Mayaguana history

Foundation and First Mentions

Mayaguana is a unique island that still bears its original name given by the indigenous Lucayan (Arawak) people. Translated from the indigenous language, it means "Lesser Midwestern Land" (according to one version). Before the arrival of Europeans, Lucayan tribes resided here; however, following their disappearance, the island remained uninhabited for more than two centuries.

A permanent modern settlement was established only in 1812. The first colonists were migrants from the Turks and Caicos Islands who were seeking new lands for living and farming. This makes the settlement history of the island distinct from many other regions within The Bahamas, where migration was often driven by American Loyalists.

Key Development Factors

The development of Mayaguana was defined by its specific geographical location and historical circumstances:

• Geographical Isolation: Being the easternmost island of the archipelago, Mayaguana remained away from the main trade routes and political centres of the colony for a long time.
• Absence of Plantations: Unlike other islands, the system of large plantations did not become widespread here, which formed a more egalitarian social structure.
• Migration Ties: The close connection of the first settlers with the Turks and Caicos Islands influenced the demographic composition and cultural ties of the local population for a long time.

Early Cultural and Economic Features

In the first decades after settlement, the island's economy was subsistence-based. Residents engaged in slash-and-burn agriculture and fishing. Sponge harvesting and salt production played an important role, albeit on a smaller scale than on neighbouring islands.

The culture of the early settlement was formed in conditions of isolation. Locals relied on their own strength and the resources of the sea, which hardened the character of the islanders. Due to the distance from the capital, Nassau, a special way of life developed here, focused on close interaction within a small community.

Major Historical Milestones

• Before 1492: The island is inhabited by the Lucayan people, who gave it the name Mayaguana, which has survived to this day.
• 1492–1513: After the discovery of the archipelago by Europeans, the indigenous population was removed, and the island remained uninhabited for over two centuries.
• 1812: The beginning of the modern settlement of the island by migrants from the Turks and Caicos Islands, who founded the first permanent villages.
• 1950s: Construction of a US Air Force missile tracking station, leading to the appearance of the first airstrip and electrification.
• 1973: The island becomes part of the independent nation of The Bahamas, moving out of direct British rule.
• 1990s: Development of environmental legislation promoting the preservation of the unique Bahamian hutia population inhabiting the island.
• 1996: Implementation of a local government system, allowing residents to participate more actively in the administrative life of the district.
• 2006: Signing of an agreement between the government and private investors (I-Group) on the development of tourism infrastructure.
• 2012: Revision of the development project terms with the return of a significant portion of land to the state fund for environmental protection.
• 2014: Extensive modernisation of the local airport runway, including the installation of solar lighting.
• Present time: The island is developing eco-tourism, remaining one of the most peaceful and untouched corners of the archipelago.

Main Stages of Transformation

• Settlement and Community Formation (from 1812). The arrival of settlers from the Turks and Caicos Islands became the starting point in the history of the modern community. This event defined the unique cultural code and dialect of the locals, distinguishing them from the population of other parts of The Bahamas. The main settlements were founded: Abraham’s Bay, Betsy Bay, and Pirate’s Well.
• Period of Agrarian Autonomy (19th – early 20th century). A self-sufficient economic model formed under conditions of isolation. Residents developed subsistence farming and fishing, laying the foundations for a special way of life focused on the careful use of land and sea resources.
• Technological Breakthrough and Base Construction (1950s). The deployment of the US Air Force tracking station radically changed the infrastructure of Mayaguana. The appearance of the first runway and power sources ensured a connection with the outside world and created new jobs, transforming the traditional way of life.
• Administrative Reform (1996). The introduction of the Local Government Act allowed for the creation of a District Council. This gave residents the opportunity to independently make decisions regarding improvements and the allocation of the local budget, strengthening civic engagement.
• Investment Projects and Land Zoning (2006–2012). The signing of agreements with major developers to develop tourism prompted a review of land use plans. Despite the revision of construction scales, this stage solidified the priority of eco-tourism and led to the return of part of the land to the state fund for nature conservation.
• Modernisation of Transport Accessibility (2014). The major overhaul of the airport, including the installation of solar-powered lighting, became critical for safety and the economy. This allowed for night flights and emergency aviation, significantly increasing the district's appeal to travellers.

