Prime Minister Mia Mottley has celebrated Barbados’ significant contributions to the Caribbean rum industry, highlighting its economic benefits and international acclaim as a model of regional collaboration.
Speaking at a joint event where Barbados’ own Mount Gay Distilleries and Stade’s West Indies Rum Distillery presented two special rum editions to commemorate CARICOM’s 50th anniversary, Mottley remarked: “The growth of rum production in the Caribbean, particularly in Barbados, is an excellent example of how regional cooperation towards a common goal can benefit every citizen.”
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She emphasized the industry’s role in showcasing Barbadian excellence on the world stage. “Just like cricket, we have demonstrated 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: “Our presence here 50 years after Errol Barrow signed the treaty establishing the community is a testament to our commitment and vision that we achieve more together than alone.”
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The event featured the unveiling of two special rum editions honoring 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, calling for continued support: “The rum sector will need CARICOM’s continued focus and support to advance and protect the industry.”
Hassell dedicated their Planteray Legacy 120 rum 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 been integral to Barbados’ national and global identity in the spirits industry since 1703, crowning the island as the birthplace of rum.”
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He introduced a limited edition 50th Anniversary label of Mount Gay Black Barrel Cask Strength, calling it “our toast to people across the region, working side by side to create a dynamic future.”
“It is a privilege to honor 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.
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