Busby Islet

Busby Islet is an uninhabited islet located in the Indian Ocean, about southeast of the tip of Mozambique. It is part of a group of four islands collectively known as the Mozambique Channel Islands. The group is about midway between the African mainland and the islands of Madagascar and Mauritius. Administratively, Busby Islet is part of Pemba Island District, off the north-eastern coast of Mozambique.

History

Busby Islet was first seen by Europeans in 1507 when Portuguese explorer Estevão da Gama passed nearby. It was not charted until 1772 by the British Captain George Powell who named it after Vice-Admiral Sir Richard Busby, commander of a squadron that had unsuccessfully attacked Zanzibar in 1817. In 1906 German naval cartographer Heinrich Krebs surveyed the islands and noted their coral reefs, although he mistakenly considered the islet of Renzeme to be a separate and larger unit. Portuguese explorers Abel Vicente Monteiro Mascarenhas in 1854 and Jorge Frutuoso Barreiros in 1870 also surveyed Busby Islet, as well as Renzeme Island, which they took for an independent large island.

Climate

Busby Islet has a tropical climate with temperatures averaging 25 degrees Celsius. The islet experiences occasional cyclones and heavy rains. The coastal areas of Busby Island receive heavy rains in the monsoon season, with flooding and hurricanes. The sheltered interior is a “dry” during this time and experiences little to no rain. During the dry period some agriculture takes place on small scale at short distances from the coastline, but otherwise there is relatively little activity or occupation by humans other than goats and chickens for subsistence purposes.

Culture

The people of Busby Island are subsistence farmers who grow maize, cassava and sweet potatoes. They also raise livestock including cattle, donkeys and pigs. They are an animist culture with a strong spiritual connection to their ancestors. The island’s traditional religion is called “Ndengele” which is based on the worship of ancestral spirits known as patas (magic beings). Busby Island has many legends and myths about tarawalawa whose strange behavior can be interpreted as a manifestation of the souls of their dead ancestors.

Politics

Busby Island is part of the Comoros archipelago which is a member of the African Union. The island’s main political parties are the Union for Democracy and Social Progress (UDPS), led by Mohamed Abdallah Mohamoud, and the National Congress for Government Reform (CNGR), led by Ali Mougoulam. The archipelago’s president was elected in 2013 by a 51.3% majority with the remaining 48.7% split between various smaller parties and movements not affiliated to any of these main political groups that stand for different ideologies and interests, including French language schools based on accommodation policies favored by certain individuals.

Government services

There is no formal government on Busby Island. There is, however, a mayor who chairs the island’s municipal council. The main sources of income for the island’s residents are subsistence farming and fishing. There are no hospitals or other essential services available on the island. Residents must travel to Moroni (the capital of Comoros) for medical treatment or other necessities.

Tourism

The population of Busby Island is estimated to be just over 2,000 residents. The majority of the island’s residents are of Comorian descent. There are also a number of foreign workers on the island who work in the tourism industry. Tourists usually visit the island to relax on its white sandy beaches. The main town was partially renovated in 2006–2012 by donating US$300,000 from Comoros. There are three hotels as well a hostel and 4 restaurants located throughout the island’s capital city of N’Goromba (5 km away).

The culture is fully dominated by Islam—the majority practice Islam, 99% Shia Muslim with Sunni Salafist influence, and the few Christians that live on the island adhere to Protestantism. The remainder of residents remain pagan animists who worship locally exclusively between November-February for two days a week before moving away due to heavy rain.

Transport

There is no formal transportation on Busby Island. Residents must rely on small boats to transport goods and people between the island’s villages. The only route that connects the capital with other parts of the island is a dirt road that has been in poor condition for many years. There are also several bridges connecting different parts of the island, but they are often unused due to frequent flooding. The roads around the island are also in poor condition and do not support vehicles larger than a mini-van.

Major industries

The economy of Busby Island relies on fishing, farming (cassava), water management, handicrafts and tourism. There has never been any industry that exists on this island since it was discovered by Europeans more than 600 years ago. The only job available to residents is the ownership of small farms or small shops which mostly sell food or general supplies needed by the villagers. The locals can often be seen harvesting cassava and millet to supplement their diets during the harsh rain season, which lasts from October through March.

Cuisine

The cuisine of Busby Island is largely dependent on the availability of fresh seafood. The island’s main dish is bouillon (a soup made with fish or chicken stock, onion, and herbs) which can be flavoured with a variety of spices including cumin, chili pepper, and garlic. There are also many other local dishes that include meat such as mutton or goat curry. Maligaya, a type of glazed food on the island is also popular. Local residents often consume this dish after prayers. Cuisine is consumed by all people of Busby Island. Everyone eats, including all the young men who have already moved out to mother towns in larger cities and cities like Moroni and even Victoria on Grande Comore islands.

Wildlife

The main wildlife that can be found on Busby Island includes elephants, buffalo, and lions. There are also many other small animals such as monkeys and antelopes. The island is also home to a large number of wild cats, including leopards and servals.

Economy

There are several small-scale fishing boats that operate along the coastline in order to catch fish, shrimp and lobsters. Other than picking up merchandise on board car ferries or coming by plane or ferry from N’Goromba there isn’t a better means of traversing here other than using your own horsepower as there is little or no road connectivity.

Conclusion

Busby Islet is a small uninhabited island located in the middle of the Bay of Bengal. It is located about 36 km from Port Blair, the capital city of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. The island is home to a large colony of Royal Bengal Flamingos.

FAQ

What Is The Population Of Busby Islet?

There is no current estimate of the population of Busby Islet.

Are There Any Resorts On Or Around Busby Island?

No, there are currently no resorts located on or around Busby Island.

What Is The Currency Of Busby Islet?

There is no current estimate for the monetary needs of Busby Islet.

How Does Busby Island Contribute To Employment In India?

Busby Island offers its visitors eco-tourism and wildlife tourism options. These make great economic contribution towards needful industries as well, even though there are no resorts yet set up on or around real island with water connectivity. The tourists’ feedback of enjoyments with fishes, flamingoes and birds is what keeps them coming back.

What Are The Weather Related Issues That Can Affect Busby Islet?

There is constant occurrence of rains in the year and heavy winds from October to March.