GUAYAMA., a town situated on a broad and fertile plain some 2ooft. above sea-level in the southern part of Porto Rico near the Caribbean sea. Pop. (1930), 10,953. The population of the municipal district was 23,624 in 193o.
Guayama is an Indian name and means the "Region of Fire," so named because before the Spanish occupancy the prolonged drought season dried the vegetation and fires were frequent. Since the American occupation, however, an extensive irrigation service has transformed the district into one of the richest and most prosperous in the island. The town has communication north, east and west by first class highways with motor-bus service and daily mail. It has also rail service with Ponce and other sections to the west. A branch of the great military highway built by the Spaniards extends from Cayey to Guayama, whose scenic attrac tions are unsurpassed. Sugar is the principal product, the district being one of the largest producers of the island. Fruits, coffee, and tobacco are also produced. The town has first-class schools, hospitals, waterworks and electric lights. (H. M. T.)