Category Archives: Private Islands

One might think that a full bank account, secure mansions, and private islands might keep the rich sane through the coronavirus (Covid-19) crisis. But unfortunately, were seeing meltdowns from the most pampered among us. Here are just five examples of rich people entirely failing to adult through the pandemic.

Oh, Madonna. Holding forth on the coronavirus making us all equals, from your rose-petal-adorned milk bath, while a harp plays in the background? This is batshit behaviour:

Pretty sure the besieged inhabitants of the Gaza Strip have it tougher than you, babe.

But fans and critics alike were begging Madge to exercise a little self-awareness.

Richard Bransons fortune was estimated at $4.1bn as recently as January this year. And his Virgin Group company brings in over 16.6bn a year. Despite this, Branson asked Virgin Atlantic staff to take eight weeks of unpaid leave while they self-isolate and social distance. The average Virgin Atlantic flight attendant earns just over 15k a year. Going eight weeks without pay is simply not an option.

Branson could pay every one of Virgin Groups 69,000 employees 2,000 for the next two months himself for 27.6m. This wouldnt even dent his personal fortune. Instead, hes asking skint staff to bailout his company with their own confiscated salaries.

As if this wasnt insulting enough, Branson also urged the British government to give his industry a 7.5bn taxpayer bailout.

In short, while Branson and Virgin Groups fortunes remain untapped, Virgin staff and the taxpayer keep his company afloat.

No, Richard. Just no.

The pandemic has hit young people, teachers, and parents hard. Students about to sit critical exams have had them deferred indefinitely. Teachers are moving out of their family homes in order to reach the children of key workers while keeping their own families safe. Parents are having to manage work and home-schooling their children. And for some families, all these things are happening at the same time. Its tough.

And yet, rich people problems are still a thing. Wealthy journalist Isabel Oakeshott asked us to spare a thought for her fellow wealthy parents at this difficult time:

Not the most considerate post at a time of national crisis. The response was justifiably withering:

Billionaire US president Donald Trump interrupted his press conference on coronavirus yesterday to bemoan the life of the billionaire. In a bizarre rant that went on for minutes, Trump complained about how tough it is for rich people to run for office:

Only one US president since 1929 was not a millionaire Harry Truman. And Trump is the wealthiest president in US history. This would suggest that wealth is a help rather than a hindrance to power in the United States.

Singer-songwriter Sam Smith has a net worth of $40m (34.35m) and is spending quarantine in their 12m mansion in North London. So when they took to social media to share their quarantine meltdown, Brits were not amused.

As a rule, if youve got a big house, food in your fridge, and healthy lungs right now, stop complaining. Or as one particularly articulate US citizen put it on Twitter:

Featured image via Twitter / Ghostink Wikimedia / Chatham House Wikimedia / Pitony Photography Wikimedia / Gage Skidmore Flickr

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Five rich people who are not handling the coronavirus crisis well at all - The Canary

While area beaches remain closed, spoil islands such as Snake Island, owned by the West Coast Inland Navigation District remain open because theyre technically private property.

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SARASOTA COUNTY Despite beach closures, boaters were able to congregate this weekend at Snake Island, located at the end of Venice Inlet, and other spoil islands technically owned by the West Coast Inland Navigation District, as well as offshore sandbars.

Venice officials have reached out to the district about closing down the island, something that neither the city nor county marine patrol officers can do, unless the district asks for their help.

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Venice Marine Patrol Officer Paul Joyce noted that Snake Island is considered private property even though its technically owned by a public entity, the West Coast Inland Navigation District.

Venice resident Chris Stocke sent a photo of boaters moored near, or beached on, the island to Venice Mayor Rod Feinsod, raising his concerns about the situation.

With the beaches closed, restaurants closed, social distancing, most of us staying home, etc., the partying goes on as normal on Snake Island, Stocke wrote. In my view, this is totally unacceptable and should be stopped as beach-going has.

Feinsod, who has fielded emails from people frustrated by beach closures as well as those who are happy that theyre closed and want to see social distancing enforced more thoroughly, said he hopes the WCIND will ask for help in closing Snake Island and other spoil island areas.

Theyre creating a place where people can gather and, in my opinion, if theres a place where people can gather, they will gather, Feinsod said.

Justin McBride, the executive director of the West Coast Inland Navigation District, was working from home because of social distancing and did not respond to an email asking whether the district would make an attempt to close the spoil islands.

