Guarionex

Who is Guarionex?

Guarionex was a Taíno cacique from the cacicazgo of Maguá in the island of Hispaniola. The subsequent Spanish colonization of the island forced thousands of Indians to other neighboring islands such as Borikén to where he fled.

Guarionex, meaning "The Brave Noble Lord", became the cacique of the village of Otoao or Utuado in Puerto Rico in 1493. Under his leadership, the Ciguanas laid siege to the countryside before fighting in the great battle of the Toa with Chiefs Gueybaná, Urayoán and Orocobix, against the Spanish and Sotomayor in 1511. After the battle he was captured and sent to Spain with a boatload of captive intended for slavery. The ship went down en route to Spain. The captives were chained down in the ship.