Did you know Newfoundland, Canada, has a long historical economic affiliation with Jamaica? Our provincial dark rum is shipped to our Liquor Commission from Jamaica, in concentrate, and is bottled and sold under the name SCREECH. Many visitors to the province are SCREECHED IN. This involves a little ceremony at a party at someone's home or shed or a bar but always when the party is about to be revved up. 'Captain Jack' has the guests repeat a few fast spoken Newfie words, kiss a slimy old, wet, whole cod fish, the bigger the better,(we always have one in the deep freeze, it goes in and out.), eat a chunk of raw bologna and swallow it down with a good slug of SCREECH. Then, the guest receives a certificate professing they are honorary Newfoundlanders. Ha ha ha all by drinking Jamaican Rum.
I think Negril Tourism should organize the same little ceremony and make visitors drink the same rum, especially Boardies! All we need is that tap on the shoulders by Captain Jack's Oar and it's official. Maybe we should have a Jamaican and a Newfie do the ceremony and give out dual citizen certificates. Yes, I'm looking for a good excuse to go again. lol Now, back to the history lesson. In the 16th, 17th and early 18th centuries, my ancestors travelled by Schooner ships in a world wide triangle from Jamaica to Newfoundland to Europe. The goods exchanged were wooden crated salted fish, rum in aged wooden barrels, and the third was spices and other European commodities.
When I go to Jamaica, (which is never enough), I always bring small pups of Newfie Screech for gifts. My friend tells me it's like bringing coals to Newcastle(coal mining town). lol But, the reaction and story that goes with the gift is always appreciated and very informative to the recipient. And always remembered.
So to keep the trivia story going, why do you think the rum is called SCREECH?