Two kilometers east of Bocas del Toro town
lies Hospital Point. Once the central medical
center for the United Fruit Company, which
established its headquarters in Bocas del
Toro in 1899, the facility is now under private
ownership and serves as tourist attraction
for many who visit Bocas town.Situated on the very tip of Nancy Cay, or Isla Solarte as it is known in Spanish, perched high upon a rolling hill, sits the hospital's main building. (For centuries following Christopher Colombus' 4th voyage through the islands, the island was known as Nancy Cay. It is believed that the name was derived from the word nances, which is the name of a found fruit tree commonly on the island. Nowadays, the island is most frequently referred to as Isla Solarte, however, there are no records alluding to when or how this name was chosen.) Facing north, towards the Caribbean Ocean, there are magnificent views of Isla Bastimentos, Careening Cay and Bocas town. Well manicured lawns and colorful, well arranged plants surround this landmark residence. A series of well maintained cement paths join the beach area and buildings, all of which are just a short distance apart.
Inhabited by Native Americans during the time of Colombus' passage, their population declined precipitously due to internal fighting and tropical diseases brought upon them by European settlers. The Spaniards, however, never actually seized control of the area, and as a result, the area experienced the arrival of English speaking settlers from the Caribbean. During the 1800's, when Panama was still very much a part of Colombia, the area lured planters from the United States and Germany, who quickly developed the regions first banana plantations. By the end of the century, the banana business was surging, attracting planter owners and laborers alike from various nationalities, all hoping to reap the rewards promised by this new found industry. Unfortunately, their arrival brought with it numerous health and sanitation problems, which, when added to pre-existing tropical diseases, developed into a serious health related concern.
In the latter part of the 19th century numerous banana producing companies positioned themselves in the Bocas del Toro province, both on the islands and mainland alike. But, no area received the attention or witnessed the commercial expansion as did Bocas town. The waterfront area developed with businesses and homes, adding to an already worrisome health issue.
When the United Fruit Company entered into the fray in late 1899, surpassing all those before it, the company took a much more aggressive stance towards medical care for their workforce. In order to protect their investment, they pursued the idea of constructing a medical facility on Nancy Cay, hence was born Hospital Point. The cool ocean breezes, which all but eliminated disease carrying mosquitoes, in conjunction with the distance separating the point from Bocas town, where most of the diseases were concentrated, made Nancy Cay an ideal location. Ironically, this isolation would lead to its closure only two decades later.
Oddly enough, before the construction of Hospital Point little if any investment was made in order to prevent or treat topical diseases such as yellow fever and malaria. The French, during their unsuccessful attempt at constructing The Panama Canal during the later part of the 19th century, lost nearly 25% of the labor force to disease. These loses helped reinforce the United Fruit Company's commitment to build such a facility. Hospital Point medical facility was officially opened on June 23, 1900.
At its peak of operation, the medical facility
was comprised of 16 buildings. They included
the main hospital, annex house, residence
of manager/medical superintendent, kitchen,
colored hospital, dining room and kitchen,
cottage, laundry, laborer's house, workshop,
toilet, warehouse/icehouse, surgical building,
among others.
During the early portion of the 20th century, island and shoreline based banana plantations collapsed due to a fungus wilt known as Panama disease. As a result, plantations were forced to shift their operations to the mainland, more specifically Changuinola, Sixaola and the Talamanca region of Costa Rica. Prior to the completion of the Changuinola River Railroad in 1908, the ill found themselves forced to travel long distances before reaching Hospital Point for treatment; this is particularly true for those stationed in the Talamanca region of Costa Rica. Consequently, a new medical facility was constructed in Almirante and opened in September 1290, permitting access to plantation workers by rail. Shortly afterwards, the facility at Hospital Point was closed, only two decades after opening.
Hospital Point today can be visited, but the facility remains private property, and thus, is normally off limits to visitors. However, the calm, crystal clear waters that surround the point offer, arguably, the areas best snorkeling and diving in the region. This of course, can be enjoyed by all.
While the calmest seas normally visit Bocas during the months between August-November the varied marine life can be seen year round. Numerous Caribbean reef fish can be commonly sighted including the Sergeant Major, Green Moray, Gray Angelfish, and several different species of Dameslfish and Parrotfish. In addition, several different types of marine invertebrates can also be found such as the sea anemone, long-spined sea urchin, sea star, leafy stinging coral, bristleworm, and tube sponge.
Just off the point, to the right side, lies a rather steep drop off or wall, which, if followed, descends and forms part of the deep ocean channel that runs lies in front of the island. On the left side, pointing towards Bocas town, the water tends to be shallower, affording snorkelers the opportunity to get a closer look at the ocean floor. In either location, the marine life is varied and abundant.
Tours to Hospital Point depart daily from the docking area, as most tour operations normally include a stop at Hospital Point as part of a full day tour. For those who prefer to visit the point at their convenience, individual packages can also be arranged. For the more adventurous, kayaks can be rented by the hour, half day, or full day. From Bocas town, your trip to the point should take about 30 minutes, depending on your conditioning and water conditions.
The information for this article was taken from Mr. Clyde S. Stephens book titled History of Hospital Point. Copies are available for purchase in Bocas del Toro.
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