J. Wray & Nephew (JWN) has announced its partnership with the Ministry of Culture in Jamaica regarding the country’s 60th year of independence.

The agreement will see the company’s iconic brand Wray & Nephew White Overproof Rum receiving the designation as the “Spirit of Jamaica 60” and the premium aged spirit, Appleton Estate, taking pride of place at all the country’s exclusive events throughout the year.

The partnership of JWN, which is the oldest registered Jamaican company and the number one wine and spirits producer on the island, will see the company’s brands sponsoring marquee events on the Jamaica 60 calendar.

This started with Reggae Month and will continue to include the Commonwealth Games, World Championship Games, Jamaica Festival Song Competition Starts, JA 60 Prime Minister’s Awards of Excellence, the Governor-General’s Independence Reception at King’s House, National Grand Gala and JA 60 Diamond and Reggae Gold Awards.

In addition to these sponsorships, JWN, through its brands, commits to executing a suite of projects including mural installations in each county, the creation and launch of two commemorative spirits.

These include the launch of the Appleton Estate History book and various campaigns in support of Jamaica 60th. Combined, the sponsorship of the nine Government of Jamaica-led events, and the execution of JWN-led events and activities will see the company investing over J$60 million in celebrating Jamaica’s 60th Independence.

Minister of Culture Olivia Grange, in speaking about the partnership, said, “J. Wray & Nephew Limited and its brands are a proud part of the fabric of the Jamaican society and is featured throughout Jamaican culture from sombre moments to celebratory ones.”

Culture Minister hails partnership

She commented that JWN, “Their brands bring people together and community bars serve as an epicentre in communities for information sharing, domino playing, hot debates over current affairs, sports and as a source of income, supporting many Jamaican families.”

“In this Jamaica’s 60th year of independence, we are happy to welcome JWN wholeheartedly to join in the celebrations of Jamaica’s achievements, reflect on the country’s rich heritage, and together forge a path to recovery from the pandemic. Let’s come together to re-ignite our spirit for Jamaica 60,” Grange said further.

In honour of Jamaica’s diamond anniversary, JWN has said it will be celebrating Jamaican excellence, paying tribute to our complex and storied history and encouraging support of the Jamaican entrepreneurial spirit.

Speaking on the partnership, JWN Managing Director,” Jean-Philippe Beyer said “very few brands can boast of being in almost every household across Jamaica, from Negril to Morant Point. The Jamaican story and JWN are deeply connected and inextricably linked. Our company and brands have been a part of the tapestry for generations and our Wray & Nephew White Overproof Rum, Appleton Estate, Magnum Tonic Wine, and Kingston 62 brands are great ambassadors of Brand Jamaica and carry the Jamaican flag with pride across the world. “

Continuing, Beyer said, “our brands are proudly Jamaican, and we will use this opportunity to share stories of our people’s resilience, strength, boldness, and contribution to the world.”

Ensuring that the grassroot support is recognised and supported, J. Wray & Nephew has committed to several outreach projects in communities across the country and partnerships with local authorities to include the spruce up of some iconic Jamaican spots.