Revision as of 21:56, 12 June 2013 edit176.27.108.146 (talk)No edit summary← Previous edit | Revision as of 17:01, 13 June 2013 edit undoNikkimaria (talk | contribs)Autopatrolled, Extended confirmed users231,509 edits cleanupNext edit → | ||
Line 110: | Line 110: | ||
{{Main|Geography of the Pitcairn Islands}} | {{Main|Geography of the Pitcairn Islands}} | ||
The Pitcairn Islands form the southeasternmost extension of the geological ] of the ] of ], and consist of four islands: Pitcairn Island, ] (atoll with five islets, one of which is Sandy Island), ] and ] (atoll with four islets). | The Pitcairn Islands form the southeasternmost extension of the geological ] of the ] of ], and consist of four islands: Pitcairn Island, ] (atoll with five islets, one of which is Sandy Island), ] and ] (atoll with four islets). | ||
The only permanently inhabited island, Pitcairn, is accessible only by boat through ]. | |||
⚫ | |||
The Pitcairn Islands were formed by a centre of upwelling ] called the ]. | The Pitcairn Islands were formed by a centre of upwelling ] called the ]. | ||
⚫ | The only permanently inhabited island, Pitcairn, is accessible only by boat through ]. Henderson Island, covering about 86% of the territory's total land area and supporting a rich variety of animals in its nearly inaccessible interior, is also capable of supporting a small human population, but access is difficult, owing to its outer shores being steep limestone cliffs covered by sharp coral. In 1988 this island was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site.<ref name=brit>. Encyclopædia Britannica</ref> The other islands are at a distance of more than {{convert|100|km|mi|abbr=on}} and are not habitable. | ||
The other islands are at a distance of more than {{convert|100|km|mi|abbr=on}} and are not habitable. | |||
{| class="wikitable" | {| class="wikitable" | ||
Line 143: | Line 139: | ||
==Climate== | ==Climate== | ||
⚫ | {{main|Climate of the Pitcairn Islands}} | ||
Pitcairn is located just under the Tropic of Capricorn and enjoys year round warm weather. Summer temperatures average {{convert|25|to|35|C|F}} from the months of October through to April, while the winter months range from {{convert|17|to|25|C|F}}. The average humidity in summer can exceed 95%. The rainy season is from November through to March.<ref name=CIA/> | Pitcairn is located just under the Tropic of Capricorn and enjoys year round warm weather. Summer temperatures average {{convert|25|to|35|C|F}} from the months of October through to April, while the winter months range from {{convert|17|to|25|C|F}}. The average humidity in summer can exceed 95%. The rainy season is from November through to March.<ref name=CIA/> | ||
Line 155: | Line 152: | ||
===Important bird areas=== | ===Important bird areas=== | ||
The four islands in the Pitcairn group have been identified by ] as separate ]s (IBAs). Pitcairn Island itself is recognised because it is the only nesting site of the Pitcairn Reed-warbler. Henderson Island is important for its endemic landbirds as well as its breeding ]s. Oeno's ornithological significance derives principally from its ] colony. Ducie is important for its colonies of |
The four islands in the Pitcairn group have been identified by ] as separate ]s (IBAs). Pitcairn Island itself is recognised because it is the only nesting site of the Pitcairn Reed-warbler. Henderson Island is important for its endemic landbirds as well as its breeding ]s. Oeno's ornithological significance derives principally from its ] colony. Ducie is important for its colonies of Murphy's, ] and ]s, and ]s.<ref>BirdLife International. (2012). .</ref> | ||
==Politics== | ==Politics== | ||
Line 189: | Line 186: | ||
The wind power scheme was cancelled in 2013 after a project overrun of 3 year and a cost of £250,000.<ref>http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2305442/UK-aid-wasted-South-Pacific-windfarm-fiasco-failed-green-energy-scheme-55-people-cost-250-000.html</ref> | The wind power scheme was cancelled in 2013 after a project overrun of 3 year and a cost of £250,000.<ref>http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2305442/UK-aid-wasted-South-Pacific-windfarm-fiasco-failed-green-energy-scheme-55-people-cost-250-000.html</ref> | ||
== |
==Demographics== | ||
⚫ | In September 2003, a baby was born on the island for the first time in 17 years (Pitcairn Miscellany, 2003). Another child, Adrianna Tracey Christian, was born on Pitcairn on 3 March 2007 (Miscellany, 2007). In February 2005, Shirley and Simon Young became the first married outsider couple in recorded history to obtain ] on Pitcairn (Miscellany, March 2005). Since 2001, a significant proportion of the Pitcairn population (21 people) has been given a ] in Ireland, which is required for work, taxes and ].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.welfare.ie/EN/Topics/PPSN/Pages/ppsn_all_years.aspx |title=Personal Public Service Numbers -Allocation By Nationality-All Countries 2000–2009 » PPSN » Topics » Department of Social Protection |publisher=Welfare.ie |date=6 January 2010 |accessdate=31 July 2011}}</ref> | ||
===Language=== | ===Language=== | ||
{{main|Languages of the Pitcairn Islands}} | {{main|Languages of the Pitcairn Islands}} | ||
The majority of the resident Pitcairn Islanders are the ] and Tahitians (or Polynesians). ] is a ] derived from 18th century English, with elements of the ].<ref name=CIA/><ref name=brit/> It is spoken as a first language by the population and is taught alongside standard English at the island's only school. It is closely related to the creole language ], spoken on ], because Norfolk was repopulated in the mid-19th century by Pitcairners. | The majority of the resident Pitcairn Islanders are the ] and Tahitians (or Polynesians). ] is a ] derived from 18th century English, with elements of the ].<ref name=CIA/><ref name=brit/> It is spoken as a first language by the population and is taught alongside standard English at the island's only school. It is closely related to the creole language ], spoken on ], because Norfolk was repopulated in the mid-19th century by Pitcairners. | ||
===Demographics=== | |||
