Excerpt from the Jamaica Observer column published on Monday, October 24, 2022
By Jean Lowrie-Chin
The GraceKennedy (GK) Foundation Annual Lecture last week celebrated the 100th anniversary of the company, its generous outreach, and its phenomenal growth. The foundation’s Chairman Dr Fred Kennedy announced that he had completed the biography of his father, founder Luis Fred Kennedy, entitled Firstborn, and all proceeds would go towards the GK Foundation’s scholarship programme. The stories of students from humble means who have been able to ascend the professional ladder served as evidence of the success of this programme.
We heard from visionary past group CEO Douglas Orane on the strategic direction of the company and from current CEO Don Wehby on Orane’s challenges to him when he served as chief financial officer. He recalls having to source funding for an overseas project and that it was a conversation with Miss Stella, an office attendant, which triggered thoughts on how this could be done. He said this was a lesson that one should “listen to everybody, whether office attendant or chairman; show them respect; and be humble”.
Wehby was happy that earlier this year GK’s 100th anniversary service was held at the Holy Trinity Cathedral next door to his Alma Mater St George’s College. An excerpt from his address at the service was played: “We have always, without fail, adhered to the core values: honesty, integrity, and trust. We have stayed true to our mantra, ‘We Care.’ Congratulations, GK, on this 100th anniversary lecture, rich with memories and lessons. Please watch on YouTube.
Jamaica Highlights 