Pitcairn Puts A Candle In The Window For Future Tourists

From their home on Pitcairn Nadine Christian and her daughters Adrianna and Isabel have a Candle in the Window

"For all the Mothers making Covid-19 separation and isolation better than bearable for their children and families. You're the best and we're thinking of you."

Pitcairn's Deputy Mayor, Kevin Young, frames a Candle in the Window for the world's empty horizons and the craft work he's put aside as Pitcairn manages its Covid-19 border controls.

''Our world, like yours, is suspended. But we’re all getting really, really good at waiting. Our cruise ships and visitors will return, we’ll pick-up where we left-off and, most importantly, we'll be here when you find your way. Stay Well''

Melva Evans has a candle burning at her home on Pitcairn.

"These troubled times remind us to always let our light so shine onto this darkened world, until all have found their way back. We'll be here."

Pitcairn Councillor, Leslie Jaques, has his candles alight

'For those who are hurting, take heart, tomorrow will come, and we'll be here, with warm greetings, when you find your way. Stay safe."

From their home on Pitcairn Pawl and Sue share these words and their Candle in the Window for those around the world who are still pushing through the impact of covid-19.

Only in our pain did we find our will
Only in the chaos did we learn to be still
Only in our fears did we find our might
During this darkness we share our light
In time our world will heal once more and we shall wait to welcome you upon our rocky shores

At Big Flower on Pitcairn, Heather and Kerry have a Candle in the Window for everyone around the world doing their part to 'flatten the curve'

“Thank-you! Lets all stay well, stay home and stay strong. This will pass and we'll be here when you find your way."

From Maimiti Haven, Meralda & Mavis light these candles for all the people around the world who have lost their loved ones, who have battled this sickness and who have no one to support them

“Sank yu. Stay Safe. Owers sperit orf owers Fenua gwen lorng fer yorli or dere.” Translated this says, “The spirit of our Island will be with you out there.’’

From Te Kiva Bounty, family home of our Mayor, Charlene Warren-Peu.

Shirley and Phredd from Auckland NZ shared their Candle in the Window for Pitcairn.

"The world's a crazy place right now. Its comforting to know remote pristine places like Pitcairn are free of Covid-19. Keep up the good work. We're with you every step of the way and we will find our way back!''

With borders closed around the globe and the world facing one of its greatest challenges, Pitcairn Island's long history of resilience is shining through.

“As the UK’s only remaining territory in the Pacific and one of the world’s most remote tourism destinations, we are reminded today of our rich history of survival and overcoming challenges” said Pitcairn Islands Mayor Charlene Warren-Peu. “Our remote location in the South Pacific enabled us to quickly self-quarantine, and now we are doing all we can to remain safe and free from the virus.”

Although passenger services to Pitcairn are currently suspended, vital freight and supplies are still being delivered from New Zealand via Pitcairn’s supply ship, the MV Silver Supporter, while Pitcairn’s resilient community of 50 residents continue to go about their daily lives.

Apiaries on island continue to produce and export their famous Pitcairn pure honey and local artisans continue fashioning their handicrafts and curios for international buyers. The region’s endemic birds still flock to Pitcairn and its outer islands, and life underwater remains as untouched as ever, protected by one of the largest marine reserves on earth - where humpback whales will travel from Antarctica to breed this winter as they do each and every year.

Once this global pandemic is over, Pitcairn looks forward to once again sharing its unique culture, Bounty heritage, UNESCO World Heritage site, Mata ki te Rangi International Dark Sky Sanctuary, and endemic flora and fauna with those lucky few who find their way to the islands every year.

“In the meantime, we’re keeping a candle in the window for everyone affected by these unprecedented times, and will look forward to the day where we can once again welcome visitors to our islands. It is in these times we are reminded, no matter how remote, we are all intricately connected as global citizens”

- Mayor Warren-Peu.