KINGSTON, Jamaica — The milestone wasn’t just marked — it was immortalized. As J Wray & Nephew Limited enters its third century of operation, the atmosphere at its official 200th anniversary launch was less about commemoration and more about recognition — of a brand that has embedded itself in the economic, cultural, and emotional DNA of Jamaica.
Hosted at the company’s New Kingston headquarters, the event drew a who’s who of Jamaica’s public and private sectors. Prime Minister Andrew Holness, delivering the keynote, described the company as “not merely a business but a bearer of national identity — a standard of Jamaican excellence exported worldwide.”
Born in 1825 from a modest tavern run by John Wray, the company evolved under the stewardship of his nephew Charles Ward into a global force in spirits. Today, J Wray & Nephew Limited stands as Jamaica’s oldest registered company, a distinction it wears with earned gravitas.
Managing Director Daniel Caron used the moment to spotlight the company’s people-first philosophy. “We’ve stayed grounded in the communities that raised us,” he said. “Whether through scholarship grants, vocational support, or cultural sponsorships — we’re not just making rum; we’re helping build the future.”
Caron emphasized that the bicentenary is not a time capsule but a platform. “This year is dedicated to action — to initiatives that will directly support education, development, and community upliftment. That’s how we honour the past: by investing in what comes next.”
Opposition Spokesman Anthony Hylton also praised the company’s generational contributions to commerce and community, while master blender Dr Joy Spence reminded attendees of the artistry and heritage contained in every bottle — “a blend of time, skill, and island soul.”
Hosted by the ever-charismatic Fae Ellington, the event saw a vibrant performance by the ASHE Ensemble, capturing the rhythm and resilience of the Jamaican spirit through dance and song — a perfect companion to the legacy being celebrated.
Looking ahead, J Wray & Nephew has committed to a year-long national programme anchored in social responsibility. One key initiative will direct a share of product proceeds to revitalizing learning centres islandwide, facilitated through its foundation.
From Shakespeare Tavern to international acclaim, J Wray & Nephew’s journey is no longer just a brand story — it’s a national one. And now, 200 years in, Jamaica isn’t just celebrating its oldest company. It’s recognizing a cornerstone of its cultural foundation.
