I live on a very remote island — here’s why you should move here
Life in Paradise
Torika Christian, a 21-year-old resident of Pitcairn Island, shares her unique perspective on life in this remote South Pacific haven. With only around 50 inhabitants, Pitcairn Island, measuring a mere 2 miles long and 1 mile wide, offers a glimpse into an extraordinary way of life.
Island Access and Transportation
Limited by the absence of an airstrip, access to Pitcairn relies on infrequent boat services. Christian explains that the island’s supply ship, the Silver Supporter, links Pitcairn to the Gambier Islands weekly, with return trips costing tourists $3,400. Missing the Sunday ship means waiting up to five weeks, as it sails to New Zealand every three months to deliver essential supplies.
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Historical Roots and Community Life
As an eighth-generation descendant of Fletcher Christian, leader of the famous HMS Bounty mutiny settled on Pitcairn, Christian embodies the island’s historical ties. Pitcairn is part of the larger Pitcairn Islands, forming the UK’s sole Pacific territory. Residents embrace isolation, adapting to a unique lifestyle dictated by weather and island resources.
Daily Routine and Employment
Christian’s daily routine mirrors the island’s simplicity. Depending on weather conditions, she fishes or tends to gardens. Work is flexible, with modest pay at $6.25 an hour, allowing time to relish the island’s natural blessings. She contributes to her family’s business, Pitkern Islen Enterprises, engaging in various roles, including assisting the government and off-loading cargo ships.
Island Facilities and Education
Despite its remoteness, Pitcairn sustains essential facilities—a general store, tourism office, library, gym, and a medical center equipped with basic amenities. However, major medical concerns necessitate traveling to Tahiti. The island’s school remains closed, with two children receiving overseas tutoring. Christian herself returned to Pitcairn after feeling homesick during her high school years in New Zealand.
Challenges and Hopes for the Future
Acknowledging the need for a sustainable future, Christian emphasizes the importance of community-minded individuals willing to contribute positively. She stresses the self-reliance demanded by island life, where residents must master various trades. Expressing a desire for a salon technician on the island, she underscores the need for diverse skills and a close-knit community.
Closing Thoughts
Christian encourages others to join the Pitcairn community, emphasizing the collective responsibility and multifaceted roles each resident assumes. Her perspective sheds light on the island’s serene yet challenging existence, portraying a life deeply intertwined with nature and community.
Torika Christian’s insights paint a vivid picture of Pitcairn Island—a place where self-sufficiency, community engagement, and an intimate connection with nature define daily life. As she beckons for more inhabitants to ensure Pitcairn’s future, her words echo the delicate balance between the island’s isolation and the need for a thriving, united community.