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Mustique
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Mustique IntroductionPart of the Grenadines, a chain of over 600 islands in the Caribbean Sea, Mustique is a 1,400-acre island favored by celebrities and tycoons for its exclusivity and privacy. Rustic, intimate, and relaxing, Mustique offers all of the typical Caribbean pleasures, such as Caribbean watersports, sunshine, and nine white-sand beaches outlined by palm trees. The entire island is leased from St. Vincent by the Mustique Company, which is dedicated to preserving the privacy, natural environment, and original charm of the destination.Capital Kingstown Language English Politics Mustique is part of the country of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, a parliamentary democracy with a legal system based on English common laws. Population Approximately 1,000 (1,300 during peak season) - Mustique is inhabited by the employees of the Mustique Company and affluent individuals and families who own villas (virtually the only accommodations available on the island). History The Carib and Arawak tribes were Mustique's first inhabitants; then, in the colonial period, the British discovered the island's lucrative natural sugar resources and settled there. When slavery was outlawed and cheaper sources of sugar were discovered in the early 19th century, Mustique's economy dried up, and the island went into decline. Today, a defunct sugar mill, the Cotton House (a West Indian-style plantation estate), and a few forts used for protection against attacks from the French are all that remain of the British influence on the island. Lord Glenconner, Colin Tennant, purchased Mustique in 1958, and the island prospered again under his guidance. In 1960, he offered ten acres of land to Princess Margaret as a wedding gift, and she used the property to build a magnificent estate. Margaret's presence attracted the rich and famous, and this legacy has a strong influence on the essence of the island today. Mick Jagger, Bill Gates, and David Bowie are among the celebrities who currently own property in Mustique. The Mustique Company, dedicated to fostering yet controlling tourism, bought the island in 1968. At the same time, the government of St. Vincent and the Grenadines signed an agreement called the Mustique Company Limited Act, effectively leasing the island to the Mustique Company. Today, Mustique has two Mustique hotels and 100 villas, 65 of which are available to rent. Industry The economy of Mustique is based almost entirely on luxury tourism. Money The Eastern Caribbean Dollar is the local currency. The exchange rate is fixed to the U.S. Dollar at approximately $2.70 (EC) to $1 (USD). The U.S. dollar is accepted across the island, and the Mustique Company can exchange travelers' checks and some foreign currencies, including the Euro. It does not accept personal checks. Sunrise and Sunset Depending on the time of year, the sun rises between 5:30 a.m. and 6:30 a.m. and sets between 5:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. Electricity 220 Volts alternating at 50 cycles per second; universal adapters for North American appliances are available on the island. Time Like most of the Caribbean, Mustique is in the Atlantic Time Zone; Daylight Savings Time is not observed, meaning that the time is the same as Eastern Daylight Time from mid spring through mid fall. Water With a high annual rainfall, Mustique has an abundant supply of potable water. Church Services Sunday services are held at Mustique Christian Assembly Church and Bamboo Church, which is also a popular site for wedding ceremonies. Telephone Calls The area code for Mustique is 784. All calls to other locations on the island are free, while international calls require a fee and can be made using a calling card. Media For a nominal fee, island guests may arrange to have a wide range of newspapers (representing 50 countries and 30 languages) delivered to them. The Mustique Company offers a publication called "What's Happening" to make visitors aware of events happening on the island. Television on Mustique features eleven cable channels, including CNN, NBC, CBS, and BBC. Postal Service Postcards and stamps may be purchased and mailed through the Mustique Company offices, located near Britannia Bay. International courier services, such as Federal Express and DHL, are available through St. Vincent, which is accessible from Mustique by air or ferry service. Library The Mustique Community Library holds approximately 4,000 books and offers a selection of videos available to rent. The public facility also has four computers with high-speed Internet access. |
