Cat Island: The Height of Tranquility

CAT ISLAND

The Height of Tranquility

By Kendea Smith Photographs Courtesy Of Bahamas Ministry Of Tourism, Aviation and Investments and Kemuel L Stubbs

The Hermitage on Mt. Alvernia Cat Island

There are many reasons why one should fall in love with Cat Island. Residents of the island call it the highest in The Bahamas, but besides the fact that it is anchored by the highest point of The Bahamas—Mt. Alvernia—many would tell you that Cat Island is the height of tranquillity. Cat Island has been called an unassuming, majestic beauty. Its 48 miles long and Mt. Alvernia, which was built in 1939 on Como Hill, sits 206 feet or 63 meters high above sea level.

According to history gurus, it is said that Christopher Columbus first landed on Cat Island in 1492.

Cat Island was initially known as “San Salvador”, which means “Christ the Saviour”, before it received its current name in 1926, said to be for the pirate Arthur Catt, who used to make frequent stops there.

However, there’s even more to discover on Cat Island, such as the many untouched, lush landscapes and must-see sites.

MUST-SEE SITES

Many visitors marvel at the pink sands on Greenwood Beach and other beaches which feature powder white sands married with pristine, turquoise waters such as Rollezz Beach, Fountain Bay Beach and New Bight Beach.

Another wonder worth the visit is Mermaid Pool. Legend has it that a mermaid lives within it, with reports of one being seen on several occasions. Mermaid Pool is about 65 feet across and 10 feet deep. There is a blue hole that goes deep underwater into caverns and tunnels, which make for excellent diving.

Then, there’s Healing Pond. It is a salt lake believed to have healing properties. Salt water is known to have antiseptic properties for cleansing, and pain relieving properties for joint pain.

If you’re in Cat Island during the month of June, you can’t miss the Rake ‘n’ Scrape Festival, which showcases some of the best in Bahamian music and culture.

LIFE ON CAT ISLAND

While Cat Island can easily be called one of The Bahamas’ largest islands, its population is small. According to the Bahamas Geotourism website, Cat Island’s population hovers around 1,522 people.

However, the island is famed for raising world-class individuals such as noted Hollywood actor, the Late Sir Sidney Poitier, and current Prime Minister of The Bahamas Philip Davis.

Julius Hunter, a resident of Cat Island, said the island is special because it holds the most history.

“You find a lot of history about slavery in Cat Island,” he said. “Many plantations were built in Cat Island, and you can still see some of them today. Life on Cat Island is very peaceful. It is definitely an island that is laid back, and if you’re looking for peace and tranquillity, this is the island.”

Yvonne Rolle, owner of Rollezz Villas Beach Resort, with her husband, said she loves living on Cat Island because of the people.

“Every guest that comes here says the same thing – they find the people of Cat Island to be pure and genuine. Mount Alvernia is our Mount Everest and when you go there, you can see and feel the beauty of Cat Island. We have lots of indigenous plants like mahogany,” she said.

Mrs. Rolle also spoke about having a business on Cat Island.

“I must say it started out very slow and as a new business it took time to grow, and having a good relationship with people to move you forward,” said Mrs. Rolle. “It has been very, very rewarding to watch something come up from scratch. I can see the progress and I can say that we are very blessed.”

Julian Russell, a resident of Cat Island for over 30 years, also shared why he believes Cat Island is special.

“It’s known that Arthur’s Town had one of the first high schools outside of New Providence and that is why you would find that a lot of civil servants hail from Cat Island,” he explained. “We are also great farmers. A lot of farms here have crops like onions and tomatoes and other things. And the Rake ‘n’ Scrape Festival has been successful for over 20-plus years, which makes us the leading island for culture. We’re really a vital part in the archipelago.” UA