The conflict between Pontinha and Portugal, explained by Self Herald

Self Herald designed a comic to explain the history of Pontinha, as a legitimate country, which has been incorpored ''de facto'' by Portugal. To congratulate Prince Renato II for his effort, Self Herald designed this comic for him.

An actor which founded his own micronation

Today's  article is about an excentric man, Joshua Thomas Crute. He is known as the Captain. He is the founder of a micronation, but he is still more than that. He is a Crute Actor, MC and Comedian. He was very famous in social media, but became more famous when he decided to create a project of country.

First I am going to talk about his radio ''THE NIGHT CAP''

This radio was born on November 2007 and called The Night Cap and started on community radio station 3WBC where Joshua stayed until early 2011 moving to 3MDR.

The Night Cap is a twice a week live to air radio broadcast that has a strong cult following of dedicated fans from not only in Melbourne, but around Australia and America and around the world.

With the successful integration of social media, they were able to spread the word about their program.

The Night Cap radio show is a fun, exciting and most importantly interactive show that is as dedicated to its fans as they are to us.

The platform of The Night Cap is unique whereby we allow their listeners to create the shows content – they tell us what they want – and we deliver! 

Celebrity interviews, new music releases, red carpet events, news and opinions, and live discussion all live, on-air and open to our listeners.

Now I will talk about the Micronation founded by Joshua, which has the same name as the radio.

The 25th of November, the Night Cap, which is the radio of Joshua Thomas Crute, turned 10 years old. To celebrate its birthday, The Night Cao made the bold decision to form a Micronation. Of course, with the same name as the radio. The Sovereignty of The Night Cap Nation was created.

The Sovereignty of The Night Cap Nation is in fact now its own Nation, it has international relationship with the Republic of Molossia.

The Captain Monarch of the The Sovereignty of The Night Cap Nation is Joshua Thomas Crute, which is known as the Captain. In fact he was recognized by the Molossian authorities, as a captain. Joshua holds the commissioned rank of Honorary Captain of the Molossian Navy.

The President of Molossia gave the Honororay rank of Lieutenant of Arm Services. There is not any diplomacy between both nations, but they respect each other. We can see Joshua, The Captain, has a lot of contacts with Heads of State of several micronations, including the authorities of the Republic of Molossia.

In honour to this great man, Joshua Thomas Crute, we designed a portrait.

Prince Renato II, in a LUXURY MAGAZINE

A quite honour to have a friend like ours, His Majesty the Prince Renato II. For promoting his Principality we designed for him the following picture, a picture which he deserves.

Pontinha, the next Catalonia

The Principality of Pontinha is claiming independence. It is a little islet in the Port of Funchal, in Madeira, Portugal. The Principality of Pontinha has an independentist leader, the Head of the Government, the Prince Renato II of Pontinha.

He is trying to develope his country and to promote the islet around the world. Pontinha is a self-proclaimed principality.

A possible referendum?

The Prince Renato wants to develope the country, implanting a digital democracy. He wants to create an Assembly to allow worldwide people to vote about proposals of the Principality.

This project will be proposed by a referendum. If the project wons the referendum, the project will be implanted and Pontinha will become the first digital democracy in the world.

A nation, a culture

Pontinha is a nation, it is one of the templar countries that exist in the world. It is an islet known for its templar elements and symbols.

Democracy and direct participation

The idea of direct democracy that the Prince wants to implant in the Principality, is an idea of international participation over a territory.

The citizens of Potinha won't be the only to have the right of deciding the political future of the Principality, every user of the world can be a voluntary in the Pontinha development.

International recognition

There are a lot of micronations and territories which want to secede from their jurisdictions, so Pontinha can play a main role in Catalonia's process.

Self Herald have designed a comic to encourage Pontinha and Catalonia to support each other.

The Prince Renato II and its reforms

The Principality of Pontinha is facing a Revolution. But not a revolution between powers, a revolution of its political system. The Prince Renato II contacted with me, the author of this blog, and he asked me about how to develope and promote the Principality. I introduced him the concept of Digital Democracy and I explained to him the benefits that a project like this can contribute to the development of the Principality. Months later, I made a document explaining my propose to this project. Tomorrow afternoon, I will explain all the details of this project and I will share a document that I made explianing how this project of e-democracy in the Principality of Pontinha will be developed.

