BAJAN SUN MAGAZINE
OCT 2014
One such sub-sector is the rum shop group, who whilst
being frowned upon by some Bajans, does capture the
essence of Barbadian culture, entrepreneurial spirit and
strong community life. According to Minister Inniss, the
Bajan rum shop is an indelible part of our history and
culture.
It is here that many families started their movement up
the social ladder; where many of our communities were
fed; where community groups were formed; where
economic power houses had their origins; where political
leaders emerged and were alas also submerged; where
some fought and some fell in love; where children learnt
the fundamentals of business and where larger companies
had an outlet for their goods and services. These
fundamentals will not change and the rum shop must
remain part of our physical and economic landscape.
As we strive to further develop our rum industry, the rum
shop remains the main outlet for the sale of this fine and
unique Barbadian product.
Minister Inniss passion in this area is based in large
measure on his experience growing up in Bayfield, St.
Philip where rum shops were the main meeting points for
communities in St. Philip. Today he remains true to the
principles instilled in him from then.
He is one Minister who has earned a reputation of being a
regular fella – liming at shops, partying and just hanging
around. This has been his lifestyle prior to politics and
according to him – shall remain til he dies. Whilst Inniss
is viewed by many as a serious, no-nonsense hardworking
Minister, he surely knows how to mix business with
pleasure and seems the rumshops and the rum industry as
a good mix for his Ministry and himself. However, he has
always urged citizens to act responsibly. As he constantly
reminds us – not all patrons in rumshops are rum drinkers
and not all rum drinkers are to be found in rumshops.
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