PM hails rum industry as Caribbean collaboration model

Prime Minister Mia Mottley has praised the Caribbean rum industry as an exemplar of regional cooperation, highlighting its economic benefits and global excellence.

Speaking at a joint presentation where Mount Gay Distilleries and Stade’s West Indies Rum Distillery presented two commemorative rum editions to honour CARICOM’s 50th anniversary, Mottley said: “The expansion of rum production in the Caribbean is an excellent example of how regional collaboration aimed at a common objective may benefit every citizen.”

She emphasised the industry’s role in showcasing Caribbean capabilities on the world stage.

“Like cricket, we have been able to reflect excellence,” she said, adding that the industry’s growth aligns with broader developmental goals, including gender equality in traditionally male-dominated roles such as master distillers.

Mottley praised the industry’s openness to international investment, describing it as “a positive development” that has contributed to building global brands. She stressed the importance of maintaining production quality and volume to sustain economic benefits.

Reflecting on CARICOM’s half-century milestone, she said: “That we are here 50 years after Errol Barrow signed the treaty establishing the community is a testament to our commitment and to our vision that one by one, we will not achieve what we can achieve together.”

The event saw the presentation of two commemorative rum editions honouring the regional economic and cooperation bloc. Andrew Hassell, managing director at Stade’s West Indies Rum Distillery, acknowledged CARICOM’s crucial role in developing and protecting Caribbean rum. He called for continued support: “Going forward, the rum sector will need Caricom’s continued focus and support in developing and protecting the CARICOM rum industry.”

Hassell revealed that their Planteray Legacy 120 rum is dedicated to three influential figures in Barbadian rum-making: Henderson ‘Digger’ Skinner, Mark Walker and John Kinch.

Antoine Couvreur, managing director of Mount Gay Distilleries, highlighted his company’s historical significance: “Mount Gay has played a pivotal role in Barbados’ national and global identity in the spirits industry, since crowning the island as the birthplace of rum over 320 years ago in 1703.”

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”.

“It is an utmost privilege for us to be able to honour the heritage of CARICOM, 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 added.