The West Indies Rum and Spirits Producers’ Association (WIRSPA) convened its annual general meeting this week, at which regional rum producers and international stakeholders addressed some of the pressing issues facing the industry.

This year’s meeting, held in Barbados, featured panel discussions on alcohol and health, and trade and tariffs, reflecting the dual priorities of responsible production and sustained market access. Participating in the discussions were representatives from major international organisations, including the World Spirits Alliance, the Distilled Spirits Council of the United States, Spirits Europe, the International Alliance for Responsible Drinking, as well as senior trade officials from CARICOM and Caribbean missions based in key global capitals.

A central focus was the upcoming United Nations High-Level Meeting (HLM) on the Prevention and Control of Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) and the Promotion of Mental Health. Rum producers reiterated their commitment to supporting global health goals, highlighting progress made since the last HLM in reducing harmful alcohol use, particularly among youth. Producers stressed the importance of an outcome that recognises the role of the private sector in promoting responsible drinking, maintaining strong marketing codes, and protecting vulnerable groups from harmful exposure to alcohol messaging.

On the trade front, the meeting addressed the significant impacts of the recently imposed 10 per cent base tariff on Caribbean rum exports to the United States, with higher tariffs, such as the planned 38 per cent rate applied to Guyana, exacerbating pressures on regional producers. The proliferation of bilateral trade agreements between large markets is seen as threatening the region’s competitiveness, with leaders calling for urgent expansion into non-traditional markets and for more favourable terms in global trade agreements.

A major highlight at the AGM was the election of Clement Jimmy Lawrence,head of the Jamaica Rum and Spirits Trade Association, as the new chairman of WIRSPA.

He succeeds Margaret Monplaisir, managing director of Saint Lucia Distillers.

“I am deeply honoured by the confidence placed in me by my fellow producers,” said Lawrence. “As WIRSPA approaches its 55th year, I am committed to upholding the spirit of leadership, partnership, and consensus that has been the foundation of our association.

Together, we will navigate these complex challenges and continue to promote the excellence of Caribbean rum.

“We must also ensure that our voices are heard in the trade arena, where unequal barriers threaten the livelihoods of thousands across the Caribbean. Rum is more than a product—it’s a cultural and economic cornerstone of our region,” he added.

In his welcome remarks to the grouping, Managing Director of Mount Gay and WIRSPA Director for Barbados, Antoine Couvreur, underscored the significance of this moment for the industry: “As an industry, we have shown that we are not just producers—we are responsible stakeholders in our societies.

Our commitment to moderation and to supporting global health goals is unwavering.”

The meeting also reviewed WIRSPA’s progress in key areas, including the development of the Caribbean Rum Trail, advancements in technical training and sustainability, and efforts to support members in meeting evolving global standards.

A new executive committee was appointed during the AGM, comprising new Lawrence (Jamaica), Deputy Chair Anthony Bento (Antigua and Barbuda), Monplaisir (Saint Lucia), Couvreur (Barbados), Alberto Nogeuira (the Dominican Republic), and Ian Forbes (Trinidad and Tobago).

(PR)