Mount Gay Distilleries and Stade’s West Indies Rum Distillery proudly unveiled their commemorative Caribbean Community (CARICOM) 50th Anniversary limited editions to The Prime Minister of Barbados,  Hon. Mia Amor Mottley, during an intimate ceremony at Ilaro Court today.

The two local rum producers, both esteemed members of the West Indies Rum and Spirits Producers’ Association (WIRSPA), marked the significant milestone in Caribbean history with the release of the two limited editions, both available at their respective Visitor Centres.

The initiative saw rum producers in 13 CARICOM member states, under the guidance of WIRSPA, presenting limited editions highlighting this 50^th Anniversary to their respective governments across the region, during the month of June. The unique expressions not only celebrate CARICOM’s half-century, but also stand as a symbol of unity, culture and heritage across the regional rum industry.

Andrew Hasell, Managing Director, WIRD

Antoine Couvreur, Managing Director of Mount Gay Distilleries, expressed his enthusiasm and pride on this special occasion, “As the world’s oldest running rum distillery in the world, 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. Today, Mount Gay is synonymous with Bajan rum and Barbadian pride in more than 70 countries.

“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. It is our toast to people across the region, working side by side to create a dynamic future, with a rum which embodies the spirit of unity that defines the Caribbean.”

Couvreur explained that the Mount Gay limited edition was a blend of rums distilled in copper pot and column stills, matured in American whiskey casks and finished in charred Bourbon casks. 

Andrew Hassell, Managing Director at Stade’s West Indies Rum Distillery warmly congratulated CARICOM, as it celebrates 50 years of promoting economic integration and cooperation among its members, ensuring they are better able to reap the benefits of integration equally. 

Hassell explained, “The unique rum we offer today embodies the dedication and expertise that our distillery has poured into its craft every day for over 130 years. Planteray Legacy 120 is dedicated to three men who have devoted their lives to making Barbados rum.

“It celebrates their combined 120 years of distilling and blending expertise. Henderson “Digger” Skinner joined Stade’s West Indies Rum Distillery 41 years ago, and continues to operate our old copper stills. Mark Walker and John Kinch, both Master Blenders, have been tending to barrels of delicious rum at the distillery for 40 years and 39 years respectively. Together with Master Distiller Don Benn and Master Blender Alexandre Gabriel, the “120” team created an extra old Barbados rum that honors their starring roles in the unique history of Stade’s West Indies Rum Distillery.” 

Hassell said, “Therefore, we are proud to present this very rare, high quality rum as our gift to the entire Caribbean Community as we celebrate the momentous occasion of their 50th Anniversary and offer our team’s continued support as they continue their mission.” (PR)

The 2024 RUBIS internship program continues to deliver exciting results for ten budding professionals who are focused on grasping the opportunity for real-world experience to enhance their professional development. 

The interns have already completed their first few weeks of a 10-week programme, gaining key insights into the operational aspects of RUBIS, and participating in insightful table talks with department heads.  The orientation week included tours to Barbados National Terminal Company Ltd. (BNTCL), Grantley Adams International Airport, and RUBIS service stations. The interns also successfully passed CPR and First Aid courses and undertook fire safety training at Barbados Fire Academy in Arch Hall, St. Thomas.

HR Manager Delores Batson said the internship program was again proving to be a mutually rewarding experience and continued to be one of the most sought-after internships in the sector. “Each year, we look forward to the youthful exuberance and enthusiasm that comes with this internship experience, and 2024 has been no exception. This program benefits the interns with real-world experience, and we welcome the opportunity to embrace youthful energy and perspectives within our company.” 

Marketing intern TaShauna Weekes, who recently earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Management with Marketing from the University of the West Indies, Cave Hill, said she was excited about the growth and network-building opportunity presented by the RUBIS internship. “I hope to gain valuable experience to help me in my future endeavours. I’m also keen to establish relationships with marketing professionals and will seek constructive feedback from supervisors and peers to find areas for growth,” Weekes said.

The keen group of interns includes local and international university students pursuing Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in various disciplines. They have been assigned to Sales and Marketing, Operations, Legal, and Finance departments in the RUBIS Welches headquarters and Spring Garden terminals. The HR manager said this approach will allow the interns to gain experience relevant to their selected areas of study. (PR)

Caption: The 2024 group of RUBIS Summer Interns with some RUBIS employees including Delores Batson (HR Manager), Mechell Warner (Marketing Specialist) and Annette Shorey (Internal Controls Specialist).

The Central Bank of Barbados and the Financial Services Commission will launch the 2023 Financial Stability Report during a roundtable discussion on Wednesday, June 26, at 11:00 a.m. The event, which will be livestreamed on the Central Bank’s Facebook page and YouTube channel, will feature Central Bank Governor, Dr. Kevin Greenidge, FSC CEO Warrick Ward, and officials from Barbados’ banking, credit union, and insurance sectors.

The Financial Stability Report, a joint publication by the two entities, assesses the soundness of the island’s financial system.

“We’ve revamped the report to make it even more robust and forward-looking,” said Novaline Brewster, Director of Communications, Information, and Outreach at the Central Bank. “It continues to provide a health check on the major players in the financial sector to reveal not only how they performed last year, but also how they would perform under adverse circumstances. This year, however, we have also identified and analysed three key risks that could impact the stability of our financial system.

“This discussion will give Barbadians the opportunity to learn the findings of the report as well as to hear the perspectives of both the regulators and officials from the financial sector.”

Commercial banks, credit unions, and insurance companies are the three largest players in Barbados’ financial system. The three have combined assets of $22.1 billion.

“The vast majority of Barbadians have a savings account, a pension plan, or an insurance policy. So, I encourage everyone to log on and hear how the sector and the entire financial system are performing.” (PR/GIS)