Exuma

{{other uses}} {{Use dmy dates|date=November 2019}} {{Infobox settlement |official_name = District of Exuma |other_name = |native_name = |nickname = |motto = |image_skyline = |imagesize = |image_caption = |image_flag = |image_map = Exuma and Cays in Bahamas (zoom).svg |mapsize = |map_caption = |pushpin_map = |pushpin_label_position = |subdivision_type = Country |subdivision_name = [[The Bahamas]] |subdivision_type1 = Island |subdivision_name1 = Exuma |government_type = District Council |leader_title1 = Chief Councillor |leader_name1 = Godfrey Gray |leader_title2 = Deputy Chief Councillor |leader_name2 = |established_title = [[The Bahamas Local Government Act of 1996|Established]] |established_date = 1999 |established_title2 = |established_date2 = |established_title3 = |established_date3 = |area_total_km2 = 250 |population_as_of = 2022 |population_footnotes = |population_note = |settlement_type = |population_total = 7,293<ref>{{cite web |title=Census population and housing |url=https://www.bahamas.gov.bs/wps/wcm/connect/c0d9fae8-54df-49e3-b4b9-92e29e0b264c/2022+CENSUS+PRELIMINARY+RESULTS_FINAL+April+12+2023.pdf?MOD=AJPERES |website=Bahamas Gov |access-date=17 April 2023}}</ref> |population_density_km2 = auto |population_metro = |population_density_metro_km2 = |timezone = [[Eastern Time Zone (North America)|EST]] |utc_offset = −5 |timezone_DST = [[Eastern Daylight Time|EDT]] |utc_offset_DST = −4 |coordinates = {{coord|25|4|N|77|20|W|region:BS|display=inline}} |elevation_footnotes =  |elevation_m = |elevation_ft = |postal_code_type =  |postal_code = |area_code =242 |website = |footnotes = }} [[File:Exuma.jpg|right|frame|Exuma]] '''Exuma''' is a [[district of the Bahamas]], consisting of over 365 islands and [[Cay|cays]].

The largest of the islands is Great Exuma, which is 37 mi (60 km) in length and connected to another island, Little Exuma, by a small bridge. The capital and largest town in the district is [[George Town, Bahamas|George Town]] (population 1,437).<ref name=Stats/> It was founded 1793 and located on Great Exuma. Near the town, but on Little Exuma, the [[Tropic of Cancer]] runs across Pelican Beach lending it another name: Tropic of Cancer Beach. Its white sand and turquoise waters make it a world-famous destination. The entire island chain is 130 mi (209 km) long and 72 sq mi (187 km²) in area.<ref name="tamug">{{citation | url = http://www.tamug.edu/cavebiology/Bahamas/Exumacays.html| title = Exuma Cays | publisher = Texas A&M University | access-date = October 11, 2013 }}</ref><ref name="exuma">{{citation | url = http://www.bahamas.gov.bs/wps/portal/public/About%20The%20Bahamas/The%20Islands/EXUMA/!ut/p/b1/vZLLcqMwEEW_JR9AkDDPpcxDBsz7YWBDYeNgIGDGYIz19ePMbDJTlWQzGWmlqqO-fW83ndEJnfXFXFfFVJ_74vXtnfH5CmALIVa0MAd4oEfuFrnChnEgR-_oJEwZSRn1CqvxyxBNG_Qj1rJiwU3kNudzP6Vzw23X9dqflF6j5rq0cmM-9Bpa-CiE1v0qS0YpLaUtqr1otq19fQk9vgirnf6ymvrDyl2IKVoXrcy13ak5-S6xlVw9zRZ_n7O7oF2PSZDeK728-IQvxqWBWbDZN1pkwdTzYKOgltL0ut16MtPV10JflfzEUcgY5YFFTw-T6cMk-OAg8FUGv_9_BLDg6wyzT5G3Cr-Az1r8tILJ0OkDEN4BYQyADgHyA-gB0YZ0SCeAzYPmPuikJX5DvFtADHskHoBhxFhK4tmhCi07tifFd0ELbasxLDs0jDG6Mda0d8vYj9YILSd_0v8WdJhQegjKkDcjDgSA_W5BzDniIwIhdBHHAOzA_y24-q-RYtcB3-7wj6VhvX8_Q4PO6n33fDt0z-BZlHjICSIriTxgWVGg4yZlBVk0kKqHeTCcLyTmJg3EmmVX5x6_ti23HFhNOOx9gTqKVCuXp5QcyPWmHCrWxHpuZMsylgvZzgWnA9KoEmbEmlV47nVWY_nYz8bRscYgmjyyS2tVvyeQssks3TKB07HJOYKZdeXKkIMulC6JFFwHiuwZU5OrFR563sYMn91U93iv3Bw3e9NJxs6DfZvImySYp6xkCa7qeM0Z22QQrOuacrC822jrrXaTEv3srtFwLaunJ9renLsjPXSzueX9DUne3SN6-gl_4DkO/dl4/d5/L2dBISEvZ0FBIS9nQSEh/| title = Exuma | publisher = The Government of The Bahamas }}</ref> Great Exuma island has an area of 61 sq mi (158 km²) while Little Exuma has an area of 11 sq mi (29 km²).<ref name="brit">{{citation | url = http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/199226/Exuma-Cays#ref65624| title = Exuma Cays | publisher = britannica | access-date = October 11, 2013 }}</ref>

