Buccaneers - An Important Part of Caribbean History

1. Buccaneers - An Important Part of
Caribbean History
By: Thomas Edison Kelly New York

2. Buccaneers - An Important Part of Caribbean History
A managing director of Aegis Capital and New York resident, Thomas Edison Kelly is a noted
philanthropist and avid student of history, especially the history of the Americas and the Caribbean.
In Anguilla, Thomas Edison Kelly is a prominent community figure and remains involved in several
nonprofit endeavors. An element of Caribbean history that sometimes get relegated to a footnote is
the buccaneers.

3. Buccaneers - An Important Part of Caribbean History
Buccaneers were loathed by some and exalted by others, but they played a key role in the
development of the Caribbean as we know it today. They were privateers and sailors who operated
in the 17th century under very mercurial legal arrangements. As Spain fought to maintain control of
the area, buccaneers were sanctioned by other imperialistic nations such as France and England
to harass Spanish ships and colonies.

4. Buccaneers - An Important Part of Caribbean History
They were initially hunters and trappers in search of a better life, but the power struggles around
them eventually forced them into an active role against the Spanish. By the time the wars finally
died down and truces were signed between the major powers, buccaneers were largely outlawed
and their way of life was all but eliminated. However, their influence still remains throughout the
Caribbean in the form of their food and the towns and colonies they established.