 |
 |
|
 |
 |
 |
|
| |
Mayaguana Island
.....................................................................................................
Still carrying its Indian name, Mayaguana has a shorter history than most of her sister islands. Only inhabited since 1812, its local population number a mere 300. It measures about 110 sq miles. Because of its size, the small settlements being no more than 15 minutes apart, the communities are close-knit and share a familial bond. Most inhabitants enjoy fishing and farming and offer themselves willingly to visitors.
This island still carries the charm of the old island ways. It is the least developed island and the most isolated of all the islands in the Bahamian archipelago. Mayaguana is 450 miles off Palm Beach Florida and considered to be the halfway point between South Florida and Puerto Rico.
Despite its humble ways, Mayaguana is ideal for visitors seeking splendid tranquility, and secluded, untouched beaches. Yet maybe that is about to change. According to one report, The Bahamian government has recently approved working with American investors MMC to turn Mayaguana into a "free trade zone," complete with tourism development of approximately 14% of the island. This essentially includes most of the coastal region. The proposal was met with moderate resistance by Mayaguanians, who look forward to economic expansion but are unsure of what change is to come. This development is still in a planning phase and is trying to maintain the nature of the island as a quiet eco-tourist destination while still creating sustainable economic growth.
An interesting note in Mayaguana's history. During NASA's Project Mercury and the Apollo program, the United States space program held a missile tracking station on the island. The station was used to help keep astronauts on course.
|
| |
|
 |
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
