# Bay Islands Magazine - BIM

> History Society Culture


## Posts

- [When Paradise Become Painful](https://bay-islands-magazine.com/when-paradise-become-painful/): Protecting Roatan’s Hearing, Health—and the Peace Paradise Requires When I lived in the peaceful village of Sandy Bay in the early 1990s, roosters crowed, dogs barked, and occasionally a teenager played a boombox louder than necessary. Those were among the loudest sounds in the neighborhood. Nearly four decades later, I still come to Roatan searching for that soothing, peaceful paradise. With each visit, however, its quiet seems harder to find.&nbsp; Amplified music spills from restaurants and bars into neighborhoods. Motorcycles and vehicles with roaring exhausts shatter the night. And unlike the crow of a rooster, some of that noise can leave [&hellip;]
- [Saving a Vanishing Voice](https://bay-islands-magazine.com/saving-a-vanishing-voice/): How the Royal Reader Program is Helping Bay Islanders reclaim their English Heritage. Who?W-H-O!Twenty-three children chant the letters in unison inside a small classroom in Coxen Hole. To a casual observer, it looks like an ordinary spelling lesson. Yet what is happening here is far more significant. These students are helping rescue a language that was once discouraged, punished, and nearly lost—a language their ancestors carried across generations and one many Bay Islanders fear could disappear forever.More than 165 years after the Bay Islands ceased to be a British colony, a group of determined educators is fighting to preserve one of [&hellip;]
- [A community lifeline: the story of Charmont Learning Center](https://bay-islands-magazine.com/a-community-lifeline-the-story-of-charmont-learning-center/): They don’t fit into mainstream society. Some raped or bullied. Orphans, homeless, or medically fragile and have witnessed horrors no child should see. And some endured awful abuses. Lack of legal documents excludes them from public schools. Still, dedicated people refuse to give up on them and guide them toward a better life. A community lifeline: the story of Charmont Learning Center is one of hope for these children. Welcome to Charmont Learning Center on Roatan on the Bay Islands! When Valerie Nelson, a Canadian social worker, arrived in Roatán in 2002, she intended to launch an HIV program. What she [&hellip;]
- [Tino and Alejo Monterroso - Legendary Dive Masters of the Bay Islands](https://bay-islands-magazine.com/tino-and-alejo-monterroso-legendary-dive-masters-of-the-bay-islands/): Long before Roatan became a world-class dive destination, two young islanders were slipping beneath its waves with little more than a mask, fins, and a speargun. Tino and Alejo Monterroso—descendants of a 19th-century Guatemalan general and pioneers of modern diving in the Bay Islands—would go on to chart new reefs, name iconic sites, and fight to protect the fragile coral kingdoms that defined their lives. The Monterroso family&#8217;s remarkable legacy traces back to the 1800s, when General Antonio Monterroso—a distinguished officer in the Guatemalan army—was stationed in Utila. Decades later, his son, Antonio, president of the Liberal Party, faced political turmoil [&hellip;]
- [A Garifuna with Grit Makes Honduran History](https://bay-islands-magazine.com/a-garifuna-with-grit-makes-honduran-history/): Garifuna Jafeth Martinez transformed boyhood hope into history&#8211;becoming the first Honduran-born athlete to play Division I in the USA.&nbsp;&nbsp; The global sports world is buzzing about Jafeth Martinez—a towering 6’9” sensation who made history in 2025 as the first Honduran-born athlete to play NCAA Division I basketball.&nbsp; Long before bright arena lights and roaring crowds, his journey began in a small fishing village on Roatan Island.&nbsp; A relentless drive and unwavering faith propelled Jafeth from humble beginnings and staggering odds through college stardom and into the NBA Draft, shining a spotlight on this humble Bay Islands boy. With a remarkable 7-foot-2-inch [&hellip;]
