The Bahamas' Connection with The Bermuda Triangle

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The Bermuda Triangle has long intrigued and mystified scientists and enthusiasts with its reputation for mysterious disappearances and supernatural theories. This infamous region, despite its name, encompasses a significant portion of The Bahamas and has been the subject of speculation and controversy for over a century.

Photo credit- Pinterest

Among the areas that have become intertwined in its lore is The Bahamas, particularly the region of Bimini. This area has garnered attention due to its mysterious connections with the Bermuda Triangle and the numerous theories that have emerged from this association.

Bimini Road 

Bimini Road is a fascinating underwater stone formation located near North Bimini. This formation consists of a series of stones that stretch approximately 1,500 feet in a straight alignment. It is believed that this was part of a road system of the Lost City of Atlantis. Most scientists dismiss Bimini Road as a natural geological formation but Bermuda Triangle conspiracy theorists believe that Bimini is the location of a energy vortex. In John Bell's article “The Bimini Vortex: Snorkeling Adventure at the End of the World” Bell states that in Bimini exists a “mysterious vortex where sometimes electronics fail, compasses spin and dolphins seem extra-friendly.”


The SS Sapona and Flight 19 

The SS Sapona has also been tied into Bermuda Triangle theories. The Sapona has lived many lives from originally being built as a cargo steamer to being sold, stripped of its engine, and then towed to Bimini to be used as a floating warehouse for rum and whisky during Prohibition. In 1926 the Sapona ran aground on a reef in Bimini but that wasn’t the end of her story, during the Second World War the wreckage was used for target practice by the Air Force and Navy. On December 5th, 1945 after a bombing run a squadron of five Avenger bombers including 14 Naval Aviators disappeared after a practice bombing, never to be seen again.13 crew members of the Martin PBM Mariner launched a search for the squadron but they also went missing.

Photo credit Naval Air Station Fort Lauderdale Museum

According to the U.S. Naval Institutes, one of the pilots sent a radio message stating “ I don’t know where we are. We must have gotten lost after that last turn.” On the same recording, Lieutenant Taylor can be heard saying, “Both my compasses are out, and I am trying to find Fort Lauderdale, Florida. I am over land, but it’s broken. I am sure I'm in the Keys, but I don’t know how far down and I don’t know how to get to Fort Lauderdale.”

It is a bit odd that while flying over what may have likely been Bimini a trained Pilot with the Air Force and Navy, coupled with thousands of hours of flight time under his belt got lost and couldn't find Fort Lauderdale, a place they flew out of many times. 

This leads me to my next point of alleged “time jumping” experiences in The Bahamas.  


“Time Jump” conspiracies

Pilots flying over The Bahamas have recounted experiences during flying that mimic “time jumping” or time traveling.  It has been suggested that there are areas in The Bahamas that are electromagnetic hotspots with portals capable of manipulating time. 

In 1970 Pilot Bruce Gernon flew through the heart of what he believes to be a time tunnel vortex and survived. In the video shared he recreates his flight and recants the story of flying from Andros into Miami. After taking off from Andros, Gernon flew through a “cloud tunnel” with intense lightning. After re-emerging through the tunnel he received a radio from the radar controller stating that he was directly over Miami Beach which meant he traveled 100 miles in 3 minutes. Something his small plane was incapable of. The passenger's watches were also set back 20 minutes once they landed. Gernon believed he saw the fabric of time during his flight over The Bahamas.


Although there are many theories of supernatural causes for these disappearances, Time jumps and paranormal occurrences scientists still believe that geophysical and environmental factors are most likely responsible for what most would deem the impossible. 

Video Credits - History Network’s Ancient Aliens episode “Earth’s Black Holes”

The Elbow Reef lighthouse

The Elbow Reef Lighthouse

The Elbow Reef Lightstation in Hope Town, Abaco is the last manual, kerosene-fueled, intact, and complete light station in the world.

Abaconians were opposed to the lighthouse project in the 1860s, they saw the lighthouse as a threat to their shipwrecking trade. Wreckers went as far as to sink a barge being used to transport the building materials.

Despite originally being against the candy-striped lighthouse the Elbow Reef Lighthouse has become a loved and treasured landmark for the people of Abaco.

Drone work: Deanya Knowles

Photo credit: Fred Albury and the AbacoSun

The Glass Window Bridge

The Glass Window Bridge

-at just 30 feet wide The Glass Window Bridge is dubbed the “narrowest place on earth”

- the bridge got its name because they could see through the natural limestone arch to the Atlantic on the other side.

A painting of The Glass Window Bridge done by Winslow Homer in 1885 captures the natural stone arch that this Eleutheran wonder once possessed

-The Glass Window Bridge is one of the few places you can see the beautiful contrast of the deep blue Atlantic Ocean and the light blue hues of The shallows in The Bahamas

The Nassau Public Library

The Nassau Public Library

1 The Nassau Public Library was originally a jail or a “gaol” The old jail cells now house books, documents, and historical Arawak artifacts.

