MINISTER of state in the Ministry of Industry, Investment and Commerce Delano Seiveright has called for greater recognition of Jamaica’s rum industry as a strategic pillar of economic growth, exports, manufacturing and tourism.

According to Seiveright, the sector deserves careful policy consideration given its outsized contribution to the country and wider Caribbean economy.

Addressing leaders of the regional spirits industry at the West Indies Rum and Spirits Producers’ Association (WIRSPA) and Spirits Pool Association (SPA) cocktail reception at Courtleigh Hotel & Suites in New Kingston last Wednesday, Seiveright said Jamaica rum remains one of the country’s most recognised global brands and a major source of foreign exchange earnings.