Saint Barthemely

 

This island was originally occupied by Amerindians, who named this land "Ouanalao", which is thought to refer to the iguanas that live there. It was in 1493 that Christopher Columbus renamed the island "Bartomeo", after his brother. The land proved to be of little interest to the Europeans at first and it was the French who sent a group to begin the establishment of this colony in 1648.

The island continued to hold little interest to the European powers and the people of the island failed to gain the land back. Following numerous attacks from the British and pirates, the island was then turned to the Swedish, who made the island a free port. This brought economic progress and prosperity for some time before once again falling into an economic crisis due to natural disasters.This resulted in the Swedish returning it back to the French in 1878 and becoming part of Guadaloupe. It was in 1946 that the people became French citizens and in 2007 separate from Guadaloupe.

Saint Barthemely has become a luxury destination for many high-class people and celebrities because of its idyllic environment and setting. The culture is mostly influenced by Europeans rather than Afro-Caribbean due to slavery not being common and abolished in 1847. The people and their culture is largely influenced by their European counterparts, however have created their own society and sense of living based on their food, land, and attractions. They enjoy a fine dining, tropical climate full with different crops, plants, and animals. Saint Barthelemy has become a major tourist destination forming an important part of the economy, as well as a large attraction for holidays, festivals, and sports. Even though they have become their own entity, they continue to portray European influence in the way they live.

Countries Adopting: Cuba, Aruba, Virgin Islands

Citations:

Pike, John. “Saint Barthelemy.” Saint Barthelemy - History, www.globalsecurity.org/military/world/caribbean/sb-history.htm.

“History of St. Barths Island.” WIMCO Villas, www.wimco.com/villa-rentals/caribbean/st-barthelemy/history.aspx.

 “Saint Barthélemy.” The Virtual Caribbean Library, ggccaribbean.wpengine.com/listing/saint-barthelemy/.