2 This library is the first building to be constructed in Parliament Square, it was constructed as a jail in 1797 and then repurposed into a library in 1879.

3 It is the largest and oldest library in The Bahamas

4 The library has a unique octagon shape, which makes it the only octagonal historic building in The Bahamas.

Family Island Adventures Long Island

I’m so excited to announce that Family Island Adventures Long Island is now available on Amazon https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CMDNPDVX?ref_=pe_3052080_397514860&fbclid=PAAaZ1icAex7UT2-ByxYcnOuSoyP4yAiwtro5YQwLrdtu7BTj6Mh_slIYrrTE_aem_AfRyg6W1jc87VMsosIEuZF7qLKNobRWPgNS92il_D8Sc2hDKwB6bgLpfc7NJEFluOdQ and at Another man’s treasure in the airport industrial park in Nassau.

You can also reach out to me by sending a message through the website to make an order. I’m so excited to embark on this journey of creating a Bahamian children’s book series focusing on our beautiful Family Islands!

The execution of Richard Woods

On April 10th, 1993 as the community of Harbour Island enjoyed their Easter weekend a loud crash and scream was heard on Dunmore Street. These were the horrific sounds of 51 year old Richard Woods hitting 32 year old Pauline Johnson his lover who was also his niece with his truck.

Pauline was walking with a male friend which may have fueled the jealousy, unfortunately, she would succumb to her injuries 5 days later, she was survived by her husband and 3 children. As a result, Richard Woods was sentenced to death in January 1995.

Richard Woods’ day of execution would be shared with Trevor Fisher who was also convicted of murder. October 16th, 1998 proved that most Bahamians and international human rights organizations feel very differently regarding executions.

As the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights petitioned to save their lives, Bahamians turned the executions into an event. Food vendors set up shop amongst the crowd, students stopped by on their way to school and the crowd cheered as death notices were hung on the prison gates.

The last execution in The Bahamas would be on January 6th,2000, to read more on that check out my previous Halloween story about John Higgs

https://www.everythingbahamian.com/blog-1/5krje67nbnwsm30qdim4b03kmyuown

The Road to Independence, A Story through Pictures

 My theme this year to celebrate 50 years of independence is “The Road to Independence, A Story through Pictures.” I’ll be sharing photos of significant events that brought The Bahamas to July 10th, 1973

Several events have to occur for a country to become independent. One of the first orders of business would be to draft a constitution. In December of 1972, The Constitutional Conference on Bahamian Independence was held at Marlborough House in London, England.

The objective of the trip was to debate and finalize the proposed constitution and address questions relevant to statehood and citizenship

The Hon. Lynden O. Pindling is shown in the centre signing the Report on the final day of the Constitutional Conference. Looking on are the Hon. Arthur D Hanna, Paul L. Adderley, the Hon. Carlton E. Francis, Inspector Minus, the Hon. A. Loftus Roker, and Mr. George A. Smith.

Sir Milo Butler is shown in the second photo with Sir Clement Maynard

Becoming an independent nation allows a country to create national symbols that align with the vision and celebrates the beauty of a country. On December 7th, 1971, Queen Elizabeth II wrote a warrant for a new Coat Of Arms for The Bahamas. The warrant goes into great detail about the design of The Coat of Arms.

The motto “Forward, Upward, Onward” featured on the crest was made by 2 11-year-olds Vivian Moultrie and Melvern Bowe

There was a national competition to produce the motto for the coat of arms, and the competition was won by two 11-year-old schoolchildren – Vivian F. Moultrie of Inagua Public School and Melvern B. Bowe of the Government High School in Nassau. Bahamian artist Hervis Bain prepared the preliminary design of the coat of arms.

Sir Clement Maynard the then minister of Tourism at the opening of The Botanical Gardens in July 1973.

The days leading up to July 10th, 1973 included several ceremonies and social events which the founding fathers, Prince Charles, and other Bahamian delegates attended. One of the first events was a regatta that Honourable George Smith, Arthur Hanna, and Sir Lynden Pindling attended.

The Bahamas becoming independent brought Bahamians from all walks of life together at the very first military Tattoo and cultural display on Clifford Park. Sir Sidney Poitier attended the event and can be seen here greeting Sir Lynden Pindling and Dame Marguerite Pindling

Typically when a former British colony becomes independent a member of the royal family attends the events leading up to Independence Day. The then-prince, now King Charles arrived in Nassau to a crowd of spectators.

One of the most anticipated and highlighted moments in the celebrations leading up to independence is the independence ball. Pictured below are Dame Marguerite Pindling, King Charles, and a young Glenys Hanna Martin dancing in the back at the first ball in 1973

Views from the audience enjoying a police force performance at the very first Tattoo on July 9th, 1973.

On July 10th, 1973 excitement filled the air as a new nation was born. The Bahamian flag was raised and the Union Jack came down at Clifford Park for the very last time. Happy 50th independence to The Commonwealth of The Bahamas.