Architectural Appearance and Development Features

Unlike major tourist hubs, the island of Mayaguana has preserved the authentic atmosphere of a secluded rural community. Here you will not find high-rise buildings, monumental Baroque or Gothic cathedrals. The architecture of the island is simple, functional, and dictated by harsh climatic conditions, primarily the need for protection against tropical hurricanes.

Urban development in this region, part of The Bahamas, followed a path of minimal interference with nature. The development consists of scattered low-rise settlements where each house is surrounded by a plot of land, reflecting the agrarian past and present of the local residents.

Architectural Eras and Styles

The history of construction on the island can be roughly divided into several stages, each corresponding to a specific approach to materials and forms:

• Traditional Bahamian Style (19th – early 20th century). The first settlers built modest wooden cottages with gable roofs. This period is characterised by the use of local materials: limestone for foundations and timber for walls. Houses were often placed on stilts for ventilation and flood protection. This style can be attributed to the colonial vernacular—folk architecture adapted to the tropics.
• Functional Modernism (Mid-20th century). With the arrival of the American military in the 1950s, concrete structures and utilitarian buildings appeared on the island. The construction of the tracking station introduced elements of industrial style: straight lines, flat roofs, and the use of reinforced concrete. Remnants of this infrastructure, including the runway, are still part of the landscape.
• Modern Resilient Development (Late 20th – 21st century). Today, the dominant style is modern utilitarianism. Residential houses are built from reinforced concrete blocks, feature sturdy hip roofs, and have shutters on the windows. Aesthetics are expressed in a bright colour palette of facades—from pastel pinks to deep turquoise tones, which is typical for Caribbean culture.

Notable Settlements and Layout

The appearance of the island is formed by three main settlements, each with its own layout features:

• Abraham’s Bay. The administrative centre and the largest settlement. The main public buildings are concentrated here: the post office, school, and government offices. The development is dense enough for a rural area but maintains a single-story scale.
• Pirate’s Well. Located on the northern coast, it is distinguished by a more picturesque setting. Here one can find examples of old stone walls and wells, referencing the historical roots of the village's name.
• Betsy Bay. A secluded settlement in the west, surrounded by forests and the sea. The architecture here is maximally integrated into the landscape, and the street layout has a free, natural character.

Prominent Personalities and Historical Figures

Despite its modest size and seclusion, Mayaguana is linked to a number of significant political figures and historical persons who have influenced the development of not only the island itself but the entire nation of The Bahamas.

• Sidney S. Collie
  Diplomat, politician, and lawyer.
  A native of Mayaguana who achieved high positions in public service. He served as the Ambassador of The Bahamas to the USA and Permanent Representative to the OAS. He also worked as the Minister of Lands and Local Government, actively participating in the country's political life.
• V. Alfred Gray
  Politician, former Member of Parliament.
  For a long time, he represented the interests of the MICAL constituency, which includes Mayaguana. He served as the Minister of Agriculture and Marine Resources. Early in his career, in the 1970s, he worked as the island's Commissioner (Administrator), contributing to the development of local governance.
• Sir Ambrose Shea
  Governor of the Bahamas (1887–1895).
  A historical figure who played a key role in the island's fate in the 19th century. It was he who initiated plans for the economic development of remote territories, including attempts to attract investors to create sisal plantations on Mayaguana.
• Joseph Chamberlain
  British politician and statesman.
  In the late 19th century, he considered Mayaguana as a site for a large-scale agricultural project. Although his plans for establishing plantations were later moved to Andros, his interest in the island became an important episode in the region's colonial history.
• Vernon Symonette
  Politician, Speaker of the House of Assembly.
  A prominent statesman who represented the constituency including Mayaguana in parliament in the late 1990s. He served as Speaker of the House of Assembly and as a Minister, facilitating the integration of remote island issues into the national agenda.
• Basil McIntosh
  Modern political figure.
  Current Member of Parliament for the MICAL constituency (elected in 2021). He continues the tradition of representing the interests of Mayaguana residents at the national level, addressing issues of infrastructure and social welfare in the region.