Because of its location near the mouth of the Venice Inlet and near the Crows Nest Marina, Snake Island is one of the more easily observed of the spoil islands created when the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers dredged the Intracoastal Waterway in the 1960s.

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Other well-known islands include Big Edwards Island, Little Edwards Island and Skiers Island, south of the Siesta Key Bridge.

In addition to spoil islands, boaters can moor on large sandbars such as the ones on the south side of Big Pass, north side of New Pass, and the Jewfish Key sandbar, east of Longboat Pass.

Beer Can Beach, a northern extension of Longboat Key, once known as Beer Can Island but now patrolled as a preserve by the city of Longboat Key, is another popular place for boaters to anchor and socialize.

Joyce said, just as with a sandbar at low tide, city, county and state law enforcement do not have jurisdiction on Snake Island and other spoil islands.

Still, law enforcement officials have been doing their best to encourage the revelers to be safe.

Were asking everybody to police themselves, heed the warnings from the president and governor, keep your six-foot distance apart from each other, Joyce said.

Snake Island photos shared on Facebook by Donna Stocke from both Saturday and Sunday also show watercraft from both the Venice Marine Patrol and Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission on the outer edge of the moored boats.

There were a few groups of people that were hanging out together more than 10, but most of those people were close friends or family or something like that, Joyce said.

Until WCIND asks for intervention, local law enforcement can only monitor the situation.

Longboat Key Pass

Along the 10-mile stretch of Longboat Key from the New Pass Bridge to Longboat Pass Bridge, boaters have anchored at sandbars and offshore. Other barrier island locals walk to the beach on Longboat Key and near Beer Can Island to set up chairs.

The beach itself is open, according to Longboat Key Police spokeswoman Tina Adams. But all public beach accesses on Longboat Key are closed. However, those boaters and beach patrons who were on Beer Can Island were doing so in violation of current county beach closures. If they moved south, just about a mile south they would not be in violation.

We would like to reiterate to the public that Greer Island, also known as Beer Can Island, is a Manatee County park and remains closed to all boating and foot traffic, Adams said. This park is located at the north end of Longboat Key. Town of Longboat Key Police will monitor the public beach accesses.

All Longboat Key beach accesses are blocked with traffic barricades and marked with a small sign that says Public Beach Access Closed, noting the danger of COVID-19. It says for more information visit LongboatKey.org.

Other cities on Anna Maria Island also have closed beach accesses but not the beaches. Beachgoers may use the beaches if they follow Centers for Disease Control guidelines and space at least 10 feet apart and limit groups to no more than 10 people.

Cars were parked on both sides of the road on the north side of the Longboat Pass Bridge, which is the right of way. A Bradenton Beach Police officer searched for vehicle owners in the immediate vicinity and issued warnings to others for illegally parking there.

Link:

Coronavirus Florida: Concern raised over boat access to spoil islands - Sarasota Herald-Tribune

BEAVER ISLAND, MI - One of Michigans most remote islands is cautioning people that it should not be considered a safe haven for those seeking to stay away from the spreading threat of the coronavirus pandemic.

Beaver Islands Emergency Services Authority issued a statement on Friday to not only its full-time and seasonal residents, but also to any visitors who might be considering a trip to the island, which sits in Lake Michigan about 27 miles offshore from Charlevoix in Northern Michigan.

It mirrored a statement Bois Blanc island in Lake Huron issued last week. Mackinac Island has also issued a notice on its website, saying that city officials are not advising travel to the island during this time due to the spread of COVID-19, and that all its restaurants, hotels, stores and retail shops are either closed or currently not available to the visiting public.

Beaver Island issued the most strongly-worded explanation against travel.

Coronavirus cases are likely to occur on Beaver Island, and the consequences to those on the Island could be more devastating than in mainland locations with access to medical resources and supplies. The Island is home to numerous individuals with compromised immune systems, as well as many aging and elderly residents who are at greatest risk, said the statement, which was issued by both Kathleen McNamara, the St. James Township supervisor, and William Kohls, the Peaine Township supervisor. Beaver Island and its surrounding archipelago are made up of the two townships.

They want people to know that any travel to Beaver Island is being discouraged by health care providers right now. Beyond the imminent threat of exposure from those traveling in from other parts of the state and country, the Island lacks the medical resources and facilities necessary to provide care to those who may be affected," their statement said.

