Republic of Marshall Islands as offshore tax haven USA
Marshall Islands the Offshore Company Incorporation Service Heaven The Republic of the Marshall Islands becomes the jurisdiction of choice for publicly trade companies in the USA. For the past couple of years, Marshall Islands companies have led the way in new shipping company IPOs (initial public offerings) on both the NYSE and NASDAQ in New York. With a dozen Marshall Islands shipping companies now publicly trading and more to come, it is clear that professionals, such as lawyers, bankers and underwriters, trust the reputation of the Marshall Islands Corporate Registry and the corporate law of the Marshall Islands. This corporate law, known as the Republic of the Marshall Islands Business Corporations Act, is modeled on the corporate law of the US state of Delaware, which is widely regarded as the most progressive and successful onshore corporate jurisdiction in the world. Lawyers in particular appreciate the flexibility and dependability of the Marshall Islands corporate program. According to Mr. Antonios Backos, who is a partner at the successful New York law firm of Healy Baillie, LLP, the Marshall Islands has become the jurisdiction of choice for offshore public companies because "As corporate governance issues increase in importance for public and private companies alike, having a set of rules in an offshore jurisdiction that is more akin to current Delaware law facilitates boards and their advisors in developing best corporate practices." The Marshall Islands ...

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Republic of Marshall Islands as offshore tax haven USA - Video

Paddling through history Harbor tour explores local wildlife and history

When a fellow harbor buddy greeted him as Lord Disneyland, Mike Lamm smiled.

He was, after all, standing near his Animatronic Channel Islands pygmy mammoth the only one in the world, as far as Lamm knows at Channel Islands Harbor in Oxnard.

The shaggy, chest-high replica of an extinct species unique to the local islands is a star feature of harbor kayak tours offered by Lamms company, Channel Islands Kayak Center.

The 53-year-old champion surfer has assembled items beneath a wharf to give mainland-bound visitors a taste of island history and wildlife. A mural depicting sea life is supplemented by day-glo starfish that, during night tours in the summer, pop out under black light displays. Amid harbor rocks, props provide child-friendly scenes as tour guides roll through colorful island history.

Photo by Anthony Plascencia, Ventura County Star

Mike Lamm, a champion surfer who owns Channel Islands Kayak Center, sets up an Animatronic pygmy mammoth, Chippy, for a kayaking tour of the Channel Islands Harbor this month. Lamm uses the mammoth, a life-size replica of an extinct species unique to the Channel Islands, and other props to share island history with visitors who take the tour.

There were sunken ships and pirates, Lamm said, as well as Spanish explorers and Chumash culture.

The idea for the motorized pygmy mammoth arose after Lamm met some effects guys while buying faux rock material for his displays. He hired Ron Pardini of CIFX Inc. in Santa Fe Springs, whose credits include Men in Black and who has worked for Disneyland, Universal Studios and other theme parks.

Hes pretty unlimited, Lamm said of Pardinis work.

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Pygmy mammoth model adds prehistory to Channel Islands Harbor kayak tours

LORETO, Mexico, Feb. 25, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Villa del Palmar at the Islands of Loreto, the newest member of Villa Group Resorts and Baja's first "million-star" resort, today announced plans for a spectacular new 18-hole golf course, as well as a 240-home residential community. The course, which will be designed by the famed golf course architects at Rees Jones Golf Course Design, Inc., will open its first nine holes to the public in the fall of 2014. Residential lots will go on sale next year, as well.

Groundbreaking for the golf course, which is adjacent to the resort, will begin in June 2013. The property's natural incline will be maximized in the course design so that every hole will offer magnificent views of both Danzante Bay and the Sea of Cortez to the East, as well as the Sierra de la Giganta mountain range to the West.

"When I first saw the land where we are building this golf course, I was stunned by the amazing beauty of both the mountains and water that surround it," said Owen Perry, owner and president of Villa Group."Sunrise each day gives the mountains a brownish hue and when the sun sets at night, they turned a vibrant red. And the views of the bay are without question some of the best I've ever seen. We're literally carving this golf course into this incredible setting while maintaining all of its natural beauty, and we can't wait to for it to be done so our guests can enjoy it, too."

