An Island in the Net... Dear Freedom Lover, Do you yearn for freedom now? Do you ever daydream...plotting your daring escape from the faceless bureaucrats and their idiotic edicts? Imagine, for a moment, your picture of "utopia"...a place where you are free to be you...with friends and neighbors who share your views on liberty, individualism, free thought and free enterprise. A place where the sun sets and rises on a locale of mutual acceptance and intellectual emancipation... A place where your personal lifestyle is your business... Your very own private tropical paradise where freedom flows gently through the palms like a tradewind breeze... Safe, secure, crime-free...yet fun and exciting... A place which has existed only in our hearts and minds... ...until now: We invite you to visit Port Watson where the quality of life is our first concern... Located on Clove Cay, Exuma, Bahamas, Port Watson is being created as an intentional community of Free-thinkers, Artists, Writers, Cybernauts, Philosophers, Computer Professionals, Free- Market Leaders, and other Interesting Individuals in the midst of a true tropical island paradise surrounded by the best sailing, fishing, and diving waters in the world! Conspicuous by their absence are Cops, Jails, Tax Collectors, and Bureaucrats. Your neighbors will be adventuresome free-thinkers who understand freedom and personal responsibility... Free-spirited intellectuals who share your vision of a libertarian intentional community... People like YOU. Picture yourself on a hammock between twin palms gently swaying in the tradewinds' breeze beside a quiet lagoon as sailboats glide gracefully by. The water is light green, deep blue and every imaginable hue in between, yet clear as glass down to the sand dollars, starfish and colorful shells below... Or, if you seek the more active lifestyle, water sports abound in the calm, clear seas surrounding Port Watson. The diving is rated among the best in The Bahamas, which is to say the best in the world, and yachtsmen the world over revere the waters for their unsurpassed clarity and beauty and uninhabited white beaches. Famous for its abundant fishing, being rich in Blue Marlin, Bonefish, Tuna, Amberjack and Grouper, Port Watson is a true Deep Sea Fisherman's dream. Make your next car a boat! Whether you plan to become a year-around resident, or decide to build a vacation home, Port Watson is exclusive, private, quiet...for the discerning few who know the value of ocean front property... Port Watson at Clove Cay is a rare real estate opportunity that you can visit, build your dream home on, vacation at, or live forever with those you love. In fact, the friendly new free-market government of The Bahamas is encouraging your emigration... If you're an interesting person, chances are you fall under the Group 4 Specialist Category, which means that you qualify for permanent residence without giving up your U.S. citizenship...all the benefits of Bahamian citizenship with all the comforts of home. The Bahamas - the perfect NO-TAX haven... No personal or corporate income tax, no sales tax, no capital gains tax, no withholding tax, no business tax, no estate tax, no gift tax, no inheritance tax, no death duties, no employment taxes, no probate fees, (and, in the case of Port Watson, a generous exemption from property tax.) Individuals, corporations (including nonresident-controlled Bahamian corporations), partnerships, trusts, and estates can all enjoy this immunity! And, there's more... ...The Bahama's model bank secrecy laws are the envy of the world...and the scourge of greedy bureaucrats. The Bahamian secrecy laws are imposed on all Bank and Trust Companies, their directors, officers, and employees, attorneys, and auditors. The Bahamas is not a party to any tax or fiscal information-sharing agreements (i.e., tax treaties) with any other country. Neither the IRS, Revenue Canada, British Inland Revenue, nor any other foreign principality or power can obtain information about a bank account you may have in The Bahamas...Once you open an account in The Bahamas, you are the only one who has the privilege to access it! Freedom isn't free, but we've made it as low cost as possible. Lots start at $20,000 at 10% down/10 years....owner financing is available! All land sales and transfers are being handled by Graham Thompson & Co., Sassoon House, Nassau, Bahamas. We have investigated the cost of materials and local labor, and can recommend several styles of homes and building materials. Using state-of-the-art building techniques and materials, your home could be on-site and up in a matter of weeks. If you wish, we can arrange the rental of your vacation home for you. Homes in the area currently rent from $150 to $300 per night. If you elect to rent out your vacation home through us, full-time caretakers are available to maintain your home and grounds during your absence for a small fee, contingent upon rental. With an eye toward our goal of reasonable self-sufficiency, co-ops are being encouraged to meet such needs as energy, food, communications, etc., to ensure that Port Watsonians enjoy the comforts of gracious high-tech living. Even co-op housing options are available as a cost-saving alternative for the budget minded, and our planned state-of-the-art satellite communications facility will make telecommuting a comfortable reality for our residents. We've caught the attention and encouragement of such notables as Peter Lamborn Wilson, author and editor of Semiotext(e), Robert Anton Wilson, author of Prometheus Rising, et. al., and Dr. Mary Ruwart, author of "Healing Our World: The Other Piece of the Puzzle," and Andre Marrou's first choice as Vice Presidential running mate. As Dr. Ruwart expressed to us: "A libertarian community, ESPECIALLY IN THE BAHAMAS, is a GREAT idea!" You see, Port Watson is an Idea