Batiki
| Batiki | |
|---|---|
| Island | |
  Batiki Location in Fiji | |
| Coordinates: 17°47′S 179°09′W / 17.783°S 179.150°WCoordinates: 17°47′S 179°09′W / 17.783°S 179.150°W | |
| Country | Fiji |
| Island group | Lomaiviti Islands |
| Area | |
| • Total | 12 km2 (5 sq mi) |
| Population | |
| • Total | 300 |
| • Density | 25/km2 (65/sq mi) |
Batiki is an island of Fiji belonging to the Lomaiviti Archipelago.[1] The island is of volcanic origin, with a land area of about 12 square kilometers. Its latitude is 17° 47' S; its longitude is 179° 9' W.
Its population of approximately 300 Fijians lives in coastal villages.[2] The economic activity is subsistence farming and fishing. The island has no airport or roads, transport consists of simple punt vessels or fibreglass boats. There is a primary school on the island with the population of approx. 50 local students and 4 teachers. There is also a nursing station manned by a registered staff nurse. Critical cases are referred either to Qarani Health Centre or Levuka Hospital. The nursing station opening hours are from 8:00 am to 4:30 pm on a daily basis but is also on standby after hours in case of emergencies. There are four villages in the island Mua,Yavu, Naigani, and Manuku. Mua village is home to the island pastor, the health clinic center, a single flat-primary school building with a boarding facility and playground.
Chiefly Title Mua village also known as "Nakorolevu" is the residence of the Turaga na Toraunibau who is the traditional herald leader of Batiki. The vanua of Batiki has three separate traditional constituency with its own sphere of control. The Village of Naigani also known as "Nakabea" (I Cavuti "Na Kai Batiki") is the residence of the Turaga Na Komai Naigani. The village of Manuku referred to as "Matanicagi" and is home to the Turaga na Tui Manuku. And lastly the village of Yavu the home of the Turaga Na Komaivunivesi were the last to settled at Batiki.
Economy Economic activity is subsistence farming, fishing (night diving) which is sold to the fish markets in Suva, and the initiative of (Bula Batiki raw Fijian coconut oil) where all proceeds from the sale of the coconut oil is to fund the island’s long-term development, enabling healthcare, educational, and organic farming initiatives on Batiki island[1]. The island has no airport, so most transport is by local cargo vessels, small fibreglass boats, or via a shipping franchise that services the Lomaiviti group on a monthly basis.
References
- ↑ "About Batiki Island". Bula Batiki. Retrieved 17 August 2018.
- ↑ "Batiki Island Rebuilding Projects | SeaMercy.org". www.seamercy.org. Retrieved 17 August 2018.