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.