RENATO BARROS WANTS TO MAKE PONTINHA GREAT AGAIN

Renato Barros wants to promote his country around the world. This is why he is making a lot of ''marketing'' for his Principality. From this blog, we will help him to do so.

Renato Barros, as a Sovereign wants to recruit loyal citizens to the world.

A lot of people is loyal to the Crown of Pontinha and the number of citizens of this country is increasing.

PONTINHA, AN INVADED COUNTRY

The State of Portugal seems not to be respecting the Barros Property. The Principality have been invaded. The Prince Renato whishes to remain in the Principality in the future and to obtain legitimacy from other states or institutions.

PETITION

From this blog we want to help all micronations to remain and of course we want to help Mr.Renato Barros to be recognized as a Prince of a sovereign country. The Prince Renato is ashing for help. So this blog will make a proposal on the Platform CHANGE.ORG.

The Petition is writen in the four languages that I speak: catalan, spanish, english and french. It says the following:

A totes les autoritats del món,

Us demano el següent:

AUTODETERMINACIÓ PER AL PRINCIPAT DE PONTINHA

El Principat de Pontinha es una entitat política proclamada per Renato Barros, propietari d’una illa anomenada Fort de Sao José, al port de Funchal, a l’illa de Madeira.

Motius per els quals el Principat de Pontinha ha de ser un estat:

- El Rei de Portugal va vendre l’illa del Fort de San José i per tant la seva sobirania. L’actual propietari té el dret a exercir aquesta sobirania sobre la seva illa.

- El Principat de Pontinha té el suport de tota la seva ciutadania. El Príncep ha concedit la ciutadania a diverses persones i totes ells vetllen i demanen el reconeixement del Principat de Pontinha com a estat sobirà.

- El Principat de Pontinha està disposat a obeir les lleis internacionals i a realitzar tractats internacionals que proveeixin el benestar i seguretat internacionals. També està disposat a col·laborar diplomàticament i comercialment amb tots els països i entitats, per tal de contribuir en el benestar de totes les persones.

- El Principat de Pontinha té un suport molt notable per part de la població de l’Illa de Madeira i per part de la població Portuguesa en general. Compta amb el suport internacional de diverses comunitat llibertaries i organismes que defensen la lliure determinació.

- El Principat de Pontinha es el Primer país del món en acceptar el bitcoin com a moneda de oficial.

- El Principat de Pontinha vol desenvolupar un projecte de país innovador. Es podria convertir amb la primera democràcia digital del món.

- El Príncep de Pontinha té grans coneixements sobre les noves tecnologies i ha demostrat en aquesta última dècada en que ha exercit de Príncep, ser una persona constant en els seus actes i disposada a treballar per aixecar el seu país.

Aquesta petició té com a objectiu demanar el reconeixement del Principat de Pontinha, com a Estat Sobirà.

A todas las autoridades del mundo,

Les pido lo siguiente:

AUTODETERMINACIÓN PARA EL PRINCIPADO DE PONTINHA

El Principado de Pontinha es una entidad política proclamada por Renato Barros, propietario de una isla llamada Fuerte de Sao José, en el puerto de Funchal, en la isla de Madeira.

Motivos por los cuáles el Principado de Pontinha debe ser un estado:

- El Rey de Portugal vendió la isla Fuerte de San José y por tanto su soberanía. El actual propietario tiene el derecho a ejercer esta soberanía sobre su isla.

- El Principado de Pontinha tiene el apoyo de toda su ciudadanía. El Príncipe ha concedido la ciudadanía a varias personas y todas ellos velan y piden el reconocimiento del Principado de Pontinha como estado soberano.

- El Principado de Pontinha está dispuesto a obedecer las leyes internacionales y a realizar tratados internacionales que proveen el bienestar y seguridad internacionales. También está dispuesto a colaborar diplomáticamente y comercialmente con todos los países y entidades, a fin de contribuir en el bienestar de todas las personas.

