Legislators Urged to Act as VI Prepares to Capitalize on Permanent Rum Cover-Over Rate

One lawmaker says it's time to have a frank discussion with industry stakeholders about the future of rum production in the Virgin Islands. On Friday, Senator Carla Joseph called on the Legislature's Committee on Economic Development and Agriculture to convene a meeting with the territory's rum industry at the top of the agenda. In a letter addressed to Senator Hubert Frederick, the committee's chair, Joseph said that stakeholders should be brought together “to discuss the status, any challenges, and potential opportunities to optimally position the Virgin Islands for a significant return on investment for the industry and the people of the Territory.” She acknowledges the recent permanent extension of the rum cover-over rate as a “substantial development,” and argues that it is “essential that the Territory's Rum Industry is in optimal condition to capitalize on this opportunity.” The meeting should seek the perspectives of rum manufacturers, distributors, the territory's Departme...