Heather Robinson, Contributor

Most of us have or have had an uncle. Some of us have lived our lives with only one, and have only memories of that one who has since passed on to the next life. Boys who are nephews have special relationships with their uncles, and look forward to going out with the uncle and having a wonderful time. But perhaps here in Jamaica, the best-known uncle and nephew relationship is between Mr. John Wray and his nephew, Charles James Ward.

This business that is known in Jamaica as J. Wray & Nephew Limited is described as being "blenders, bottlers and purveyors of the world's finest rums, wines and spirits since 1825". Not many of us know the real story behind this world-famous uncle and nephew combination. So here is it in summary.

The story began in 1825 when John Wray, who is the father of Jamaican rum, began operating a tavern in Kingston. Known as the Shakespeare Tavern, it was located at North Parade, beside the Royal Theatre. We are told that this very popular tavern was the place where Uncle John Wray "experimented with the blending of rums and other liqueurs and spirits and produced some very fine products that quickly found favour with his patrons".

Company formed

The Appleton press kit continues by telling us that in 1860 "John Wray took his 22-year-old nephew, Charles James Ward, who was a dynamic and gifted entrepreneur, into the business and and in 1862 he made him his partner and thus J.Wray & Nephew was formed".

The rest of the story is one filled with the winning of many international awards and medals from as far back as 1862, and for those who have not taken the time to notice, J. Wray & Nephew is the owner of the Appleton Jamaica Rum brand.

But today, my focus of attention is on the world-famous white rum produced for us by this esteemed company, which, by the way, still owns the building of the original Shakespeare Tavern, located beside the Ward Theatre. It is named after the nephew himself, Charles Ward, after he had paid for the rebuilding of the theatre which had been destroyed in the 1907 earthquake. This was a gift to the Jamaican people.

Variety of uses

Wray & Nephew white overproof rum needs no introduction to the Jamaican people. It received its first award in 1862 in London, and today is used for a variety of reasons. Last week Thursday night in Annotto Bay and on Sunday night in Old Harbour, it was the most sought-after liquid. Many persons bought a one drink to pour on their 'moles' and to rub up their faces and chests after being drenched by pouring rain. The ones who thought that they would be more susceptible to any unwanted cold or flu continued the treatment by having either a single or double drink of this "guaranteed full strength" clear liquid.

No one is ever really interested in finding out how this liquid that is 63 per cent alcohol manages to keep us well. What the majority of us want to know is that it is available when we need it to 'ward off' any cold or flu.

For my own part, white rum is the most essential ingredient in everything that I bake. When my nephews in the United States receive Christmas cake or Easter bun, they must immediately feel the spirits of John Wray and his nephew, Charles Ward. Without this aroma the baked product would lack life.

So whatever reason you have to pour this clear liquid from its bottle, be it for medicinal or other purposes, the next time that you do, raise your glass in tribute to Uncle John and Nephew Charles.

Heather Robinson is a life underwriter and former Member of Parliament.