With the recent resignation of businessman Don Wehby from the Senate, Prime Minister Andrew Holness is expected to name two new senators to fill vacant seats in the Upper House. Wehby stepped down to focus on health matters while Matthew Samuda resigned in September and was later elected to the Lower House. Wehby, who served for over a decade, was praised by Holness for his significant contributions, including his focus on economic stability and national development. 

Wehby resigns from Senate

Jamaica Gleaner/8 Nov 2024/Editorial@gleanerjm.com

THERE ARE now two vacant seats on the government benches in the Upper House with Thursday’s resignation of businessman Don Wehby.

Senator Wehby has reportedly stepped aside to focus on healthrelated matters.

On September 2 this year, Matthew Samuda resigned from the Senate and has since been elected to the Lower House following a by-election in the St Ann North Eastern constituency.

Prime Minister Andrew Holness is expected to name two persons to fill the two Senate seats.

Members of the Upper House are expected to pay tribute today to Wehby, who has served for a decade in the Senate.

He was first appointed to the Upper House in September 2007 and also served as minister without portfolio in the Ministry of Finance and the Public Service for two years. He resigned in 2009 and returned to the private sector.

Seven years later, Wehby was again appointed to the Upper House.

In a media release from Jamaica House, Prime Minister Andrew Holness praised Wehby for his sterling national service through the Senate.

“Senator Wehby has been a steadfast advocate for the needs of the Jamaican people, bringing invaluable commercial and entrepreneurial insights into the legislative process,” Holness said.

The prime minister added that throughout his tenure, Wehby championed policies that reflected his commitment to shared prosperity, economic stability, and sustainable national development.

According to Holness, the businessman’s perspective and sobering presentations greatly enriched discussions in the Senate, bridging the gap between the public and private sectors and contributing to legislation aimed at creating a more resilient, stable economy that works for the Jamaican people.

“His contributions have brought a unique private-sector perspective to national governance, ensuring the administration’s approach remains balanced and forwardlooking,” Holness said as he wished Wehby a speedy recovery.

Meanwhile, the ruling Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) said it noted Wehby’s resignation with regret.

JLP General Secretary Dr Horace Chang expressed appreciation to Wehby on behalf of the party for his contributions to the Upper House.

Chang said Wehby’s contributions to the Parliament were sober, distinguished, and incisive. He said the former senator remained a valued member of the JLP family and that the party looked forward to his continued contribution.

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