- [The forest of hope](https://bay-islands-magazine.com/the-forest-of-hope/): Agriculture is done among trees and palms in the bottom of the jungle in tropical areas. Join us on the journey together with Rotary into a village on Roatan that received trees and hope for the future! The sun shone from a bright blue sky on villagers who had gathered along the wall of the sports field in Juticalpa on the island of Roatan. They were waiting in anticipation. Beside them the 150 small trees were sorted and lined up ready to be handed out and later planted by their new owners. Primarily they were breadfruit, but also included avocado, mango, [&hellip;]
- [Hope for adults with disabilities](https://bay-islands-magazine.com/hope-for-adults-with-disabilities/): Higuero Many believe that people with disabilities on Roatan have been forgotten and abandoned by Honduran society. North in the village of Higuero in the middle of the island of Roatan.&nbsp; The car bumps along roads washed out by rain that has created deep ditches. Behind the wheel sits Connie Silvestri. We stop in front of an orange house surrounded by a high green steel fence. At the gate, Jastin (19) stands with his mother. The eyes flutter. The reason is obviously those unknown people who come to his home. The living room and kitchen are organized down to the smallest [&hellip;]
- [EL PUEBLO DESTRUIDO](https://bay-islands-magazine.com/el-pueblo-destruido/): In English Miles de personas del orgulloso pueblo garífuna (Garinagu) se negaron a ser esclavos en las plantaciones británicas, pero después de años de resistencia, la mayoría fueron exiliados por los colonos británicos de su tierra natal en Yurumein y sufrieron enfermedades que terminaron en muertes masivas. Los que quedaron fueron luego deportados al otro extremo del Caribe. El 12 de abril de 1797, casi 2000 caribes del pueblo garífuna se apiñaban en el muelle de Port Royal, en la isla caribeña occidental de Roatán. El aire salado, pesado como un albatros, los aplastaba de dolor. Tras meses de brutal confinamiento [&hellip;]
- [A young island boy with ambitions](https://bay-islands-magazine.com/a-young-island-boy-with-ambitions/): He stands at a crossroads in life, having just graduated from elementary school. He has a clear plan and path to follow, but will he make it? Meet a young man from Hottest Sparrow! On the northern shore of Roatan, in the quaint community of Hottest Sparrow with a population of 110, a primary school graduate stands at a critical crossroads.&nbsp; He has carefully devised his life plan, fueled by ambitious dreams and dogged determination. Will this exceptional youth succeed where so many others have failed? After you meet this teen, you can join those who support his daunting dream.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Fifteen-year-old [&hellip;]
- ["Roatan Remembered": A Journey from 'Before Times' to the Present](https://bay-islands-magazine.com/roatan-remembered-a-journey-from-before-times-to-the-present/): A review of the book Roatan Remembered &#8220;When 15-year-old Romeo was headed to Europe to commence his education, he told his future mother-in-law, Miss Ruth, that he planned to someday marry her five-year-old daughter, Connie.&#8221; An excerpt about a commitment that came true, from one of the many stories in the book Roatan Remembered by Edwina Doyle Willis. Edwina Doyle Willis first came to Roatán in 1989 and has visited and lived there frequently since then. She is from Kentucky, USA, but has lived in North Carolina for the past six years.She takes the reader on a journey through time by [&hellip;]
- [A Journey Through Heritage](https://bay-islands-magazine.com/a-journey-through-heritage/): The native islander Keila Rochelle Thompson Gough embarked on a journey through time and the result is a book about her family history, from Europe to The Caribbean. Join us as we dive into how and why a young woman managed to capture it and how it became popular book! TO THE NEWER WORLDThe colonization and settlement of what became known as the New World had lasted for 502 years after Columbus explored the Americas, when a young woman in her twenties picked up a pen and paper, inspired by glimpses of her descendants. She embarked on a nine-year journey to [&hellip;]