Golf is one of the most popular activities for guests at Villa Group properties throughout Mexico and bringing this level of golf to Loreto has always been part of the Master Plan for the resort.

The other significant part of the Master Plan that will accompany the development of the golf course is the sale of 240 home sites near the property. Residential lots will go on sale in 2014 and home building will be able to begin shortly thereafter. The home sites will offer the same great sea-to-mountain views as available at Villa del Palmar at the Islands of Loreto and will make perfect year-round or vacation homes for their owners.

Villa del Palmar at the Islands of Loreto provides unique beauty, authentic culture, and access to truly unparalleled sporting opportunities, including deep sea fishing, snorkeling, hiking, fishing, diving, mountain biking, and, soon, golf.

The Islands of Loreto, located on the east coast of the Baja California Peninsula on the Sea of Cortez, is known for its quiet beaches, scenic vistas, rich history and astounding natural habitats. The region caters to adventurous travelers, as well as people looking for a getaway where they can enjoy the beauty and authentic culture of the region without the commotion of heavily-trafficked Mexican destinations. The destination is fast becoming an alternative for travelers looking for a slower pace with all the options and amenities they have come to expect from a vacation in Mexico.

For more information about Villa del Palmar, Alaska Airlines travel packages, or to book, contact your preferred travel professional, visit http://www.villadelpalmarloreto.com/ or call 866.209.0726 from the U.S. or 855.440.5590 from Canada.

ABOUT VILLA DEL PALMAR Baja's First Million Star Resort Villa del Palmar at the Islands of Loreto is a self-contained destination resort on the Sea of Cortez, off the eastern coast of the Baja peninsula overlooking Danzante Island (one of five in the region). It features 181 new, spacious, beautifully appointed Deluxe Ocean View, one, two and three bedroom Suites with balcony or terrace, stunning ocean views, mountain views, outstanding restaurants, an attentive English-speaking staff, five swimming pools, a 39,000 square feet Spa, two tennis courts, beautiful beaches and a mild and warm climate year-round. The New York Times lists Loreto in its Top Ten Places to go in 2011. The travel article featuring the Islands of Loreto, Baja California South, Mexico ranked first among readers.

Guests can enjoy scuba and snorkeling tours in the protected Marine Park within the five prominent Loreto Islands, horseback riding, swimming, world-class fishing (catch a Dorado and bring it home to have a Villa del Palmar at the Islands of Loreto chef prepare it for you), paddle boarding, kayaking, whale watching and mountain biking. With complimentary shuttle service, guests can explore the historic town at the Islands of Loreto and visit the 1697 mission that made the town famous. The area is also known for its wildlife, including the 900 species of fish off the coast and in an area that has been declared a World Heritage Site. Hotel perks include a spa and fitness center, massages, salsa dance lessons and movie nights for children.

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Villa Del Palmar At The Islands Of Loreto Announces Plans For New Rees Jones-Designed Golf Course And 240-Home ...

Published: Feb. 25, 2013 at 4:15 PM

BEIJING, Feb. 25 (UPI) -- Activities by Japan regarding a group of islands in the East China Sea are "illegal and invalid," a spokeswoman for China's foreign ministry said Monday.

The remarks by Hua Chunying were in response to a speech last week by Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, the state-run Xinhua news agency reported.

Abe said Japan's sovereignty over the islands, known as the Senkaku Islands by Japan as the Diaoyu Islands by China and Taiwan, wasn't questioned from 1895-1971.

Hua said Abe's claims during the speech were "ridiculous."

"The Diaoyu Islands are an inherent part of China's territory," she said at a news briefing.

The spokeswoman said Japan "did not fulfill its due international obligations" after the end of World War II, by failing to return the islands to China.

"All Japanese activities regarding the Diaoyu Islands are based on illegal theft and occupation and are therefore illegal and invalid," she said.

