According to HelpMeFind.com, it was introduced in New Zealand, where the hybridizer lives, in 1995 and elsewhere in 1998. I can't imagine that it was available anywhere here so much earlier.
Is it possible that your rose was Rio Samba? I'm looking at a list of the roses I bought in 1991, and that was one of them. It can grow very tall, and the blooms can have the illusion of being striped.
Hybrid Tea Rose (Rosa 'Rio Samba')
Another very tall hybrid tea is Granada. Mine actually produced some striped blooms once. I'll see if I can find the photo.
Rose (Rosa 'Granada')
Both of these names have something to do with the Caribbean.
