Appleton Rum builds monument to formerly enslaved workers

 

In St. Elizabeth, Jamaica

Jamaica’s Minister of Culture Olivia “Babsy” Grange (second from left) cuts the ribbon at the unveiling of the “Lest We Forget” monument at the Appleton Estate. From left to right: Managing Director of J. Wray & Nephew Limited, Jean-Phillipe Beyer; Mayor of Santa Cruz, Derrick Sangster; Jamaican artist Trishaunna Henry; Dr. Joy Spence, Master Blender, Appleton Estate; Professor Verene Shepherd, Director of the Centre for Reparation Research, University of the West Indies; and Senator Janice Allen, Opposition Spokesperson for Tourism

Jamaican rum producer and spirits distributor J. Wray & Nephew Limited (JWN), a member of the Campari Group, has unveiled a monument at the Joy Spence Appleton Estate Rum Experience (JSAERE) in St. Elizabeth, paying tribute to the enslaved people who worked on the Appleton Estate Plantation during slavery.

The monument, titled “Lest we Forget”, was designed and built by Jamaican artist Trishaunna Henry and incorporates the names of slaves who worked on the plantation during the ownership of the Dickinson family.

According to Jean-Phillipe Beyer, Managing Director of J. Wray & Nephew Limited, the monument and research into the history of Appleton Estate will add greater depth and increased cultural authenticity and sensitivity to the JSAERE. The JWN/Campari Group aims to show appreciation for the men and women who built the foundations of the Appleton Estate brand, many of whom were enslaved.

The project was made possible through research commissioned by JWN and conducted by a team from the Centre for Reparation Research of the University of the West Indies (UWI) Mona. JWN also received support from Miriam Hinds and Susan Lee Quee of the Edna Manley College of the Visual and Performing Arts in the production of the monument.

The Joy Spence Appleton Estate Rum Experience, named after Master Blender Dr. Joy Spence, is located in Siloah, St. Elizabeth. The rum tour was opened in 1988 to showcase the Appleton Estate brand to the world, and in 2022, more than 36,000 people visited JSAERE to learn about the history and production processes of Appleton Estate rums. The tour is open to the public Tuesday through Saturday, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. JSAERE also impacts the community through local sourcing of materials, employment, and a craft area for local artisans.

 

“Lest We Forget” was designed and built by Jamaican artist Trishaunna Henry. The monument was unveiled at the Joy Spence Appleton Estate Rum Experience in tribute to the enslaved people who worked on the Appleton Estate Plantation during slavery.