AHC/WI : The Free Republic of Nassau

I mentioned it in another thread, but I wanted to focus on it.

Given the Caribbean's relative isolation from Europe, and the twin ability for all islands to be trade ports, and inland territories are hostile to those who haven't tamed it, it seems an interesting location for a Regional+ Power.

Specifically, I was curious to see how it could emerge from Nassau, or the pirates in general. How do they go from some form of Libertine Anarchism with ships of Direct Democracy (in some cases), to a functioning Republic?

For me, the key thing is having a really successful pirate (Sam Bellamy for example), organise the capture and occupation of the fort in Nassau, and either manning it with volunteer pirates (turning the fort itself into the heart of the 'Republic') and/or freeing slaves and offering them the job of being a 'Free Soldier of Fortune'.
 
A successful pirate republic would be difficult to say the least, but it is something I'd like to see.

For starts, when how and why the pirates come to power will be especially critical.

The earlier the better, setting a good precedent will be beneficial later on.

Getting appointed to the governor's council, and doing a good job while there would work well towards that end. They could, say, using their piracy and their connections to other pirates to "facilitate" free trade between the different colonies, boosting the economy. Where before governors would be bribed to look the other way, the pirates can be more officially legitimized in a different way to the privateers. Why try to be legitimized by corrupting officials when you can be the official.
 
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