⚫ | In September 2003, a baby was born on the island for the first time in 17 years (Pitcairn Miscellany, 2003). Another child, Adrianna Tracey Christian, was born on Pitcairn on 3 March 2007 (Miscellany, 2007). In February 2005, Shirley and Simon Young became the first married outsider couple in recorded history to obtain ] on Pitcairn (Miscellany, March 2005). Since 2001, a significant proportion of the Pitcairn population (21 people) has been given a ] in Ireland, which is required for work, taxes and ].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.welfare.ie/EN/Topics/PPSN/Pages/ppsn_all_years.aspx |title=Personal Public Service Numbers -Allocation By Nationality-All Countries 2000–2009 » PPSN » Topics » Department of Social Protection |publisher=Welfare.ie |date=6 January 2010 |accessdate=31 July 2011}}</ref> | ||
===Religion=== | ===Religion=== | ||
Line 202: | Line 197: | ||
The church which was built in 1954, is run by the Church board and resident pastor, who usually serves a two-year term. The Sabbath School meets at 10 am on Saturday mornings and is followed by Divine Service an hour later. On Tuesday evenings there is a further service in the form of a prayer meeting. | The church which was built in 1954, is run by the Church board and resident pastor, who usually serves a two-year term. The Sabbath School meets at 10 am on Saturday mornings and is followed by Divine Service an hour later. On Tuesday evenings there is a further service in the form of a prayer meeting. | ||
===Society=== | |||
⚫ | The once-strict moral codes, which prohibited dancing, ], smoking, and consumption of alcohol, have been relaxed in recent years. Islanders and visitors no longer require a six-month licence to purchase, import, and consume alcohol.<ref>. government.pn</ref> There is now one licensed cafe and bar on the island, and the Government Store sells alcohol and cigarettes. | ||
⚫ | The unique cuisine and rich cultural heritage of the Pitcairn Islanders is detailed in a cookbook: ''A Taste of Pitcairn: The First Pitcairn Island Cookbook'', by Pitcairn resident ] (updated ed. 2005). | ||
⚫ | Fishing and swimming are two popular recreational activities. A birthday celebration or the arrival of a ship or yacht will involve the entire Pitcairn community in a public dinner in the Square, Adamstown. Tables are covered in a variety of foods, including fish, meat, chicken, philhi, baked rice, boiled plun (banana), breadfruit, vegetable dishes, an assortment of pies, bread, breadsticks, an array of desserts, pineapple, watermelon and more. | ||
⚫ | Public work, which by law is required of all men and women between the ages of 16 and 65, ensures the ongoing maintenance of the island's numerous roads and paths. The island has a ] of over 35 men and women (as of 2011).<ref name=CIA>{{cite web |url=https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/pc.html |title=CIA World Factbook – Pitcairn Islands |work=] |publisher=U.S. ] | accessdate=26 February 2013}}</ref> | ||
===Education=== | ===Education=== | ||
Line 248: | Line 234: | ||
<nowiki>*</nowiki> 1856 Emigration to Norfolk Island leaves Pitcairn uninhabited. | <nowiki>*</nowiki> 1856 Emigration to Norfolk Island leaves Pitcairn uninhabited. | ||
<nowiki>**</nowiki> 1859 First group returns from Norfolk Island. | <nowiki>**</nowiki> 1859 First group returns from Norfolk Island. | ||
==Culture== | |||
⚫ | The once-strict moral codes, which prohibited dancing, ], smoking, and consumption of alcohol, have been relaxed in recent years. Islanders and visitors no longer require a six-month licence to purchase, import, and consume alcohol.<ref>. government.pn</ref> There is now one licensed cafe and bar on the island, and the Government Store sells alcohol and cigarettes. | ||
⚫ | The unique cuisine and rich cultural heritage of the Pitcairn Islanders is detailed in a cookbook: ''A Taste of Pitcairn: The First Pitcairn Island Cookbook'', by Pitcairn resident ] (updated ed. 2005). | ||
⚫ | Fishing and swimming are two popular recreational activities. A birthday celebration or the arrival of a ship or yacht will involve the entire Pitcairn community in a public dinner in the Square, Adamstown. Tables are covered in a variety of foods, including fish, meat, chicken, philhi, baked rice, boiled plun (banana), breadfruit, vegetable dishes, an assortment of pies, bread, breadsticks, an array of desserts, pineapple, watermelon and more. | ||
⚫ | Public work, which by law is required of all men and women between the ages of 16 and 65, ensures the ongoing maintenance of the island's numerous roads and paths. The island has a ] of over 35 men and women (as of 2011).<ref name=CIA>{{cite web |url=https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/pc.html |title=CIA World Factbook – Pitcairn Islands |work=] |publisher=U.S. ] | accessdate=26 February 2013}}</ref> | ||
==Media and communications== | ==Media and communications== | ||
Line 263: | Line 258: | ||
A dedicated passenger/cargo supply ship chartered by the Pitcairn Island Government, the ], is the principal transport from ], ], ] although passage can also be booked through Pitcairn Travel, Pitcairn's locally owned tour operators who charter the SV ''Xplore'', owned by Stephen Wilkins, which also departs from ]. | A dedicated passenger/cargo supply ship chartered by the Pitcairn Island Government, the ], is the principal transport from ], ], ] although passage can also be booked through Pitcairn Travel, Pitcairn's locally owned tour operators who charter the SV ''Xplore'', owned by Stephen Wilkins, which also departs from ]. | ||
], |
], Mangareva] is reachable by air from the French Polynesian capital ].<ref>''Lonely Planet South Pacific'', 3rd ed. 2006, "Pitcairn Getting There" pp. 429–30</ref> | ||
There is one {{convert|6.4|km|mi|0|adj=on}} paved road leading up from Bounty Bay through Adamstown. | There is one {{convert|6.4|km|mi|0|adj=on}} paved road leading up from Bounty Bay through Adamstown. | ||
Line 284: | Line 279: | ||
* ] | * ] | ||
* ] | * ] | ||
* ] | |||
⚫ | |||
* ] | * ] | ||
* ] | * ] |
Revision as of 17:01, 13 June 2013
"Pitcairn" redirects here. For the ship, see HMS Pitcairn (K589).
