Barbadian Ezra Leach, a sports fanatic who has travelled the world with his favourite Mount Gay Rum as far away as South Africa, has fittingly emerged as the grand prize winner in the Mount Gay Eclipse Black “Win a VIP Experience to New York” promotion.

Mr. Leach, of Rockhampton Road, Grazettes, St. Michael said he was not at all surprised when he got the call about the trip for two to New York City, and would be taking his cousin Waveney Smith along, as they both had family and friends in the “Big Apple”.

“I am taking it in stride because I have won a few competitions before, but this is my first win with Mount Gay; I am accustomed to purchasing Mount Gay, Eclipse, Silver, you name it. I have been a Mount Gay customer for over 30 years, and it is my preferred drink when it comes to rum. I can’t leave Barbados and don’t take Mount Gay with me; I love cricket and football and I have taken Mount Gay on trips through the Caribbean, North America, and as far away as South Africa for the 2003 Cricket World Cup.”

The grand prize winner was speaking during a visit Wednesday to the Mount Gay Visitor Centre at Brandons, St. Michael, where he was presented with his ticket, itinerary and US$500 in spending money by Mount Gay Rum Brand Manager, Mr. Peter Samuel.

The lucky winner now gets to take his Mount Gay Eclipse on a tour from October 25th to 28th of New York City including a visit to the Empire State Building. After landing he will be chauffeured by limousine to his hotel for a surprise reception before embarking the following day on a packed VIP tour schedule including dinners and a Broadway Show.

The Mount Gay Brand Manager offered heartiest congratulations to the Grand Prize winner:

“We are really very happy with the response to this promotion and wish to thank all our Mount Gay Eclipse Black customers and fans who have made it an overwhelming success; I especially congratulate our Grand Prize Winner, Mr. Ezra Leach, a longstanding Mount Gay customer and a deserving winner of the VIP trip to New York.”

The Mount Gay Eclipse promotion ran for two months and was open to customers 21 years of age and over who were asked to present proof of purchase along with their entry forms to have a chance to win.