- El Principado de Pontinha tiene un apoyo muy notable por parte de la población de la Isla de Madeira y por parte de la población Portuguesa en general. Cuenta con el apoyo internacional de diversas comunidades libertarias y organismos que defienden la libre determinación.

- El Principado de Pontinha es el primer país del mundo en aceptar el Bitcoin como moneda de oficial.

- El Principado de Pontinha quiere desarrollar un proyecto de país innovador. Se podría convertir con la primera democracia digital del mundo.

- El Príncipe de Pontinha tiene grandes conocimientos sobre las nuevas tecnologías y ha demostrado en esta última década en que ha ejercido de Príncipe, ser una persona constante en sus actos y dispuesta a trabajar para levantar su país.

Esta petición tiene como objetivo pedir el reconocimiento del Principado de Pontinha, como Estado Soberano.

To all the authorities of the world,

I ask for the following:

SELF-DETERMINATION FOR THE PRINCIPALITY OF PONTINHA

The Principality of Pontinha is a political entity proclaimed by Renato Barros, the owner of an island called the Fort of Sao José, in the port of Funchal on the island of Madeira.

Reasons why the Principality of Pontinha should be a state:

- The King of Portugal sold the Island Fort of Sao José and therefore its sovereignty. The current owner has the right to exercise this sovereignty over his island.

- The Principality of Pontinha has the support of all its citizenship. The Prince has granted the citizenship to several people and they all watch over and ask for the recognition of the Principality of Pontinha as a sovereign state.

- The Principality of Pontinha is willing to obey international laws and to carry out international treaties that provide international welfare and security. He is also willing to collaborate diplomatically and commercially with all the countries and entities, in order to contribute to the welfare of all people.

- The Principality of Pontinha has a very remarkable support on the part of the population of the Island of Madeira and by the Portuguese population in general. It has the international support of various libertarian communities and organisms that defend self-determination.

- The Principality of Pontinha is the First country in the world to accept bitcoin as the official currency.

- The Principality of Pontinha wants to develop an innovative country project. It could become the first digital democracy in the world.

- The Prince of Pontinha has great knowledge about new technologies and has demonstrated in this last decade that he has exercised Prince, being a constant person in his actions and willing to work to lift his country.

This request is to request the recognition of the Principality of Pontinha, as a sovereign state.

À toutes les autorités du monde,

Je vous demande ce qui suit:

AUTODÉTERMINATION POUR LA PRINCIPAUTÉ DE PONTINHA

La Principauté de Pontinha est une entité politique proclamée par Renato Barros, le propriétaire d'une île appelée le Fort de Sao José, dans le port de Funchal sur l'île de Madère.

Raisons pour lesquelles la Principauté de Pontinha devrait être un état:

- Le roi du Portugal a vendu l'île Fort de Sao José et donc sa souveraineté. Le propriétaire actuel a le droit d'exercer cette souveraineté sur son île.

- La Principauté de Pontinha a le soutien de tous ses citoyens. Le Prince a accordé la citoyenneté à plusieurs personnes et tous regardent et demandent la reconnaissance de la Principauté de Pontinha en tant qu'État souverain.

- La Principauté de Pontinha est prête à obéir aux lois internationales et à conclure des traités internationaux qui assurent le bien-être et la sécurité internationale. Il est également disposé à collaborer diplomatiquement et commercialement avec tous les pays et entités, afin de contribuer au bien-être de tous.

- La Principauté de Pontinha a un soutien très remarquable de la part de la population de l'île de Madère et de la part de la population portugaise en général. Il a le soutien international de diverses communautés et organisations libertaires qui défendent l'autodétermination.

- La Principauté de Pontinha est le premier pays au monde à accepter le Bitcoin comme monnaie officielle.

- La Principauté de Pontinha veut développer un projet de pays innovant. Il pourrait être converti avec la première démocratie numérique dans le monde.

- Le Prince de Pontinha a une grande connaissance des nouvelles technologies et a démontré au cours de la dernière décennie qu'il a été Prince, étant une personne constante dans ses actes et prêt à travailler pour élever son pays.