Pitcairn, Henderson, Ducie and Oeno IslandsPitkern Ailen Overseas territory of the United Kingdom | |
---|---|
Flag Coat of arms of Pitcairn Islands Coat of arms | |
Anthem: Come Ye BlessedRoyal anthem: God Save the Queen | |
Location of the Pitcairn Islands relative to the United Kingdom (white, top lefthand corner). | |
Location of the Pitcairn Islands relative to the west coast of South America. | |
Capitaland largest city | Adamstown |
Official languages | English |
Recognised regional languages | Pitkern |
Ethnic groups | |
Demonym(s) | Pitcairn Islanders |
Government | British Overseas Territory |
• Monarch | Elizabeth II |
• Governor / High Commissioner | Victoria Treadell |
• Mayor | Mike Warren |
• Responsible Minister (UK) | Mark Simmonds MP |
Area | |
• Total | 47 km (18 sq mi) |
Population | |
• 2012 estimate | 48 (last) |
• Density | 1.27/km (3.3/sq mi) (211th) |
Currency | New Zealand dollar (NZD) |
Time zone | UTC−08 |
Calling code | none |
ISO 3166 code | PN |
Internet TLD | .pn |
|
The Pitcairn Islands (/ˈpɪtkɛərn/; Pitkern: Pitkern Ailen), officially named the Pitcairn, Henderson, Ducie and Oeno Islands, are a group of four volcanic islands in the southern Pacific Ocean that form a British Overseas Territory. The four islands – Pitcairn, Henderson, Ducie, and Oeno – are spread over several hundred miles of ocean and have a total land area of about 47 square kilometres (18 sq mi). Only Pitcairn, the second largest and measuring about 3.6 kilometres (2.2 mi) from east to west, is inhabited.
The islands are inhabited by the descendants of the Bounty mutineers and the Tahitians (or Polynesians) who accompanied them, an event retold in numerous books and films. This history is still apparent in the surnames of many of the islanders. With only about 48 inhabitants (currently from four main families: Christian, Warren, Young and Brown), Pitcairn is the least populous jurisdiction in the world. The United Nations Committee on Decolonisation includes the Pitcairn Islands on the United Nations list of Non-Self-Governing Territories.
History
Main article: History of the Pitcairn IslandsThe earliest known settlers of the Pitcairn Islands were Polynesians who appear to have lived on Pitcairn, Henderson and nearby Mangareva Island for several centuries. They traded goods and formed social ties between the three islands despite the long canoe voyages between them, helping the small populations on each island survive despite very limited resources. Eventually important natural resources were used up, inter-island trade broke down and a period of civil war began on Mangareva, causing the small human populations on Henderson and Pitcairn to be cut off and eventually go extinct. Although archaeologists believe that Polynesians were living on Pitcairn as late as the 15th century, the islands were uninhabited when they were discovered by Europeans.
Ducie and Henderson Islands were discovered by Portuguese sailor Pedro Fernandes de Queirós, sailing for the Spanish Crown, who arrived on 26 January 1606. He named them La Encarnación ("The Incarnation") and San Juan Bautista ("Saint John the Baptist"), respectively. However, some sources express doubt about exactly which of the islands were visited and named by Queirós, suggesting that Queirós' La Encarnación may actually have been Henderson Island, and San Juan Bautista may have been Pitcairn Island.
Pitcairn Island was sighted on 3 July 1767 by the crew of the British sloop HMS Swallow, commanded by Captain Philip Carteret. The island was named after Midshipman Robert Pitcairn, a fifteen-year-old crew member who was the first to sight the island. Robert Pitcairn was the son of British Marine Officer John Pitcairn.
Carteret, who sailed without the newly invented accurate marine chronometer, charted the island at 25° 2' south and 133° 21' west of Greenwich, but although the latitude was reasonably accurate, the longitude was incorrect by about 3°. This made Pitcairn difficult to find, as highlighted by the failure of Captain James Cook to locate the island in July 1773.
Habitation
Further information: Mutiny on the BountyIn 1790, nine of the mutineers from the Bounty and Tahitian companions (six men, 11 women and a baby)—some of whom may have been kidnapped from Tahiti—settled on Pitcairn Island and set fire to the Bounty. The wreck is still visible underwater in Bounty Bay, discovered in 1957 by National Geographic explorer Luis Marden. Although the settlers survived by farming and fishing, the initial period of settlement was marked by serious tensions among them. Alcoholism, murder, disease and other ills took the lives of most mutineers and Tahitian men. John Adams and Ned Young turned to the scriptures using the ship's Bible as their guide for a new and peaceful society. Young eventually died of an asthmatic infection. The Pitcairners also converted to Christianity; later they converted from their existing form of Christianity to Seventh-day Adventism after a successful Adventist mission in the 1890s. After the rediscovery of Pitcairn, John Adams was granted amnesty for his mutiny.
