by John Hedden
It is impossible make an assessment of Cat Island in a weekend visit, especially considering that the Friday and Monday were wholly spent travelling by air to; and then from the island.
However I do wish to list some observations I made while on the island. Initially made during the drive from The Bight (New) to Arthur's Town (30 odd miles) showed me many settlements, none of which showed signs of being wealthy. Yards were often full of junked cars and equipment (obvious why), as were derelict and abandoned buildings, churches, and houses present, often with a newer occupied structure right behind the older deserted one. This I imagine started happening with previous generations moving to the urban centres of the Bahamas during the 1950's. I imagine this must still continue today as the young leave school and look for work.
Another observation however was the lack of litter and trash along the roadside, and to a large extent in the yards and settlements. A pleasant surprise. Marsh Harbour (Abaco), and Nassau could definitely take some lessons from the people of Cat Island.
Views of sheep, goats, and yard chickens everywhere, along with slash and burn farming were a good indication of a subsistence economy being prevalent, where food procurement comes from local island production. This was also reflected in the local restaurants where menus consist mainly of chicken, goat, mutton, crab, and fish fare. No fresh vegetables or even coffee or tea.
Farms were common as we travelled, all dependent on the seasonal rains which had not yet happened up to our visit. Late rains, and in this instance drought was seriously affecting new crop plantings; and without immediate rainfall these plantings will be lost, and so income expected at harvest will be absent.
Land preparation follows the generations old method of burning the fields, clearing the residue, leaving tree trunks for vines, and planting in the soil pockets between the rocks on the land. Fertilisers are used, applied at the point in time when rains are expected, thus allowing the chemicals to 'cool down' before exposure to the crop roots.
Traditional crops include peas and beans, indian corn, cassava, sweet potato (Solomon), yams; all grown in succession to take advantage of nutrient and water demands for the crop and the time of season. Pineapples are grown in the redlands to the south, as are papaya, peppers and sugar cane. Cooler months later on in the year encourage production of tomatoes, sweet pepper, cabbage and other crops providing for local and, resort consumption. The Cat Island Farmers Association advertises a weekly farmer's market at Smith Bay public dock. Fishing is a continuous activity providing fresh product for local and
resort consumption simultaneously.
All of these make a significant contribution to the local economy. Other sectors fueling the economy must include resort development, which though relatively small on a national scale, provides employment in construction, services, maintenance, and staffing. Second home ownership also provides similar input. Other areas are found in government institutions and contracts, utilities, entrepreunural enterprises, e.g. hardwares, service stations, car rentals, food stores, local restaurants, and visitor lodging. In all Cat Island does not appear to have a thriving economy, but one of survival. For example we gave a lift to a young man, crab in hand, who wanted to make a sale in order to by a soda.
Abaco
June 12, 2017
