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Summers Republic

Summers is part of the Lucayan Commonwealth
Summers Republic
Constituent Republic of Vekllei
Part of the Lucayan Commonwealth
Capital Hamilton
Population 112,830
Area 53.2 kmΒ²
Languages English
Vekllei Accession 1836, as part of the British Atlantic Territories

The Republic of Summers is a constituent republic in the western North Atlantic, and part of the country of Vekllei. It is an island city state consisting of an archipelago of 7 main islands and about 170 charted islets and rocks, situated about 1,000km off the east coast of the United States and about 3,120km southwest of the Vekllei capital in Comet.

Summers was uninhabited when it was discovered by the Spanish in the early 16th Century, but was not settled until the wreck of the British ship Sea Venture stranded 150 English settlers bound for the Americas there, who named the isles Somers after their leader George Somers. Succeeding settlement included increasing numbers of free but indentured servants and slaves, including prisoners of war and Africans and American Indians trafficked in the slave trade. These groups make up the ancestry of most Summerans today, mixed with a steady influx of subjects from other parts of the British Empire in the centuries since.

The republic has a strong naval history that continues today. It has a major naval station of the Marine Services, and is the home port of the Relentless class of Battlecruiser, served at the large dockyard in the naval complex at the west end of the isles. The large naval construction and replenishment sites complement a network of naval forts, garrisons and missile emplacements. The navy is the majority employer in the republic, but the economy is supplemented by fresh produce, the civil service, and tourism from Vekllei people seeking tranquility in its beaches and quiet seaside villages. The republic is also home to a great number of poets and playwrights, whose work is often performed in the Theatre Royale in the capital.

Summers is one of the few Vekllei republics in which automobiles are banned by law. Although few Vekllei people own personal automobiles, very rarely are they banned altogether. The law came into effect in the early 20th Century, and has remained in place today to preserve the peace and quiet of the islands. Instead, Summerans commute via the 35km railway that runs the length of most of the archipelago. A small tram network also exists in the capital of Hamilton. Otherwise, locals get around via bicycle or scooter. Regular air service from the international airport provides a link to other parts of Vekllei.

Points of Interest
  • Horseshoe Bay Beach: Famous for its pink sand, crystal-clear waters, and scenic limestone cliffs, making it one of the most popular beaches in Summers.
  • Crystal Caves: Stunning underground caves featuring dramatic limestone formations and clear, deep pools of water.
  • St. George: A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this town is one of the oldest English settlements in the New World, with historic buildings and forts.
  • Gibbs Hill Lighthouse: An iconic 19th-century lighthouse offering panoramic views of the island.
  • The Summers Botanical Gardens: Located in Paget Parish, these gardens feature 36 acres of flowers, trees, and shrubs, including a palm garden and a sensory garden.
  • New York University, Summers: US-based university campus that serves American and Vekllei students on exchange.
  • Naval Station Somers: A historic site housing museums, shops, and restaurants, with attractions like the National Museum of Bermuda and the Dolphin Quest.
  • L.S. Avia International Airport: The island’s primary airport, connecting Bermuda to major cities like New York, London, and Toronto.
  • Air Station Somers: Military air station attached to the international airport.
  • Hamilton Harbour: A key port in Summers, supporting commercial shipping, private yachts, and ferry services.
  • Public Ferry System: An essential transport service that connects Hamilton with other key locations like Dockyard and St. George’s.
  • Summers Electric Light Company (SELCO): The island’s main energy provider, vital for electricity generation and distribution.
  • Summers Government House: Located in Hamilton, the capital, it houses key administrative offices and government functions.
  • The Causeway: A major infrastructure link connecting the east of the island to the mainland, particularly important for access to the airport.