The History of The Split at Caye Caulker

Practice questions regarding the geographical and historical development of The Split in Caye Caulker, Belize.

What is The Split?

A small channel that separates Caye Caulker into two parts.

Which natural disaster hit Belize in $1961$ and led to the creation of The Split?

Hurricane Hattie

Why did fishermen in the lobster industry want the channel to be dug deeper?

They had to travel far, which cost a lot of fuel, and there were not many engine boats at the time.

What was the condition of the channel in $1971$?

It was just a small stream.

By what year was the channel deeper than its original stream state?

$$1977$$

What were the original names for the passage before it was known as "The Split"?

The Cut or Cut Off

How did dredging affect travel for the villagers?

It allowed people to travel faster between both sides of the island instead of going all the way around.

What do some people believe villagers did in the $1950s$ to start the passage?

They started the passage by cutting mangroves.