Mustique Island History

Mustique Island, like many of its Caribbean neighbors, has distinct pre and post-Columbian periods. The Carib and Arawak tribes were the first inhabitants of Mustique Island until the Europeans showed up to use the land for crop cultivation in their New-World triangle trade. The British were the first to develop Mustique Island by constructing barricades and forts to defend against the French. Sugar was the source of revenue on Mustique Island, though the thriving industry fell on hard times as cheaper sorts of cane were found elsewhere in the Caribbean. Eventually the farm system of Mustique Island fell to staple crops such as cotton and corn while the land became divided into private estates.

Colin Tennant played a large role in the history of Mustique Island, purchasing the tropical paradise in 1958. A growing population and produce export business led to a resurgence in economic stability. Ten years later, the Mustique Company was founded on Mustique Island to oversea environmental controls while expounding the virtues of a revamped tourism industry. Today, Mustique Island offers an airport and modern communications system to accompany its tropical escape appeal.