- [The fleetless admiral](https://bay-islands-magazine.com/the-fleetless-admiral/): He spent 11 years getting his adventures sponsored. He was a terrible navigator without any experience at sea. But he was determined and had courage while he dreamed of finding India, China, and Japan. The indigenous people and their descendants in Central and South America are not very fond of him due to his treatment of their ancestors. But in the rest of the world, he will always be the hero who made the path to a new world! The son of a weaver from Genoa, Italy, Christopher Columbus is often a figure surrounded by myth. Though he preferred to be [&hellip;]
- [Where musicians are forged and shaped](https://bay-islands-magazine.com/where-musicians-are-forged-and-shaped/): &#8220;Anyone here who has an ambition to make their own music?&#8221; An arm gets slowly stretched behind a silver-grey keyboard. No reply, just a silent smile. It moves me. She is only seven years old. That’s what I call ambition! Saturday morning in July, the sun shines over the village of French Harbour and The Culture House. Behind curtains in the inner room, beyond a library that envelops a beautiful painted tree that is surrounded by walls with marine art, and an exhibition with local images and items from different ages, six young students are manning an accordion, keyboards, a blow [&hellip;]
- [Guanaja - an island under the tropical sun](https://bay-islands-magazine.com/guanaja-an-island-under-the-tropical-sun/): Welcome to the island that Christopher Columbus landed in 1502, searching for India, Japan and China. He never got there, but on his journey he met the Paya Indians on the island called it &#8220;Islas De Los Pinos&#8221; (Isle of Pines) Today it is called Guanaja and is a true gem in the Caribbean, loaded with experiences! Are you on the lookout for a unique getaway? Let us introduce you to Guanaja, an enchanting island in Honduras that’s just waiting to be discovered! With its stunning landscapes and rich culture, Guanaja is the perfect escape for your next adventure! A Tropical [&hellip;]
- [Blessed clothing](https://bay-islands-magazine.com/blessed-clothing/): On the edge of the third world, beyond the white beaches, resorts and restaurants on the Bay Islands, many need help. Meet a couple that dedicated many years to creating confidence by clothing the young and forgotten! The sun shines on blue buildings under large trees at Diamond Rock School on a Saturday in early February. The school, some minutes drive east of the village of Oak Ridge is packed with expectant children, waiting for what is to come. A car gets unloaded with items that are going to create confidence among the students. Four tables are stacked with backpacks and [&hellip;]
- [The chased cleaner](https://bay-islands-magazine.com/the-chased-cleaner/): You might have encountered them and panicked. The first time I saw them, I used bug killers, which left a scene reminiscent of the "Highway of Death" during the Gulf War in 1991. But then Samuel Martinez, the local bug exterminator, advised me to calm down and introduced me to the wonders of cleaner ants.
- [The mystery of Utila](https://bay-islands-magazine.com/the-mystery-of-utila/): How much have you heard about treasures found on the island of Utila? Let&#8217;s go over this ancient one&#8230; The island of Utila is known for its pristine beaches and world-famous coral reefs. But beneath its picturesque surface lies a +100 year old mystery that intrigued both locals and visitors back then. Hidden within Brandon Hill, a cave known simply as &#8220;The Cave&#8221; held secrets from Utila&#8217;s past. It&#8217;s not just any cave, this one actually had treasures! A golden goblet, a rusty sword, and a golden crucifix were discovered within its depths, leaving everyone to wonder: how did these objects [&hellip;]
- [The magic of Utila](https://bay-islands-magazine.com/the-magic-of-utila/): If there’s one place in the Bay Islands that combines natural beauty with a fun social scene, it’s Utila. Known as the dive capital of Honduras, this small island draws people from around the world who come for its affordable diving, local dishes, and energetic nightlife. Chris Burry and Madeline Hibberd, two adventurous travelers, recently visited Utila on their sailing journey and discovered all the island has to offer, from the coral reefs to late-night parties. Here’s a look at their experiences on the island, highlighting why Utila is a destination for both relaxation and excitement. Utila is famous for its [&hellip;]
