Tony Talburt

No other spirit beverage encapsulates the essence of Caribbean social and cultural atmosphere quite like rum. Indeed, Caribbean rum, like sugar, has helped to influence and shape many aspects of the region’s political, economic and social experience. While Caribbean rum is not often associated with politics, in this unique study, Dr Tony Talburt shows how this popular Caribbean spirit beverage not only has a social and cultural significance but has also been the subject of a number of political decisions by governments in the Caribbean, the USA and Europe.

Although the primary focus of this book is centred upon the period in the second half of the 20th century amid the political conflict to market Caribbean rums in the European Union, it nonetheless also provides an overview of the political significance of Caribbean rum in the 18th and 19th centuries.

Rum, Rivalry & Resistance introduces the reader to the political history of Caribbean rum especially within the context of recent political and economic struggles to retain nature, quality and market for the survival this important Caribbean spirit. It concludes with a number of recommendations and strategies that may have to be explored in greater depth by Caribbean rum producers so that the sugar-rum industries might survive in the 21st century.

INCLUDES: Foreword by the former Secretary-General of the Commonwealth of Nations, Sir Shridath Ramphal; Short biographies of rum producers; Extensive bibliography and full index.

"Excellent" Sir Ronald Sanders, Caribbean360.com

• 228 x 152 mm
• 168 pages
• Paperback