Between 2000 and 2010, the population of Exuma more than doubled, reflecting the construction of large and small resort properties and the related direct air traffic to Great Exuma from locations as distant as [[Toronto]], Canada. The population in 2010 was 6,928.<ref name=Stats>[http://www.bahamas.gov.bs/wps/wcm/connect/5cd773c4-d1ac-48c6-a6c3-9057a8938849/EXUMA+AND+CAYS+POPULATION+BY+SETTLEMENT_2010+CENSUS.pdf?MOD=AJPERES EXUMA AND CAYS POPULATION BY SETTLEMENT AND TOTAL NUMBER OF OCCUPIED DWELLINGS: 2010 CENSUS] - Bahamas Department of Statistics</ref>

== Name == The Indigenous [[Lucayan people]] called the Exuma Cays ''Curateo'', meaning "outer far distant land".<ref>{{Cite journal |last=Ahrens |first=Wolfgang P. |date=2015 |title=Naming the Bahamas Islands: History and Folk Etymology |url=https://ojs.lib.uwo.ca/index.php/oc/article/view/14910 |journal=[[Onomastica Canadiana]] |language=en |volume=94 |issue=2 |pages=101 |issn=2816-7015}}</ref>

== History == Exuma was settled in or around 1783 by [[United States|American]] colonial [[Loyalist (American Revolution)|loyalist]]s fleeing the [[American Revolutionary War|Revolutionary War]]. The expatriates brought a [[cotton]] [[plantation]] economy to the islands. George Town was named in honour of [[George III of the United Kingdom|George III]], to whom the settlers maintained their loyalty. A few smaller cays still remain partially or wholly privately owned, albeit they are still referred to as part of the Exuma–Bahamas Cays; they are distinguished by a three-digit suffix number. The best known examples are adjoined cays Exuma 642 and 643, which are suffering from [[Beach evolution|receding shorelines]].

[[John Rolle, 1st Baron Rolle]], a Loyalist settler of the Exumas, is a major figure in the islands' heritage. Upon his death in 1842, he bestowed all of his significant Exuma land holdings to his [[Slavery in Britain|slaves]]. As a result, towns on Great Exuma such as Rolleville and Rolletown were named after him.

The islands are a popular spot for [[yachting]], [[sailing]], [[Underwater diving|diving]], and [[coral reef]] and [[Cave exploration|cave exploring]].<ref>{{citation | url = http://www.bahamas.com/islands/exumas| title = Discover more about The Exumas | publisher = Bahamas.com | access-date = October 11, 2013 }}</ref> Many of the unnamed beaches and coves of the islands, including extensive offshore reef areas, are included in the protected Exuma National Land and Sea Park or the Moriah Harbour Cay National Park of the [[Bahamas National Trust]]. Some of the islands on which there are permanent residents and resorts include Great Exuma, Little Exuma, Stocking Island, [[Staniel Cay]] (home of the Staniel Cay Yacht Club, a fixture in the Exumas), Fowl Cay, [[Musha Cay]] and Iguana Cay.<ref>{{citation | url = http://the-bahamas.net/attractions-and-activities/best-beaches-on-exuma-bahamas/| title = Beaches on Exuma Bahamas | publisher = The Bahamas | access-date = October 11, 2013 }}</ref> Thunderball Grotto, located just a few hundred yards off Staniel Cay, is one location where the [[James Bond]] film ''[[Thunderball (film)|Thunderball]]'' was filmed. Sandy Cay, just a short boat ride from Little Exuma was the location used for filming the ''[[Pirates of the Caribbean]]'' beach scenes and a Shell commercial.{{citation needed|date=January 2017}} The novel ''[[Wind from the Carolinas]]'' was set in Great Exuma.<ref>Wilder, Robert. ''Wind From the Carolinas''. New York: G. P. Putnam's Sons, 1964. Back panel.</ref>

