Gary Rhodes, the presenter of the recent TV series ‘Rhodes across the Caribbean’, will be Grenada’s celebrity guest on Press Day, Monday 18th May. Gary is a frequent visitor to the island where his fine dining Rhodes Restaurant at The Calabash Hotel is the first of its kind in the Caribbean. Known as ‘the Spice island of the Caribbean’, Grenada’s Chelsea exhibit will incorporate cocoa and spices grown on the island and used in Rhodes’ recipes, mingling with exotic blooms flown-in to inspire and delight visitors to Chelsea. This year’s theme is inspired by our cocoa and spice producing estates, specifically the activities of the ‘boucan’, which is the centre of operations where produce is brought in for preserving, packing and dispatching. The name boucan is derived from the Arawak word for a wooden structure used for smoking fish and meat which was adopted by European settlers in the 17th century, who then became known as boucaniers, which eventually translated to buccaneers, the name given to the infamous pirates of the Caribbean seas, known for their plundering of Spanish ships. The Grenada floral display, designed by Suzanne Gaywood, will incorporate the spices and cocoa that Grenada is famous for around the world, in an estate boucan setting, the structure being an artistic impression of The Douglaston Spice Boucan at Gouyave. Special Guests on Press day Monday 18th May: Prime Minister of Grenada, Hon. Tillman Thomas and Mrs Thomas Minister for Foreign Affairs and Tourism, Hon. Peter David Minister of Culture Sen. Hon. Arley Gill Her Excellency Ruth Rouse, High Commissioner for Grenada Mr. Gary and Mrs. Jenny Rhodes Mr. Peter DeSavary and Mrs. DeSavary (Port Louis & Mount Cinnamon Developments) Ms. Kirsten Rausing (Lanwades Stud) 2009 Sponsors include: The Grenada Board of Tourism, Lanwades Stud - UK, Port Louis - Grenada, Mount Cinnamon Beach Hotel - Grenada, SeaFreight Line - Florida, The Horticultural Society Of Grenada, Coyaba Beach Resort - Grenada, John & Joan Buckenham, Scottie & Audrey Stracey Scott, Reg & Trish Scarlet, British Airways (Grenada), Bluebay Lodge - Grenada, Airports Authority Of Grenada, & The Taylor Family Trust The Team: The Grenada based team members traveling to London for the show will be Kim Henry of Balthazar Estate; John Criswick of St Rose Nursery; Albert St Bernard of The Bay Gardens; and Catherine John, President of The Orchid Circle of Grenada. They join forces with UK based members, Peter and Suzanne Gaywood, Brian and Sue Cumming, Dave and Jane Weedon, Ivor and Gill Brearley, Kester Worme, Florence Richards, and Cornelius Joseph. Chelsea which is the world’s most famous flower show is the ultimate event in the gardening year bringing together 600 world-class exhibitors.