Curateo is a constituent republic of Lucaya Region.
| Curateo Republic | |
|---|---|
| Archipelago of the Great Exuma Islands | |
| Constituent Republic of Vekllei | |
 |
|
| Part of the Lucaya Region | |
| Population | 14,859 |
| Demographics | 65% Afro-Bahamian · 20% Lucayan Loyalists · 15% Caribbean mixed |
| Accession | 1930, as part of the Alford Agreement |
| Area | 250 km² |
| Capital | George Town |
| Languages | English, Lucayan |
The Curateo Republic is a constituent republic of Vekllei in the middle of the Lucayan archipelago. It comprises 365 cays, islands and islets scattered along a gentle curve adjacent to the Cigateo, Guanima and Yuma republics. These cays and islets become larger as you head south, culminating in large, slender islands known as Little and Great Curateo. These are where most Curateans live.
The vast majority of the republic’s cays are uninhabited, and fringed by coral reefs too numerous to count. They are protected by federal legislation, and the local and federal governments retain a variety of facilities across them for various environmental and research purposes. The name ‘Curateo’ comes from the native Lucayan word for ‘outer land,’ since the islands break way from the main Lucayan island chain.
The native Lucayans have lived on the Curateo islands for hundreds of years, but the population there was almost entirely enslaved in the 16th Century and removed to industries throughout Lucaya. The islands remained abandoned until they began to receive settlers in the late 18th Century during the American Revolution. Thousands of British Loyalists fled to the islands, and made failed attempts to establish cotton and coffee plantations there. Slavery was abolished shortly after, and as the Loyalists returned to the UK their estates were left to former African slaves, whose descendants make up most of the population there today. Some Lucayans have since returned to Curateo, but much of the disapora remains scattered across the rest of the archipelago.
Most of the islands are small and undeveloped, and their economies are mostly municipal – meaning smallholdings, minor agriculture, fishing and the civil service. Young or ambitious Curateans typically relocate elsewhere in Lucaya Region to pursue higher education. In typical Lucayan fashion, life on Curateo is easy and the weather is good, and Cureateans spend most afternoons eating together in communal dinners called catchups or playing sport. Cricket is especially popular.
A rail line connects the length of Greater Curateo with Little Curateo, but the rest of its islets are invariably unpaved and undeveloped. Many locals own wooden boats with simple outboard motors they use to get around. Many Curateans work and study in the neighbouring republic of Yuma. Ferries leave from George Town each day for Yuma and Nassau.
Climate
Warm and winterless, with tropical humidity moderated by the Atlantic Ocean. Expect heavy rains and storms in summer.
Public Holidays
- New Year’s Day 1 Jan
- Good Friday
- Easter Monday
- Whit Monday
- Commonwealth Day 1 May
- Republic Day 10 Jul
- Emancipation Day 1st Mon/Aug
- Discovery Day 12 Oct
- Christmas Day 25 Dec
- Boxing Day 26 Dec
- Glass
- Molasses
- Plastics
- Sugar
- Timber
| Occupation | Share | Workers |
|---|---|---|
| Education | 14.4% | 1,540 |
| Agriculture, Land & Sea | 14.0% | 1,503 |
| Transport | 9.5% | 1,020 |
| Healthcare | 7.6% | 816 |
| Domestic | 7.4% | 797 |
| Skilled Trades & Construction | 7.1% | 762 |
| Security & Defence | 7.1% | 759 |
| Government & Civil Administration | 5.4% | 575 |
| Arts & Media | 4.7% | 505 |
| Retail, Distribution & Logistics | 3.6% | 385 |
| Hospitality & Participatory Trades | 3.5% | 374 |
| Industry | 3.3% | 350 |
| Economic Planning | 2.7% | 285 |
| Sport & Recreation | 2.3% | 249 |
| Science & Research | 1.8% | 190 |
| Energy & Resources | 1.6% | 171 |
| Information & Communications | 1.6% | 170 |
| Law & Justice | 1.5% | 163 |
| Religious & Ceremonial | 0.9% | 97 |
- Pig Beach: A world-famous beach on Big Major Cay where visitors can swim with the island’s friendly, wild swimming pigs.
- Thunderball Grotto: Spectacular underwater cave.
- Curateo Marine National Park: A federally-protected marine reserve featuring pristine waters and many reefs.
- Moriah Harbour National Park: Coastal park with mangroves, sand dunes, wetlands and many kinds of birds.
- Regatta Point: Historical site in George Town, showcasing local regattas, colourful wooden boats, and events celebrating Curatean maritime culture.
- Curateo Barracks Antillean Division 150
- Curateo Patrol Station Antillean Division 190
- Airlink Curateo Marine Station Commonwealth Airways 20
- Ferry Lucaya Curateo Terminal Commonwealth Lines 70
- Curateo Central Railway CommRail 509
- Curateo Polytechnic CUWI 450