The islands represent little in terms of land mass but control over the group involves fishing rights and ownership of possible natural resources, such as oil, under the seabed.

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China: Japan's claims to islands 'invalid'

People flock to Okinawa's remote Yaeyama Islands for rich nature and unique Okinawa culture remained to this day. The islands show the latest sustainable tourism, balancing between tourism development and their amazingly rich nature.

NEW YORK, Feb. 26, 2013 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Okinawa, the southernmost Japanese archipelago, will become even more of a cultural draw to global travelers in March 2013. Renovated Ishigaki Airport will reopen on March 7, welcoming international adventure seekers and cultural explorers to the surrounding Yayeyama Islands, where Okinawa's tradition and culture still reign supreme. Near the airport is the new luxury accommodation, JUSANDI (pronounced yusandi), offering 5 suite villas on a private beach adjacent to the famous Blue Cave.

Located about an hour's flight from Okinawa's main island and 1,240 miles from Tokyo, the 32 Yaeyama islands are Japan's paradise lost, rich with traditional Ryukyu culture, the original kingdom of Okinawa that ended only in the 19th century. The area is one of world's top scuba-diving spots, thanks to crystal-clear waters and the atoll that surrounds Okinawa. On the east side of Ishigaki is the world's largest blue coral leaves, a rare habitat of giant manta rays, and a brilliant starry night sky that showcases over 86 constellations out of the total of 88. Even the Southern Cross comes into view from January through June. The islands also boast mangrove habitats, where visitors can join unique kayaking tours that travel through natural mangrove forests.

In order to foster access to magnificent rich nature without disturbing the environment's natural assets, development of the Yaeyamas focuses on eco-tourism and eco-friendly structures. Even the new Ishigaki Airport is designed to protect the local ecology and promote sustainable tourism on the islands. Thanks to their remote location, all Yaeyama islands boast most of Okinawa's time-honored traditions, including traditional architecture, music, pottery, and a local cuisine that promotes longevity, which together inspire a new generation of artists.

In the second decade of the 21st century, visitors to the Yaeyama Islands will appreciate the efforts to balance international tourism with Okinawa's natural beauty and unique culture that has been cultivated over the centuries. Best of all, Ishigaki's new airport gives direct access from all major cities in Japan, including two international airports in Tokyo, giving greater opportunity for travelers to experience this hidden and well-preserved Okinawan paradise.

Japan National Tourism Organization nakashi@jntonyc.org

http://www.japantravelinfo.com

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Okinawa's Remote Yaeyama Islands Promote Sustainable Tourism With New Airport and Hotels in March 2013

DOT art collection for sale. painted in the Faroe Islands
This is a very nice art collection made by the danish artist DOT. This is the newest collection which I have bought. I would like to sell the collection piece by piece or the complete collection together. Comments please. Contact me on tp@tur.fo

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DOT art collection for sale. painted in the Faroe Islands - Video

by Agence France-Presse Posted on 02/24/2013 4:48 PM |Updated 02/24/2013 4:49 PM

EAST CHINA SEA ISLANDS known as Diaoyu by Beijing and Senkaku by Tokyo. Photo courtesy of Japan Security Watch, New Pacific Institute

TOKYO, Japan - Japan said three Chinese surveillance ships entered its territorial waters off disputed East China Sea islands on Sunday, February 24, hours after one of Beijing's fisheries patrol boats sailed into the zone.

The three marine surveillance ships entered the 12-nautical-mile territorial zone off Uotsuri, one of the Senkaku islands, shortly before 1:00 pm (0400 GMT), the Japan Coast Guard said in a statement.

The incident came hours after Japan said a Chinese fisheries patrol boat briefly entered the territorial waters off another disputed island on Sunday morning.

Beijing claims the Japanese-controlled islands in the East China Sea, which it calls the Diaoyus.

The incidents were the latest in a series since Tokyo nationalised three islands in the chain in September, in what it said was just an administrative change of ownership.