The Exumas are the historic home of the indigenous [[Lucayan people|Lucayans]], who were wholly enslaved in the 16th century, leaving the islands uninhabited until the 18th century.{{Citation needed|date=February 2024}} In the intervening period, the Exumas provided many hideouts and stashes for [[Piracy in the Caribbean|pirates]]. Elizabeth Harbour was allegedly a favorite lair of [[Captain Kidd]].<ref>{{Cite web|last=Steve|first=Bennett|title=St. Andrew's Anglican Church Exuma: Historic Georgetown|date=25 April 2023 |url=https://www.uncommoncaribbean.com/exuma/st-andrews-anglican-church-exuma/}}</ref>

In 2017, it was the site of the [[Fyre Festival]], a fraudulent "luxury" music festival which became notorious online and in the media for its shambolic organization, and the numerous lawsuits that followed.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pitchfork.com/news/73332-fyre-threatened-to-sue-twitter-critics-for-potentially-inciting-riots-sixth-lawsuit-claims/|title=Fyre Threatened to Sue Twitter Critics for Potentially Inciting Riots, Sixth Lawsuit Claims|work=[[Pitchfork (website)|Pitchfork]]|publisher=[[Condé Nast]]|first=Marc|last=Hogan|date=May 8, 2017|access-date=May 8, 2017}}</ref>

==Transportation== [[File:Bahamas 1989 (535) Little Exuma Williamstown (24569757813).jpg|thumb|Main street in 1989 in Williamstown, Little Exuma]] [[Exuma International Airport]] serves the island of Great Exuma including the city of George Town directly from [[Nassau, Bahamas|Nassau]], [[Miami]], [[Atlanta]], [[Fort Lauderdale, Florida|Fort Lauderdale]], [[Charlotte, North Carolina|Charlotte]], and [[Toronto]]. [[Staniel Cay]] and [[Black Point, Bahamas|Black Point]] also have small airstrips commercially served by charter or scheduled charter airlines. A number of other cays have small airstrips, both private and public. Boat travel from Nassau to the Northern Exuma Cays is approximately one hour.

Local transportation may consist of taxis, rental vehicle or golf cart depending on the cay.

==Food== [[File:exuma_local_foods.jpg|thumb|left|alt=Preparing dinner from fresh caught fish.|Men preparing a meal with caught fish]] The Exumas are known for fresh food and cultural significance to [[The Bahamas]]. Sea life regularly caught for commercial purpose include [[barracuda]], [[bonefish]], [[conch]], [[grouper]], [[Carangidae|jack]], [[lobster]], [[marlin]], [[sailfish]], [[Lutjanidae|snapper]], [[tarpon]], [[tuna]] and [[wahoo]].

Exumian food is often similar or a slight variation of traditional Bahamian dishes.

The George Town Fish Fry is a collection of businesses, some of which are only open at night serving a variety of cuisine. It is popular among local residents and tourists alike.

==Economy== [[File:Exuma tourism.jpg|thumb|[[Tourism]] is a crucial branch of the economy of the area.]]The capital, [[George Town, Bahamas|George Town]], is home to government offices, shops and services that serve both the traveling public and residents of the islands. As of 2021, there was one bank,<ref>{{Cite web |date=2021-01-27 |title=Exuma Chamber of Commerce fears Scotia's exit will impact half the banking population |url=https://ewnews.com/exuma-chamber-of-commerce-fears-scotias-exit-will-impact-half-the-banking-population |access-date=2023-01-23 |website=Eye Witness News |language=en-US}}</ref> a police station, a gas station, a hotel, two grocery stores, and three liquor stores within the town proper. There are also a few other businesses nearby that are typically associated as being in George Town due to proximity.