Whose Time Has Come. For itinerary and more information contact Kevin Bloom, of Port Watson Ltd, 303-442-6256 (11 AM to 6 PM Mountain Time) or portwatson@firefly.rain.com or 74640.606@compuserve.com... VISIT PORT WATSON, the intentional community at Clove Cay, Exuma, Bahamas...AND LET THE ADVENTURE BEGIN! Your Visit May Be Tax Deductible! This offer of freedom void where prohibited by law or similar inanity. Sincerely Yours, Benjamin Hamilton Power, Secretary-Treasurer Port Watson, Ltd. portwatson@firefly.rain.com -more- Addendum: Having read this far, you have a pretty good idea of what we're doing at Port Watson, and whether Port Watson sounds like the place you've been looking for. We, of Port Watson, know that freedom is precious and essential to personal growth and prosperity, and this philosophy is central to our community. We also know that freedom doesn't just "happen." It must be created... Indeed, we're turning dream into reality, and we're inviting you to join us! Those of us who launched this project are totally committed to its success, and will be living at Port Watson permanently. We beckon you to join us in this exciting adventure. Our model of tolerance, personal liberty and intellectual freedom will be the paradigm of the consummate intentional community...the very idea of such an environment is attracting "just the right people," and we'd like you to be among them. In addition to having a social atmosphere conducive to creativity and free trade, we are also developing an economic environment which will help ensure the project's success. A system of voluntary cooperatives is being encouraged to take care of such needs as food, energy, communications, waste-management, consumer goods and other staples, electronics, toys, education, banking and investments, and so forth. Your participation in any or all of these co-ops is, of course, completely voluntary. Please inquire. One unique option being offered for those with an eye toward budget is that of Alternative Co-op Housing. If you're not familiar with Co-op housing, it works like this: Each family unit (or individual) owns its own dwelling. This can be either an unattached cottage or a condo style arrangement. Centrally located is a larger building which holds a large kitchen, dining hall, and living/entertaining area. Cooking duties are shared by Co-op members on a rotational basis ...depending on the size of your Co- op, your kitchen shift could occur as infrequently as once a month...this alone makes Co-op housing extremely attractive. Members of the Co-op housing group can also arrange for child-care and home schooling options with other members. Co-op housing members are able to pool their resources to create mega-workshops, computer LAN systems, or whatever they desire. Co-housing offers a genuine feeling of community at an affordable price, and is a logical arrangement for those of you who may be coming on board as a group. It is very popular in Denmark, and has enjoyed some success in communities in the United States. If you prefer conventional housing, many different styles and materials are obtainable locally, and labor is available in George Town on nearby Great Exuma. If you're looking for that special location to build a vacation or retirement home, rest assured that Port Watson is the place for you. Vacation homes rent for $150 to $300 per night in this part of the world, and with the proper listing and promotion many of those homes stay quite "busy." Your rental profits could be deposited in your Bahamian bank account, if you so desire. Our planned state-of-the-art satellite communications facility will provide for the transmission of voice/video/data, making telecommuting a viable option for many residents of Port Watson, especially writers and individuals involved in the development of software products. Most Port Watsonians are computer professionals who have decided to break free from the bumper-to-bumper chain-gang choosing, instead, the tranquility of a beach-front paradise as their office. If you're an entrepreneur, many excellent opportunities exist in the form of tourist concessions such as diving, boating, windsurfing, fishing, food service, tavern, etc., in what is basically virgin territory. Remember, your Bahamian bank account is your business. Please inquire. We are eager to hear from you, and will gladly answer any questions you may have. The prospects are exciting, paradise awaits, and the time to embark is now... Our initial group will consist of fifty people, but in order to meet our contractual obligations, we must have those fifty people confirmed within the next sixty days.....so call now. Those addresses, again, are: Kevin Bloom Voice 303-442-6256 (11 AM to 6 PM Mountain Time) CompuServe 74640,606 CompuServe via Internet: 74640.606@compuserve.com or Internet: portwatson@firefly.rain.com Some oft-asked questions: Q: Are you starting your own country? A: No, we are creating an intentional community on a beautiful privately owned island. Q: Where is Clove Cay? A: Clove Cay is an island in the Brigantine Chain of The Bahamas, which parallels the Exuma Chain. It is a 15 minute boat ride from Barreterre Island, which is connected by bridge to the northern tip of Great Exuma. George Town is 45 minutes away by car. Q: How do I get there? A: Several airlines, including American Eagle (800-433-7300) and Airway International (305-526-3852) have daily flights to George Town from Miami or Ft. Lauderdale. Bahamasair (800-327-8080) flies to George Town daily from Nassau. Hire a car from George Town north to Barreterre at the tip of Great Exuma (about 45 minutes) and onward by boat to Port Watson on Clove Cay (15-20 minutes.) A representative of Port Watson is living on the island to host visitors. Your stay will be quite enjoyable. Call Kevin Bloom at 303-442-6256 to make arrangements