The same Chinese fisheries patrol ship briefly entered the territorial zone on Saturday, as Japan's leader vowed he would not tolerate Beijing's incursions into the area.

Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, who was on his first visit to the United States since he took office in late December, said Japan "simply cannot tolerate any challenge now and in the future" to its control of the islands.

"No nation should make any miscalculation or underestimate the firmness of our resolve," Abe said Friday in Washington.

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Chinese ships in disputed Japan islands

By: PNA/Itar-Tass February 25, 2013 8:38 PM

Top of view od Spratly Islands, AFP file photo

InterAksyon.com The online news portal of TV5

BEIJING -- Chinas ships continue their fishery patrol mission around Nansha Islands (also called the Spratly Islands) in the South China Sea to safeguard the legitimate interests of Chinese fishermen, the chief of the South China Sea fishery bureau under the Ministry of Agriculture, said on Sunday.

He noted that routine fishery patrols in the territorial waters surrounding the Nansha Islands will be the top priority for this year.

Patrol missions will be carried out around the Xisha Islands (also called the Paracel Islands), Beibu Gulf and the Huangyan Islands. As far as China enlarges the fleet of patrol vessels, the number of supervision missions will increase.

China has been in a territorial dispute with many countries of the region over the Xisha Islands, the Nansha Islands and the Huangyan Islands in the South China Sea, where huge hydrocarbon reserves had been discovered. This row more or less involves Vietnam, the Philippines, Malaysia, Brunei and Taiwan.

In 2012 Chinas fishery patrol ships had been patrolling waters around the Nansha Islands for 182 days.

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China ships continue patrol mission around Spratly Islands

Islands, Rough Gem [Feat. Subtitle]
For listening purposes. All rights to Islands and Rough Trade Records. Music from the Rough Gem single, 2006. . . . . . . Tags: Islands, Rough Gem, Subtitle, Remix, The Unicorns, Nick Diamonds

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Islands, Rough Gem [Feat. Subtitle] - Video

Islands, Big Bluff
For listening purposes. All rights to Islands and Rough Trade Records. Music from the Rough Gem single, 2006. . . . . . . Tags: Islands, Rough Gem, Single, Big Bluff, Nick Diamonds

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Islands, Big Bluff - Video

Scenes from the Galapagos Islands
Photos from our trip to the Galapagos Islands

By: Judith Ritchie

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Scenes from the Galapagos Islands - Video

Glamorous Islands (@SergioJayYanez) Jerkin Mix
Made a mix to glamorous (: listen and tell me if you like it Follow me on twitter @SergioJayYanez

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Glamorous Islands (@SergioJayYanez) Jerkin Mix - Video

xx islands
xx 2/12/13 @ACL Moody Theatre

By: brandy dance

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xx islands - Video

Retaking the Diaoyu Islands, a New Policy by Xi-Li?
Follow us on TWITTER: twitter.com Like us on FACEBOOK: http://www.facebook.com Retaking the Diaoyu (Senkaku) Islands is likely one of three major new polices under the new Xi-Li administration. Reportedly, the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) new leader Xi Jinping will take tough actions after taking office in March. In late March, the CCP regime may launch an offensive against Japan, to seize back the Diaoyu (Senkaku) Islands. Commentators say that the CCP hypes nationalism aiming to fuel public emotion and divert discontent from the regime. Will the Diaoyu Islands issue evolve into a real war between China and Japan? The majority think it #39;s unlikely. Let #39;s see what reasons have driven to this conclusion. On March 15, CCP new leaders Xi Jinping and Li Keqiang will assume office. The latest issue of Japan #39;s Sh #363;kan Gendai magazine quoted a source of CCP senior official. He mentioned an old Chinese saying, "A new official applies strict measures." The informant said that the Xi-Li administration will follow their predecessors to initiate three major new polices. Ten years ago when taking office, Hu Jintao and Wen Jiabao put forth three new polices. Those were "combating SARS, holding Six-Party Talks, and and coping with the war in Iraq." So, under the reign of Xi-Li, retaking the Diaoyu (Senkaku) Islands is likely to be listed as one new policy, said the Japanese magazine article. According to the CCP senior official, Xi Jinping vigorously promoted Sino-Taiwan free trade agreement in ...

