| Providence Republic | |
|---|---|
| Island of Providencia | |
| Constituent Republic of Vekllei | |
 |
|
| Part of the Antilles Region | |
| Population | 8,812 |
| Demographics | 80% Raizal · 10% Afro-Antillean · 10% Caribbean mixed |
| Accession | 1836, as part of the British Atlantic Territories |
| Area | 17 km² |
| Capital | Freetown |
| Languages | English, Abakoan Creole |
The Republic of Providence is a constituent republic in the southwest Caribbean Sea northeast of Abakoa as part of the west Antilles island chain. It is a pear-shaped island that is slightly smaller than its sister island and much less populated.
The republic was founded by the Providence Island Company in 1630 as a Puritan settlement. It remains among the most beautiful places in the western Caribbean – a volcanic island with peaks rising nearly 400 meters from its azure waters, surrounded by rich coral reefs teeming with life. Spanish forces finally dislodged the Protestant colonists in 1651, but those origins have found their way into the contemporary character of the republic. Providence has an unusual blend of Puritan work ethic and buccaneering independence that would also make the island a natural haven for escaped slaves and political refugees.
After the Treaty of Madrid in 1670, the British reclaimed Providence and reestablished it as a commercial outpost. Unlike the sugar economies that characterised colonies to the east, Providence established moderately prosperous industries in logwood cutting, turtle fishing and “irregular commerce,” which mostly comprised regular privateering against Spanish shipping. Famous pirate Henry Morgan maintained a house in Providence, and is ghost is still rumoured to wander the hilltops around Freetown.
Providenceans remain mostly Protestant with a minority Catholic population, and speak mostly English and Abakoan Creole. Almost all of them live on the coast in small communities and many are skilled gardeners. Providence is famous for its gardens and general colourfulness, which decorates homes and street furniture.
The republic’s economy has evolved substantially since independence, and is most well known domestically for its tranquil coconut plantations (and coconut juice) as well as a renowned boat-building industry that mostly produces racing sloops. The island is situated southwest of a number of number of reefs and cays that reach towards Caimanas, most of which remain federal territory. The Petrel Islands maintain an airship docking station and a Marine Services outpost. Providence is ringed by a rail line, and a fast tram connects the interior to the capital. The surrounding Seaflower Reef is extraordinary pretty and is an attraction for visitors from all around the country.
Climate
Warm temperatures year-round with tropical weather and a rainy season in the second half of the year.
Public Holidays
- New Year’s Day 1 Jan
- Good Friday 30 Apr
- Commonwealth Day 1 May
- Ascension Day
- Whit Monday
- King’s Birthday 2 Oct
- Republic Day 18 Oct
- All Saints Day 1 Nov
- Christmas Day 25 Dec
- Boxing Day 26 Dec
- Coconuts
- Fish
- Glass
- Molasses
- Palm Oil
- Plastics
- Salt
- Sugar
- Timber
| Occupation | Share | Workers |
|---|---|---|
| Education | 28.6% | 2,141 |
| Agriculture, Land & Sea | 12.1% | 904 |
| Healthcare | 8.5% | 635 |
| Transport | 6.8% | 510 |
| Domestic | 6.1% | 455 |
| Skilled Trades & Construction | 5.9% | 442 |
| Government & Civil Administration | 4.5% | 337 |
| Arts & Media | 4.2% | 316 |
| Hospitality & Participatory Trades | 4.0% | 297 |
| Retail, Distribution & Logistics | 3.1% | 232 |
| Security & Defence | 2.8% | 207 |
| Industry | 2.7% | 203 |
| Economic Planning | 2.2% | 169 |
| Sport & Recreation | 2.2% | 164 |
| Law & Justice | 1.6% | 122 |
| Science & Research | 1.5% | 112 |
| Energy & Resources | 1.3% | 99 |
| Information & Communications | 1.3% | 98 |
| Religious & Ceremonial | 0.7% | 55 |
- Freetown: Old capital with a storied history famous for its boat races.
- Seaflower Reef: Natural reef of outstanding biodiversity and very popular with visitors.
- Rapture Coconut Company: Family-owned coconut plantation famous for its shaded grounds and rows of palms, the largest of its kind in Vekllei.
- Old Providence Lagoon: Picturesque swimming lagoon in the Sea of Seven Colours, with pretty walks through the surrounding mangroves.
- Old Providence Inn Atlantic Hotel 30
- Freetown Colonial Atlantic Hotel 50
- Airlink Providence Marine Station Commonwealth Airways 20
- Providence Island Railway CommRail 230
- Providence University CUWI 1,500
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1670
British reclaim Providence under the Treaty of Madrid
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1651
Spanish forces dislodge Protestant colonists from Providence
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1630
Providence Island Company establishes a Puritan settlement in Providence