Caribbean Rum Producers Address Global Health and Trade Challenges at WIRSPA AGM
Regional rum producers and international stakeholders recently gathered in Barbados to address pressing issues facing the industry, during the Annual General Meeting of the West Indies Rum & Spirits Producers’ Association (WIRSPA).
This year’s meeting featured high-level 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 organizations, including the World Spirits Alliance, the Distilled Spirits Council of the United States (DISCUS), spiritsEUROPE, the International Alliance for Responsible Drinking (IARD), and senior trade officials from CARICOM and Caribbean missions based in key global capitals.
(L-R) WIRSPA past Chair, Margaret Monplaisir, with WIRSPA CEO, Vaughn Renwick
A central focus was the upcoming United Nations High-Level Meeting (HLM) on Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs). 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 recognizes 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% base tariff on Caribbean rum exports to the United States, with higher tariffs, such as the planned 38% rate applied to Guyana, exacerbating pressures on regional producers. The proliferation of bilateral trade agreements between large markets threatens the region’s competitiveness, with leaders calling for urgent action to expand into non-traditional markets and secure more favourable terms in global trade agreements.
A major highlight at the AGM was the election of Clement ‘Jimmy’ Lawrence, Chair of the Spirits Pool Association Ltd. and head of the Jamaica Rum and Spirits Trade Association, as the new Chairman of WIRSPA. He succeeds Mrs. Margaret Monplaisir, Chief Executive Officer of St. Lucia Distillers.
Clement ‘Jimmy’ Lawrence, Chairman of the West Indies Rum and Spirits Producers’ Association
“I am deeply honoured by the confidence placed in me by my fellow producers,” said Clement 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 also appointed during the Annual General Meeting, comprising of the new Chair, Clement Lawrence (Jamaica), Deputy Chair Anthony Bento (Antigua & Barbuda), past Chair Margaret Monplaisir (Saint Lucia), Antoine Couvreur (Barbados), Alberto Nogueira (Dominican Republic) and Ian Forbes (Trinidad & Tobago).