February 20, 2009 - Balck Point, Great Guana Cay

Our next stop was Black Point Settlement, at the northwest corner of Great Guana Cay, billed as one of the largest and most traditional settlements in the northern and central Exumas. We dinghied in and explored the small town. The local men are known for their fishing prowess and the women are known for plaiting (palm frond weaving – used for baskets and handbags).


There was a nice park at the end of the main road overlooking the anchorage.

The tree trunks in the park were gaily painted in many designs, including the blue, black and yellow colors and design of the Bahamian flag.

We followed advice gleaned from the VHF radio, and stopped at Scorpio’s for “the Exumas’ best happy hour!” – two for one drinks and complimentary conch fritters, the best we’ve had so far. We met Peg, a retired American who, with her husband, has moved to the island permanently. She was very friendly, and we found out more about Great Guana and their experience as Americans purchasing property, building a new home, and living on an out-island of the Bahamas. She also told us of the unusual property arrangement which the natives have. The Bahamian government owns most of the land, and citizens are able to “homestead” – but not own – for an unlimited period of time. They can build as they see fit, and use the “generational property” as long as it is passed down to their children. While they pay no property tax, they cannot sell the land, as they don’t own it. This seems to restrict many Bahamians from moving or leaving their property, and perhaps contributes to the property being less than well kept. We noticed many homes were partially built, apparently waiting for more money to do the next phase.