There are a number of restaurants throughout Exuma, the majority of which serve variations of local cuisine, and some that serve other cuisines such as [[Italian cuisine|Italian]].

=== Fishing === Fishing is a part of both the local and tourism economies of Exuma. Visitors may fish on their own, hire a fishing guide or charter for sport while the local fishing economy primarily supports the local population's food supply. Locals can be often seen fishing from shore and bridges presumably for their own food, often using a [[Handline fishing|hand line]].

Known as the "Grey Ghost", [[bonefish]] can be found in the flats areas covered by as little as one foot of water, or less. Their light colouration is perfectly adapted as camouflage against the sandy ocean bottom, making the fish difficult to spot in spite of the clear Bahamian waters. [[Angling|Anglers]] may employ spin casting equipment, but more often opt for fly-fishing in their hunt for bonefish.<ref>Exuma Bonefish Guides, Exuma's Bonefish Guide Listing{{full citation needed|date=May 2016}}</ref> Other flats fish targets may include [[Permit (fish)|permit]] and [[tarpon]].

Fishing in Exuma is primarily separated into two broad regions, the shallower southern or western side and the deep water of [[Exuma Sound]], although some inshore fishing grounds exist such as in Moriah Harbour National Park. These areas are habitat for other types of fish including various [[Lutjanidae|snapper]], [[Haemulidae|grunts]], [[Carangidae|jacks]], and [[grouper]] can be caught throughout the fishing areas in Exuma while [[Pelagic fish|pelagic]] species like [[wahoo]], [[mahi-mahi]], [[barracuda]], [[marlin]], [[tuna]], [[sailfish]] and more<ref>{{Cite web|title=Fish The Exumas|url=https://www.bahamas.com/islandinterestdetail/fish-exumas|website=The Official Site of The Bahamas|access-date=2019-06-05}}</ref> are primarily caught in Exuma Sound.

=== Tourism === The islands have built a reputation as a luxury travel destination.

=== Telecommunication === The telephone area code for the island is 242, which is the same as the rest of the Bahamas. There are 2 main telecommunication providers that cover most of the Exuma cays, [[Aliv]]<ref>{{Cite web|title=Aliv now over 170,000 customers, with 37 per cent estimated revenue share|url=https://ewnews.com/aliv-now-over-170000-customers-with-37-per-cent-estimated-revenue-share|date=2019-11-12|website=EyeWitness News|language=en-US|access-date=2020-05-12}}</ref> and [[BTC (Bahamas)|BTC Bahamas]].

[[Internet access|High-speed internet]] is available from both providers with varying technologies such as DSL, cellular and fiber optic cable becoming available.<ref>{{Cite web|title=BTC touts doubling of internet speeds|url=http://www.tribune242.com/news/2019/may/03/btc-touts-doubling-internet-speeds/|website=www.tribune242.com|language=en|access-date=2020-05-12}}</ref>

==Culture== The annual Bahamian Music and Heritage Festival, Regattas, [[Junkanoo]] and various "homecoming" events held in smaller settlements are highly anticipated in The Exumas by tourists and islanders alike. These festivals may focus on the food, sailing competition, arts, and music of the local culture.

==Media== Because the population is so tiny, there is a small traditional [[mass media|media]] industry. The Bahamas is served by many newspapers, radio stations and websites, whereas the local media on Great Exuma consists of The Blaze 98.3 FM. ''The Chain'' is a free newspaper published monthly and is the "one source for current and accurate information" on the chain of islands.<ref>The Chain, September 2015, Page 1</ref>

=== Books === Some books have been written about living in Exuma, including ''Life on a Rock''<ref>{{Cite book|last=Albury|first=K. A.|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=miOWPgAACAAJ|title=Life on a Rock: A Bahamas Out-Island Experience|date=2009-02-16|publisher=Booksurge Llc|isbn=978-1-4392-1006-2|language=en}}</ref> and ''This Sweet Place: Island Living and Other Adventures''.<ref>{{Cite book|last=Vincent-Barwood, Aileen.|title=This sweet place : island living and other adventures|date=1998|publisher=Media Pub|others=Vincent-Barwood, Allen.|isbn=976-8170-07-7|location=Nassau, Bahamas|oclc=44083468}}</ref>