The Pitcairn islanders reported that it was not until 27 December 1795 that the first ship since the Bounty was seen from the island, but as it did not approach the land, they could not make out to what nation it belonged. A second appeared some time in 1801, but did not attempt to communicate with them. A third came sufficiently near to see their habitations, but did not venture to send a boat on shore. The American trading ship Topaz under the command of Mayhew Folger was the first to visit the island and communicate with them when the crew spent 10 hours at Pitcairn in February 1808. A report of Folger's find was forwarded to the Admiralty, mentioning the mutineers and a more precise location of the island—25° 2' S latitude, 130° W longitude—however, this rediscovery was not known to Sir Thomas Staines, who commanded a Royal Navy flotilla of two ships (HMS Briton and HMS Tagus) which found the island at 25° 4' S and 130° 25' W (by meridian observation) on 17 September 1814. Staines sent a party ashore and wrote a detailed report for the Admiralty.
Ducie Island was rediscovered in 1791 by the British Captain Edwards aboard HMS Pandora, while searching for the Bounty mutineers. He named it after Francis Reynolds-Moreton, 3rd Baron Ducie, a captain in the Royal Navy. Henderson Island was rediscovered on 17 January 1819 by a British Captain James Henderson of the British East India Company ship Hercules. On 2 March 1819, Captain Henry King, sailing aboard the Elizabeth, landed on the island to find the king's colours already flying. His crew scratched the name of their ship into a tree, and for some years the island's name was Elizabeth or Henderson. Oeno Island was discovered on 26 January 1824 by U.S. Captain George Worth aboard the whaler Oeno.
British colony
Pitcairn Island became a British colony in 1838, and was among the first territories to extend voting rights to women. By the mid-1850s, the Pitcairn community was outgrowing the island and its leaders appealed to the British government for assistance. They were offered Norfolk Island, and on 3 May 1856, the entire community of 193 people set sail for Norfolk on board the Morayshire, arriving on 8 June after a miserable five-week trip. But after eighteen months on Norfolk, seventeen of the Pitcairners returned to their home island; five years later another twenty-seven did the same.
In 1902, Henderson, Oeno and Ducie islands were annexed by Britain: Henderson on 1 July, Oeno on 10 July and Ducie on 19 December. In 1938, the three islands, along with Pitcairn, were formally incorporated into a single administrative unit called the "Pitcairn Group of Islands".
The population peaked at 233 in 1937, and has since fallen due to emigration, primarily to New Zealand, leaving some fifty people living on Pitcairn.
Sexual assault trials of 2004
Main article: Pitcairn sexual assault trial of 2004In 2004, charges were laid against seven men living on Pitcairn and six living abroad. After extensive trials the men were convicted, some with multiple counts of sexual attacks of children. On 25 October 2004, six men were convicted, including Steve Christian, the island's mayor at the time. After the six men lost their final appeal, the British government set up a prison on the island at Bob's Valley. The men began serving their sentences in late 2006. By 2010, all had served their sentences or been granted home detention status.
In 2010, the island received a new and updated constitution.
Geography
Main article: Geography of the Pitcairn IslandsThe Pitcairn Islands form the southeasternmost extension of the geological archipelago of the Tuamotus of French Polynesia, and consist of four islands: Pitcairn Island, Oeno Island (atoll with five islets, one of which is Sandy Island), Henderson Island and Ducie Island (atoll with four islets).
The Pitcairn Islands were formed by a centre of upwelling magma called the Pitcairn hotspot.
The only permanently inhabited island, Pitcairn, is accessible only by boat through Bounty Bay. Henderson Island, covering about 86% of the territory's total land area and supporting a rich variety of animals in its nearly inaccessible interior, is also capable of supporting a small human population, but access is difficult, owing to its outer shores being steep limestone cliffs covered by sharp coral. In 1988 this island was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site. The other islands are at a distance of more than 100 km (62 mi) and are not habitable.
Island or atoll | Type | Land area (km²) |
Total area (km²) |
Pop. July 2011 |
Coordinates |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Ducie Island | Atoll | 0.7 | 3.9* | – | 24°40′09″S 124°47′11″W / 24.66917°S 124.78639°W / -24.66917; -124.78639 |
Henderson Island | Uplifted coral island | 37.3 | 37.3 | – | 24°22′01″S 128°18′57″W / 24.36694°S 128.31583°W / -24.36694; -128.31583 |
Oeno Island | Atoll | 0.65 | 16.65* | – | 23°55′26″S 130°44′03″W / 23.92389°S 130.73417°W / -23.92389; -130.73417 |
Pitcairn Island | Volcanic island | 4.6 | 4.6 | 68 | 25°04′00″S 130°06′00″W / 25.06667°S 130.10000°W / -25.06667; -130.10000 |
Pitcairn Islands (all islands) |
– | 43.25 | 62.45 | 68 | 23°55′26″ to 25°04′00″S, 124°47′11″ to 130°44′03″W |
* Includes reef flat and lagoon of the atolls.
- Pitcairn Island as seen from a globe view with other Pacific Islands.
- Satellite photo of Pitcairn Island
- Map of Pitcairn Islands
- View of Bounty Bay
Climate
Main article: Climate of the Pitcairn IslandsPitcairn is located just under the Tropic of Capricorn and enjoys year round warm weather. Summer temperatures average 25 to 35 °C (77 to 95 °F) from the months of October through to April, while the winter months range from 17 to 25 °C (63 to 77 °F). The average humidity in summer can exceed 95%. The rainy season is from November through to March.
