Belize Archives & Records Service University of Belize Universidad Intercultural Maya de Quintana Roo Universidad de Quintana Roo Institute for Social and Cultural Research Universidad Intercultural Maya de Quintana Roo | Herman Byrd, PhD Angel Cal, PhD Juan Castillo, PhD Martin Ramos, PhD Giovanni Pinelo Eduardo Pool |
While the Spanish had good details about the fortifications of the settlement, including the forts located at Haulover - now Belize River Mouth - they had to overcome many other obstacles.
- They Lacked details on the navigational details on the seas leading to the harbor at St George's Caye and the mainland.
- Had many delays with executing their battle plan, which allowed the British more time to prepare and to develop a counter strategy.
- Some of the Spanish sailors were also reported to have Yellow Fever and some were interred at Caye Chapel.
- To reduce the draft of the larger Spanish vessels, provisions were unloaded to smaller vessels, resulting in provisioning issues.
- Decision by commander of two Spanish Frigates to not participate. These vessels were armed with 40 cannons each and drew about 19 palmos, approximately 13 feet, and were sent from Havana to participate in the Spanish attempt to conquer the settlers. However the commander of the fleet gave many reasons for not wanting to participate such as dangerous currents and other navigational hazards and did not want to put his fleet in danger.
If you missed the lecture by the Belize History Association be sure to attend the 9th Annual Remembrance Ceremony at 11am on September at the Historic Cemetery on St George's Caye where some of the important findings will be presented!