Ponce Island  Ponce Island is an island east of Ortiz Island and southeast of Largo Island in the Duroch Islands. The island northeast of the Chilean scientific station, General Bernardo O'Higgins. Named by Martin Halpern, leader of the University of Wisconsin field party during geological mapping of this area, 1961–62. Named for Lautaro Ponce, Chief of Antarctic Operations, University of Chile, in appreciation for Chilean logistical support provided to the Wisconsin field party.