PITCAIRN
нка
02512
Fintur
KRAMMY NO. 51
1
10 APR 1981
DECK OFFICER
PA
VESTRY
van Tøker
сп (a) Constitutional Position and ale for independence
of DT's fle
The Pitcairn Islands group consists of the islands of Pitcairn, Henderson, Ducie and Oeno, They are administered by a Governor who is resident in New Zealand. The Governor has powers to make laws for the peace, order and good government of the Islands. There is a partly elected, partly nominated Island Council. Subject to the directions of the Governor, the Council provides for the enforcement of Ordinances in force in the Islands, and has authority to make, ainend or revoke regulations for the good administration of the Islands, the maintenance of peace, order and public safety, and the social and economic betterment of the Islanders.
Pitcairn is the only inhabited island, with a popula- tion of 63. The Governor has full powers, but Islanders elect their own representative, the Island Magistrate, who heads the Island Council of ten members. Independence is not feasible in view of its size (13/4 square miles), population and isolation (New Zealand the nearest large mainland is more than 2,500 miles away).
(b) The number of population of the territory who already
have the right to abode in the UK. None.
(c) An indication of the local reaction to the current
provisions of the Nationality Bill.
The White Paper and Guidance Note was sent to Pitcairn Island last year, where it was brought to the attention of the Island Council. Afterwards, a summary of the Paper was displayed on the public notice board for two weeks. Comment was invited but none received.
(d) Economy
$
Dolly M
Economy is at subsistence level, with the Islanders satisfying their basic needs growing vegetables and fishing. Pitcairn is largely covered with secondary bush, interspersed with grass, family gardens and fruit trees. There are a few goats on the Island and some poultry is kept for domestic consumption. Natural timber resources have been depleted by indiscriminate use, but re-afforestation is in progress. Exports comprise fruit, vegetables and handicrafts which for the most part are offered for sale or barter to passing ships. Imports consist principally of building materials, clothing, food, (dairy products, meat, tinned goods), fuel parts and medicines.
machinery
/There
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