Piece of the Puzzle: The History of My Ancestors on the Bay Islands

Piece of the Puzzle: The History of My Ancestors on the Bay Islands dives into the deep history of the journey the modern settlers took from England to the British West Indies to settle in the Bay Islands. Keila Rochelle Thompson Gough, a native English-speaking islander, provides unique insights into the local history, culture, and experiences of its early settlers. The book is meticulously compiled with authentic documentation and references that enrich the narrative. Learn the stories that would place the Bay Islands on international status through the colonization and cession to the Republic of Honduras from the 1800's to modern day. Whether you are a local resident, historian, or simply fascinated by the Bay Islands, this publication serves as an invaluable resource that brings the past to life. Explore the intricate tapestry of their lives and discover the pivotal role they played in shaping the Bay Islands as we know them today. This is not just about history; it is a heartfelt tribute to the legacy of those who came before. Today their descendants can still be found on the Bay Islands, mainland Honduras, Belize, Mexico, United States, Canada, England, Croatia, and many other parts of the world.

Keila Rochelle Thompson Gough is a descendant of the Cooper family, who settled in Roatan, the largest of the Bay Islands, in 1834. The family settled in the Bay Islands as part of the migration from the British West Indies to the Bay Islands in the early 1800s.

Keila has had a lifelong interest in the origins of English history in the region. In 2004, she initiated a research project and began writing a book on the subject.

She has contributed as an editor and historian for various Bay Islands publications, including the Bay Islands Voice magazine; the coffee table book Roatan Magic: Hidden Jewel of the Western Caribbean, published in 2010; the Roatan Relocation & Investment Guide, a guidebook for relocating to Roatan, published in 2011. She also has been contributing to Paya Magazine since 2023.

Keila remains active in the community and supports efforts to preserve the history of the Bay Islands.