- [The trades and skills of Bay Islands](https://bay-islands-magazine.com/the-trades-and-skills-of-bay-islands/): The Bay Islands of Honduras are rich in culture and history, but among the treasures of the past are trades and skills that were once essential to island life but have now largely faded away. 1. Boat Building Before modern shipping, the Bay Islands were and partially still are home to skilled boat builders who crafted dories, sloops, and schooners by hand. Using local hardwoods like mahogany and cedar, these craftsmen built vessels that were both functional and works of art. These boats were not just transportation—they were lifelines for fishing, trade, and connecting families between islands. Today, only a handful [&hellip;]
- [The right value of Bay Islands](https://bay-islands-magazine.com/the-right-value-of-bay-islands/): The Bay Islands have always been a destination that captures imaginations. With their stunning beaches, Garífuna culture, and unique Black English-speaking heritage, it&#8217;s no wonder people from all over the world are drawn here. But in recent years, there&#8217;s been a surge of foreigners creating businesses tied to our history, culture, and tourism. From magazines and websites to maps and television programs, the Bay Islands are being showcased in more ways than ever before. Some of these efforts are wonderful, adding value by sharing our beauty and traditions in ways that draw people to our shores. But not all publicity hits [&hellip;]
- [The island of Guanaja](https://bay-islands-magazine.com/the-island-of-guanaja/): Guanaja, the easternmost island of the Bay Islands, offers an experience unlike any other in the Caribbean. Known for its rugged beauty, vibrant reefs, and unique stilt village, it’s a place where time seems to slow down, and life unfolds at its own gentle pace. Chris Burry and Madeline Hibberd, two avid sailors, ventured to Guanaja as part of their journey through the Bay Islands. What they found was a quiet paradise, rich with natural beauty and local charm. As with many travelers to the Bay Islands, the underwater world was a highlight of Chris and Madeline’s trip. Guanaja’s reefs are [&hellip;]
- [The magic of Punta Gorda](https://bay-islands-magazine.com/the-magic-of-punta-gorda/): By Jericca Warren Punta Gorda, a village on the northeastern coast of Roatan, is a place rich with history, culture, and a lively spirit that sets it apart from other parts of the Bay Islands. It’s the oldest Garifuna settlement in Honduras, founded by Afro-indigenous people exiled from St. Vincent in the 18th century. When travelers Chris Burry and Madeline Hibberd visited Punta Gorda, they were drawn in by the vibrant culture, unique traditions, and warmth of the Garifuna people. Here’s a glimpse of their experience in this remarkable community, a true cultural gem on Roatan.Arriving in Punta Gorda, Chris and [&hellip;]
- [West End, Roatan](https://bay-islands-magazine.com/west-end-roatan/): By Jericca Warren West End is one of Roatan’s most popular spots, known for its laid-back atmosphere, stunning beaches, and vibrant local scene. Located on the western coast of the island, it attracts travelers from all over who come for the perfect blend of relaxation, adventure, and local charm. When travelers Chris Burry and Madeline Hibberd made their way to West End, they discovered exactly why this spot is a favorite on Roatan. Here’s a look at their experiences, from breathtaking snorkeling to the warm hospitality of this lively beach town. Upon arriving in West End, Chris and Madeline were greeted [&hellip;]
- [Roatan's tranquil east side](https://bay-islands-magazine.com/roatans-tranquil-east-side/): By Jericca Warren Roatan may be known for its beaches and bustling tourist areas, but some of the island’s most captivating experiences lie on its quieter, more secluded side. Two small villages on the southern coast, Jonesville and Oak Ridge, offer a different kind of island adventure. Here, visitors get a glimpse into the local way of life, away from the crowds. Travelers Chris Burry and Madeline Hibberd discovered these gems during their journey through the Bay Islands, and their time in Jonesville and Oak Ridge was filled with the kind of authentic encounters and natural beauty that make Roatan so [&hellip;]
