Prospera: Private Libertarian City in Honduras
- Investors create a private city in Honduras with its own rules.
- The city is a utopia for those advocating the abolition of the state.
- The project has sparked divisive opinions among the public.
In the unique enclave of Prospera on Roatan Island, Honduras, a conference titled "Welcome to Vitalia. The city where death is optional" showcases innovative approaches to life extension. Attendees, lounging on bean bags, absorb insights from speakers while enjoying the picturesque Caribbean backdrop. Nearby, young entrepreneurs engage with technology and wellness, utilizing Elon Musk's Starlink for internet access and participating in yoga and cryptocurrency discussions. The atmosphere is one of exploration and experimentation, reflecting the enclave's ethos. Prospera operates as a Zone for Employment and Economic Development (ZEDE), functioning with its own legal framework and governance. This libertarian-designed city aims to attract foreign investment and create jobs in a country where a significant portion of the population lives in poverty. The establishment of ZEDEs was facilitated by a constitutional amendment four years ago, with the ambitious goal of generating "hundreds of thousands of jobs" through private management of public services, including education and healthcare. Access to Prospera is tightly controlled, requiring identification checks at armed gates. While it boasts a resident population of 2,125, many do not live there full-time; residency can be purchased online for $1,300 annually. The criteria for acceptance include a review of criminal history and adherence to the community's standards, which notably exclude "major criminals, Communists, and Islamists," as stated by investor Titus Gebel. This experimental city embodies a radical vision of governance and social organization, where economic incentives are believed to drive effective management and societal progress.