IN THE BAY ISLANDS

Pacific Press Publishing Company · Oakland, California · Dec 24, 1902

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 28, No. 52.

IN THE BAY ISLANDS.

ENGLISH men and their families residing in the islands of Ruatan, Bonacca, Helene, Morat, Barburat, and Utilla, have found to their surprise and dissatisfaction that they are citizens of the Republic of Honduras. About forty years ago the Bay Islands were transferred to Honduras by Great Britain, and up to the present time English people who had not declared allegiance to Honduras had supposed that they were still subjects of Great Britain; but a recent communication from the home government to these islanders informs them that all who were living on the islands at the time of the transfer, and all the descendants of such, are subjects of Honduras. British subjects who have settled on the islands since the transfer retain their nationality if they desire.

To these discontented citizens the Honduran Government has made the promise of fair treatment, and has assured them that no effort would be spared to promote their peace and prosperity. The people of these islands are said to be industrious, progressive, and intelligent. Large numbers profess Christianity, and Christian churches are scattered over the different islands. Protestantism is represented in the islands by three denominations,—Baptists, Seventh-day Adventists, and English Wesleyan Methodists. The people are generous in their contributions to church work, and missionaries report that they are very free to help in any way they are able along missionary lines. No complaint is made by these missionaries in regard to their treatment by the government of Honduras. Altogether these islands are a promising field for missionary effort, and the efforts so far put forth have yielded good returns.