Fish and rum; The rich trade history between Newfoundland and Jamaica

BY SIMONE J. SMITH

Did you know that the famous breakfast dish Ackee and Saltfish, is due to a negotiated exchange between Newfoundland and Jamaica?

When I visited Newfoundland in 2016, I did notice how similar the Newfoundland accent was to the Jamaican accent. They say words like, “Ting,” and “G’wan.”  It might have a different context, but it sure does sound the same.

Another notable similarity found between the two islands is Jamaicans call their country “Jam-Rock,” while Newfoundland locals refer to their home as “The Rock.”

On Friday, February 14^th, 2020, I had an opportunity to learn a side of this story delivered in an artistic way. Presented in partnership with the Al Green Theatre, “Fish and Rum” was a theatre/video production that explored the rich trade history between Newfoundland and Jamaica.

During a time of prohibition in Canada, Jamaica had struck up a deal with Newfoundland; Jamaica would receive their favourite codfish from Newfoundland, and in return, Jamaica would send the province its precious rum. During this time, rum was loaded into ships from Jamaican ports at a very high alcohol content (140 proof). This was potent enough to sizzle and scald human entrails. It had to be diluted once it landed in Newfoundland.

In some cases, empty barrels were shipped over from Jamaica. The rum was so potent, that some of the islanders would just have to add some water and let it sit in the barrels for a while. After standing for a couple weeks, it turned into what was called “Swish,” which was then resold secretly.

The hilariously written script depicts what happens when there is a breakdown in communication and trade between the two islands. John Parsons, head of the Newfoundland family, one day decides to send lesser-grade cod to Jamaica, thinking no one will notice. Unfortunately, Roxroy James, the recipient in Kingston, does notice, and retaliates by sending lesser-grade barrels. Thus, begins a race to the bottom that has serious consequences for both families, and their communities.

Andrew Craig (Culchahworks Founder and Artistic Director) produced this unconventional live read. This Guelph-based multi-instrumentalist, vocalist, producer, directory, composer, broadcaster, and impresario decided to step way out the box when creating this fictionalized retelling of a real story.

Culchahworks Art Collective is a Toronto-based, not-for-profit arts organization, established in 2013. It was created as a way to celebrate stories drawn from the: African-Canadian, Caribbean-Canadian, and the African-American cultures. What was unique was the multimedia arts presentation that was used for the show. I have never been to a live read, so I had no idea what to expect.

Although the script had the audience laughing, at times I found the show hard to follow. There seemed to be some technical difficulties that night, and sometimes the images did not match the reading, or at times we were just staring at a blank screen. These things do happen, and regardless of the technical difficulties, I learned a lot.

I had no idea about this relationship between Newfoundland and Jamaica. Thanks to Andrews’s creative ingenuity, I was introduced to hybrid theatre. Not bad for a Friday night.