Caribbean Tales - The Bahamas - Mayaguana
Mayaguana
The most easterly island of The Bahamas. The island has an area of 110
sq. miles. 24 X 6 miles at widest points. 350 miles south of Nassau. It retains
its original Indian name. Boasts large stands of lignum vitae and other hardwoods,
at least two fine anchorages for boats. The island was uninhabited until 1812,
after which it was gradually settled by people from the nearby Turks Islands.
Fish frequently surface and peer out of the water causing a distinctly eerie
sensation of being watched and taunted. The terrain on-island is woody, the
soil fertile and aptly suited to agriculture. Farming and fishing are the
chief occupations of its inhabitants, who live the quiet life of most Out
Islanders. Typical scenes are homespun dwellings guarded by goats and an occasional
small cottage doing double duty as a "petty shop" (a small general
store). The mailboat is the main form of external communication on this sleepy
island, which stirs once a week on the grand occasion. Many of the inhabitants
never venture from their paradise, choosing instead to let the world come
to them. Don't be surprised if, upon arrival, the friendly people warmly embrace
you, take you by the hand and bring you to their home, as if you are an old
friend. Mayaguana's main settlements are Betsy Bay, Pirates Well and Abraham's
Bay. All three are truly old-time Bahamian in spirit and appearance. The deep
Atlantic waters surrounding Mayaguana are rich in conch, fish and shipwrecks.
The island's unofficial coat-of-arms bears a Spanish coin, evoking the era
when treasure-laden galleons sailed through on their way to Spain.