Thursday, January 8, 2009Devil’s Island, French Guiana. Located in the Atlantic Ocean in northern French Guiana, Devil’s Island is comprised of three small rocky islets. From 1852 to 1946 it was used as a French penal settlement. Prisoners were either habitual criminals who were permitted to work at hard labor – or political prisoners who were sometimes permitted liberty. Felons were sentenced to hard labor and if you were sentenced to more than 8 years for a crime, you remained for life. The climate is so unhealthy many prisoners died. Few managed to escape the island as waters surrounding the islands are shark infested and have strong currents. Poor living conditions, lack of food and Malaria were other issues. After 1885 only criminals with sentences of more than eight years were sent to Devil’s Island, and in 1938 the government phased out the settlement. It is no longer inhabited.
The island is very interesting and it is very beautiful. There is a hotel frequented by tourists who want to get away (they must really enjoy isolation). The terrain is rocky, and is covered with lush palms and banana trees. Monkeys and Lizards inhabit the island, and Toucans, Parrots and Macaws are among the tropical birds that live here.
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