The island frequently referred to in discussions about unclaimed or disputed territories in the Caribbean is Navassa Island. While often queried as "unclaimed," it is more accurately described as a disputed island with sovereignty claims from multiple entities.
Navassa Island: A Disputed Caribbean Territory
Navassa Island is a small, uninhabited island located in the Windward Passage, a strait in the Caribbean Sea that separates Haiti and Cuba. Its status as a disputed territory arises from competing claims between the United States and Haiti.
Key Details of Navassa Island
| Detail | Description |
|---|---|
| Native Name | Lanavaz (Haitian Creole); Île de la Navasse (French) |
| Location | Windward Passage, Caribbean Sea |
| Coordinates | 18°24′10″N 75°0′45″W |
| Total Islands | 1 |
| Area | 2.1 sq mi (5.4 km²) |
| Status | Disputed (Claimed by both the United States and Haiti) |
Why is Navassa Island Disputed, Not Unclaimed?
An "unclaimed" island would typically mean no nation asserts sovereignty over it. However, Navassa Island is subject to specific claims, making it a disputed territory rather than an unclaimed one.
- United States Claim: The U.S. claims Navassa Island under the Guano Islands Act of 1856. This act allowed U.S. citizens to claim islands with guano deposits for the United States, provided they were not "within the lawful jurisdiction of any other government."
- Haitian Claim: Haiti asserts sovereignty over Navassa Island based on its proximity and historical assertions dating back to its 1801 constitution, which listed Navassa as part of its territory.
The ongoing assertions of claims by both the United States and Haiti underscore the island's disputed status. It is currently administered by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service as a national wildlife refuge, with limited public access primarily for conservation purposes.
Ecological Significance
Despite its diminutive size, Navassa Island possesses significant ecological value. It serves as a vital habitat for various species of flora and fauna, including several endemic species. Its management as a wildlife refuge highlights its importance for biodiversity conservation in the Caribbean.