==Religion== {{Main|Religion in the Bahamas}} St. John's [[Baptist]] Church was built in 1892; St. Theresa's Church was built in 1960; St. Andrews [[Anglican]] Parish is the oldest church in Georgetown.<ref>Aberland Publications Ltd., Bahamas Ministry Of Tourism, published January 25th, 2016</ref>

The Baptist church of Farmer's Hill ordained Rev. Stephen Smith in 2015. Rev. Smith 'superseded' Dr. Irvin Clarke Sr., who had been pastor for the previous 45 years.<ref>''The Chain'', September 2015, p.3</ref> The [[culvert]] at Farmer's Hill is being repaired, with [[sustainable development]] by an islands construction company.<ref>''The Chain'', September 2015, p.4</ref>

==Sports== [[Sandals Resorts|Sandals]] Emerald Bay has an 18-hole golf course designed by professional golfer [[Greg Norman]]. Emerald Bay hosts the [[The Bahamas Great Exuma Classic|Great Exuma Classic]] on the [[Web.com Tour]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Great Exuma Classic|url=http://greatexumaclassic.com|website=The Great Exuma Classic|access-date=16 August 2017}}</ref>

[[Sailing (sport)|Sailing]] is a popular sport in Exuma and with many competitions year-round. The Family Island Regatta in George Town is a recurring event at the beginning of every year. Others include the George Town Cruising Regatta<ref>{{Cite web|title=George Town Cruising Regatta|url=https://www.tourismtoday.com/events/george-town-cruising-regatta|date=2017-02-10|website=Tourism Today|language=en|access-date=2020-05-12}}</ref> and Black Point Regatta.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Black Point Regatta|url=https://www.bahamas.com/event/black-point-regatta|website=The Official Site of The Bahamas|access-date=2020-05-12}}</ref>

[[Rowing (sport)|Rowing]] is being developed in Exuma with the aim of developing the island as an outlet for competitive and recreational rowing.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.thenassauguardian.com/sports/59596-bahamas-rowing-association-looking-to-close-the-season-strong|title=Bahamas Rowing Association looking to close the season strong|last=Administrator}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.facebook.com/skullersrowing|title=Security Check Required|website=[[Facebook]] }}</ref>

== Politics == For elections to the [[Parliament of the Bahamas|House of Assembly of the Bahamas]], Exuma is part of "[[The Exumas and Ragged Island]]" constituency.

==Notable people== {{See also|List of residents of the Bahamas}} {{unreferenced section|date=February 2022}} The main island has been a haven for celebrities for years. Until recently, the tourist population on the island was extremely minimal, allowing anonymity for anyone escaping the spotlight. Frequent visitors included [[Princess Margaret, Countess of Snowdon]], who stayed at the [[Goat Cay, Exuma|Goat Cay]] home of Babbie Holt, [[Jackie Onassis]], [[Jessica Tandy]] and [[Hume Cronyn]], and [[Sigourney Weaver]], who vacationed there with her family. More recently, the islands were used by [[John McAfee]], founder of [[McAfee|McAfee Software]], who conducted his brief [[John McAfee 2020 presidential campaign|2020 presidential campaign]] from a boat moored in the harbour.

The Bahamian tax structure may be an advantage for some with the desire to establish residency, while others may purchase homes for private use or investment. Some have purchased [[private island]]s, while others have purchased more common homes. A number of well-known people own islands or residences in the Exumas. These include [[Aga Khan]], [[Nicolas Cage]], [[David Copperfield (illusionist)|David Copperfield]], [[Ali Daei]], [[Johnny Depp]], [[Faith Hill]] and [[Tim McGraw]], [[Ali Karimi]], [[Eddie Murphy]], [[Eddie Irvine]], [[Tyler Perry]] and [[Jena Sims]].

==References== {{Reflist|30em}}

[[Category:Exuma| ]] [[Category:States and territories established in 1999]] [[Category:1999 establishments in the Bahamas]]