By: China ForbiddenNews

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Retaking the Diaoyu Islands, a New Policy by Xi-Li? - Video

How to Make Floating Islands in Minecraft Part 2
Wherein I fumble and bumble around, all whilst telling you how to do stuff. Play minecraft with us at minecraft.Shockslayer.com, or visit our forums and chat with us at forums.Shockslayer.com

By: TTSGEB

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How to Make Floating Islands in Minecraft Part 2 - Video

22 February 2013 Last updated at 20:25 ET

Corruption has come to dominate the news in Spain. Scandals have engulfed the government and royal family. But the Balearic islands are under particular suspicion - linked to a third of the current scandals. The BBC's Tom Burridge in Palma investigates.

In the Santa Catalina market in a middle-class neighbourhood of Mallorca's capital, Palma, there is widespread scepticism over politics - and politicians.

"All of them," shout a chorus of women gathered around Julia Jimenez's butcher stall, when I ask how many politicians in Spain are corrupt.

It is a perception that is hard to shift, even if Transparency International rates Spain as relatively clean - the 30th least corrupt country, joint with Botswana, above Portugal and well above Italy.

Bernardo Contesti, 42, who owns a fourth-generation family-run fruit and veg business, believes corruption has been fuelled by the Spanish property boom and excesses of the past.

"Everyone seems to have some dirty laundry that needs cleaning," he sighs.

One of the most famous scandals linked to the Balearic Islands is known as Palma Arena - a complicated web of investigations which have led to allegations against Inaki Urdangarin, the Duke of Palma and the Spanish king's son-in-law.

The accusation is that, through a "non-for-profit" company, he massively overcharged the regional governments of Valencia and the Balearic islands for organising sporting events.

He has not been charged with any criminal offence and denies any wrongdoing. However the investigations by state prosecutors are ongoing.

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Corruption casts shadow on Spanish islands

Territorial bickering aside, the Falkland Islands have been rather disappointing to the oil industry since the 2011 discovery of 1.4 billion barrels of oil in the North Falkland Basin, Alic writes.

Next month will determine the eventual fate of the Falkland Islandsand the 1.4 billion barrels of oil so far discovered therewhen a referendum on self-determination is held.

offers extensive coverage of all energy sectors from crude oil and natural gas to solar energy and environmental issues. To see more opinion pieces and news analysis that cover energy technology, finance and trading, geopolitics, and sector news, please visitOilprice.com.

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In the run-up to that referendum, Argentina has stepped up the rhetoric, most recently with the Argentine Foreign Minister claiming that within 20 years, the Falkland Islands will be entirely under Argentinas control.

UK Foreign Secretary William Hague has responded by calling this a counterproductive fantasy. Hague says the government of Argentine President Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner has refused diplomatic dialogue and chosen instead a path of bullying.

We shall never negotiate about the sovereignty of the islands, unless the islanders wish it, Hague said.

For now, the Falklands are a British Overseas Territory, but Argentina claims sovereignty over the islands, which it calls Las Malvinas. Its a rather long and complicated history that has seen the islands change hands numerous times, but first inhabited by the French back in 1764. In 1982, Britain and Argentina fought a 10-week war over the islands. One can argue all day about whom the islands really belong to, but that will get us nowhere.

Whats relevant is what todays inhabitants want.(Related article:The Real Reason Behind Argentina's Renewed Interest in the Falkland Islands)

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The future of oil on the Falkland Islands

Young The Giant - Islands (Sean Mackey Remix)
Here is another stellar song from Sean Mackey. Facebook: http://www.facebook.com Sean Mackey Youtube: http://www.youtube.com Soundcloud: soundcloud.com Twitter: twitter.com Facebook: http://www.facebook.com This song is freely available on his Soundcloud.

