TAHITI HISTORY

       In 1767 Samuel Wallis discovered Tahiti and claimed it for England. The next year, unaware of Wall Louis-Antoine de Bougainville claimed Tahiti for France. For years Tahiti remained a pawn in the struggle for power in the Pacific between these two countries.  Captain Cook visited the islands in 1769, 1773, 1774, and 1777. He charted and wrote about the islands.

      By the early 1800’s Tahiti enjoyed an active trade in salt pork, copra, pearls, and sandalwood. By the end of the nineteen century all islands currently making up French Polynesia had been annexed by France and was governed by her until 1957 when it became a territorire d’ outré-mer with a governor in Papeete, and a council and territorial assembly elected in five constituencies.

      In 1977 France granted partial internal self-government. Now French Polynesia is an autonomous Territory of the French Republic having two elected members in the French National Assembly, one in the Senate, and one representative in the European Parliament.

      The French government appoints a High Commissioner who takes care of matters relating to the Territory defense, foreign policy, law and order, and communications. The president of the Territorial Government is elected by the 41 member Territorial Assembly. He has control of international affairs as it affects French Polynesia.

      The Territorial Assembly has financial autonomy and legislative authority within the Territory. Local government is conducted by municipalities

      Between 1975-1989 the French conducted 110 underground nuclear tests in the Territory. Because of great worldwide controversy and protests, the French declared in 1992 all testing be suspended. Due to the loss of jobs and the effect on the local economy France compensated the Territory with 7 billion francs.

      In 1993 the Territorial Assembly formulated an economic, social, and cultural plan to diversify the economy, thus reducing its dependence on France. France gave 26 billion francs for the implementation of these plans over a five-year period.

      Until 1960 the main economy was agricultural. The nuclear testing changed that. Tourism became an important industry. The workforce has been drawn away from agriculture and fishing to work in a variety of service jobs, an industry which employs 70% of the working population.

      Coconut in the form of coconut oil is a major export. The vanilla industry is declining. Coffee, vegetables and fruit are grown for domestic consumption, as are cattle, horses, pigs, goats, and sheep. Needless to say construction is a booming industry. Cultured black pearls are a big export item. The territory is increasingly dependent on imports, 50% of which come from France.