Prime Minister Mia Mottley recently praised the Caribbean rum industry for its exemplary regional cooperation and significant economic benefits, underscoring its global excellence. She said, “The expansion of rum production in the Caribbean exemplifies how regional collaboration with a shared goal can benefit everyone.”
During a joint event where Mount Gay Distilleries and Stade’s West Indies Rum Distillery unveiled two special rum editions to commemorate CARICOM’s 50th anniversary, Mottley emphasized the industry’s role in showcasing Caribbean talent on the global stage, comparing its excellence to that of cricket. Mottley also noted the industry’s strides toward gender equality, particularly in traditionally male-dominated roles like master distillers.
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Reflecting on CARICOM’s 50-year journey, she said, “Being here 50 years after Errol Barrow signed the treaty establishing the community is a testament to our commitment and our vision that we can achieve more together than individually.”
She welcomed international investment in the rum industry, calling it “a positive development” that has helped create global brands. She stressed the importance of maintaining high production quality and volume to sustain economic growth.
The event featured the presentation of two commemorative rum editions celebrating CARICOM’s economic and cooperative achievements.
Antoine Couvreur, managing director of Mount Gay Distilleries, highlighted his company’s historical significance: “Mount Gay has been pivotal in shaping Barbados’ national and global identity in the spirits industry since 1703, marking the island as the birthplace of rum over 320 years ago.”
He added, “It is a privilege for us to honor CARICOM’s heritage, established by the Treaty of Chaguaramas in 1973, with this limited edition 50th anniversary label of the Mount Gay Black Barrel Cask Strength expression.”
He introduced a limited edition 50th Anniversary label of Mount Gay Black Barrel Cask Strength, describing it as “our toast to people across the region, working side by side to create a dynamic future.”
Andrew Hassell, managing director at Stade’s West Indies Rum Distillery, acknowledged CARICOM’s crucial role in the development and protection of Caribbean rum. He called for ongoing support, stating, “The rum sector will need CARICOM’s continued focus and support in developing and protecting the CARICOM rum industry.”
Hassell dedicated their Planteray Legacy 120 rum to three influential figures in Barbadian rum-making: Henderson ‘Digger’ Skinner, Mark Walker, and John Kinch.