Happy Independence Bahamas

Cat Island

Cat Island

This year The Bahamas is celebrating 49 years of independence and what a journey it has been. Although we’re on the cusp of 50 we are still considered very young with miles to go and lots more to achieve.

To celebrate 49 years Of independence Everything Bahamian has collaborated with Roy Williams to create a Bahamian trivia game called “Where we gern” we hope you enjoy it!

Here’s the answer key.

1. Which Island has the highest point above sea level? Cat Island 

2. On which Island is the Shrimp hole located -Long Island 

3. Which Islands in The Bahamas are geographically the closest? Acklins and Crooked Island

4. What is the meaning of Eleuthera in Greek? Freedom

5. Where is the famous Candy-striped lighthouse located? Abaco

6. Which Island in The Bahamas has the biggest underwater cave system? Grand Bahama 


7. Inagua has the highest number of bird species, which Island is second? Grand Bahama 

8.BirthPlace of Rake and Scrape? Cat Island

9. How many National Parks are in The Bahamas? 14

10. What is the largest national park in The Bahamas? The Inagua National park 

11. Where is Preacher's cave located? Eleuthera 

12. Yahaka is the original name of which island? Acklins 

13. Where was the first regatta held in The Bahamas? Elizabeth Harbour Exuma

14. What is the name of the only settlement on the west coast of Andros? Red Bays Village 

15. Abrahams Bay is the main settlement of _____. Mayaguana 

16. Chub Cay is the southernmost cay in which chain of islands? The Berry Islands 

17. The Dolphin House Museum is located on which Island? Bimini 

18. ______ is home to the Gerace Research Center which focuses on archaeology, biology, geology, and marine science. San Salvador 

19. Crown Haven is a settlement found on which island? Abaco 

20. ______ is home to the first post office in The Bahamas. Crooked island

21. Twin tower churches St Peter and St Paul’s s Catholic Church can be found on which island?  Long Island. 

The smallest church in Exuma

Welcome to The smallest church in Exuma 


The history behind this quaint church located in a settlement with a recorded population of 28 is quite interesting. St. Christophers Anglican Church was built in 1939 and can be found in The Ferry, Exuma. When a schooner loaded with timber from Abaco wrecked off of Long Island the parish priest at the time suggested that Lewis and Clarence Fitzgerald salvage the timber to build a church.

The Fitzgeralds used the salvaged timber to build the church and its pews.



The Unique History of Big Whale Cay

The Berry Islands are made up of many little cays each including their own unique stories and notable features.

Like Chub Cay , one of the more popular cays in the Berries is known as the Billfish capital of The Bahamas, Hoffman’s cay is known for its 20ft cliffs and Little Harbour Cay is known for its very small population which has only one person living there, Mr. Chester Darville.

Amongst all these cays Big Whale Cay stood out to me the most. Big Whale Cay certainly has a history that would lead you down a never ending rabbit hole. 

Big Whale Cay was one of the first inhabited settlements in The Berry Islands and became extremely popular when Marion “Joe” Carstairs self exiled there. 

Marion Joe Carstairs was a London born heir to the Standard Oil fortune and a professional speedboat racer, she was once called “the fastest woman on water”. After moving to Whale Cay from London she set out to completely transform the 9x4 mile island. 


On arrival, she found that a Depression had descended upon the islands and there was much work to be done. The lighthouse was rebuilt , a power plant ,radio station ,a small hospital, a food store, a cannery and a schoolhouse was also built 


Roads were paved and roundabouts were built that are still in tact today. Big Whale Cay quickly became a bustling community that strived for self reliance. 


Her trophy room that was built in the 1940’s was one of the more interesting structures on the cay. This building has a rotunda style architecture which still stands today and held exotic animal skins and other artifacts. 


Carstairs was a rebel and this often got her in trouble with the White Bahamian community.  She started initiatives on Whale Cay such as 

the Coloured League of Youth. It was an “organisation to bring Prosperity to the Coloured People of the Bahamas.” She was regarded as a liberal defender of black rights.


CYL was short lived as the Bay Street Boys demanded she stop it a year later in 1940. She issued a new manifesto that stated “the movement does not seek to create animosity between the 2 races but merely tries to help the coloured race to advance economically and socially”.


She also started an army called “The 87th Bahamas” , they never saw much action but was instrumental in a rescue in 1942 of the American ship “Potlach” that was torpedoed near Acklins . 


They rescued 47 sailors and got them safely to Nassau. The soldiers drifted near Inagua and were technically saved by donkeys that they followed to a waterhole.

Carstairs also loved to host the rich and famous at her mansion, she was visited by the Duke and Duchess In 1941. When the Duke of Windsor visited the Cay he said “Damn it, why can’t all the out islands make roads like these” 

In that same year Whale Cay started to export vegetables grown on the island to a cannery that made canned food for soldiers. 


Marion Barbara “Joe” Carstairs led a very interesting life with her grand parties, unapologetic sexuality and speed boat titles but the most interesting by far was the portion of life she lived in The Bahamas for 40 years. Carstairs died in 1993 at the age of 93.