<strong>Coffee Caye:</strong> This tiny island off the coast of Belize has been acquired by a group of investors who hope to turn it into the world's newest micronation.
Coffee Caye: This tiny island off the coast of Belize has been acquired by a group of investors who hope to turn it into the world's newest micronation.
Richard Collett
<strong>Small spot:</strong> Measuring just 1.2 acres, there's not much to this tiny island, but investors see big potential.
Small spot: Measuring just 1.2 acres, there's not much to this tiny island, but investors see big potential.
Richard Collett
<strong>Land owners:</strong> The investors paid $180,000 plus tax for the island and are selling shares in it for $3,250 apiece.
Land owners: The investors paid $180,000 plus tax for the island and are selling shares in it for $3,250 apiece.
Richard Collett
<strong>A country called Islandia: </strong>The investors want to name their new country Islandia. They've already acquired some trappings of statehood, including a national anthem and a flag.
A country called Islandia: The investors want to name their new country Islandia. They've already acquired some trappings of statehood, including a national anthem and a flag.
Richard Collett
<strong>'Amazing feeling': </strong>"That feeling of stepping onto an island that you've invested in, and own," says Marshall Mayer, who co-founded the project to acquire Coffee Caye, "that's an amazing feeling."
'Amazing feeling': "That feeling of stepping onto an island that you've invested in, and own," says Marshall Mayer, who co-founded the project to acquire Coffee Caye, "that's an amazing feeling."
Richard Collett
<strong>Guided tour: </strong>In February 2022, a group of investors and would-be investors took a tour of the island to gauge its potential. <br />
Guided tour: In February 2022, a group of investors and would-be investors took a tour of the island to gauge its potential.
Richard Collett
<strong>'I own an island': </strong>"Why wouldn't I invest?" says island shareholder Stephen Rice, who packed quick-drying travel trousers and a suit jacket to look smart for the inaugural tour of Islandia. "I can tell all my friends that I own an island!"
'I own an island': "Why wouldn't I invest?" says island shareholder Stephen Rice, who packed quick-drying travel trousers and a suit jacket to look smart for the inaugural tour of Islandia. "I can tell all my friends that I own an island!"
Richard Collett
<strong>Island campsite:</strong> Accommodation on the island is currently only under canvas, but the investors are discussing something more permanent to house potential visitors.
Island campsite: Accommodation on the island is currently only under canvas, but the investors are discussing something more permanent to house potential visitors.
Richard Collett
<strong>Cheers: </strong>Two investors drink rum coconut cocktails to celebrate their arrival on Islandia.
Cheers: Two investors drink rum coconut cocktails to celebrate their arrival on Islandia.
Richard Collett
<strong>Investment risks:</strong> Not everyone's convinced about the project. Some potential investors touring the island expressed concerns about the island's vulnerability to hurricanes or rising sea levels cause by climate change.
Investment risks: Not everyone's convinced about the project. Some potential investors touring the island expressed concerns about the island's vulnerability to hurricanes or rising sea levels cause by climate change.
Richard Collett
<strong>At home: </strong>Morgan Bourven, a French investor in Islandia, relaxes on his newly acquired land. So far 89 people have invested in the project.
At home: Morgan Bourven, a French investor in Islandia, relaxes on his newly acquired land. So far 89 people have invested in the project.
Richard Collett
<strong>'Mingling place': </strong>Co-founder Marshall Mayer wants to regenerate the surrounding coral reef, while also developing a glamping site or turning shipping containers into basic boutique accommodation. He wants the island to become a "mingling place" for investors, visitors and locals.
'Mingling place': Co-founder Marshall Mayer wants to regenerate the surrounding coral reef, while also developing a glamping site or turning shipping containers into basic boutique accommodation. He wants the island to become a "mingling place" for investors, visitors and locals.
Richard Collett
<strong>Do it right: </strong>Oscar D. Romero, the Belizean real estate agent who found Coffee Caye for the investors, says the group needs "to balance the environment and economic growth."
Do it right: Oscar D. Romero, the Belizean real estate agent who found Coffee Caye for the investors, says the group needs "to balance the environment and economic growth."
Richard Collett