Tikopia
Tikopia is a small island with a very traditional culture. It is only 3x5 kilometers in size, and is 120 kilometers from the nearest other island. Supply ships and visitors are very rare. Although it is considered a part of the Solomon Islands, it is self-governed by four chiefs. There is no electricity, there are no toilets, and no police or shops anywhere on the island. Like many of the remote islands at which we stopped, I held a local clinic and made house calls around the island. I also gave some supplies from Cruise West and the Spirit of Oceanus' passengers to the poorly supplied island clinic and nurse. Since the next ship to arrive was not expected for another couple of months or more, we actually transported a couple of serious patients to Guadalcanal for further treatment.
Click on any thumbnail to see a larger image.
©Bill Yeaton