Eustatia Island Pear Island, a designated National Park, features a number of beaches and hiking trails. Necker Island, a world-famous Virgin Limited Edition luxury retreat, and Mosquito Island, are both owned by British billionaire, Sir Richard Branson. A variety of tropical flora and fauna including, jasmine, hibiscus, bougainvillea, tamarind, frangipani, allemande, honey suckle, cacti and succulents are found throughout the island. One of the largest mature coconut palm plantations in the BVI is located on the main beach of Eustatia Island. Bird species include sea gulls, pelicans, frigates, boobies, hummingbirds, and doves. Several species of lizards including wood slave, ground, saddleback, and
Jacques Necker according to his daughter in her "Vie privée de Mr. Necker" he was made director-general of the royal treasury and not Controller-General of Finance which was impossible because of his Protestant faith. Necker refused a salary, but he was not admitted to the Royal Council. He gained popularity through regulating the government's finances by attempting to divide the "taille" and the capitation tax more equally, abolishing a tax known as the "vingtième d'industrie," (a value-added tax) and establishing "monts de piété" (pawnshop-like establishments for loaning money on security). Necker tried through careful reforms (abolition of pensions, mortmain, droit de suite