Unfortunately, this will impact the plans of those who normally return to Beaver Island in the spring, as well as family members wishing to visit Island relatives, and other visitors. Island residents may encounter a delay in obtaining essential supplies, and travel on or off the Island is discouraged.

Beaver Island sits nearly 30 miles off the coast of Charlevoix. Image courtesy of Google Maps.

Beaver Island has about 600 year-round residents, but the population swells during the summer with tourists and annual visitors who love roaming the downtown area as well as the miles of wild shoreline.

For those who own a home there and plan to catch a flight to the island - or for those island residents who leave to make a trip to the mainland and then come back to the island, authorities are saying it is essential that they make plans to self-quarantine in their own home for at least 14 days before venturing out into Beaver Islands community. Other rules they are being asked to follow include:

Abide by all COVID-19 precautions established by charter and commercial transportation companies serving Beaver Island.

Avoid exposure to other persons at the airports, harbor/marina, and all other points of access.

Avoid sharing vehicles and/or riding in others vehicles, where the virus can easily be transmitted.

Upon arrival, please plan to self-isolate by remaining on your private premises for no fewer than 14 days.

Transportation companies that serve the island have COVID-19 response plans in place, authorities said. While the island ferry is not yet running passenger routes this early in the season, people are traveling there by plane. Aviation companies that serve the island have said they are following CDC recommendations, and are offering flights with increased personal spacing if people want to make special arrangements for that.

Island grocers, gas stations and others that deal in essential services have already switched to curbside and remote services, in some cases allowing the islanders to put items on their house accounts to keep from hand-to-hand exchanges of cash and credit cards.

Bois Blanc, the large island that sits just south of Mackinac Island in Lake Huron, issued a similar order last week. You can read the Facebook message below.

PREVENTION TIPS

In addition to washing hands regularly and not touching your face, officials recommend practicing social distancing, assuming anyone may be carrying the virus. Health officials say you should be staying at least 6 feet away from others and working from home, if possible. Carry hand sanitizer with you, and use disinfecting wipes or disinfecting spray cleaners on frequently-touched surfaces in your home ( door handles, faucets, countertops ) and when you go into places like stores.

Complete coverage of coronavirus in Michigan.

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Michigan islands warn they are not a safe haven from coronavirus - MLive.com

Good evening. Im Diya Chacko, and its Monday, March 23. Heres whats happening with the coronavirus outbreak in California and beyond.

It wasnt a weekend at home for many Californians after all. Across the state, people ignored social-distancing measures and crowded beaches and parks, leading Monday to crackdowns and closures to keep people from congregating.

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Gov. Gavin Newsom is shutting parking lots at state parks. Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti scolded Angelenos, ordered golf courses and parking lots near beaches to close and said law enforcement would not be shy about approaching people seen violating quarantine orders, a misdemeanor. Numerous trails and their access roads are closed, and organized group sports at parks are banned. You can see a roundup of whats closed so far around California at this link.

In San Francisco, officials warned that a surge in COVID-19 cases is expected within a week or two. It is a matter of life or death, said Mayor London Breed. This is not the time for a party, for a play date.

Panic-buying of N95 masks and other critical protective gear has reduced available supplies, with reports that surgical masks and hand sanitizer have even been stolen from clinics. On social media, health workers are begging for supplies under the hashtag #GetMePPE. If you have protective gear to donate, check the website getusppe.org, which lists hospitals nationwide with specific instructions for donating to each. Several California-based companies such as Apple say theyre working to produce or source more medical supplies.

And amid an ongoing test shortage, L.A. County officials announced Monday they have secured 20,000 new coronavirus tests, with a processing capacity of 5,000 tests per day. The kits will be free, and healthcare workers and first responders will be given priority for testing. So far, only about 25,000 tests have been conducted in the entire state since the beginning of the outbreak.

The Medical Board of California is looking into private physicians and concierge doctors offering tests to wealthy patients at high prices, sparking outrage as people without symptoms get tested while others of lesser means wait. And as the rich prepare to ward off the disease, theyre investing heavily in lavish bunkers with amenities usually reserved for mega-mansions. We built one in California that has a shooting range, swimming pool and bowling alley, said a manager of a Texas-based bunker company.

The pandemic is even casting its shadow on previous events in the news cycle. Two parents imprisoned in the college admissions scandal for conspiring to slip their children into USC as bogus water polo stars asked a judge to release them early. One, a Los Angeles executive, was denied; the other, a Napa Valley vintner, was released. And fresh off his conviction in New York, Harvey Weinstein has tested positive for the coronavirus in state prison, according to a source with knowledge of the matter.

