Our Projects
Through a series of transformative projects, we are enhancing digital connectivity,
making the island more accessible, and laying the groundwork for sustainable
economic development. These efforts not only preserve Pitcairn's unique heritage but also create new opportunities for its people. Join us as we work together to secure a vibrant future for this extraordinary island community.
1. Improve Digital Connectivity
COMPLETED
In 2022 Pitcairn’s internet service was failing. The speed of system was so low that downloading of normal data files, having face to face meetings was impossible. During the year the connectivity became steadily worse, leading to the situation that in the beginning of 2023 there was effectively no internet connectivity to the outside world for 3 months for locals. What made matters worse is that the telephone connections also ran over the same internet connections, so the phone was also out of order completely cutting of communications to the world.
Fortunately, the British Government was trialling the Starlink system for its expat employees. When the local system went down in the beginning of 2023, a local internet café was set up with one of the Starlink systems from the British Government Administrator as a stopgap measure. The local citizens were not able to buy a starlink system for their own use.
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Project Pitcairn's founder took action to lobby to the British Government representatives to make Starlink systems available to all inhabitants. This was accomplished and Starlink was made available to every home in February 2024.
2. Provide Affordable Housing for Volunteers
POSITIVE RESULTS SO FAR
Currently, most housing on Pitcairn Island is geared towards short-term tourism, making it financially inaccessible for volunteer workers who play a crucial role in our community. We have launched a project to renovate an existing house specifically for volunteers.
Goal
Making affordable housing available for a maximum of 6 couples, allowing them to stay and contribute to Pitcairn's community efforts without the burden of high rental costs.​​​​​​​​
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Actions
Through Project Pitcairn, we are renovating the Down Flatcher, the ancestral home of Jacqui Christian, to make it suitable for a total of 12 workers. This renovation will create a cost-effective living space that supports long-term volunteer engagement, further enriching Pitcairn’s initiatives in tourism, conservation, and community development.
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Timescale
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2023: Available for 3 couple workers
2025: Available for 12 workers
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3. Promote Sustainable Economic Development
UNDERWAY
Up to 2022, the whole workforce of Pitcairn is dependent on government employment. To supplement their government income (the majority of the workers earns NZD 10 per hour) every household has some private sector activity how Project Pitcairn aims to develop or create more private sector opportunities to support both immigrants, volunteers and residents.
Goal
Create non-government jobs and income by strengthening the private sector.
Actions
Project Pitcairn will assist to develop new business opportunities/initiatives in the Private Sector.
Currently the coffee industry is being supported by one of Project Pitcairn SCOI's trustees. Expertise and equipment is being provided to the local coffee growers and a guaranteed market for product is being established.
This project encouraged 2 local young men to return home who were exploring making their life outside of Pitcairn. It is an important step in developing private enterprise on Pitcairn that can potentially attract immigrants and volunteers to the island.
4. Provide Affordable Fares to Pitcairn
At this moment in time the Pitcairn ship fares are marketed to tourists, settlers, government employees and Pitcairn residents. The general fare is expensive which discourages traffic flow for volunteers and Pitcairn descendants who live abroad. The fare for Pitcairners with right of Abode was decreased to $2000 NZD return after lobbying by the Project Pitcairn founder. Though a great improvement ,a solution needs to be found for volunteers and Pitcairners living abroad.
Goal
Create affordable fares for the volunteers so it becomes attractive and affordable to come work on Pitcairn.
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POSITIVE RESULTS SO FAR
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Actions
Make the fares more attractive by either;
1. Ensuring immigration law adjustments that allow the volunteers to fall under the exemption of the British Government, and/or
2. Lobbying to have the fares adjusted to an affordable fare for the volunteers category, and/or
3. Project Pitcairn will subsidize the volunteer worker’s fare
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