PM Drew Welcomes Demerara Distillers’ Continued Investment
BASSETERRE (PMO) – Prime Minister Hon. Dr. Terrance Drew has welcomed the continued investment and expansion of Demerara Distillers Limited (DDL) in St. Kitts and Nevis, describing the company’s decision to deepen its presence in the Federation as a strong vote of confidence in the country’s economy, people and long-term development prospects.
Prime Minister Drew made the remarks during the SOD-turning ceremony for Demerara Distillers (St. Kitts and Nevis) Limited’s redevelopment and expansion project at its Bird Rock operations on Thursday, August 6. DDL has maintained a presence in St. Kitts and Nevis since 1996 and has grown over the past three decades into a significant manufacturer and distributor of premium spirits and beverages.
Addressing the company’s leadership, employees, members of the private sector and other invited guests, Prime Minister Drew said the occasion represented far more than the construction of a new facility. He noted that it symbolised renewed confidence in the Federation, increased productive capacity and the strengthening of Caribbean enterprise.
The Prime Minister thanked the leadership of DDL for its longstanding relationship with St. Kitts and Nevis and for choosing to make a further significant investment in the country.
“Your decision to invest here sends an important message that our federation remains a jurisdiction in which serious investors can establish roots, expand their operations, and build enduring partnerships with our people,” Prime Minister Drew stated.
The redevelopment and expansion project is estimated at approximately US$14 million and is expected to include expanded production and warehousing facilities, laboratory and quality-control infrastructure, administrative offices, retail and commercial spaces, visitor amenities, new technology and supporting infrastructure. The development is also expected to incorporate modern energy-efficient systems and renewable-energy solutions where practical.
Prime Minister Drew said the investment aligns closely with his Government’s broader strategy of building a more diversified, productive and resilient economy, with greater emphasis on manufacturing, exports, foreign-exchange generation and value-added economic activity.
He stressed, however, that investment and economic expansion must ultimately translate into tangible improvements in the lives of citizens.
“The ultimate measure of development must always be its impact. Its impact on people,” Prime Minister Drew said, pointing to the employment, skills development, career opportunities and increased business prospects expected to flow from the expansion.
The Prime Minister also underscored the importance of ensuring that major investments create wider linkages throughout the domestic economy, including opportunities for contractors, suppliers, entrepreneurs and other local enterprises. He said the Government wants to see the benefits of private-sector expansion extend beyond individual businesses and contribute meaningfully to households and communities throughout the Federation.
Beyond its national economic significance, Prime Minister Drew described DDL’s expansion as an important demonstration of Caribbean economic integration. Headquartered in Guyana, DDL’s continued investment in another CARICOM member state, he said, illustrates how regional integration can move beyond policy discussions and manifest itself through investment, enterprise and real economic opportunities for Caribbean people.