Cases as of 4 p.m. PDT Monday:

Track the latest numbers and how they break down by county and by state with our graphics.

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Garcetti has issued an emergency order barring landlords from pulling any rental units off the market under the Ellis Act, a state law that lets owners of rent-controlled buildings evict tenants in order to get out of the rental business. Advocates, economists and politicians say pandemic-related job losses and depressed tax revenue will only worsen the existing shortage of affordable homes.

The L.A. City Councils meetings have been canceled until next month, in a move that drew immediate alarm from labor unions, nonprofit groups and community activists. Council members had said over the weekend they would pursue new emergency proposals, including a rent freeze, and were widely expected to take up proposals that had already been drafted, including rules on layoffs.

L.A. Unified school campuses will remain closed until May 1, and the district has contracted with Verizon to provide internet access to students who dont have it at no charge to them so learning can continue, Supt. Austin Beutner announced Monday.

Butcher shops have seen a dramatic rise in sales in the last week, as customers stock up on cuts that lend themselves well to freezing and long cooking times. Californias hotel industry isnt so lucky. An industry group expects it to shed more than 125,000 jobs in just the next few weeks, more than any other state.

The Salvation Army is now in talks with the L.A. Homeless Services Authority to determine if any of its facilities would be useful for housing homeless people either to prevent them from being exposed to the virus or to quarantine those who may come down with COVID-19. But its a long shot.

Wash your hands for at least 20 seconds! Heres a super-fun how-to video. Stop touching your face, and keep your phone clean. Watch for these symptoms of possible infection: fever, cough, shortness of breath. If youre worried you might be infected, call your doctor or urgent care clinic before going. Be sure to practice social distancing, such as maintaining a 6-foot radius of personal space in public. Wondering whether you should self-quarantine? Heres our guide.

Here are all the ways to stay virtually connected with your friends. Need groceries? Heres how to stock up for staying home. You can also watch our video guide on YouTube. Visit our free games and puzzles page for daily crosswords, card games, arcade games and more. The restaurant industry has been devastated. If youre having a tough time, here are some free resources that may help. Advice for helping kids navigate pandemic life includes being honest about uncertainties, acknowledging their feelings and sticking to a routine. Heres guidance from the CDC.

In Washington, Republicans and Democrats grew visibly angry and emotional on the Senate floor as negotiations over a financial rescue package appeared to stall over the scope of a fund to help large businesses. Democrats said there were too few requirements on the businesses that would get help such as a ban on stock buybacks and too little transparency on which companies would get it.

The governors of Texas and Florida have resisted imposing stay-at-home orders, despite mounting criticism, as local officials complain a patchwork of policies has made it nearly impossible to limit the diseases spread. Hawaiis governor meanwhile has ordered a strict 14-day quarantine for anyone arriving in the islands. Hawaiian Airlines will operate a reduced inter-island schedule and once-daily flights between Los Angeles and Honolulu starting Thursday.

Olympic leaders pushed back Monday against reports that they had decided to postpone the 2020 Summer Games in Tokyo, saying they are still in talks with organizers, Japanese officials and public health experts. Cancellation is not on the table, said International Olympic Committee President Thomas Bach.

Until now, Britain has eschewed the tough stay-indoors approach in countries like Italy, Spain and France. But Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced plans for the U.K. to go into lockdown as of Monday night after many Britons flouted social-distancing recommendations. Public health experts say without swift action, Britains chances of averting an Italy-style trajectory are dimming.

Todays reader question comes from Anoja Karunaratne, who wants to know: Are there drugs such as chloroquine now being given to patients who have the virus, and have those drugs helped? Science reporter Amina Khan has this story about drugs researchers are now exploring that may help in the fight against COVID-19.

Medicines developed for malaria, HIV and rheumatoid arthritis have shown some early promise against COVID-19, the respiratory illness at the center of the pandemic. For instance, researchers have hypothesized that the malaria drugs chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine could help patients by essentially slowing down the virus inside the body.

Clinical trials have begun in China and several other places to test many of these drugs on patients with the disease. However, we likely wont have real results on their effectiveness for a couple of months.

Got a question? Our reporters covering the coronavirus outbreak want to hear from you. Email us your questions, and well do our best to answer them. You can find answers to other common questions in our morning and midday roundup.

For the most up-to-date coronavirus coverage from The Times, visit our live updates page, visit our Health section and follow us on Twitter and on Instagram.

