The Truth About the Rum Deal
OP-Ed: Keith O’Neale
Secretary and Treasurer
Virgin Island Economic Leadership Council
The Truth About the Rum Deal
Getting America’s economy back on track is Washington’s top priority. Democrats and Republicans are looking to keep companies in America, create jobs and stabilize local economies – particularly in economically fragile places. The U.S. Virgin Islands is one of those fragile locations, fighting through the recession with long-term agreements that prevent outsourcing to foreign countries and strengthen our economy.
Bacardi, World’s Largest Recipient of Public Rum Subsidies, Leads Hidden Campaign to Drive Rum Competitor out of the United States and Destroy the Economy of the U.S. Virgin Islands
Published in
Contacts: Zsoka McDonald, Diageo Ph: 203-229-4730
Rachel Rosenblatt, FD Ph: 212-850-5697
Bacardi, World’s Largest Recipient of Public Rum Subsidies, Leads Hidden Campaign to Drive Rum Competitor out of the United States and Destroy the Economy of the U.S. Virgin Islands
Bermuda-based Family Business Sees Benefit from Using a Campaign of Misinformation to Get Congress to Retroactively Overturn Historic Initiative by U.S. Virgin Islands
Bacardi Schemes to Protect Subsidies at Expense of Economic Stability for the U.S. Virgin Islands
Norwalk, CT, February 23, 2010 – Diageo North America on Tuesday released the following statement from Guy L. Smith, Executive Vice President:
An historic and innovative public-private initiative forged by the U.S. Virgin Islands that would lift the U.S. Virgin Islands’ economy out of crisis is under attack by the entrenched corporate interests of a wealthy family seeking to maintain their decades-long grip on rum subsidies.
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Diageo Breaks Ground for State of the Art Distillery on St. Croix
Governor John P. deJongh Jr. joined officials of DIAGEO USVI at a ground breaking ceremony on St. Croix Wednesday afternoon which signaled the beginning of the construction of a state-of-the art distillery that will supply rum for Captain Morgan branded rum products in the United States beginning in 2011. The landmark public-private initiative will provide much-needed economic stimulus for the Virgin Islands, helping the territory become more economically self-sufficient. A number of local officials, community and business leaders took part in the mid-afternoon ceremony on the site where the distillery will be constructed, east of the Henry E. Rohlsen Airport.
Chamber Members Voted the Best in the Virgin Islands
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Congratulations to the following Chamber members who were recently voted Best of the V.I. in their respective categories by the readers of the Virgin Islands Daily News.
Best Frozen Coffee Drinks – Twin City Coffee House
Best Green Products and Services – Horizon Energy Systems
Best Grocery Store – Plaza Extra
Best Wholesale Seafood – Merchants Market
Best Wholesale Distributor – Hunter Foods
Best Rehabilitation Center – Rehabilitation Center at Beeston Hill
Best Auto Club – Virgin Islands Auto Club
Best Auto Dealer (New) – Caribbean Auto Mart of St. Croix
Best Bank (Commercial Loans) – First Bank
Best Bank (Mortgage Lender) – Scotia Bank
The Settlers Handbook for the U.S. Virgin Islands
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“The Settler’s Handbook” is highly recommended as an informative source for those considering moving to, or investing in, the U.S. Virgin Islands of St. Croix, St. Thomas or St. John. This 210 page reference book has a 25-year history and updates periodically. It features chapters on each of the three Virgin Islands, including island culture, history, relocation, housing and local services like real estate, government offices, physicians, civic groups to join.
