who is gone too soon. Rest in peace, Don,” said Grange

Wehby, who won the 110m hurdles in Class Three while at St George’s College in 1978, returned and was the biggest sponsor of high school athletics and cricket through GraceKennedy, pumping in hundreds of millions of dollars.

ISSA, which benefited tremendously, said in a press release that it is deeply saddened by Wehby’s passing.

“Over the past two decades, Mr Wehby had been instrumental in providing corporate sponsorship for various ISSA competitions, notably the ISSA Boys and Girls Champs and schoolboy cricket.

“His contribution extended beyond sponsorship, as he played a significant role in helping ISSA develop its brand through Greenfield Media. He also assisted in building our organisational structure and leadership capacity.

“Mr Wehby’s unwavering support for national and youth development, particularly through sports, made our partnership a truly special one. We hope to meet you again, Sir Wehby,” the ISSA statement concluded.

Wehby won gold at Boys Champs in Class 3 and won silver medals in the 110m hurdles and 400m hurdles in 1982.

In 2017,  he was conferred with the Order of Distinction (Commander) and is considered one of the brightest minds among post-independence CEOs in Jamaica.

The local governing body of athletics in Jamaica, the JAAA, also paid its respect to the “distinguished statesman and renowned business leader”.

“Mr Wehby was a cornerstone in the building of our sport,” said Garth Gayle, President of the JAAA.

“His tangible support to our teams, individuals and development programs ensured continuous success. A passionate sportsman himself, Mr Wehby was always delighted with Jamaica’s successes and was willing to lend a hand in times of need,” Gayle noted. “Sincere condolences to his family and the Grace family. May his soul rest in eternal peace.”