PRESSURE is continuing over the Sark Lark.
Just days after the Guernsey Financial Services Commission said it was making inquiries, Sark News has again detailed claims about the involvement of some Sark residents.
The publication is released with the approval of Brecqhou owners Sir David and Sir Frederick Barclay. Its latest investigation is based on the Panamanian online company register, which it says is an indication of what is going on.
‘It is no surprise to Sark News that Guernsey was recently excluded from the EU “white list’ of financial centres – not as long as this sort of activity is allowed to go on right under Guernsey’s nose,’ it says.
The Sark Lark came to prominence in the 1990s and involved islanders being paid to be directors of companies about which they often knew little or nothing.
These companies then benefited from favourable taxation and avoided certain legislation.
In 2000, 575 Sark residents held 15,000 company directorships between them.
Article posted on 8th July, 2008 - 2.29pm
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10 Article Comments
Unfortunately it would appear that the GP have been duped into this on-going propaganda excercise to stir-up some murky old stagnant issues.
Sark fiduciary businesses, like those in Guernsey, are now properly regulated and licensed by the GFSC.
Any shady old cowboys have long since left town for the joys of sunnier climes and less regulation.
For the sake of everyone let’s move on and dance to a new tune of shared optimism for the future.
I completely agree with Mr Powell.
In addition, the quality of the ‘research’ which appears to have been conducted in collating the latest edition of Sark News is, frankly, risible. The leaps of faith required to reach most of the conclusions drawn are simply incredible.
What is not funny, however, is the manner in which Sark News seeks to besmirch the names of people who are not (and have never been) involved in the Sark Lark.
I agree with the two above comments. Sark News certainly does nothing to encourage visitors to the island and does nothing but make derogatory comments on even the structures there. Sad day that Brechou was sold and I’m sure the present Seigneur of Sark would agree on that one. Big mistake.
The Dame of Sark selling Breqhou without thinking carefully about this acts long term consequences is one of the sadest chapters of Channel Islands history in a 800 year span. The ancient legacy needs to be made to count for something again before its to late. The idea that fuedalism has a place in the modern world is not it either.
Please do not delete this comment or say it”needs moderation”, for it is the truth.
Po boy has a solution that will be posted soon if this comment is allowed to stand.
For Po Boys’ information: Brechou is still a TENEMENT of SARK. First TENANCY was sold to Leonard Joseph Matchan who retained the tenancy from 1966-1987 when he died. The second TENANT are the Barclay Brothers when they bought the TENANCY in 1993. The Dame of Sark DID NOT sell Brechou as an entity. The island of Brechou is still a PART of Sark and only the tenancy is sold.
Much to the annoyance of the brothers Grimm.
Why give Sark News any credence? It is the most negative, boring editorial I’ve read in a long time!
Sark News is not an editorial. It is the Propaganda paper of the the Barclay twins. It`s sole purpose is to show what life will be like once the Barclays gain control of the Island.
Anything that is community based is rubbished, Shipping,Community centre,Societe Sercquaise,Seneschal,and Seigneur. All these are not controlled by them.Therefore they are a threat
Divide and conquer
WELL SAID Peter Stisted! Couldn’t have put it better myself. So much for modern day feudalism!
Why are the Barclays so intent on changing the way of life for Sarkees - they are not doing anyone any harm? If people don’t want to live there they can move. What are they to gain from all this propaganda?
They are tucked away in their awesome castle on Brequou - where security ensures they are allowed complete privacy whilst they continue to interfere in the lives of Sarkees. Are they ever seen in Sark, do they ever attend meetings or do they send in their lawyers and spokesmen to do their dirty work?
I am not a Sarkee, neither am i a regular visitor (in fact i haven’t been there for years) but i am a fervent supporter of independence.
merlin,in reply to your question 16 july.
Some people think the Barclays view Sark as a business, to be taken over,not a community.If you are not “for”them they aim to make life so unpleasant that you will want to leave.Unfortunatly some of us have nowhere else to go. And you have seen nothing yet. the nearer to December the more foul the paper will become. This is a business ripe for takeover. Don`t worry about human suffering.