3D2Y Team will be active from Rotuma Island, IOTA OC - 060, 15 November - 4 December 2024.
Team - W6IZT, W8HC, K4NHW, KD9LSV, LY7J and others.
They will operate on HF Bands, including activity in CQ WW DX CW Contest, 23 - 24 November 2024.
They will use 3D2Y call not 3D2Z as announced earlier.
Rotuma Island: breathtaking views and expensive budget vacations
Rotuma Island is one of the hundred inhabited islands of Fiji. It is located in the waters of the Pacific Ocean and is north of the main island of the country with the capital Suva. The distance is about 500 kilometers. The island's nearest major neighbor is New Zealand.
Colonial past
The lands of Rotuma Island were first discovered by Europeans in 1719. At that time, representatives of Great Britain landed on its land territory. Subsequently, almost a century later, they declared the island their own possession and remained here as masters until the second half of the last century.
Economic present
The territory of the island is small. It has an area of 43 square kilometers. Another 3 square kilometers are accounted for by smaller surrounding islands. The total population: a total of 2002 people.
The main source of income for the locals is the extraction and processing of copra. A small number of tourists, who prefer a secluded vacation, also bring money to the treasury.
Rotuma for tourists: ascetic conditions and a pleasant experience
The main means of transportation on the island are two roads. One of them is a country road stretching from village to village. There is also an equipped coastal strip.
The island is divided into seven administrative parts. Each settlement has its own coasts and beaches with white sand and blue water.
The largest settlements on the island are the administrative center of Ahau and the small settlement of Motusa, which at the same time acts as the port of Rotuma.
The island of Rotuma is interesting to walk around. The land is of volcanic origin and has a corresponding relief. The mountain slopes attract all fans of hiking or long treks.
The vegetation of the wildlife and the crops cultivated by the local population have a clear distinction and it is visible to the naked eye.
The few local people live their own measured lives and welcome the occasional tourist. They allow you to see their way of life.
Despite the smallness of life, the quietness and tranquility of the visitors are so attractive that many people do not want to leave.
Living conditions on the island of Rotuma are very modest. There are no hotels. As accommodation for visiting guests are offered small houses with the decoration of the budget plan. It is difficult to get qualified help in case of a serious problem. There are no official services.
Problematic and expensive communication
Vacationing on Rotuma Island is not a cheap activity. Despite the average level of service and ascetic conditions for vacationers, the flight to the island lands is expensive. Three-hour air journey through the capital of Fiji, the city of Suva, will cost almost 800 euros.
At the same time, airplanes fly to Rotuma Island erratically. Flights, as a rule, weekly and following the schedule depends on weather conditions. It is not uncommon that after rains, planes do not depart to the small Rotuma airport due to flooding of the runway. Scheduled flights are also easily canceled on holidays, and passengers may not be informed in advance.
Another way to get to the island is by sea. Every month a cargo ship docks to the shores of Rotum. It is often used by regular passengers as well.
Favorable climate
The climate on the island of Rotuma is humid tropical. There is a pronounced wet season, which lasts from November to March. The period from May to October is arid, with almost no rainfall.
The average temperature is between 23 and 25 degrees Celsius.
Unique language of Rotum
The language of the local population belongs to the unique languages, which are distinguished by linguists around the world. According to the rules, the last vowel in a word in some cases changes with the standing last consonant.
Rotuma Day in Fiji
Among the public holidays in Fiji is Rotuma Day, which is celebrated annually on May 13. The reason for the celebration is the incorporation of the island into the state.
Previously, this holiday was celebrated exclusively by local islanders. But today it is celebrated outside of Rotuma on other islands of Fiji. The holiday is celebrated with great fanfare. This format of celebration is due to the fact that many people who used to live on Rotuma have moved away and settled in other provinces and cities of the state.
As a rule, on Rotuma Day, the Fijian authorities visit the island itself to conduct the ceremonial part of the event, inform the people about their programs and express their wishes.