In the past, the city served as a port for agricultural products such as sugar cane, tobacco, and fruits and vegetables. It also served as a catchment area for sponges. The hotels are now largely unusable due to lack of maintenance. Many houses are falling into ruin. The docks in the port, originally used for agricultural products, have been destroyed. The two sugar mills, originally used to export sugar through the port, are now closed and derelict. The largest sugar refinery now serves as a museum.