- [Diversity, art and bush medicine](https://bay-islands-magazine.com/diversity-art-and-bush-medicine/): Did you know that right behind the tourist machine on the island of Roatan live many people who believe that natural medicine cures most things? Join us on a tour of a village on the edge of the jungle! The afternoon sun shines in between the treetops. The temperature is around thirty degrees as we park at a full-service manual car wash. A young man comes out of a small “pulperia” with two six-packs of Corona beer and disappears around the corner. “Go-Pro, start recording” I check if the voice activation of the head camera works. It acknowledges with a beep. [&hellip;]
- [A ramp to a sacred place](https://bay-islands-magazine.com/a-ramp-to-a-sacred-place/): A joint operation made it possible for the disabled and the elderly to have an easier path to the services in &#8220;The Church of God&#8221; in the village of Crawfish Rock on Roatan, Bay Islands It was a rainy and quiet Sunday morning when I entered the village of Crawfish Rock, located on the northern shores of Roatan. Nobody disturbed the hens wandering with their chicks, which were taking a pit stop in the middle of the dirt road and snacking on some dropped food.&nbsp; The only other activity was at &#8220;The Church of God&#8221; near the northwestern end of the [&hellip;]
- [Rehab with Jesus](https://bay-islands-magazine.com/rehab-with-jesus/): They are from all walks of life as they enter the program, which hopefully will bring them to freedom with the help of Jesus. But some of them fail and return again and again. Join us when we visit the center with people who guide the addicts out of their intoxicated hell! 
- [My Coxen Hole](https://bay-islands-magazine.com/my-coxen-hole/): We asked a young man to show us around behind the scenery of tourism. He showed us a unique world where people live their extraordinary everyday lives. Welcome to Coxen Hole! We meet outside of 24-year-old Joseph Woods&#8217; house, which he has built next to his mother&#8217;s home on his grandfather&#8217;s land three years ago. Two little boys are playing and run around shouting &#8220;Papa&#8221; as they cling to his leg. Joseph, or Junior as he is called by most, works as a bartender at the restaurant &#8220;The Cove&#8221;, in Community of Palmetto Bay approximately mid island on the north shore [&hellip;]
- [Dental care for the needy](https://bay-islands-magazine.com/dental-care-for-the-needy/): Behind the tourist paradise on the island of Roatan, Honduras, right behind where the umbrella drinks light up life for the tourists, together with background music, behind where you can snorkel over a colorful reef, namely the world&#8217;s second largest. There lies the border with the third world, with inhabitants who are abjectly poor. Many live in log cabins and live from hand to mouth. And the pandemic has in many ways made it even worse. Jose Santos Guardiola &#8211; a secondary school in the largest village of Coxen Hole immediately resembles a prison as it is surrounded by a wall [&hellip;]
- [Creating social value for people with disabilities](https://bay-islands-magazine.com/114-2/): Pediatrician to a mother of a disabled child on the island of Roatan, Honduras: “Take her home, love her, but don’t feed her”Her mother went home and decided to keep on loving her. And feeding her. Today this girl is grown up and has a job, despite her Cerebral Palsy.&nbsp;This event symbolizes the attitude many people still have toward disabilities in this part of the world. Join us on a journey to try to change that and make a better life for the ones that are wrongfully looked upon as outsiders. Disabled people have been ignored, neglected, abused, and called retarded [&hellip;]
- [The outstretched hand](https://bay-islands-magazine.com/the-outstretched-hand/): Honduras is often thought of in terms of crime, drugs, homicides, and violence. Significant parts of the Western world fear the harshness and ignorance of this country. That, however, is far from the whole truth. For example, the country’s authorities try to help those who need it by bringing in free medical care, which is often the only opportunity for the locals. Welcome to The Medica Brigada on Roatan, Bay Islands! The Honduran Armed Forces provide free medical care to the country’s poorest citizens to improve their health. The brigades were inaugurated in 2014 by the President of the Republic and [&hellip;]
