Following the granting of exemption from Tordesillas given by King Manuel, the Ligurian Grand Council has decided that, in the interest of making trading easier for our merchants, we must create better intermediary stopping points along our most treasured trade route. And as the Caribbean expands in importance, it will be paramount to control the main entry point to the Gulf Stream, that exists around the archipelago north of our island. In addition, the council believes that these islands can be quite profitable through other means, especially the salvaging of shipwrecks that pass through them along the Gulf Stream, and through fishing of the many fish and crab species that seems populous around the islands.

To this end, three expeditions will be sent out to make initial colonial ventures among the islands. These will begin in Habana, and shall follow the predominant trade winds in the area, and will make landfall at what appear to be good spots for trading ports and harbors. Travel is expected to be easy, as Ligurian sailors are now intimately familiar with these paths through their sailing along the trade route, and the relative short distance of the trip. Each expedition will come equipped with 500 settlers, 150 soldiers (50 muskets 100 pikes), and supplies for an initial settlement, including a basic fort, homes, small farms, and a small dock for fishing and trade.

In total, 30 thousands ducats will be set aside to make sure that this venture is as successful as possible.