Flora and fauna
See also: List of birds of the Pitcairn IslandsAbout nine plant species are thought to occur only on Pitcairn. These include tapau, formerly an important timber resource, and the giant nehe fern (Angiopteris chauliodonta). Some, such as red berry (Coprosma rapensis var. Benefica), are perilously close to extinction. The plant species Glochidion pitcairnense is endemic to Pitcairn and Henderson Islands.
In terms of fauna, an interesting and rare introduction is the Galápagos giant tortoise. The sole surviving tortoise, Ms. T (also known as Turpen), was one of five which arrived on Pitcairn between 1937 and 1951, brought to the island by Irving Johnson, skipper of the 96-foot (29 m) Brigantine Yankee. Turpen usually resides at Tedside by Western Harbour. A protection order makes it an offence should anyone kill, injure, capture, maim or cause harm or distress to the tortoise.
The birds of Pitcairn fall into several groups. These include seabirds, wading birds and a small number of resident land bird species. Of 20 breeding species, Henderson Island has 16, including the unique flightless Henderson Crake; Oeno hosts 12; Ducie 13 and Pitcairn six species. Birds breeding on Pitcairn include the Fairy Tern, Common Noddy and Red-tailed Tropicbird. The Pitcairn Reed Warbler, known by Pitcairners as a "sparrow", is endemic to Pitcairn Island; formerly common, it was added to the endangered species list in 2008.
Important bird areas
The four islands in the Pitcairn group have been identified by BirdLife International as separate Important Bird Areas (IBAs). Pitcairn Island itself is recognised because it is the only nesting site of the Pitcairn Reed-warbler. Henderson Island is important for its endemic landbirds as well as its breeding seabirds. Oeno's ornithological significance derives principally from its Murphy's Petrel colony. Ducie is important for its colonies of Murphy's, Herald and Kermadec Petrels, and Christmas Shearwaters.
Politics
Main article: Politics of the Pitcairn IslandsPolitics of the Pitcairn Islands takes place in a framework of a parliamentary representative democratic dependency, whereby the Mayor is the head of government. The territory's constitution was the Local Government Ordinance of 1964 until the new Constitution was introduced in 2010. The Pitcairn Islands has the smallest population of any democracy in the world.
The government's administrative offices are in Auckland, New Zealand (which shares the Queen as its head of state).
Military
The Pitcairn Islands are an overseas territory of the United Kingdom, meaning defence is the responsibility of the Ministry of Defence and Her Majesty's Armed Forces.
Economy
The fertile soil of the Pitcairn valleys, such as Isaac's Valley on the gentle slopes south-east of Adamstown, produces a wide variety of fruits: including bananas (Pitkern: plun), papaya (paw paws), pineapples, mangoes, watermelons, rockmelons, passionfruit, breadfruit, coconuts, avocadoes, and citrus (including oranges, mandarins, grapefruit, lemons and limes); and vegetables include: sweet potatoes (kumura), carrots, sweet corn, tomatoes, taro, yams, peas, and beans. Arrowroot (Maranta arundinacea) and sugarcane are grown and harvested to produce arrowroot flour and molasses. Pitcairn Island is remarkably productive and its benign climate allows a wide range of tropical and temperate crops to be grown.
Fish are plentiful in the seas around Pitcairn. Spiny lobster and a large variety of fish are caught for meals and for trading aboard passing ships. Almost every day someone will go fishing, whether it is from the rocks, from a longboat or diving with a spear gun. There are numerous types of fish around the island. Fish such as nanwee, white fish, moi and opapa are caught in shallow water, while snapper, big eye and cod are caught in deep water, and yellow tail and wahoo are caught by trawling. A range of minerals—including manganese, iron, copper, gold, silver and zinc—have been discovered within the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), which extends 370 km offshore and comprises 880,000 km.
Souvenirs
The Pitcairners are involved in creating crafts and curios (made out of wood from Henderson). Typical wood carvings include sharks, fish, whales, dolphins, turtles, vases, birds, walking sticks, book boxes and the famous models of the Bounty. Miro (Thespesia populnea), a dark, durable and beautifully grained wood, is preferred for carving. Islanders also produce exquisite tapa cloth and painted hattie leaves.
Coins and stamps
The major sources of revenue, until recently, have been the sale of coins and postage stamps to collectors, .pn domain names, and the sale of handicrafts to passing ships, most of which are plying the United Kingdom to New Zealand route via the Panama Canal. Trade is restricted by the jagged geography of the island, which lacks a harbour or airstrip, forcing all trade to be made by longboat to visiting ships. Occasionally, passengers from expedition-type cruise ships will come ashore for a day, weather permitting. Tourism is the main focus for building the future economy focusing on small groups coming by charter vessel and staying at "home stays". Providing accommodation is a growing source of revenue and some have invested in building separate self-contained units adjacent to their homes.
Honey production
In 1998, the UK Government aid agency, the Department for International Development, funded an apiculture programme for Pitcairn which included training for Pitcairn's beekeepers and a detailed analysis of Pitcairn's bees and honey with particular regard to the presence or not of disease. Pitcairn, it was discovered, has one of the best examples of disease-free bee populations anywhere in the world and the honey produced was and remains exceptionally high in quality. Pitcairn bees were also found to be a particularly placid variety and, within a short time, the beekeepers were able to work with them wearing minimal protection. As a result, Pitcairn today exports its renowned honey to New Zealand and to the United Kingdom, where it is stocked in London by Fortnum and Mason and Partridges in Sloane Square. The honey has become a favourite of Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Charles. The Pitcairn Islanders, under the "Bounty Products" and "Delectable Bounty" brands, also export dried fruit including bananas, papayas, pineapples and mangoes to New Zealand.
