Canary Islands La Gomera taking 1000 captives to be sold as slaves. Another noteworthy attack occurred in 1797, when Santa Cruz de Tenerife was attacked by a British fleet under Horatio Nelson on 25 July. The British were repulsed, losing almost 400 men. It was during this battle that Nelson lost his right arm. The sugar-based economy of the islands faced stiff competition from Spain's American colonies. Low prices in the sugar market in the 19th century caused severe recessions on the islands. A new cash crop, cochineal ("cochinilla"), came into cultivation during this time, saving the islands' economy. During this time
La Digue and Inner Islands a district administrator, which is seated in the main village of La Passe. Since 1994 the district has a "Local Government" which is a unit from the Ministry of Local Government, Youth and Sports. The unit's role is to promote the availability of public services at the local level. The district's motto is: "Avancons lentement mais surement" (Advance slowly but surely). La Digue and Inner Islands La Digue and Inner Islands is one of the 26 districts of Seychelles. It consists of the island of La Digue and assorted smaller islands of the Inner Islands. La Digue and Inner Islands