When many people picture an ideal Caribbean moment, they think of majestic sunsets on white sand beaches while enjoying a glass of exotic rum punch. The association between the Caribbean and rum goes back hundreds of years to the time of colonial forces and even pirates.

When colonial interests first settled on the beautiful island of Grenada, they noticed the mild temperatures and rich soils were ideal for growing sugarcane. The demand for sugar throughout Europe lead to the mass planting and processing of sugarcane throughout the Caribbean. During this time it was discovered (quite by accident) that the molasses, a thick syrupy byproduct of sugar production, when mixed with water and left in the sun began to ferment creating a primitive 'rum'. Having now discovered a use for the production byproducts, plantation owners began to manufacture rum.

The popularity of rum spread quickly through the Caribbean back to Europe where the drink became a daily staple (naval officers were assigned a daily ration of 'Grog', a watered down rum mix). Rum distillers were able to propel and protect their product by selling it at a discount to the navy, whose presence in the harbours kept pirates from looting the ports.

For rum connoisseurs interested in sampling Grenada's unique version of the Island spirit, the following information is essential.

Where to Purchase Rum: Grenada has a variety of distilleries from the colonial era that are still in working condition and open for touring. The River Antoine Rum Distillery located in St. Patrick, is not only the oldest water-propelled distillery in Grenada but through most of the Caribbean. Guided tours are available for $2(US) per person. Visitors can also purchase rum from the Dunfermline Rum Distillery, the Grenada Sugar Factory and the Westerhall Rum Distillery. For more information, visit www.grenadagrenadines.com/spice_estate.html

How to Have Unconventional Fun with Rum: If you've ever wanted to combine physical activity and rum, join the Grenada Hash House Harriers for a Hash Run. Start the fun at a local rum shop where you meet fellow 'hashers' and get your instructions from the 'Hash Master'. Run or walk as you follow a trail of flour or shredded paper along a selected route to another rum shop where you celebrate good times. Competitive attitudes and cheating is discouraged and first timers should be wary of highly regarded initiation traditions. For more information, visit www.grenadahash.com

Where to Get the Best Rum Punch: With local rums and an abundance of fresh fruits and spices, you will be hard pressed to find a bad rum punch in Grenada, but for the truly outstanding feel free to visit the 'Dodgy Dock' or 'Jenny's Place'. The Dodgy Dock located on Grand Anse Beach in St. George's, is where you can enjoy happy hour with Derek the bartender (silver medalist at the '2006 Taste of the Caribbean' competition) for one of his signature drinks while taking in the beautiful surroundings of True Blue Bay Resort. Also located on Grand Anse Beach is Jenny's Place, the only spot on the Island where you can enjoy a rum punch with hostess and former 'Ms. World', and past Ontario resident, Jennifer Hosten.

From its accidental discovery to its stint as a daily staple, rum will always be a quintessential part of the perfect Island escape.

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Island News

New Grenada Classic Yacht Regatta attracts several sponsors:
West Indies Events, the organizers of the first Grenada Classic Regatta, are pleased to announce that several sponsors have confirmed their participation in the inaugural event. An official sponsor agreement signing was recently held at the Victory Bar, Port Louis Grenada in St. George's. Port Louis Grenada and Bel Air Plantation have signed on as Silver Sponsors. Additional sponsors include Shipwrights Ltd. and the Maritime School of the West Indies. Organizers anticipate the participation will be between 20 to 30 classic yachts, vintage yachts, schooners, wooden boats, 'spirit of tradition' vessels (a modern yacht with the styling and the atmosphere of a real classic) and other classics in the first edition of the Grenada Classic Regatta.

Mount Cinnamon and Port Louis ready for 2008:
Mount Cinnamon, a project of Peter de Savary with its prime location on Grand Anse Beach, features completely self-contained villas with stunning ocean views. As of March 1st, 2008, these beautiful accommodations will be open for rental. The new Mount Cinnamon Resort comprises of 21 villas and apartments, all fully air conditioned and furnished to a high standard in lively Caribbean colours. Port Louis, a unique comprehensive marine village community with a waterfront of exciting activities, is located on the lagoon in St. George's. With its stunning location, it is one of the prettiest places to stay on the island of Grenada.

Port Louis will have full marina facilities including customs and immigration, security, electricity, water, Internet access and garbage disposal. The Victory Bar & Grill (Port Louis' flag ship restaurant) is already open to the public and from December 1st 2007, there will be berthing available for 75 boats and duty free shopping in the surrounding Creole Village.

Spicetivities

From Friday December 14th to Sunday December 16th, 2007, Grenada's sister island Carriacou will be celebrating its 30th annual Parang Festival, a musical climax to Grenada's festival season.

Festivities kick-off Friday evening with a free open-air concert that proceeds through the street of Hillsborough, featuring carol singing, Parang string bands, unique cultural celebrations and door-to-door Paranging. Saturday night is filled with performers and entertainers from around the world plying their trade with vivid displays of physical artistry, such as Quadrille and Big Drum Nation Dancing.

Sunday, the closing night, is full of musical drama as Parang groups from all over Grenada gather to compete for the challenge trophy and cash prizes. Each group must perform a compulsory Christmas Carol as well as a piece of their choosing. The evening is closed with a visit from Santa Claus and the distribution of awards to the winning Parangers.

The Parang Festival is a celebration of music and dance that provides visitors and Grenadians alike, an exciting finish to the festival season. For more information, visit
http://www.grenadagrenadines.com/fest.html?id=43

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