User talk:Jacquelyn mcCammon-Junor

EL DORAD: RUM OR FABLE?

The fabled city Manoa, which means "Noah's water", was supposed to bathe capital city of the god El Dorado.

Guyana has chosen the name of this 'legendary god', as the name for one of its distinguished 'beverages.' The El Dorado rum is distilled by the Demerara Distillery Limited (DBL), on the East Bank of Demerara. This is an alcoholic beverage made from sugar cane, by byproducts such as molasses and sugarcane juice, which are left to ferment and distill. The distillate is a clear liquid, which is usually aged in "oak and other barrels". El Dorado rum is produced in a variety of styles. For example, persons use light rums in cocktails, and golden or dark rums in cooking (cake baking) as well as cocktails. This rum can be consumed either "neat or on the rocks".

Story of El Dorado.

The"Spanish Conquistadors" came to Guiana, as it was then called, looking for an Indian chief named El Dorado, who was supposed to be covered in "gold dust". They were also looking for his "fountain of youth", so called, because it was believed that if anyone drank from it, they 'will never grow old'. This search began in the mountains of Columbia near "present day Bogota." It continued east to the "current location" which is now Guyana.

A Spaniard named Martinez, claimed that in 1531, after he negligently discharged "stock power', the impact drifted him up the Orinoco River. This act caused him to be captured by some native Indians. Martinez was then blind folded and taken away by them. The legend continues, that when his "bandages were removed", he could not believe his sight. "Stretching all around him, "were houses of shining gold and dazzling precious stones.' "Martinez claimed that he had to walk one full day through the city in order to arrive at the emperor's palace in Manoa. While he was there, he observed that every morning, the emperor's bath consisted of "gold dust' that were "blown through myriads of tubes"

These were the stories told throughout Europe in 1562. This rumor caused the British monarchy to send out Sir Walter Raliegh on an expedition to Guiana in 1564, "under captain Whiddon'. Releigh sailed up the Orinoco River, but failed to find this "fabled" city of El Dorado. When he returned to England, Raleigh published a book called "The Discoverie Of Guiana." In it he wrote, "Whatever prince shall possess it, that prince shall be lord of more gold, and more cities and people than either the King of Spain or the great Turk."

Between 1602 and 1616, he was charged with treason and imprisoned. While in prison, he sent his friend, Lawrence Keymis back to Guiana in 1616. Keymis reported that El Dorado was situated on the Rupununni in Essequibo, which is the largest county in Guyana. In 1617, Raleigh's friends gave him financial support to return to Guiana, after he was released from prison. However, he became sick and weak from 'frequent attacks by the Spanish in the Americas". Disappointingly, he returned to England in1618, where he was executed on the 'old charges of plotting with the Spaniards."

As a child growing up, I remember singing the patriotic song: “My Guyana El Dorado.” My Guyana El Dorado, Best of all the world to me, In my heart where'er I wander, Memories "Enshineth" thee, All my hopes and aspirations, All my longings only tie, Everlasting bonds around us...

This was sung at School rallies after a Parade March along main streets in Georgetown. School children from all over the country, would travel for many miles, by boat, bus or train, to attend these rallies. Some rallies were in honor of a national celebration, either of Guyana (Guiana) itself or one in the ‘Mother country’ of Great Britain’ or when one of the Royal Family paid a visit. Schools were recognized by their various uniforms, which were of navy, brown green, or burgundy. The pants, skirts or kimonos were worn with either white or crème shirts.