Not just any tropical island,
St. George's Caye is the bedrock
of Belize's independence from the
imperial stronghold of Spain. In the mid
1600, shipwrecked British sailors became
the first recorded European settlers in Belize,
known as the Baymen. They logged hardwoods
in Belize for export to Europe. The Spaniards had
been intent on conquering the Yucatan coast since
the early 1500s and periodic attacks were made to
reclaim sovereignty, resulting in treaties between
England and Spain, allowing the Baymen to continue logging.
This Caye is steeped in rugged history
and was once the home of infamous pirates as the likes
of Blackbeard
and Pierre Le Grande. It later became the first capital of the
British Settlement in the mid 1600s. But the island's most commemorative
moment came on September 10, 1798 at the Battle of St. George's
Caye.
Just over 200 years ago the Baymen of Belize defended their
tiny settlement against a Spanish invasion of 32 ships carrying
2,000 troops and 500 seamen. The Baymen's modest fleet consisted
of one sloop-HMS Merlin- with 117 sailors and troops on board,
two sloops with 25 men each and seven gun flats with 16 men
each. The decisive battle was going to take place in the waters
around St. George's Caye. At the sound of the first gunfire
about 200 colonial troops
and Baymen, who had been left to guard
the mainland, could not be restrained from going to the aid
of the Merlin. Anything that could float set off with whatever
arms could be mustered. Black men and white men fought courageously
side by side, miraculously without the loss of a single life.
The Spanish, on the other hand, buried many of their dead on
nearby Caye Chappel. Incredibly, on that memorable day - heavily
outnumbered and against odds - the Baymen achieved a decisive
victory. This was the last attempt made by the Spanish to take
control of Belize.
Today, the 10th of September is still celebrated as a National
Holiday in Belize. Many activities are planned all over the
country to commemorate the historical event, which garners great
support from the Belizean public.
(Adapted from Belize Today, It's
History, Culture & Ecosystems, produced by the Belize Tourism
Training Unit, 2004 and adapted form The Road to Independence,
published by the Government Printer, 1981)
Box 1880 Belize City, - Belize, Central America Toll Free 1-800-813-8498
