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Salutations.
SPEAKING NOTES
FOR
HONOURABLE PRIME MINISTER
AT
OPENING CEREMONY
OF
DENOES & GEDDES
IMPROVED FACILITIES
ON
MARCH 21 1 2001
When I became the Minister of Industry in 1972, one of my
earliest and most difficult assignment was to resolve the differences
between Denoes & Geddes and Guiness, on the proposal by
Guiness for a bottling plant in Jamaica.
It is more than a quirk of history, that in the intervening years D &
G not only acquired the local Guiness Plant, but that subsequently
Guiness found it in their corporate interests to acquire D & G.
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Why?
Because of Red Stripe Beer.
Like Jamaican Coffee - it is now universally accepted to be simply
the best.
It is featured in novels, songs, plays
- demands by visiting Presidents of host Prime Minister
- enjoyed with lunch
- when I travel overseas - on flights, in hotels and restaurants
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What was important about the change of ownership of D & G, was
the confidence in Jamaica, which inspired a multinational company
to wish to enter our industrial sphere, through the route of one of
our world famous products.
I am specially delighted that the new owners have decided to name
three of its buildings in honour of the two founders of the Brand
and the third in honour of the brand itself.
This is a win-win situation for Jamaica.
We have gained an investment position of considerable international
reputation and we have retained a household brand name of which
we have been extremely proud.
What is even more important is the substantial investment, which
has been made by the new owners to expand, up-grade and
modernise the manufacturing facilities.
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Denoes and Geddes Limited has been a major contributor to the
Jamaican economy through the direct and indirect employment
created by the manufacturing and sales of its products; taxes and
other statutory payments; export of products.
Commend the workers - emphasis must be on productivity in which
the workers share exports which support wealth creation.
The Company's contribution to the development of sports
throughout the country and the wider Caribbean has been
recognised by the Government, sports organisations, community
groups and influential individuals. Some 11 20-odd II different sports
have benefited from Denoes and Geddes' support.
Denoes and Geddes has earmarked four schools - 1 All Age and 3
Basic - within close proximity to the brewery to give ongoing
tangible assistance. The assistance covers a nutrition programme,
supplying books, pencils and teaching aids, repairs and maintenance
of school facilities, sports programmes and training activities for
teachers.
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Significant contributions are also made to at least 1 00 other schools
- primary, all-age, and secondary - throughout the island.
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I am pleased to learn that with the recent changes to Denoes and
Geddes being only a brewery, more emphasis will be placed on
involvement with tertiary institutions - University of the West Indies,
University of Technology, Northern Caribbean University, Teacher
Training Colleges, HEART Hospitality Training Academy, etc.
The country has also been the beneficiary of the company's
demonstration of corporate responsiveness through its contributions
to education, health, community and cultural development.
So, today's re-branding of the company Red Stripe, could be
regarded as a "Red Letter Day" for Jamaica.
Our beloved beer, is not just a beer any more. It has become an
institution.
The next step, is for this institution to stamp its pride and its name
all over the world, in what could be described as globalisation in
reverse.
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The product is of a sufficiently high quality to take its place beside
the world's great, beers, which would continue a Jamaican traditions
of excellence in the global market place.
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