Le but de cette requête est de demander la reconnaissance de la Principauté de Pontinha en tant qu'Etat Souverain.

New coat of arms for our Blog

The Self Herald blog has designed his own coat of arms. The design of the Coat of Arms represents the diversity of the micronations of the world and the right of writing the Gazette of Pontinha, wich is the main international newspaper of the Principality of Pontinha (Principado Independente do Ilhéu da Pontinha).

Why a coat of arms?

Our blog is a political gazette. It represents all the Micronations and semi-sovereign countries and political entities with disputed sovereignty. Yesterday, the Prince of Pontinha, gave to me, the right of creating an official Gazette of the Principality of Pontinha. This official Gazette of the Principality of Pontinha will be the most international mass media of the little Principality.

The fact of designing a coat of arms, is a good way of promoting the blog, giving a sence of identity to it.

Kind Regards

Grand Duchy of Flandrensis

Have you heard that the Antartida, does not belong to any country? If your question is ''yes'', you are wrong. Let's present you the Grand Duchy of Flandrensis.

The Grand Duchy of Flandrensis is a micronation with claims over some territories of Antarctica, which was founded in 2008 by the Belgian Niels Vermeersch. Flandrensis is not recognised by any country or government, nor is it their intention to be recognized as a country.

HISTORY

The Grand Duchy of Flandrensis was founded on September 4, 2008. The Micronation is inspired by the medieval County of Flanders (Pagus Flandrensis). Flandrensis was firstly regarded by the founder as a hobby-micronation, later as an ecological venture, to raise awareness on ice melting and climate change. The micronation has its own identity cards, currency, newspaper, constitution and national anthem. Flandrensis is also a political simulation with political parties like the APPF (pirate party), DRP (royalist), NPF (nationalist), FDUP (unionist), FL-AL (solidarity), Lijst Govaert (liberal) and L&S (republican) and organises yearly elections. Professor Alastair Bonnett of the University of Newcastle described Flandrensis as an example of a micronation that is inspired by a city council in which young people learn to make decisions.

The founder also described Flandrensis as a cultural organisation. In 2012 the micronation is composed of 128 citizens from 28 different nationalities 

Outside the internet the activities of Flandrensis are restricted to the region around Roeselare but the official embassy is located in the West-Flemish town Langemark. Flandrensis has also a Commonwealth that unites only Dutch-speaking micronations: the Grand Duchy of Flandrensis, the Principality of Arkel and the Duchy of Campinia. Flandrensis has been mentioned in Belgian regional media like the Krant van West-Vlaanderen and Roeselare TV. After the participation of Flandrensis in Polination 2012 (2nd International Conference on Micronations on July 14, 2012 at London) the micronation came to the attention when the Belgian newspapers Het Nieuwsblad, Het Belang van Limburg and Gazet van Antwerpen published an article about Flandrensis as part of a reportage on European micronations. Flandrensis was later present on other international conferences on micronations in Perugia (2015), Aigues-Mortes (2016) and Atlanta (2017). Flandrensis is one of the few micronations whose coverage of the elections were published by local media. In 2014 the micronation was the theme of the television show "Normale Mensen" on the Belgian channel Één.

TERRITORY

Flandrensis claims five islands on the West Antarctic coasts: Siple Island, Cherry Island, Maher Island, Pranke Island and Carney Island. This claim is based on an interpretation of the Antarctic Treaty (1959). Niels Vermeersch has sent letters to the United Nations, the European Union and all nations that have signed the Antarctic Treaty to inform them of this claim. None of these organizations or countries responded to this letter. Flandrensis does not intend to visit its claimed territories1,2,3,4,5. Due to his claims, a diplomatic conflict between the Grand Duchy of Flandrensis in 2010 and another micronation Grand Duchy of Westarctica; this results in the creation of the Antarctic Micronational Union (AMU) 1,2,6. This conflict was described by Dutch Columbus Magazine 11. In 2010 the Russian newspaper Chastny Korrespondent publishes an article about micronations of Antarctica and describes Flandrensis as one of the most influential micronations in Antarctica.