Tourism
Tourism plays a major role on Pitcairn providing the locals 80% of their annual income. Since 2009, the Government has been operating the MV Claymore II as the island's only dedicated passenger/cargo vessel providing tourists with adventure tourism holidays to Pitcairn for three- or ten-day visits. Tourists stay with local families and get to experience the island's history while contributing to the local economy. Some families have invested in private self-contained units for tourists to rent. Each year approximately ten cruise ships call at the island for a few hours, generating income for the locals from the sale of souvenirs, landing fees and the stamping of passports. Children under the age of 16 years require a completed entry clearance application in order to visit the island.
Electricity
Electricity on the island is provided by diesel generators operating ten hours per day (from 8 am to 1 pm, and from 5 pm to 10 pm). A wind power plant was planned to be installed to help reduce the high cost of power generation currently associated with the import of diesel, and provide 24-hour electricity to the islanders at 70 cents per unit with no government subsidy.
The wind power scheme was cancelled in 2013 after a project overrun of 3 year and a cost of £250,000.
Demographics
In September 2003, a baby was born on the island for the first time in 17 years (Pitcairn Miscellany, 2003). Another child, Adrianna Tracey Christian, was born on Pitcairn on 3 March 2007 (Miscellany, 2007). In February 2005, Shirley and Simon Young became the first married outsider couple in recorded history to obtain citizenship on Pitcairn (Miscellany, March 2005). Since 2001, a significant proportion of the Pitcairn population (21 people) has been given a Personal Public Service Number in Ireland, which is required for work, taxes and social benefits.
Language
Main article: Languages of the Pitcairn IslandsThe majority of the resident Pitcairn Islanders are the descendants of the Bounty mutineers and Tahitians (or Polynesians). Pitkern is a creole language derived from 18th century English, with elements of the Tahitian language. It is spoken as a first language by the population and is taught alongside standard English at the island's only school. It is closely related to the creole language Norfuk, spoken on Norfolk Island, because Norfolk was repopulated in the mid-19th century by Pitcairners.
Religion
100% of the population is Seventh-day Adventist. A successful Seventh-day Adventist mission in the 1890s was important in shaping Pitcairn society. In recent years, the church has declined, with only about eight islanders worshipping regularly, but most of them still attend church on special occasions. The Sabbath is observed as a day of rest and as a mark of respect for observant Adventists.
The church which was built in 1954, is run by the Church board and resident pastor, who usually serves a two-year term. The Sabbath School meets at 10 am on Saturday mornings and is followed by Divine Service an hour later. On Tuesday evenings there is a further service in the form of a prayer meeting.
Education
Education is free and compulsory between the ages of five and 16. All of Pitcairn's seven children were enrolled in school in 2000. The island's children have produced a book in Pitkern and English called Mi Bas Side orn Pitcairn or My Favourite Place on Pitcairn.
The school at Palau provides pre-school and primary education based on the New Zealand syllabus. The teacher is appointed by the Governor from suitable qualified applicants who are New Zealand registered teachers. The contract includes the role of Editor of the Pitcairn Miscellany.
Historical population
This section does not cite any sources. Please help improve this section by adding citations to reliable sources. Unsourced material may be challenged and removed. (January 2012) (Learn how and when to remove this message) |
Pitcairn's population has drastically decreased since its peak of over 250 in 1936 to 48 in 2012.
Year | Population | Year | Population | Year | Population | Year | Population | Year | Population | Year | Population |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1790 | 27 | 1880 | 112 | 1970 | 96 | 1992 | 54 | 2002 | 48 | 2012 | 48 |
1800 | 34 | 1890 | 136 | 1975 | 74 | 1993 | 57 | 2003 | 59 | ||
1810 | 50 | 1900 | 136 | 1980 | 61 | 1994 | 54 | 2004 | 65 | ||
1820 | 66 | 1910 | 140 | 1985 | 58 | 1995 | 55 | 2005 | 63 | ||
1830 | 70 | 1920 | 163 | 1986 | 68 | 1996 | 43 | 2006 | 65 | ||
1840 | 119 | 1930 | 190 | 1987 | 59 | 1997 | 40 | 2007 | 64 | ||
1850 | 146 | 1936 | 250 | 1988 | 55 | 1998 | 66 | 2008 | 66 | ||
1856* | 193 | 1940 | 163 | 1989 | 55 | 1999 | 46 | 2009 | 67 | ||
1859** | 116 | 1950 | 161 | 1990 | 59 | 2000 | 51 | 2010 | 64 | ||
1870 | 70 | 1960 | 126 | 1991 | 66 | 2001 | 44 | 2011 | 67 |
* 1856 Emigration to Norfolk Island leaves Pitcairn uninhabited. ** 1859 First group returns from Norfolk Island.
Culture
The once-strict moral codes, which prohibited dancing, public displays of affection, smoking, and consumption of alcohol, have been relaxed in recent years. Islanders and visitors no longer require a six-month licence to purchase, import, and consume alcohol. There is now one licensed cafe and bar on the island, and the Government Store sells alcohol and cigarettes.
The unique cuisine and rich cultural heritage of the Pitcairn Islanders is detailed in a cookbook: A Taste of Pitcairn: The First Pitcairn Island Cookbook, by Pitcairn resident Meralda Warren (updated ed. 2005).