- [The water carrier](https://bay-islands-magazine.com/the-water-carrier/): Imagine that you do not have a drop of water in your house and must find it somewhere for yourself and your children. Meet a woman who carried all her water to the house for 15 years! She lives in a tiny pink house on the south side of the main road that runs through Roatan, in the village of Juticalpa.&nbsp; She’s a single mother of 5 and has been living here for 24 years. For 15 years Mrs. Orbelina has been carrying water in a bucket on her head from the bottom of the valley below her home. This water [&hellip;]
- [Roatan - a cultural diversity](https://bay-islands-magazine.com/roatan-a-cultural-diversity/): The island has been in different hands throughout history and has borne names such as Rattan, Ruatan, or today&#8217;s name, Roatan. It has been inhabited by indigenous peoples, pirates, African slaves, as well as British and Spanish conquerors. Join us for a trip on the tropical lava rock in the west of the Caribbean, which from a human perspective is on the border of the third world, with everything from abject poverty to tremendous wealth. Roatan is the largest island of the Bay Islands archipelago, located approximately 65 km from the mainland of Honduras. It is somewhere around 77 km long [&hellip;]
- [The banished people of Garifuna](https://bay-islands-magazine.com/the-banished-people-of-garifuna/): En EspañolThousands of the proud Garifuna (Garinagu) people refused to be slaves on British plantations. However, after years of resistance, most were exiled by British colonists from their homeland on Yurumein and plunged into a disease that ended in mass death. Those who remained were then exiled to the other end of the Caribbean. April 12, 1797, nearly 2,000 Caribs of the Garifuna people stood crowded along the Port Royal dock. It was situated on the western Caribbean island of Roatan. The salt air hung heavy like an albatross crushing them with grief. After months of brutal confinement and nearly a [&hellip;]
- [The village of Hottest Sparrow](https://bay-islands-magazine.com/the-village-of-hottest-sparrow/): A wooden boat more than 100 years old? An unmanned raft with a lantern? Join us on a walkabout in Hottest Sparrow! On the north side of coastal Roatan, a short distance west of Palmetto Bay lies the village of Hottest Sparrow. It is easy to associate the name with pirates since Jack Sparrow, the character played by Johnny Depp in “Pirates of The Caribbeans” bears the same name. But there is no link here. Having said that, no one knows where the name of the village comes from. Our guide is Winston Rollins Mann Thomas (54). He grew up in [&hellip;]

## Pages

- [Register](https://bay-islands-magazine.com/register/): [pms-register]
- [About Bay Islands](https://bay-islands-magazine.com/about-bay-islands/): The Bay Islands are a group of islands located off the northern coast of Honduras in the Caribbean Sea. The main islands are Roatán, Utila, and Guanaja, with several smaller islands and cays also part of the archipelago. The Bay Islands are known for their stunning beaches, crystal-clear waters, and vibrant coral reefs, making them a popular destination for scuba diving, snorkeling, and other water sports. The islands are also home to a diverse array of marine life, including dolphins, sea turtles, and colorful tropical fish. Roatán is the largest and most developed of the Bay Islands, with a range of [&hellip;]
- [About Roger and BIM](https://bay-islands-magazine.com/about-roger/): THE&nbsp;MAGAZINEBay Islands Magazine was created in August 2024 and will tell the tales, and stories of the societies of Bay Islands, Honduras, as well as the archipelago&#8217;s remarkable history well connected with the history of The Caribbean and Central America. THE&nbsp;EDITOR&nbsp;IN&nbsp;CHIEFRoger Bjoroy-Karlsen is the Editor in Chief, the founder, and the creator of Bay Islands Magazine.Born in 1962, he is a retired officer of the Norwegian Army. He is also a freelance writer, and used to provide articles for newspapers, glossy history magazines, and essays and chronicles for different media in Europe. He is from the coastal town of Sandefjord in [&hellip;]

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