Business

MOUNT GAY AND WEST INDIES RUM DISTILLERIES CELEBRATE CARICOM’S 50TH ANNIVERSARY WITH LIMITED EDITIONS

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)

Business

GALA DINNER CELEBRATES 40TH ANNIVERSARY

The Light & Power Employees Co-operative Credit Union Ltd. (LPECCUL) marked an impressive milestone on Saturday night, hosting a memorable 40th Anniversary Gala Dinner at the Accra Hotel. The evening was a celebration of history, resilience, and growth, honouring LPECCUL’s four decades of commitment to financial empowerment and community service in Barbados.

Guests arriving at the gala were greeted with the warm sounds of steelpan music by Ms. Allana Goodridge, a graduate and former junior member of the credit union, who set an elegant tone for the evening. The festivities were expertly guided by Master of Ceremonies Paula Palmer, who delighted the crowd with a mix of exciting prizes and giveaways sponsored by Stade’s Distillery Visitor Centre.

A highlight of the evening was the special achievement award presentation by Mr. Anton Lovell, CEO of Co-Operators General Insurance Company Limited. Mr. Lovell recognised LPECCUL for its outstanding success and commended the longstanding partnership between the two institutions, underscoring the strength of their collaboration.

The evening’s keynote speaker, Lt. Col. Trevor Browne, a founding member of LPECCUL, delivered a compelling speech on the origins of the credit union. He shared insights into its formation, early challenges, and eventual growth, citing the various business ventures and investments made over the years. Lt. Col. Browne emphasized the importance of credit unions in Barbados expanding their focus to attract and support younger members, highlighting the value of investing in youth-led businesses as a way forward.

Closing the event, LPECCUL President Sheena Edwards delivered a heartfelt Vote of Thanks. She expressed deep appreciation to the evening’s special guests, including representatives from credit unions across Barbados, eight of LPECCUL’s original 40 founding members: Anthony Seale, Charles Holder, Donald Hoyte, Oliver Jones, Ian Bridgeman, Julie Alleyne, Keith Burnett and Lt. Col. Trevor Browne, and former company manager Curtis Smith. She also extended her gratitude to the dedicated LPECCUL staff, The Light & Power Employees Co-operative Credit Union Ltd.whose hard work and commitment have been instrumental to the credit union’s enduringsuccess.

The 40th Anniversary Gala Dinner was a celebration not only of LPECCUL’s history but also of its ongoing mission to inspire financial independence and support the community. As LPECCUL continues to innovate and expand its services, the credit union remains committed to fostering financial success for all members.(PR)

Business

Barbados To Host Regional Economic Conference

Local, regional, and international economics, finance, and development experts will gather in Barbados from November 6 to 8, 2024, for the 55th Annual Monetary Studies Conference (AMSC).

The event, which the Central Bank of Barbados is co-hosting with the Caribbean Economic Research Team (CERT), will be held under the theme: “Macroeconomic Management in an Era of Polycrises.”

“We are living at a time when our islands face multiple issues, ranging from high debt levels to climate change, to an aging population to geo-political tensions such as the ongoing Ukraine-Russia war and the Israel-Hamas conflict,” Director of Communications, Information, and Outreach at the Central Bank, Novaline Brewster, said.

“Each of these on its own would represent a challenge. Combined, they could threaten the stability of our economies and the livelihoods of our citizens. The AMSC gives us an opportunity to bring together some of the leading minds to share their insights and offer research-based approaches to addressing these various crises.”

Ms. Brewster revealed that to complement the more technical sessions, on the second day of the conference, November 7, at 4:00 p.m., American economist Professor Jeffrey Sachs will deliver the 37th Adlith Brown Memorial Lecture, the topic for which will be the same as the conference’s theme.

“In addition to the Adlith Brown lecture, we will be hosting a panel discussion entitled: “The Role of Central Banks in Facilitating the Mobilisation of Regional Investment for Development Support” on the final day, November 8, at 10:15 a.m. The panel for that event will comprise several of our regional central bank governors,” she revealed.

Both the panel discussion and the lecture will be livestreamed on the Central Bank of Barbados’ Facebook page and YouTube channel.

Central Bank of Barbados will host the 63rd gathering of this group as Barbados’ Governor, Dr. Kevin Greenidge, is the current Chair of the committee. (PR/GIS)

Business

Barbados to Host Regional Economic Conference

Local, regional, and international economics, finance, and development experts will gather in Barbados from November 6 to 8, 2024 for the 55th Annual Monetary Studies Conference (AMSC). The event, which the Central Bank of Barbados is co-hosting with the Caribbean Economic Research Team (CERT), will be held under the theme “Macroeconomic Management in an Era of Polycrises.” “We are living at a time when our islands face multiple issues, ranging from high debt levels to climate change to an aging population to geo-political tensions such as the ongoing Ukraine-Russia war and the Israel-Hamas conflict,” said Novaline Brewster, Director of Communications, Information, and Outreach at the Central Bank. “Each of these on its own would represent a challenge. Combined, they could threaten the stability of our economies and the livelihoods of our citizens. The AMSC gives us an opportunity to bring together some of the leading minds to share their insights and offer research-based approaches to addressing these various crises.”

The three-day conference will feature sessions related to financial development and financial stability, adjusting to climate change, digital innovations and transformation, regional integration and governance, and regional economic development. Brewster revealed that to complement the more technical sessions, on the second day of the conference, November 7, at 4:00 p.m., American economist Professor Jeffrey Sachs will deliver the 37th Adlith Brown Memorial Lecture, the topic for which will be the same as the conference theme. “In addition to the Adlith Brown lecture, we will be hosting a panel discussion entitled “The Role of Central Banks in Facilitating the Mobilisation of Regional Investment for Development Support” on the final day, November 8, at 10:15 a.m. The panel for that event will comprise several of our regional central bank governors.” Both the panel discussion and the lecture will be livestreamed on the Central Bank of Barbados’ Facebook page and YouTube channel.

The Annual Monetary Studies Conference, the oldest academic conference of economists in the Caribbean, is held in a different territory each year to coincide with the second of the Bi-Annual Meetings of the CARICOM Committee of Central Bank Governors. Central Bank of Barbados will host the 63rd gathering of this group as Barbados Governor Dr. Kevin Greenidge is the current Chair of the committee.