We will survive. Written by Meralda Warren & Randy Key. 31 August 2023
01 September 2023
It’s been a while since I put thoughts into words and sent it to Alison Christian for Online Norfolk News.
I was in Tahiti from end of April until June. Surgeries on my eyes have slowed me down a bit for seeing some onscreen stuff and close artwork or making jewelry. But was able to macrame bracelets and necklaces that helped to keep my mind and fingers going and get on with life.
But Pitcairn is never a place to stay idle for long. Shortly after returning home, we said goodbye to 3 of our young men as they headed off to New Zealand via Mangareva, and Tahiti.
Living in the big world as they were able to get employment. Getting set up in an electrician’s employment, they can work in different parts of New Zealand’s North Island. This experience will be a great bonus for our little community when they return home soon. Another of our lads is building pallets and catching up with Family in central North Island.
With them leaving we were thankful that Tim who had visited Pitcairn last year from Holland was keen to come back. He’s been learning about working the longboat and the building projects going on.
As more Islanders headed to Tahiti for much needed dental, eye and other issues in health department, our population dwindled lower and lower.
Today we have 38 persons living on Pitcairn. That includes the expats, the ones who have come to see if they can live here and the Bounty descendants.
Our youngest is 19 years old. No Kids.
Tiaan from Norfolk have come to see how it is and is right in there. Working on the Marine center and other projects. Loving the adventures out in the longboat unloading cargo, in the fishing boat catching fish, whale watching and collecting data. Enjoying the Pitcairn Rolls (Breadsticks).
We are thankful to have this young lad here and to make a go of living on Pitcairn. So great to see him at Palmi Center every store day. Always asking “Wut a way you”.
A few cruise ships swung by and 2 were able to get their passengers ashore.
One they had to use our only working longboat to pick them up from the ships zodiacs and bring them to Bounty Bay.
Our weather so bad that it blew roofing of some homes, capsized a shed and did many damages to other structures. Other projects were put on hold as sheds were rebuilt, homes secured, and folks made safe.
Worst up are the valleys of Bananas (Plun) that got hit bad and several times we have had to cut bananas or other trees out of the roads to get by.
A good boost for all is the visit of Picton Castle as she sailed all the way from Canada and coming through Panama then to Galapagos and here. They were split in 2 watches and stayed with local families here. A celebration in the square on a blustery night for Dawsons 11th Birthday was a big treat. It was great meeting them and catching up with friends who were here before many times. 2 concerts were put on by them in the town hall as it was too blustery out in the square. All who attended really enjoyed them. Refreshments were served afterwards before they headed for catch up sessions. Staying for 6 days, she left for Mangareva on 19th August.
Our Supply ship Silver Supporter is battling the seas and heading our way. She will be here next Thursday and then the runs between Pitcairn and Mangareva will begin as some folks here will be going off and returning and others will be coming to visit this beautiful land.
We will ketch up soon un yorli teck et easy.
Sanks fer me.