Business

MOUNT GAY LAUNCHES LIMITED EDITION COFFEY STILL EXPRESSION

A TRIBUTE TO LATE DISTILLER,REYNOLD ‘BLUES’ HINDS

Mount Gay yesterday launched the seventh limited edition in its Master Blender Collection – The Coffey Still Expression, Tribute to Blues. This bespoke blend is the first Coffey Still release by the Distillery since the Still was recommissioned in 2019 and is a tribute to Mount Gay’s late Barbadian distiller, Reynold ‘Blues’ Hinds.

Managing Director Antoine Couvreur said, “This release is not just a new expression. It is a heartfelt tribute to Blues, a beloved member of the Mount Gay family. He was a pivotal figure at Mount Gay during his 50-year career and his spirit and expertise continue to influence our craft.

Member of Parliament for St. Lucy Peter Phillips, Mount Gay’s Master Blender Trudiann Branker (right) with late Master Blender Reynolds Blues Hnds’ children.

“Additionally, as the world’s oldest running rum distillery, Mount Gay is passionate about the heritage of rum and this year’s Master Blender Collection offers a glimpse into how rum was made back in the 19th century when the Coffey Still was invented.

“It bridges the gap between history and modernity. As one of the first types of column stills invented, the distillery’s rare 100% copper Coffey Still operates as one of only three globally. In disrepair for decades, the Still was recommissioned in 2019 and this is the first time a distillation has been released since.”

Couvreur added that none of this would have been possible without the work of Blues, an icon in the field of distillation, “Blues worked at Mount Gay for over 50 years creating the liquid loved today and teaching the art of distillation to many.

“It was his extensive knowledge that allowed engineers to restore the historic still and its recommission in 2019, which otherwise would have been lost. Today, it is called the Blue’s Still at Mount Gay in recognition of this hero. He contributed greatly to the craftsmanship of Mount Gay until his passing in 2021. This tribute is our way of preserving his legacy.”

Master Blender, Trudiann Branker, the creative force behind the release explained that crafting the Coffey Still Expression was a journey into the heart of Mount Gay’s history. She said, “Blues’ influence on the rums we all enjoy today is immeasurable. This release is a tribute not only to his legacy but to the craftsmanship that defines Mount Gay.

“In order to honour the historic distillation of the Coffey Still, this latest release is made using 100 percent local molasses. The single batch of copper Coffey Still rum was tropically aged at our St. Lucy distillery for four years in heavily charred ex-Bourbon casks, bringing out rich oak and honey notes.

“The result is an incredibly floral and round rum. At first sight it has golden hues and as it opens, the nose is full of pear, vanilla, nutmeg and light leather aromas. The palate brings grapefruit, oak, honey and lightly spiced notes of cinnamon with layers of aromas that open up with every sip.”

The Mount Gay Coffey Still Expression is best enjoyed neat. The Master Blender Collection: The Coffey Still Expression is bottled at 58% ABV and is non-chill filtered in order to preserve its rich aromas and natural colour. This expression is limited to 5004 bottles and is available on island at the Mount Gay Distillery and Mount Gay Visitor Centre, and at select premium retailers throughout the world in 70 cl size.

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.