It is a traditional boat-building practice found on the islands of Carriacou and Petite Martinique in Grenada. In Carriacou and Petite Martinique, wooden boatbuilding is timeless, enchanting, and authentic. According to the elders, the keel, stem, and frames must be sourced during the right phase of the moon. A ceremonial sprinkle of rum and water on the stem and keel can initiate work in earnest only after the spirits of the ancestors have been honored.
A boat takes a village to build, and each vessel is blessed with fervent support from the village upon completion, similar to a Christening for a child. African and European traditions both enshrine this celebration. As part of the festive atmosphere, additional cultural performances include libation and dancing to string band music and drumming. Within the boat-building communities, men, women, and children bear and practice these elements. Each of them has a specific role and function based on the stage of the process. The physical construction of the vessels is handled by established shipwrights. The tradition of shipwrights has been handed down through families to men because of historical and cultural norms within society. As a result of oral and model instruction, this element is now passed on from generation to generation.
Aspirational and in line with sustainability, Grenada's destination brand is 'Pure Grenada. Wooden boatbuilding and other marine-based activities on Carriacou and Petite Martinique can be promoted by external marketing agencies by using the Inscription. By including the element, not only will dialogue be encouraged, but existing conversations will be strengthened as well. With the abundant external support that an inscription brings, the ideas and goals generated by dialogue can now be explored.
Throughout the years, boatbuilding has been consistently emphasized through the production of artistic works. Each year, local marine and yachting companies sponsor vessels competing in their respective regattas. An annual budget of $29,000 USD is allocated by the submitting state party to sponsor 3 local wooden/workboat regattas across the tri-island region. Furthermore, the state party has created a number of educational and promotional campaigns, including videos highlighting the construction and launch of traditionally built vessels. The element is protected and promoted by a number of public and private organizations as well as the submitting states. Traditional wooden boat construction heritage needs to be documented, highlighted, and showcased in more ways. All parties agree there is still much that can be done.