NATIONAL SYMBOLS

The flag of Flandrensis is inspired by the first Belgian flag of 1830. The original Belgian flag's yellow band has been replaced by white which symbolises a new beginning. For the same reason there are also two lions on the coat of arms, based on the Flemish lion. One of the main symbols of the Grand Duchy of Flandrensis are the typical stamps.

STAMPS

The Grand Duchy of Flandrensis has developed stamps for all its citizens and followers. It is a micronation that tries to be the most realistic as possible. They try to imitate a real country and this is why sometimes they make products as if they were a real country.

INTERNATIONAL RECOGNITION

The Grand Duchy of Flandrensis is a Micronation. It is based on a territory which is a ''terra nullius''. Despite this, this micronation has not an obsession for being an independent country, like others.

A diplomatic conflict with the micronation Westarctica arose in 2010, this resulted in the creation of the Antarctic Micronational Union (AMU).

MASS MEDIA

Coverage of this conflict appeared in the Dutch Columbus magazine, the Croatian newssite Telegram and the French book ''Les Micronations''. In 2010 the on-line Russian newspaper Chastny Korrespondent (Private Corresepondent) published an article about Antarctic micronations and described Flandrensis as one of the most "resonant" micronations on Antarctica.

Due to the legal situation involved on those 'terra nullius'' territories and the fact of fulfilling the conditions that a state should comply according to the Montevideo Convention, the Grand Duchy of Flandrensis has become very famous in Belgium, but also in the International Media, especially those media influenced by libertarian ideas. Micronationalists have Niels, as a referent. 

The Flandrensis Times

The Flandrensis Times is the multilingual (English & Dutch) newspaper of the Grand Duchy of Flandrensis and it's published 6 times a year. It was founded the 22nd June 2009, but between 2010-2016 the neswpaper was named "The Gazette of Giddis". 

It is owned and subsidized by the Government of Flandrensis, however, the newspaper's view is often neutral. The current CEO of the newspaper is Dieter Delmotte, Minister of Media & Communication.

Micronational nobility

Nobility title

Flandrensian register of arms

In 2015 the Belgian author Julien Oeuillet published the book "Le business des vanités: enquête sur les arnaques à la noblesse" about the subject of fake nobility and scams. The book mentions several micronations like Hutt River, Araucanía and Patagonia and Flandrensis. The author described the micronation Flandrensis as an alternative and humoristic way to get a title of nobility, but that nobility in the micronation only exists because of the medieval character of the micronation and not from ambition to create titles. Neither the founder nor the “citizens” use them outside the community of micronations. Although those titles are considered real and legal, because those are not Belgian noble titles, but the Flandrensisian ones. 

According to the Art 10.4 of the Constitution of the micronation, all Flandrensians have the right to wear a personal coat of arms. These coats of arms need to be registered in the Flandrensian Institute of Nobility & Heraldry”. A coat of arms is part of someone’s identity: the symbols or colours tells something about the owners’ personality, hobby, interests, family history, etc.

PERSONALITIES OF THE GRAND DUCHY OF FLANDRENSIS

Niels Von Flandrensis

Niels Vermeersch works for a West-Flemish municipality and in his free time he’s a huge fan of literature and history. In 2012 he married with the Flandrensian Baroness Delphine de Saint Gilliens and the royal couple are blessed with 2 little princes. Since 2013 their residence is in the Flandrensian Embassy in the Kingdom of Belgium.

He became very famous worldwide, when he started to develope his own project, a country project or micronation called, the Grand Duchy of Flandrensis. Niels Vermeersch is the founder and the first head of state of the Grand Duchy of Flandrensis.

As Grand Duke, Niels is the face of Flandrensis and the official representative of a worldwide community. He’s the head of the Government and has several constitutional powers like the appointment of Ministers or ambassadors, signing treaties, etc. 

