Providence

Providence is a constituent republic of Antilles Commonwealth.

Providence Republic
Island of Providencia
Constituent Republic of Vekllei
Part of the Antilles Commonwealth
Capital	Freetown
Population	8,812
Area	17 km²
Languages	English, Abakoan Creole
Vekllei Accession	1836, as part of the British Atlantic Territories

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.

When the Providence Island Company established their Puritan settlement here in 1630, they chose the most dramatically beautiful spot in the western Caribbean: a volcanic island whose peaks rise nearly 400 meters from azure waters, wrapped in coral reefs that Spanish galleons learned to fear. The experiment lasted barely two decades before Spanish forces finally dislodged the Protestant colonists in 1651, but those twenty-one years established a character that distinguishes Providence from every other Antilles settlement. Providence has a peculiar blend of Puritan work ethic and buccaneering independence that would later make the island a natural haven for escaped slaves and political refugees.

The British reclaimed Providence in 1670 as part of the Treaty of Madrid, transforming what had been a theological experiment into a thriving commercial outpost. Unlike the sugar-obsessed colonies to the east, Providence developed a more diverse economy based on logwood cutting, turtle fishing and what contemporaries diplomatically call “irregular commerce,” which in those days involved privateers operating against Spanish shipping. Henry Morgan himself maintained a house there between expeditions, and local legend insists his ghost still walks the heights above Freetown during the full moon.

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 from buccaneering to more respectable pursuits, most famously coconut plantations on the gentler western slopes and a small but renowned boat-building industry that produces some of the Caribbean’s finest 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