Dutch ships practically block every port. Worse than that, Jews and Dutch are not only doing business on the coast, but are present at the fairs in January and July, when cacao beans are collected, sleeping in farms and valleys, and local women sleep with them. The population has to trade with them as there is a lack of textiles and other merchandise, which is not received from the [Iberian] peninsula, and it is recommended that the crown send one galleon, four ships, and fifteen to twenty smaller vessels every six months in order to supply the province.22
In summing up the situation, the viceroy revealed how difficult it would be to put an end to the illicit commerce. The issue, he said, caused scandals and quarrels even in his office, and local officials participated in or at least tolerated the illicit trade, which "prejudiced the public administration, local administration, and the royal finances. It also caused a weakening of the local customs and religion, by the influence of heretics and Jews on the inhabitants."23
Based upon the evidence cited, it is quite certain that there was a Jewish congregation in Tucacas between 1693 and 1720, and a synagogue until at least 1720.
