Salvation Islands
23 November 2013
Got settled into the Hotel Ballahou in Kourou and inquired about getting out to the islands. The owners daughter spoke English and told me she would take care of it. After a few phone calls I was all set to out the next morning.The owner, Allen, offered to take me to the boat landing and pick me up so I wouldn't have to leave the moto in the parking lot all day.
Three islands, Royal on the left, Devils in the center and St. Joesph on the right: We docked on Royal.
From Salvation Islands, French Guiana
Royale was the main in processing point and the headquarters:
From Salvation Islands, French Guiana
From Salvation Islands, French Guiana
Most of the buildings didn't have any placards or information as to what they were used for.
From Salvation Islands, French Guiana
From Salvation Islands, French Guiana
Many of the building are in very poor conditions however there is work being done to preserve what remains:
From Salvation Islands, French Guiana
These two macaws were fascinated with the guy working:
From Salvation Islands, French Guiana
These were housing units for the guards and staff and many of them are still used for staff housing. Workers stay out on the island for six days. Visitors can rent empty rooms and hang a hammock. Camping is allowed on the island of Royle and many people from Kourou spend the weekend out here. I was told that the fishing is very good around the islands.
From Salvation Islands, French Guiana
From Salvation Islands, French Guiana
Administrative and cell block building: Looks inviting until you get inside.
From Salvation Islands, French Guiana
From Salvation Islands, French Guiana
From Salvation Islands, French Guiana
From Salvation Islands, French Guiana
In the back courtyard there was a guillotine erected.
From Salvation Islands, French Guiana
Devils Island: All three islands were referred to as, The Devils Islands, however this island bears the name. No one is allowed on Devls Island and from what I was told there is nothing really remaining. In the beginning, convicts sent to this island were left to fend for themselves. Palm trees and rocks.
From Salvation Islands, French Guiana
From Salvation Islands, French Guiana
From Salvation Islands, French Guiana
From Salvation Islands, French Guiana
From Salvation Islands, French Guiana
St Joseph Island: This island is where the solitary confinement (complete silence) cells were located. I took a small boat over.
From Salvation Islands, French Guiana
From Salvation Islands, French Guiana
Most of the building are collapsing and have overgrowth however it's very obvious what went on here. Some restoration is underway.
From Salvation Islands, French Guiana
From Salvation Islands, French Guiana
The cells had no ceilings, only bars, and the guards walked along the top of the center wall to keep an eye the prisoners. Some of the cells had no benches for beds, just concrete floor. Rain or shine, no cover.
From Salvation Islands, French Guiana
The only people buried on the Salvation Islands were the guards, family and staff. Convicts bodies were dumped in the water for the sharks.
From Salvation Islands, French Guiana
From Salvation Islands, French Guiana
From Salvation Islands, French Guiana
From Salvation Islands, French Guiana
