By Antonio Dey| HGP Nightly News |
A fast-moving news cycle on Tuesday saw a major crackdown on offshore shell companies in Antigua, the fatal shooting of a high-profile fugitive in Jamaica, and a deepening political crisis in the United Kingdom centered on the Jeffrey Epstein scandal. Here is your evening news brief.
Antigua & Barbuda: 13,500 IBCs Struck Off Corporate Registry
Prime Minister Gaston Browne has announced a massive “cleanup” of the nation’s offshore sector, revealing that approximately 13,500 International Business Companies (IBCs) have been struck off the corporate registry. This move is part of a broader push to strengthen Antigua and Barbuda’s compliance with global tax transparency and beneficial ownership standards.
- Regulatory Drive: The Prime Minister emphasized that the removals targeted entities failing to meet strictly enforced compliance requirements, rather than being a sign of neglect.
- Cleaning Up the Sector: An additional 3,500 companies have reportedly undergone voluntary dissolution. Browne noted that these actions distinguish the country’s commitment to international standards monitored by the Global Forum and the CFATF.
- Offshore Banking Reform: The news comes as the government also monitors two additional offshore banks currently in administration, signaling a tightening of the entire financial services sector.
Jamaica: Wanted Man “Elf” Killed in Police Shootout
In St. Andrew, the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) has confirmed the death of Effin Clarke, better known as “Elf,” during an early-morning confrontation with lawmen on Tuesday, February 10.
- The Incident: Around 3:00 AM, officers from the St. Andrew Central Police Division engaged Clarke in the Land Lease area. The JCF reports that Clarke was fatally shot during the exchange.
- Fugitive Status: Clarke was a high-profile target of the JCF’s “Wanted Wednesday” campaign. He was sought for multiple violent crimes, though specific charges in his latest warrants were not immediately detailed in the field report.
International: Keir Starmer Defiant Amid Mandelson-Epstein Scandal
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer is facing the most severe crisis of his 19-month premiership following explosive revelations regarding his appointment of Peter Mandelson as U.S. Ambassador.
- The Resignation: Starmer’s Chief of Staff, Morgan McSweeney, resigned on Sunday, taking full responsibility for advising the PM to appoint Mandelson despite known ties to Jeffrey Epstein.
- Police Investigation: The Metropolitan Police have launched a criminal investigation into Mandelson for potential misconduct in public office. New documents suggest Mandelson may have leaked market-sensitive government information to Epstein during the 2008 financial crisis.
- Starmer’s Defense: Despite calls to resign from Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar and Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch, Starmer remained defiant on Tuesday, stating he will not walk away from his mandate. He has apologized to Epstein’s survivors, claiming he was “lied to” by Mandelson regarding the “darkness” of his relationship with the financier.
