Local rum distillery helping to fight COVID-19

Barbados’ leading rum producer continues to be a major partner in the national fight against COVID-19.

Since the beginning of the year, the West Indies Rum Distillery (WIRD) has donated more than 7,000 litres of alcohol to several organisations and government agencies to aid in sanitising and the general cleaning of physical plants.

While the distillery incorporates alcohol as a celebrated component of its award-winning rums, over the last year WIRD has also been serving the national need in providing the key ingredient used in the making of safe, simple and effective disinfectants including hand sanitiser.

“This situation calls for a national effort and we are happy to be able to assist and support our public sector partners and other agencies.

“Having locally produced alcohol readily available also means there’s no need for an overseas procurement process, and in some instances, we also deliver the same day,” said Don Benn, Operations Manager, WIRD.

In the last two months, the distillery has provided free alcohol to all polyclinics, the Queen Elizabeth Hospital, the Best Dos Santos Laboratory, the Royal Barbados Police Force, the Barbados Fire Service, the Barbados Prison Service and the Sanitation Service Authority.

“The goal here is to give our front-line workers one less thing to worry about, as alcohol- based sanitiser remains one of the most important tools in keeping themselves and the public of Barbados safe. WIRD will also support this effort for as long as there is a need,” said Andrew Hassell, Managing Director, WIRD.

Over a ten-month period last year, WIRD also increased its production of alcohol that was used in the production of hand sanitiser and rubbing alcohol by local manufacturers and pharmacies.

“Our capacity allowed us to produce one litre of alcohol for every Barbadian man, woman and child per week. This effort by the team speaks to their agility and responsiveness to ensure all the requests and orders continue to be fulfilled.

“WIRD is part of the Barbadian fabric and we are committed to keeping as many people as possible safe,” added Hassell. (PR)