Fishing and swimming are two popular recreational activities. A birthday celebration or the arrival of a ship or yacht will involve the entire Pitcairn community in a public dinner in the Square, Adamstown. Tables are covered in a variety of foods, including fish, meat, chicken, philhi, baked rice, boiled plun (banana), breadfruit, vegetable dishes, an assortment of pies, bread, breadsticks, an array of desserts, pineapple, watermelon and more.
Public work, which by law is required of all men and women between the ages of 16 and 65, ensures the ongoing maintenance of the island's numerous roads and paths. The island has a labour force of over 35 men and women (as of 2011).
Media and communications
- Telephones: Pitcairn uses New Zealand's international calling code, +64.
- Radio: There is no broadcast station. Marine band walkie-talkie radios are used to maintain contact among people in different areas of the island. Foreign stations can be picked up on shortwave radio.
- Amateur Radio: QRZ.COM lists seven amateur radio operators on the island.
- Television: There are two live English TV channels from satellite, CNN, and Turner Classic Movies. Free-to-air satellite dishes can be used to watch foreign TV.
- Internet: There is one Government-sponsored satellite internet connection, with networking provided to the inhabitants of the island. Pitcairn's country code (top level domain) is .pn. Residents pay NZ$100 (about US$75) for 2 GB of data per month, at a rate of 512 kbit/s.
Transport
The settlers of the Pitcairns all arrived by some form of boat or ship.
Pitcairn Island does not have an airport or seaport; the islanders rely on longboats to ferry people and goods between ship and shore through Bounty Bay. The island has one small harbour and launch ramp that is used to dock and load long-boats. Because it is small and the water is shallow, only small-craft can fit.
A dedicated passenger/cargo supply ship chartered by the Pitcairn Island Government, the MV Claymore II, is the principal transport from Mangareva, Gambier Islands, French Polynesia although passage can also be booked through Pitcairn Travel, Pitcairn's locally owned tour operators who charter the SV Xplore, owned by Stephen Wilkins, which also departs from Mangareva.
Totegegie Airport, Mangareva] is reachable by air from the French Polynesian capital Papeete.
There is one 6.4-kilometre (4 mi) paved road leading up from Bounty Bay through Adamstown.
The main mode of transport on Pitcairn Islands is by four-wheel-drive quad bikes or on foot.
Gallery
- Bounty Bay in the 1970s
- Pitcairn landing site
- Pitcairn Island
- Henderson Island shelter
- Oeno
- St. Paul's Point in west Pitcairn Island
- Garnets Ridge, Pitcairn Island
See also
- Bibliography of Pitcairn Islands
- Bounty Day
- Island Council (Pitcairn)
- List of islands
- Outline of the Pitcairn Islands
- Thursday October Christian I
References
- ^ "CIA World Factbook – Pitcairn Islands". The World Factbook. U.S. Central Intelligence Agency. Retrieved 26 February 2013.
- Oxford English Dictionary
- "United Nations list of Non-Self-Governing Territories". United Nations. 14 December 1960. Retrieved 31 July 2011.
-
Diamond, Jared M (2005). Collapse: how societies choose to fail or succeed. New York: Penguin. p. 132. ISBN 978-0-14-303655-5. OCLC 62868295.
But by A.D. 1606 ... Henderson's population had ceased to exist. Pitcairn's own population had disappeared at least by 1790 ... and probably disappeared much earlier.
- Pitcairn Islands, "History of Government and Laws, Part 15" 30 September 2006
- Hooker, Brian. "Down with Bligh – hurrah for Tahiti". Finding New Zealand.
- Winthrop, Mark. "The Story of the Bounty Chronometer". Lareau Web Parlour. Archived from the original on 27 September 2007. Retrieved 17 September 2008.
- ^ Pitcairn's History. pitcairn.pn
- "Mutineers of the Bounty". The European Magazine, and London Review. 69. Philological Society of London,: 134. 1816.
{{cite journal}}
: Unknown parameter|month=
ignored (help)CS1 maint: extra punctuation (link) - The Annual Biography and Obituary for the Year ..., Longman, Hurst, Rees, Orme, and Brown, 1831, Volume 15 "Chapter X Sir Thomas Staines" pp. 366–367
- History of Pitcairn Island, Pitcairn Study Centre. Retrieved 15 September 2008.
- "Pitcairn descendants of the ''Bounty'' Mutineers". Janesoceania.com. 29 April 2009. Retrieved 31 July 2011.
- Cahoon, Ben. "Pitcairn Island". worldstatesmen.org. Retrieved 4 July 2010.
- Tweedie, Neil (5 October 2004). "Islander changes his plea to admit sex assaults". The Telegraph. London. Retrieved 29 November 2011.
- Fickling, David (26 October 2004). "Six found guilty in Pitcairn sex offences trial". The Guardian. London. Retrieved 29 November 2011.
- "Six guilty in Pitcairn sex trial". BBC. 25 October 2004. Retrieved 29 November 2011.
- "6 men convicted in Pitcairn trials". New York Times. 24 October 2004. Retrieved 29 November 2011.
- Marks, Kathy (25 May 2005). "Pitcairners stay free till British hearing". The New Zealand Herald. Retrieved 29 November 2011.
- Marks, Kathy (2009). Lost paradise: from Mutiny on the Bounty to a modern-day legacy of sexual mayhem, the dark secrets of Pitcairn island revealed. Free Press. p. 288. ISBN 1-4165-9744-1.
- "Last Pitcairn rape prisoner released". The Sydney Morning Herald. 23 April 2009. Retrieved 29 November 2011.
