As many here know, Cristóbal Colón (known popularly as Christopher Columbus), landed in the Bahamas in the Caribbean on October 12, 1492, after sailing from Palos de la Frontera in Spain on August 3rd of that year - 520 years ago this Friday. The Western Hemisphere, along with its riches and inhabitants were now open to exploration and exploitation by Europeans. And, explore and exploit they did.…