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Coronavirus Today: For the wealthy, private tests and bunkers - Los Angeles Times

ST. THOMAS V.I. Attorney General Denise N. George walked back an earlier demand that the estate of deceased pedophile Jeffrey Epstein cancel non-disclosure agreements with Epsteins victims and former employees.The agreements were designed to conceal the criminal activity of Epstein and his associates who are still there, according to the filing.

The attorney general, however, continues the court room fight over the fairness of the so-called Victims Compensation Fund, which would pay the under-aged girls and women who were victimized by Epstein. As proposed by the Estate, the victims fund would compensate Epsteins victims only if they agree not to sue anyone associated with his crimes.

Through the Department of Justice, the attorney general filed an update earlier this week with the Virgin Islands Probate Court. The department filed a civil lawsuit against the nearly $600 million Epstein Estate to ensure Epstein's victim's are fairly compensated and to ensure the territory can seize funds due the government.

In the filing with the Probate Court, Ms. George backed off the demands that non-disclosure agreement be cancelled. While the demands were still important, the attorney general said cancelling the agreements would not be tied to the Justice Departments approval of the Victim Compensation Fund, according to the Status Update recorded on March 18th in St. Thomas.

Ms. George has contended in her frequent off-island media interviews that the non-disclosure agreements are also being used to shield high-profile associates of Epstein.

According to a Vanity Fair magazine report last month, The people who worked on Epsteins island, tended to his various companies such as Southern Trust, drove his boats, piloted his planes, etc., probably know more about Epsteins activities than anyone elseand all are likely bound by nondisclosure agreements."

According to the magazine, Ms. George said An employee told me that he saw Prince Andrew on a balcony out at Little St. James groping girls right out in the open. He said he remembered walking up to him and saying, Good morning, your Highness."

Accusations against friends and associates of Epsteins are impossible to investigate, Ms. George told Vanity Fair, unless the estate agrees to release former employees from the NDAs they were required to sign when they went to work for the convicted sex offender on his private island.

Last month, Ms. George raised concerns about the proposed Fund, including that the proposed program administrator for the Fund was selected solely by the Estate, and did not appear to be in the best interests of Epsteins victims. The attorney general backed away from that argument in the recent filing.

As laid out in the V.I. Governments status report to the Court, the attorney general has worked closely with counsel for victims and agreed on a joint set of proposed recommendations for a fair and equitable alternative victim Fund, the VI Department of Justice said in a press release regarding the filing. While the Estate and its program administrator have addressed several of these recommendations, significant issues remain, Ms. George said.

At the victims suggestion, Marci Hamilton, CEO of Child USA and the countrys preeminent expert and advocate on child sexual abuse issues, is being proposed by the Attorney General and the victims as an independent administrator. Professor Hamiltons involvement would ensure that the program operates, and is perceived as operating, fairly, independently, and with informed sensitivity to the unique experiences of victims of sexual abuse and exploitation, the DOJ release stated.

Epsteins victims deserve to have a qualified, independent sexual abuse advocate involved in the claims process, who understands their unique and traumatic experiences and has expertise in assessing the consequences of sexual abuse, said Attorney General George.

The VIDOJ press statement stated: The Attorney Generals Office remains willing to work with the Estate to establish a Program that is fair, independent, and credible, in the interest of protecting victims from adversarial litigation, ensuring that they receive appropriate compensation for Epsteins crimes, and preserving the assets of the Estate for the public interest.

Continued here:

V.I. Attorney General Walks Back Demand That Epstein Estate Dissolves Non-Disclosure Agreements Signed By The Pedophile's V.I. Employees Who May Have...

Hedge funds bounced back.

The industry experienced $21.2 billion in inflows in January, reversing a two-month redemption trend in a turnaround from Decembers $29.0 billion in redemptions.

Januarys inflows represented 0.7% of industry assets, according to the Barclay Fund Flow Indicator published by BarclayHedge, a division of Backstop Solutions.

A January trading profit of $6.8 billion brought total hedge fund industry assets to more than $3.26 trillion as January came to a close, up from $3.19 trillion at the end of December.

Januarys industry inflows were fueled largely by hedge funds in the U.S. and its offshore islands, which took in $20.7 billion during the month from investors heartened by a November stock market rally. Data from 7,100 funds (excluding CTAs) in the BarclayHedge database showed hedge funds in Continental Europe, Canada and Latin America adding to the net inflow total.

