Jamaica’s leading rum manufacturer, J. Wray and Nephew has joined the rest of the local alcohol industry stakeholders in celebrating “Enjoy Responsibly Day.” 

The initiative, which seeks to raise awareness for the need to focus on reducing of misuse of alcohol whilst promoting responsible drinking in Jamaica is being spearheaded by the Jamaica Spirits Beer and Wines Network. This year’s special focus is on under-age drinking.

Speaking at the virtual launch of Enjoy Responsibility Day last Thursday, J. Wray and Nephew and The Spirits Pool Chairman, Clement “Jimmy” Lawrence pointed out that this coming together of the Spirits Pool is to promote the responsible consumption of alcohol in general, and in particular, the reduction of underage drinking and access to alcohol.

Stating that the Spirits Pool represents all its members in the rum industry, Lawrence said they have come together as stakeholders from several sectors with a common purpose of promoting responsible drinking.

According to Lawrence, “We take responsibility, given our leadership role in this industry, regarding the health and safety of our consumers, patrons and countrymen. I take this occasion to declare that our industry is committed to discouraging if not eliminating, the purchase and consumption of alcohol by minors, drinking and driving and excessive consumption or binging on alcohol.”

J. Wray & Nephew Limited is the oldest company in Jamaica and one of the largest exporters in the Caribbean, with its products going to over 60 countries around the world. The company has Jamaica’s largest wine and spirits portfolio, comprising a number of owned and represented brands.  

Responsible drinking campaigns

In a news release on the weekend, J. Wray and Nephew noted that the alcohol industry has been self-regulating for years and members have led responsible drinking campaigns such as Party Proppa from J. Wray and Nephew and Drink Right by Red Stripe.

These messages have been incorporated into the respective advertising and promotional materials of all alcohol producers as well as agreements with promoters. 

This has also incorporated responsible pouring and mixing into the bartending and mixology courses by the J. Wray and Nephew Academy. For his part, General Manager of the Spirits Pool Association, Christopher Gentles pointed to certain positive development, in particular the messaging from the government agencies such as the Ministry of Health and Wellness and the National Council and Drug Abuse. 

Gentles cited the No Drinking and Driving campaign, the Responsible Drinking messages from spirits and beer producers, as well as the new awareness of the role of healthy eating and exercise.

Jamaica’s per capita consumption ranks lower than some countries

He stated that these messages have contributed to much lower consumption of 4.2 litres per capita per annum in terms of alcohol consumption and the binge drinking of alcohol than several of our well-resourced neighbours such as Panama, Mexico, Canada and the United States; all consuming more than 12 liters per person per capita.

“We look forward to the new Green Paper for the National Alcohol Policy announced by the Honourable Minister Christopher Tufton as an opportunity to continue to support the responsible consumption of alcohol in Jamaica,” Gentles said.

He added that one of the greatest expressions of the Jamaican culture has been the freedom to enjoy an affordable drink of well-crafted Jamaican beer or spirits expressing the hope that the new policy on alcohol will ensure that freedom remains.