But their laid-back character belies a turbulent history, when the great empires of the Mediterranean fought over the islands, leaving monumental evidence of their rule in their wake.
In the wake of this scandal, other critics raised general concerns about the islands' secrecy, their allegedly poor enforcement of regulation and their poor co-operation with other jurisdictions.
Former Five Islands School head Bryce Wilby was suspended then left this year in the wake of allegations of financial irregularities, which he has denied.