By: EDMHorizon

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Young The Giant - Islands (Sean Mackey Remix) - Video

KAREN QUINCY LOBERG/THE STAR Dr. Richard Rush, president of California State University Channel Islands, delivers his "State of the University" speech at the Camarillo Chamber of Commerce's annual Connection Luncheon on Wednesday at Spanish Hills Country Club in Camarillo.02-20-2013CAMARILLO, CA$RETURN$$RETURN$

KAREN QUINCY LOBERG/THE STAR Micah Cookes (center), a liberal studies major, listens to the president of her school, Dr. Richard Rush with California State University Channel Islands at the Camarillo Chamber of Commerce's annual Connection Luncheon on Wednesday at Spanish Hills Country Club in Camarillo. 02-20-2013 CAMARILLO, CA$RETURN$$RETURN$

KAREN QUINCY LOBERG/THE STAR Andrea Mozqueda (left) and Valerie Valdez, both communication majors at California State University Channel Islands, share each other's company at the Camarillo Chamber of Commerce's annual Connection Luncheon on Wednesday at Spanish Hills Country Club in Camarillo. 02-20-2013CAMARILLO, CA$RETURN$$RETURN$

KAREN QUINCY LOBERG/THE STAR Kathy Long, Ventura County supervisor (left) and Julia Brownley, United States congresswoman, attend the Camarillo Chamber of Commerce's annual Connection Luncheon on Wednesday at Spanish Hills Country Club in Camarillo. 02-20-2013CAMARILLO, CA$RETURN$$RETURN$

Photo by Karen Quincy Loberg, Karen Quincy Loberg

KAREN QUINCY LOBERG/THE STARSteven Jordan, an economics major at California State University Channel Islands, attends the Camarillo Chamber of Commerce's annual Connection Luncheon on Wednesday at Spanish Hills Country Club in Camarillo. 02-20-2013 CAMARILLO, CA

When Richard Rush walked onto the campus that was to become CSU Channel Islands, he saw water pouring down a wall with exposed wires, a broken pipe repaired with a strip of cloth and rats occupying what is now the Grand Salon.

We had more large raccoons than I had ever seen in my life, said Rush, president of the Camarillo university, whose campus used to be a state hospital. And they claimed ownership.

Since then, the university has won awards for its environmental practices, community work and for being a great college to work for. As Channel Islands celebrates its 10th anniversary this year, its also developing new projects, including a boating center at Channel Islands Harbor and a partnership

with the National Park Service to build a research station on Santa Rosa Island.

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CSU Channel Islands president gives then-and-now look at university, including raccoons

The Cayman Islands has seen a rise in foreign workers despite increasing levies they pay and announcing plans to lift the lid on the tax haven.

The British overseas territory saw its number of foreign workers increase from 19,927 at the end of 2011 to hit almost 21,000 by December 2012, according to the latest figures.

The higher numbers are mainly due to the relaxation of immigration laws which included new five and 10-year work permits for those working in the reinsurance industry.

The Cayman Islands government has also started offering work permits for foreigners investing in its property sector.

These measures have more than helped counteract any expected fall in foreign workers due to a hike in work permit fees.

Last July, the then Cayman Islands premier McKeeva Bush announced controversial plans for a tax on expats salaries. But this was scrapped for fear of scaring off investors and workers, so work permit fees were increased as a consolation.

The rising foreign worker numbers also come at the same times as the Cayman Islands slowly lifts its cloak of secrecy which could result in billions of pounds leaving the territory.

The Cayman Islands have long been seen as a tax haven for the wealthy and secretive thanks to its light money laundering and disclosure rules. Monies held there also enjoy freedom from income tax, along with capital gains and corporation tax.

But pressure is mounting on the worlds fifth largest financial centre to be more transparent and open about investors cash to bring it in line with the likes of London, Switzerland and the Channel Islands, which have all introduced greater accountability.

In response the Cayman Islands Monetary Authority is introducing reforms that will make public the names of thousands of companies and their directors that have previously remained secret.

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More Expats Are Heading To The Cayman Islands Than Ever Before