Marcia Griffiths and the late Don Wehby to receive honorary degrees from UWI

The University of the West Indies (UWI) will pay tribute to two outstanding Jamaicans this year—reggae icon Marcia Griffiths and the late business executive Don Wehby—during its 2025 graduation ceremonies.

Griffiths, celebrated globally as the “Queen of Reggae,” will be conferred with the honorary Doctor of Letters (DLitt) at the Mona Campus between October 30 and November 1.

“Over the course of 60 years in the music industry, Marcia has recorded nineteen solo albums, five duet albums (with Bob Andy), and numerous collaborations, including the Penthouse Records hits like I Shall Sing and Fire Burning. Her ability to adapt to changing times has secured her longevity in a competitive industry,” UWI said.

Her contributions have been recognised with top national honours: the Order of Jamaica (OJ) in 2023, the Commander Class distinction in 2014, and the Order of Distinction (OD) in 1994. These accolades highlight her role as both a cultural ambassador and a pioneering woman in reggae.

The late Don Wehby, who passed away in July 2025, will be posthumously awarded the Doctor of Laws (LLD). A transformational leader in business and public service, Wehby is remembered for his decades-long tenure at GraceKennedy Limited, where he rose to become Group Chief Executive Officer. His legacy includes championing corporate social responsibility, fostering youth development through sports, and advancing Jamaica’s economic footprint both locally and internationally.