Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley believes that the 50th Anniversary Celebrations of CARICOM demonstrates the strength of regional unity which has stood the test of time and says it as an example of what can be achieved when people and countries work together.
Ms. Mottley expressed this view earlier today as she accepted the limited editions 50th Anniversary label of the Mount Gay Black Barrel Cask Strength expression and Planteray Legacy 120, in recognition of the 50th Anniversary of the regional movement.
The presentation took place at Ilaro Court in the presence of Assistant Secretary- General CARICOM Single Market and Trade, Ambassador Wayne McCook; Director, CARICOM Single Market, Leo Preville; Communications Specialist in the CARICOM CSME UNIT, Salas Hamilton; and Chief Executive Officer of West Indies Rum and Spirits Producers’ Association, Vaughn Renwick, and others.
She told the gathering that she was committed to regional unity, pointing out that “the fact that we are here 50 years after Errol Barrow and others signed the Treaty establishing the Community is a testament to our commitment and to our vision that one by one, we will achieve what we can achieve together”.
“As people from small nations, we know that…the only route to success is partnership and the only route to success is working together.To that extent, the Caribbean Community represents the essential part of our journey if we are to bring the Barbadian people what we need to bring to them, in terms of the ability to lift their lives and to make their contributions better for themselves, their community, their region, and the world.”
The Prime Minister thanked West Indies Rum Distilleries and Mount Gay for their thoughtfulness, their commitment to the region, adding that their presence speaks to the journey from Barbados’ long historical ties with rum.
Meanwhile, Managing Director at Stade’s West Indies Rum Distillery, Andrew Hassell, acknowledged CARICOM and its various institutions and member governments as a critical stakeholder “in the development and production of Caribbean rum”.
“For the 50th Anniversary of CARICOM, we pause today to say thank you…but also to say that the journey is not over. Going forward, the CARICOM rum sector will need CARICOM’s continued focus and support in developing and protecting the CARICOM rum industry.
“CARICOM has taught the rum sector that together, many hands make light work, and that a rising tide lifts all ships, and also for anything to be truly sustainable, it must be a ‘win-win’ for all involved,’ or as Bajans say, ‘everybody got to eat’. Congratulations to CARICOM; happy 50th,” he stated.
Managing Director of Mount Gay Distilleries, Antoine Couvreur, said as one of the oldest rum distilleries, 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”.
“It is an utmost privilege for us 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. This is our toast to the people across the region, working side by side to create the dynamic future around which embodies the spirit of unity that defines the Caribbean. On behalf of Mount Gay, I say hearty congratulations to CARICOM and salute to all who have played a part,” Mr. Couvreur said.