Heading into a new quarter and a new year, investors confidence was buoyed by U.S. equity markets best performance since June, said Sol Waksman, president of BarclayHedge. An October Fed rate cut and positive data on retail sales and housing starts boosted spirits further. Meanwhile, in Europe, the economic news out of Germany was just good enough to ease investors recession fears.

Over the 12-month period ending in January, the hedge fund industry experienced $64.3 billion in redemptions, 2.2% of industry assets. A $191.6 billion 12-month trading profit brought industry assets to $3.26 trillion as January ended, up from $2.96 trillion a year earlier.

Most hedge fund sectors experienced net redemptions over the 12-month period through January, though two bucked the trend. Event Driven funds brought in $32.7 billion, 23.4% of assets, over the period, followed by Balanced (Stocks & Bonds) funds which added $8.3 billion, 2.9% of assets.

Sectors with the largest 12-month redemptions included Equity Long/Short funds with $37.7 billion in outflows, 17.9% of assets, Equity Long Bias funds which shed $17.1 billion, 5.3% of assets, and Equity Market Neutral funds which saw outflows of $14.6 billion, 15.6% of assets.

The managed futures industry had a different experience in January, reversing Decembers net inflows with $1.5 billion in redemptions. A $1.0 billion January trading loss left industry assets at $315.7 billion as January ended, down from $318.4 billion a month earlier.

Volatility aside, equity markets had a strong year in 2019, leading some investors to reduce exposure to managed futures, said Waksman.

CTA redemptions were the norm in most regions in January, led by funds in the U.S. and its offshore islands which experienced nearly $1.7 billion in redemptions, 0.8% of assets.

While managed futures redemptions were the norm in most regions of the world in January, the picture was brighter in the U.K. and its offshore islands where CTAs took in $248.6 million, 0.4% of assets, and in Japan where managed futures funds experienced $21.3 million in inflows, 5.2% of assets.

For the 12-months through January, CTA funds experienced $15.6 billion in outflows, 4.4% of assets. A $17.2 billion trading profit over the period contributed to bringing total industry assets to the $315.7 billion figure at the end of January, down from $350.8 billion a year earlier.

The monthly Barclay Fund Flow Indicator, published by BarclayHedge, can be found here.

About Backstop Solutions

Backstops mission is to help the institutional investment industry use time to its fullest potential. We develop technology to simplify and streamline otherwise time-consuming tasks and processes, enabling our clients to quickly and easily access, share and manage the knowledge thats critical to their day-to-day business success. Backstop provides its industry-leading cloud-based productivity suite to investment consultants, pensions, funds of funds, family offices, endowments, foundations, private equity, hedge funds and real estate investment firms.

BarclayHedge, a division of Backstop, currently maintains data on more than 7,100 hedge funds, funds of funds and CTAs. Institutional investors, brokerage firms and private banks worldwide utilize BarclayHedge indices as performance benchmarks for the hedge fund and managed futures industries.

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Hedge Funds Reverse Redemption Trend with $21.2B in Inflows in January - Traders Magazine

BEING stuck inside with the family for several weeks is not everyone's ideal situation and, in the average home, it means space is tight.

But if money is no object, there are some amazing rental properties for self-isolation around the country.

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From private islands to Baronial castles, bunkers and yachts the luxury lockdown venues offer comfort, entertainment and a chance to get outside in the fresh air without bumping into the neighbours.

But, with prices up to 3,600 a night, on Airbnb, they'll set you back a pretty penny.

Sleeps: 24

Located: Stirling

Price per night:2,500

If you fancy pulling up the drawbridge to the outside world The Gart has everything you need.

The 10-bedroom Baronial castle, owned by artists Nikki and Stuart McAlpine Miller, oozes style and luxury and boast a private gym, a 100ft reception room, a library, and even its own art gallery.

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You can watch a movie in the turret cinema room, complete with a popcorn maker, or have a drink in the bar which also has a 7ft pool table, a grand piano and a drum kit to keep you amused.

Theres also a private chef to cook your meals which he may need to leave at the dining room door if you want to keep your distance.

Fresh air is always good, so a daily stroll round the 12-acre grounds is recommended, or a spot of salmon and trout fishing on the River Teith, which runs through the West of the grounds.

Theres even a private yacht on nearby Loch Lomand should you want to go sailing and all for the bargain price of 2,500 a night.