for your visit. Q: Must I give up my U.S. citizenship to live at Port Watson? A: No. U.S. citizens are allowed to stay for up to three months almost automatically, and renewing is usually very easy. Professional skills are in demand in The Bahamas and can get you Group Four Specialist classification which qualifies you for Permanent Residence status. Entrepreneurs investing in new businesses can also obtain permanent residence quite easily. Q: Do I need a passport or visa to visit Port Watson? A: U.S. citizens do not need a passport or visa to enter The Bahamas. You will need two pieces of identification to re-enter the United States, such as a valid driver's license and a voter registration stub. Q: Will we be under Bahamian jurisdiction? A: Yes, but don't panic. The Bahamian government does not pester privately owned islands. One of the most popular resorts, Abaco, boasts of no police and no jails. There is very little crime in the Out-islands and, because there are so few taxes, the government has little reason to meddle in private affairs. The rule of thumb is that the further away you get from the central government in Nassau, the less interference you receive. The recently elected government of The Bahamas leans very strongly toward free-market principles and is dedicating itself to removing much of the bureaucracy and restrictions put in place by the former Pindling administration. Frankly speaking, the Bahamians like our project and want us there. Taken together, all of these factors should lead to an environment markedly freer of government interference than is currently the case in the U.S. or much of the rest of the world. Q: Are there homes already on the island? A: There is one home and several out-buildings, all of which are currently in use. Q: Is Port Watson, Ltd., acting as developer? A: Port Watson, Ltd., is not a developer, per se, and is only subdividing the island and making the lots available to interested persons. Each property owner is responsible for developing his or her own property, including providing water, waste disposal, power, phone service, and so forth. We are encouraging buyers to form cooperatives to fill such needs, and are facilitating the formation of such co-ops; participation by each property owner is strictly voluntary. Q: How long will it take for me to build my home? A: With today's materials and techniques, your home could be up in a few weeks. Q: What about firearms? A: Unfortunately, The Bahamas has gone the way of other Commonwealth nations on that one...better leave them at home. However, shotgun permits may be obtained. We have Bahamian attorneys to help in such matters. Q: Are medical facilities available? A: Yes. The George Town Medical Clinic has two nurses and one resident physician less than an hour away. Also, the Bahamian government keeps aircraft on standby for Out-island emergencies. Q: What about drinking water? A: Water catchment systems are the norm in the region, and are generally found to be quite adequate. Also, you may wish to consider joining or forming a desalination co-op. Port Watson, Ltd., retains underground water rights to the island. Q: What about energy? A: Most homes in the Out-islands rely on small generators for their electrical, and bottled gas for cooking. Wind and solar sources are also becoming popular. You, and your neighbors, may wish to form an energy co-op utilizing a larger, quieter, more efficient diesel generator shared among several homes. Q: What about waste management? A: We are encouraging the use of chemically assisted composting toilets and other forms of recycling. Your participation in a waste management and recycling co-op is strongly encouraged. Q: How do I go about joining or forming a co-op? A: Just let us know. We will put you in touch with other Port Watsonians who share the same interests. Q: What about currency? A: U.S. currency is accepted everywhere, with a value of one to one. Change is often given using both U.S. and the colorful Bahamian currency. Q: Where can I do my banking? A: Both Barclay's Bank and the Bank of Nova Scotia have George Town branches. Q: The C.I.A. is directing microwaves at my brain in an attempt to drive me insane, forcing me to wear a tin-foil lined bicycle helmet at all times, even while sleeping. Will my situation improve if I move to Port Watson? A: No. Q: What about my plastic? A: The larger resort towns, such as Nassau and Freeport, accept all major U.S., British, and continental credit cards, as do most hotels in the Out-islands. Many shops, however, do not, so it's a good idea to bring along travellers checks, just to be sure. Q: How can I support myself on an island? Are any employment opportunities available? A: Port Watson offers many opportunities for entrepreneurs in the form of tourist concessions and support services, as well as a planned telecommuting infrastructure ideal for computer specialists, writers, and other information-age professionals. As Port Watson grows, so will many other opportunities. Q: Are there any restrictions on what I can do with my property? A: Property owners are free to do as they wish with their property, but may not take anything from or discharge anything onto neighboring properties without the appropriate owners' permission. On Clove Cay, property boundaries are clearly defined to prevent any "tragedies of the commons." Buildings of greater than two stories are discouraged. Let's all be aware of how our actions are affecting our neighbors' sunlight, wind, views, etc. Of course, a group of property owners is free to place voluntary contractual restrictions on the use of their own properties, if they so desire. NOTE: Take a look at our beautiful island! Digitized photographs of Clove Cay are available on the Internet via anonymous ftp from onion.rain.com (147.28.0.161) in the directory /pub/portwatson.