CONFERENCE: RUM AND THE CARIBBEAN, 15-15 OCTOBER 2015

Co-organised by UCL Institute of the Americas, the Caribbean Council, and the West Indies Rum and Spirits Producers' Association (WIRSPA)

Venue: University of London


CALL FOR PAPERS


Since the seventeenth century, rum has played a central role in the economic, social and cultural history of the Caribbean. First produced as a by-product of the sugar-refining process, the development of rum production in the Caribbean is rooted in the region's history of colonialism, plantation agriculture, and slavery. Produced and consumed in the region for centuries, the significance of rum is visible in everything from contemporary trade negotiations with the European Union to the politics of the rum-shop, from the social satire of Lord Invader's 'Rum and Coca Cola' to the machinations of the anti-Castro 'Bacardi wars'. However there have been few discussions that bring together analyses of the historical importance of rum, its significance to contemporary Caribbean societies and economies, and the challenges faced by rum producers in the era of globalisation. This conference seeks to explore the economic, political, social and cultural significance of Caribbean rum from its colonial origins to the present day.


Day one of the conference focuses primarily on the historical, cultural and social dimensions of rum in the Caribbean / Caribbean rum in the world. Themes for consideration include but are not limited to:

* Rum, slavery, and the slave trade

* Rum and the colonial economy

* The naval and military history of rum in the Caribbean

* The politics of rum

* Rum and religion

* The rum-shop in Caribbean society

* Rum in Caribbean literature, arts and music

* Archival sources on rum


Please submit an abstract of no more than 300 words, along with a short bio, to Kate Quinn on [log in to unmask] by Monday 13 July.


Day two of the conference focuses on the economics of the contemporary rum industry. Invited speakers from government, trade organisations, the European Commission, CARICOM, and the rum industry will examine the place of Caribbean rum in the global economy, its significance for Caribbean economies, the implications of different trade regimes and changing markets, trade relations with Europe and North America, and the challenges facing Cariforum rums in relation to Cuban, Central and South American rums and other competitors.


Speakers for day two by invitation only.