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Sleeps: 14

Located: London

Price per night: 1,000

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A London lockdown could mean living it up on the most expensive street in the capital, Bishop's Avenue - otherwise known as Billionaire's Row.

The seven-bed mansion boasts a gym, a hot tub, huge dining room and a home cinema room, where the family can chill and watch movies in the evening.

It also has a rooftop terrace and a huge area of decking for a barbecue, if the sun comes out.

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Sleeps: 34

Located: Yorkshire

Price per night:3,600

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For slice of Downton Abbey style living, you can rent your own stately home Rudby Hall in North Yorkshire.

The grade II listed building sleeps 34 people in 13 stunning bedrooms and also boasts a massive entrance hall and a sweeping staircase that would make any guest feel like Lady Mary, descending for a ball.

It's surrounded by rolling countryside for the daily constitutionals - for 3,600 a night.

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Sleeps: 20

Located: Essex

Price per night:2,176

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The Manor House on Osea Island, in Essex, is accessed by a mile-long tidal road an is cut off from the mainland for 16 hours a day.

The ten-bedroom mansion has a huge dining room which seats 20, a stylish living area, an outdoor pool and private access to the beach.

There are 18 other houses in the island as well as a sports hub where fishing rods and bikes can be rented.

Sleeps: 10

Located: London

Price per night:1,278

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Self -isolation in London could mean taking to the water, on a private party yacht, moored at Canary Wharf.

The Absolute Pleasure party boat - at 1278 a night - has five bedrooms and bathrooms, sun balconies, large rooftop terraces and a lounge that can hold up to 15.

You can chill in the living room with a 50 inch TV or knock up a snack in the fully fitted kitchen or snooze in the VIP cabin with ensuite bathroom.

Champagne cocktails anyone?

Sleeps: 6

Located: Cornwall

Price per night:115

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A bargain basement getaway for the self-isolating family is a converted World War 2 bunker in Sennen, Cornwall.

Currently renting from 799 a week, the Teletubbies style abode blends into the landscape but hides a luxury space under the grass roof.

There's also a large outdoor area, with a dining table, for when the windowless bunker gets too stuffy, the view of the stunning Cornish coast and plenty of walks.

Sleeps: 12

Located: Hertfordshire

Price per night:548

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With high ceilings and 100 sq ft of open plan living area, the Thatched Barn, on Green Tye, Hertfordshire, is a perfect place for a lockdown.

The six-bedroom Tudor barn conversion include an oversized spa bath to share, in one of the en-suite bathrooms, and a secret cinema.

Outside there's a pool and a hot tub and the property is on Airbnb for 548 a night.

Sleeps: 10

Located: Gloucestershire

Price per night:858

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Larchwood Lodge is in splendid isolation in the woods, beside a lake, in Gloucestershire.

All of the four huge bedrooms face the water, as does the stylish living room and the games room with full size pool table.

For entertainment, there's an indoor pool and the house comes with canoes if you want to escape out on the water,

The whole thing will set you back 858 a night on Airbnb - and you need never see another soul.

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The most amazing properties to rent for self-isolation from a Scottish castle with cinema & gym to a luxury - The Sun

The Bahamas are a group of islands in the Atlantic Ocean situated justsoutheast of theU.S.state ofFlorida. There are over 700 islands, and the capital of this Commonwealth state is Nassau.

The Bahamas are a popular tropical vacation destination where you can enjoy white sandy beaches, clear blue waters, plenty of sunshine, and fun activities for you and your family.

Wondering what to do in the Bahamas on your next vacation? Keep reading to discover our best tips for this tropical paradise.

Nassau is the capital city of the Bahamas and is a bustling place with plenty of restaurants, bars, beaches, and tourist attractions. If you have kids, visit the Pirates Museum of Nassau where they can discoverthe history and life of real Bahamian pirates.

Next, head to one of the many white sandy beaches such as Montagu Beach, British Colonial Hilton Beach, Blue Lagoon Island, and Cove Beach. One island over, atIsla Harbour, youll find Pink Sands Beach where the sand is pink.

Looking for fun things to do in the Bahamas with your family? Make a trip to Royal Caribbeans private island CocoCay. The famous cruise line promises the Perfect Day at CocoCay, where you can enjoy some fresh island food, numerous attractions, snorkeling, waterslides, and lounging in overwater cabanas.

Before you venture out toCocoCay, research the essential things to know, such as how to get there, how much money youll need, and whats the best time to visit.

