Ragged Island, Bahamas
Ragged Island is a island and district in the southern Bahamas. Ragged Island is part of the Jumentos Cays and Ragged Island Chain. The crescent-shaped chain measures over in length and includes cays known as Raccoon Cay, Hog Cay and Double-Breasted Cay. Island ownership is stated to have been granted to William George Lockhart some time in the 18th century. On 8 September 2017, Duncan Town took a direct hit from Hurricane Irma. Etymology The indigenous Lucayan people called the Ragged Islands Utiaquia, meaning "western hutia land". Spanish explorers named the islands Islas de Arena ("sand islands"). Economy Until recently the island had an active salt industry, the salt ponds having been developed in the 19th century by Duncan Taylor, after whom Duncan Town, the only settlement, is named. Due to the decline of the salt industry, which had peaked in the 1930s, there has been a gradual emigration to more prosperous islands such as New Providence, Grand Bahama Island, Abaco Island, The Exumas and Eleuthera. Population and people The population of Ragged Island in the 2010 census was 72. Senator Mizpah Tertullien was born on the island in 1930. Duncan Town Duncan Town is the only settlement in the