Speech of welcome by the Speaker of the Legislative Assembly, the Hon Robin Adams JP at the Baunti Picnic in the Compound on Tuesday 08 June 2010

Your Honour the Administrator and Mrs Walsh, Chief Minister and Mrs Buffett and every one of us gathered here today – welcome

Des Dieh es Bounty Dieh.

En hetieh aklan.

Our story is such a great one that three epic movies have come out of Hollywood, with major screen stars of the day, acting the roles of Lieutenant Bligh and Fletcher Christian, and the crew of HMAV Bounty. But those movies stopped with the Mutiny and the return to Tahiti, while we continued on. To Pitcairn Island.

Then in 1856, the entire population of Pitcairn moved here to Norfolk Isle on the 8th of June, one hundred and fifty four years ago. And what a tale there is to tell! A continuation of an epic journey.

Our ancestors came with expectations but not all were met. Their writings and memories tell us, that they did not find Norfolk beautiful; for them Pitcairn was beautiful, and many of them were homesick for a very long time.

They faced many challenges, both personal and as a community, but they overcame them. They left a legacy for us as they finally came to think of Norfolk as a Paradise on Earth. And we today I am sure share that view.

They understood that solutions could be found. And we understand that too.

They realised that the younger generations were the Island’s future. And of course we know that too.

They knew that their culture and traditions were important. And we too share that view.

So thank you, all of you, for joining in today to continue and further our tradition of Baunti Dieh.

And in conclusion may I on your behalf say well done to the Young Family today for winning the Bounty Shield and to extend a warm welcome to the Pitcairn Islanders who have joined us here today, because our story is your story.

And also on your behalf to extend a warm welcome to all the visitors on our blessed Isle at this time; may you all enjoy our day and spread our story even further.

And now Your Honour, would you please join in and say a few words.

(after Address by the Administrator)

Thank you Your Honour. Let us all now sing Grace together led by our Island elder Mr George Kik Quintal.
(following on from Grace)

So let the Bounty picnic begin!