Been to Cat Island: Through the Eyes of an Archivist

 Bahamian Author Antoinette Seymour Celebrates Cat Island In New Book

By Stephen Weir

Bahamian author and professional archivist Antoinette Seymour has unveiled a captivating homage to her roots with the release of her new book, Been to Cat Island: Through the Eyes of an Archivist. The first installment in her "Been to Bahamas" series, published last month, delves into the culture, history, and hidden gems of Cat Island, one of the Bahamas’ storied Out Islands. Combining meticulous archival research with heartfelt storytelling, Seymour takes readers on an intimate journey into the island's past, offering a fresh perspective on its traditions, landmarks, and the enduring spirit of its people.

Cat Island (population 1,500 in 2010) is located southeast of Eleuthera and northeast of Long Island. It is believed to have been named after pirate Arthur Catt, who frequented the island. For more than four centuries, it was called San Salvador and was thought by some to be the first landfall of Columbus in the New World.

Been to Cat Island: Through the Eyes of an Archivist is not only an ode to the island but also a call to value and protect the rich history of small communities that often go unnoticed. This work appeals to history enthusiasts, travelers, and anyone interested in the intersection of culture and memory. (Editor’s note: Our scuba diving reporter Stephen Weir has explored a rare inland blue hole on Cat Island for Diver Magazine and considers it one of the top ten places to scuba dive in the Caribbean.)

“My book is folkloric and aims to inform about and preserve cultural elements (from the lens of an archivist),” Explains the author, “Its my first published books, there are others (in the series) waiting in the wings, eg Mango to Maple!”

Antoinette “Anto” Seymour was born and raised in Nassau, New Providence, Bahamas, as the fourth of eight siblings.

It took the Windsor-based author, an archivist at both the University of Windsor and the Black Studies Institute, seven years to complete the book. The process was prolonged due to personal challenges. "I hit a writer’s slump when my mother passed away in 2022 and my dad in 2024," Seymour told The Caribbean Camera. "They and their forebears were all Cat Islanders."

author in library

“Through the lens of a passionate preserver of culture and memories, Antoinette delves into Cat Island’s unique identity,” writes the Amazon book service. “Discover the roots of icons like Sir Sidney Poitier, encounter the island’s quirks—like pigs feasting on lobster—and explore its rolling hills, pristine beaches, and vibrant heritage. Been to Cat Island offers more than just history; it’s an intimate portrait of resilience, culture, and connection.”

The book, published in the Bahamas, is already available in Windsor bookstores. However, until all the stores are stocked, the most accessible way to purchase it is through Amazon and other online booksellers.