Niels is highly involved in the international community of micronations and he’s a frequent guest at meetings and international conferences of micronations. In 2009 he was awarded the very first peace award granted by the micronational community. In 2014 the French newspaper “Le Journal du Dimanche” called him the “Woodrow Wilson of micronationalism”. Transforming Flandrensis from a temporary hobby into a serious project he has been interviewed and mentioned in several international media (regional and national newspapers, television network channels, radio, books, scientific / cultural magazine, etc.) about Flandrensis or micronationalism in general.

Diplomatic visits

Hein of Giddis (BEL)

Prime Minister: The right hand of the Grand Duke and is his replacement in time of need. The Prime Minister is also responsible for National Safety and protect the neutrality and integrity of Flandrensis.

Omar Cisneros (USA)

Minister of Internal Affairs: when the Prime Minister is the right hand of the Grand Duke, this one is the left hand. This Minister assist the Grand Duke with the development of Flandrensis on any level.

George Lapshynov (FRA)

Minister of Antarctic affairs, environment & climate change: The problems of global warming and climate change are central components of the Flandrensian agenda. The Minister promotes the importance of the white continent and develops the Flandrensian policy on Antarctica.

Dieter Delmotte (BEL)

Minister of Media & communication: To tell the Flandrensian story and spread our mission communication is very important. The Minister is responsible for the communication strategy, promotion and is the CEO of the Flandrensis Times.

Danny Morris (UK)

Secretary of Foreign Affairs: The Secretary of Foreign Affairs advises the Grand Duke in diplomatic relations with micronations.

Michelle Brewer-Bunnell (USA)

Minister of Justice, Human Rights, Diversity: Flandrensis is a worldwide community with a huge diversity on sexuality, gender, religion, etc. and we’re proud of that. This Minister investigates intolerant behaviour like racism or illegal activities that could damage the reputation of Flandrensis (in Flandrensis but also in our foreign policy)

Lander Haesaert (BEL)

Minister of National Happiness: This Minister is dedicated to "putting a smile on every face". It is important that our citizens are proud to be part of Flandrensis, that they are satisfied with the government and feel welcomed and appreciated in our community.

Jürgen Bryggia (BEL)

Minister of Multimedia: The Minister is the designer of the Flandrensian website and is responsible for all updates and technical assistance.

Elias de Cassel-Campinia (BEL)

Secretary of Heraldry: Inspired by medieval heraldry, this art form has become an important element of the Flandrensian culture and traditions. Every citizen has the right on his / her own personal coat of arms. The Secretary assists the Royal Family with new designs or with updates of existing symbols.

Elias de Cassel-Campinia is the official herald of Flandrensis. Between 2010 and 2015 he designed a lot of coat of arms and recently he re-joined the Grand Ducal Cabinet. When citizens give him their desires he will made a coat of arms in respect with the Western European heraldic rules.

John Lowndes (UK)

Secretary of State (specialized in environment):: The Grand Duke can appoint some citizens as member of his Cabinet based on their qualities, dedication and talents. This secretary is specialized in environment and wildlife.

Sherif Abdel Meged (EGY)

Secretary of State (specialized in Culture): The Grand Duke can appoint some citizens as member of his Cabinet based on their qualities, dedication and talents. This secretary is specialized in culture and multimedia.

Bekhruzbek Ochilov (GER)

Secretary of State (specialized in Eastern-Europe): The Grand Duke can appoint some citizens as member of his Cabinet based on their qualities, dedication and talents. This secretary is specialized in Slavonic languages and Eastern Europe.

List of Flandrensian Ambassadors

The Dominion of Canada - H.E. Laurens Bosman (Chilliwack)

The Kingdom of Great Britain - H.E. Richard Grundy (Glossop)

The Kingdom of Denmark - H.E. Claus Søndergaard (Roskilde)

The French Republic - H.E. Philippe Beckaert (Saint Cirise)

The Federal Republic of Germany - H.E. Markus Kalter (Overath)

The Republic of Peru - H.E. Fernando Cárdenas Carrascal (Lima)

The Republic of Italy - H.E. Silvia Fratini (Livorno)

The Kingdom of Sweden - H.E. Georgios Korakakis (Motala)

The Republic of Poland - H.E. Jakub Poplawski (Lisewo)