WIRSPA Welcomes UN Declaration on NCDs and Reaffirms Commitment to Helping Reduce Harmful Drinking

The West Indies Rum and Spirits Producers’ Association (WIRSPA) today welcomed the adoption of the Political Declaration at the Fourth UN High-Level Meeting (HLM) on the Prevention and Control of Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs).

As the representative body of the Caribbean’s indigenous rum producers, WIRSPA commended UN Member States for endorsing a balanced, whole-of-society approach that recognises the constructive role the private sector can play in tackling harmful use of alcohol.

The new Political Declaration builds on the 2010 Global Strategy to Reduce the Harmful Use of Alcohol and the 2022 Global Alcohol Action Plan, frameworks that are delivering measurable improvements. The declaration makes a strong commitment to protecting children from harmful marketing practices and endorses education and awareness-raising actions that empower individuals and communities to make informed choices.

WHO global data shows:

• A 20% decline in alcohol-attributable mortality between 2010 and 2019.
• A 17.4% reduction in alcohol-related disability (DALYs) over the same period.

WIRSPA Chair, Clement ‘Jimmy’ Lawrence, head of the Jamaica rum industry’s Spirits Pool Association, said: “The data proves that progress is possible when governments, civil society, and responsible industry operators work together. Caribbean rum producers remain committed to supporting these efforts as part of a constructive, evidence based partnership.”

While Caribbean regional data demonstrates encouraging progress such as reductions in morbidity (illness) for the under 20s and road injuries, over the decade since 2010, not all indicators are moving in the right direction. Says Lawrence, “We recognise that rates of excessive drinking are still too high, and we commit to working to reduce the harmful use of alcohol.”

Since the 2018 HLM, the Caribbean rum industry sector has taken concrete steps in line with international commitments:

• Strict codes prohibiting marketing to underage persons and safeguards in digital media.
• Improved labelling, including calorie and health information, as well as warnings on pregnancy, drinking and driving, and underage use.
• Support for enforcement of drink-driving laws and advocacy for minimum drinking-age legislation.

WIRSPA Chair Lawrence emphasized the importance of maintaining an inclusive, multi-stakeholder approach in advancing global health goals, “The Caribbean rum industry is a cornerstone of regional economies and cultural heritage, generating over US$600 million annually in foreign exchange and supporting thousands of jobs. We stand ready to continue working with governments and civil society to reduce harmful drinking while promoting sustainable development”.

Following the conclusion of the HLM, WIRSPA member companies intend to meet with Caribbean governments to discuss priority actions and highlight ongoing industry-led initiatives that promote moderation, responsibility, and public health.