Chapter Fourteen: Pitcairn Island

Located in the Pacific island region called Polynesia, halfway between Peru and New Zealand, Pitcairn Island is one of the 25,000 islands that dot the South Pacific Ocean. Pitcairn is the major, and only inhabited, island of an isolated four-island group called Pitcairn. It covers only about two square miles in area (not even half the size of Washington, D.C.). Formed by volcanic eruption, the island is a half crater encircled by steep, rocky cliffs. Despite a rugged interior, about half of the island is covered with fertile soil. Over two centuries of settlement have claimed all but a small number of the island’s trees. Pitcairn Island is Great Britain’s last territory in the Pacific island region.

What Time Is It in Pitcairn Islands?

Pitcairn Islands is three and a half hours behind Eastern Standard Time. When it’s 10 a.m. in Washington, D.C., then it’s 6:30 a.m. in the Pitcairn Islands.

People

Pitcairn Island was inhabited during prehistoric times, probably by Polynesians who originally migrated from Southeast Asia. When the Bounty mutineers landed on the island, they discovered ancient temple platforms, petroglyphs (pictures carved in rock), and stone tools. Most of today’s islanders are descendants of the mutineers and their Tahitian wives. Besides the tourist trade, the majority of inhabitants live by fishing and subsistence farming. Life remains simple, revolving around family and strong religious ties. One hundred percent of the people are Seventh Day Adventists. Young children attend the island’s elementary school, but, when older, they travel to New Zealand for further study. Many never return: since the 1930s, out-migration to New Zealand has reduced the population by more than 75 percent.

Doing Business in Pitcairn Islands

If you’re planning to do business in Pitcairn Islands, then here are a few tips you might want to know.

Greetings

• Pitcairn Islanders are accustomed to meeting tourists from many nations. A handshake is probably the most familiar form of greeting.
• Before arrival, find out how Pitcairners wished to be addressed.

Gestures

• Because island customs are most likely a blend of English and Tahitian tradition, perhaps the best maxim is to "observe and do likewise."
• The best understood, and most universal, gesture is the smile.

Protocol

• Island life is more casual. People are more important than meeting schedules and deadlines.
• Be respectful, open, and friendly. Don’t try do impress.
• Dress casually. Women might wear a dress or skirt; men, slacks and a shirt. Sandals would be appropriate for both men and women.

Want to know more about the Pitcairn Islands?

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