Caribbean recovery supported by rum and beer fest

Last updated: November 12, 2017 at 12:44 pm

The 2017 Caribbean Rum and Beer Festival in Barbados is throwing its support behind the Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO)’s efforts to help Caribbean recovery following the passage of Hurricane Irma and Maria.

The festival will be raising monies for the CTO Hurricane Relief Fund, which was established through crowdfunding site GoFundMe.

“We were horrified by the devastation inflicted on the region by the category five hurricanes in September 2017 and, as an authentic Caribbean event, we felt obligated to assist those affected,” Cheryl Collymore, the festival director, said.

“As the region’s tourism development agency, the CTO is a reputable organisation with a history of coming to the support of Caribbean countries hit by natural disasters and we are happy to support its efforts.”

The festival will take place on 9 December at the Rockley Golf and Country Club in Barbados.

Among activities are a selection of rum and beer products to sample and purchase, masterclasses by industry experts on a variety of rum and beer subjects, the ‘Rum Cocktail Wars’ bartender competition, and culinary demonstrations.

To support the CTO Hurricane Relief Fund, the 2017 Caribbean Rum and Beer Festival has committed to contributing 5% of ticket and exhibitor space rental to the fund.

Hurricane Maria: Life after disaster in Dominica https://t.co/PElex2W3Cc

— WIC News (@WIC_News) November 9, 2017

The tourism group is also encouraging regional producers who may not be attending to donate their products to be sold at the festival, with 100% of money raised going into the fund.

Hugh Riley, the CTO secretary general, said: “Hurricanes Irma and Maria have had a significant impact on families and countries in the affected countries and we welcome any contribution to the CTO Hurricane Fund.

“We are grateful to the organisers of the Caribbean Rum and Beer festival for their generous contribution.”