(English translation of this article, done by ChatGPT)
In 1903, King D. Carlos I of Portugal, who would eventually become the last monarch of the country, published a notice in which he put up for sale some properties in the Madeira archipelago. Among them was Ilhéu da Pontinha, a beautiful rock formation near the port area of the city of Funchal. And because of that, this rock was destined to become the smallest country in the world.
Between 1999 and 2000, Professor Renato Barros, a peaceful resident of Funchal, a visual artist and son of a taxi driver, bought Ilhéu da Pontinha from a private individual. His goal was to contribute to the restoration of the site's historical collection. This is because the islet houses Fort São José, a valuable ship landing site during the period of great voyages and beyond. Along with the deed, Professor Renato also received the Royal Charter, stemming from the previous sale by the Crown.
Shortly after that, Renato Barros started facing pressure from the government regarding the expropriation of Ilhéu da Pontinha. In response to these pressures, he realized something. Upon rereading the documents that proved his ownership of the island and the fort, he noticed a detail: the Royal Charter granted the owner of Pontinha "possession and dominion." In the legal jargon of that time, saying "dominion" is equivalent to what we now call "sovereignty." In other words, King D. Carlos had not only sold the property of the islet; he had turned its 178 square meters into an independent territory, under the control of its owner.
That's why in 2007, Professor Renato Barros notified the Portuguese authorities of the creation of an independent state, the Principality of Ilhéu da Pontinha. In the same act, he wrote to the UN, requesting recognition of his new National State, a constitutional monarchy established on the historic rock pounded by the waves.
Since then, the exercise of this sovereignty has not been free of obstacles. On several occasions, the Portuguese authorities have attempted to take possession of the fort or undermine the prince. There has been no water or electricity supply to the principality since shortly after its independence. In 2017, Prince Dom Renato was arrested inside the fort by undercover police officers disguised as tourists, accused of debts that he has no reason to pay, as no taxes apply to Pontinha for another state, in this case, Portugal. Currently, the authorities in Madeira are planning alleged improvements in the entire port area, including the fort, without even consulting the prince.
That's why Prince Dom Renato has sought support for his cause and that of his small country from the international community. This is not a fictional micronation. There is a legal basis for the establishment of this country. Dom Renato has friends and supporters all over the world. And as long as he can, he will continue to fight to prove his right to reign sovereign over his own castle.
Filipe R. Cavalcante
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