- Presenter: Paul Allen Speaker: Pitcairn Island Governor, George Fergusson. Pitcairn Island proclaims new constitution. Radio Australia, 11 March 2010
- The Pitcairn Constitution Order 2010. pitcairn.pn
- ^ Pitcairn Island. Encyclopædia Britannica
- Waldren, S. & Kingston, N. (1998). Coprosma rapensis var. benefica. IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.
- Waldren, S. & Kingston, N. (1998). Glochidion pitcairnense. IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.
- Endangered Species Protection Ordinance, 2004 revised edition.
- BirdLife International (2012). Acrocephalus vaughani. IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.
- BirdLife International. (2012). Important Bird Areas factsheet: Pitcairn Island.
- "Home." Government of the Pitcairn Islands. Retrieved on 31 October 2011.
- Secretariat of the Pacific Community (SPC): Pitcairn Islands-Joint Country Strategy, 2008.
- "Pitcairn Economy", in The Commonwealth Yearbook 2010, ISBN 978-0-9563060-1-2
- Foreign and Commonwealth Office, Profile on Pitcairn Islands, British Overseas Territory, 11 February 2010.
- Pitcairn Island Report prepared by Jaques and Associates, 2003, p. 18.
- Pitcairn Island Report prepared by Jaques and Associates, 2003, p. 21.
- The Telegraph, 9 January 2010.
- "I'll let you off, Mr Christian: you make honey fit for a queen", Evening Standard, 8 January 2010.
- Pitcairn Islands Study Center, News Release: Products from Pitcairn, 7 November 1999.
- ^ Foreign travel advice: Pitcairn. Foreign and Commonwealth Office. Fco.gov.uk (6 December 2012). Retrieved on 2 April 2013.
- http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2305442/UK-aid-wasted-South-Pacific-windfarm-fiasco-failed-green-energy-scheme-55-people-cost-250-000.html
- "Personal Public Service Numbers -Allocation By Nationality-All Countries 2000–2009 » PPSN » Topics » Department of Social Protection". Welfare.ie. 6 January 2010. Retrieved 31 July 2011.
- "Turning Point for Historic Adventist Community on Pitcairn Island" 30 September 2006
- ^ "Territories and Non-Independent Countries". 2001 Findings on the Worst Forms of Child Labor. Bureau of International Labor Affairs, U.S. Department of Labor (2002). This article incorporates text from this source, which is in the public domain.
- Pitcairn Island Government Ordinance. government.pn
- "iPad Makes Its Way to the Farthest Reaches of the Earth" MacRumors.com, retrieved 3 November 2010
- Pitkern Ilan, David Evans, 2007
- Lonely Planet South Pacific, 3rd ed. 2006, "Pitcairn Getting There" pp. 429–30
Further reading
The Mutiny on the Bounty
- The Bounty: The True Story of the Mutiny on the Bounty by Caroline Alexander (Harper Perennial, London, 2003 pp. 491)
- The Discovery of Fletcher Christian: A Travel Book by Glynn Christian, a descendant of Fletcher Christian, Bounty Mutineer (Guild Press, London, 2005 pp. 448)
After the Mutiny
- The Pitcairners by Robert B. Nicolson (Pasifika Press, Auckland, 1997 pp. 260)
- After the Bounty: The Aftermath of the Infamous Mutiny on the HMS Bounty—An Insight to the Plight of the Mutineers by Cal Adams, a descendant of John Adams, Bounty Mutineer (Self-published, Sydney, 2008 pp. 184)
Pitcairn Island Today
- The Guide to Pitcairn produced by Pitcairn Island Government (Pitcairn Island Administration, Auckland, 1999 pp. 68)
- Pitkern Ilan=Pitcairn Island by David H. Evans (Self-published, Auckland, 2007 pp. 46)
External links
Government of the Pitcairn Islands
Travel to Pitcairn
- Pitcairn Island Tourism Official tourism site of the Pitcairn Islands.
News from Pitcairn Island
- Pitcairn News from Big Flower News from Big Flower, Pitcairn Island.
- Pitcairn Miscellany News from Pitcairn Island. The Editor is Pulau school teacher.
- Pitcairn News information from Chris Double, a Bounty descendant based in Auckland NZ
- Uklun Tul Un Dem Tul Pitcairn news by Kari Young, a Pitcairn resident.
Pitcairn Island Study Groups on the Internet
25°04′S 130°06′W / 25.067°S 130.100°W / -25.067; -130.100
Pitcairn Islands articles | |||
---|---|---|---|
Islands | |||
Settlement | |||
Politics | |||
Culture |
| ||
Other topics | |||
Countries, territories and dependencies of the British Crown | |
---|---|
Countries of the United Kingdom | |
Crown Dependencies | |
Overseas territories |
|
Former colonies | |
Sovereign Base Areas. Partial suspension of sovereignty due to the Antarctic Treaty. |
World Heritage Sites in the United Kingdom | ||
---|---|---|
England |
| |
Scotland | ||
Wales | ||
Northern Ireland | ||
British Overseas Territories | ||
Former |
Former British Empire and Current British Overseas Territories | |||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| |||||||||||
| |||||||||||
| |||||||||||
| |||||||||||
| |||||||||||
| |||||||||||
| |||||||||||
| |||||||||||
- Use dmy dates from April 2013
- Pitcairn Islands
- English-speaking countries and territories
- Important Bird Areas of the Pitcairn Islands
- Island countries
- Islands of the Pitcairn Islands
- Mutiny on the Bounty
- Polynesia
- Special territories of the European Union
- States and territories established in 1838
- Volcanoes of the United Kingdom