One of the best things to do in the Bahamas is to swim with the dolphins at Dolphin Cay. This is aunique opportunity to interact with the dolphins, learn about the organizationsrescue and rehabilitation efforts, and even have playtime with sea lions.

At Dolphin Cay, you can also spend a day on the private beach and watch the dolphins eat, play, splash in the water, and enjoy the Bahamas sunshine.

Besides swimming with dolphins, you dont want to miss swimming with Exuma pigs on yourBahamas family vacation. Youll find them in the clear blue waters on Big Major Cay, and you can even join them for a little splash.

The pigs are not native to the island, and according to local legends, they were brought there either by pirates who wanted to secure them as a large food supply or by two men who wanted to start a pig farm in the 1990s.

If you want to see the entire Bahamas archipelago in one day, go for an island hopping tour by plane. Youll see the Out Islands from above, marvel at the beautiful views, and make memories of a lifetime.

Experienced pilots will fly you in a small plane over the islands, and you can choose a tour depending on which attractions you want to visit. The planes typically make stops at Iguana Island, the Pig Beach, Staniel Cay, or Compass Cay to see the sharks.

If youve been wondering what to do in the Bahamas, these tips will help you plan your itinerary so you can experience a trip of a lifetime.

Need more travel tips for your next adventure? Check out some of the other articles on our website, where we share the latest travel news and updates.

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What to Do in The Bahamas During Your Family Vacation - - VENTS Magazine

The Duke of Yorks accuser was asked to be a surrogate mother for convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell, a new book has disclosed.

Virginia Roberts Giuffre, who claims she was trafficked to the UK to have sex with Prince Andrew, was allegedly asked by Epstein and Maxwell to carry his baby when she was 19-years-old. In return she would be taken care of for the rest of her life.

However, she instead escaped during a trip to Thailand, according to a book written by American lawyer Bradley Edwards - who has represented Epsteins victims.

She had already been involved in the sex cult for over two years when she was asked to bear Epsteins child, Mr Edwards claims in his book, Relentless Pursuit, which is being serialised in the Mail on Sunday.

He describes how Epstein and Maxwell allegedly came up with a proposal that turned her stomach and included signing a contract agreeing that the baby was not her own, but the legal child of Epstein and Maxwell.

Mr Edwards has represented Epsteins victims for 11 years and pursuing Epstein on their behalf became his life mission, he writes in his book.

He describes how Ms Giuffre Roberts was a striking 16-year-old with drive and a determination to improve herself when she was first approached by Maxwell in 1999 and given an envelope with directions to Epsteins address.

Mr Edwards writes that after arriving at the property, Maxwell instructed her on every aspect of how to perform a massage before Maxwell ended up stripping off all her clothes and telling Virginia to do the same. Epstein then sexually assaulted Virginia. Doesnt that feel good? he asked.

Ms Giuffre Roberts would later show the lawyer the envelope, as well as travel and hotel receipts charged to Epsteins card, as proof of some of her allegations.

Not long afterwards, Virginia showed me a photograph of herself, aged 17, wedged in between Maxwell and Andrew, Mr Edwards claims in his book.

It was two years later that Ms Giuffre Roberts was asked to carry Epstein and Maxwells baby. At that point, Mr Edwards writes, she knew she had to escape.

The lawyer alleges that it was on a trip to Thailand, where Ms. Roberts Giuffre was dispatched to interview a young girl, and let Epstein know if she was qualified, that she fled and met an Australian man. The pair then married and flew back to Australia, where she had three children.

Ms Roberts Giuffre, now 36, has claimed repeatedly that she was trafficked by Epstein to have sex with the Duke when she was aged 17 at Ms Maxwells home in Belgravia, London.

The Duke categorically denied her allegation during his Newsnight interview, insisting it simply didnt happen and that on the day in question he was at a Pizza Express in Woking.

He has also strongly denied having sex with Ms Giuffre Roberts in New York and on Epsteins private island in the Virgin Islands.

Earlier this month, The Telegraph revealed that Prince Andrew has hired Clare Montgomery QC, Britains most respected extradition lawyer, to fend off an FBI inquiry into his friendship with Epstein.

Ms Montgomerys clients have included Augusto Pinochet, Chiles former dictator and Nirav Modi, wanted for Indias biggest fraud. She has been described as the most formidable member of the bar.

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Prince Andrew's accuser was asked to carry Epstein's baby - Telegraph.co.uk

IF you yearn to get far from the madding crowd, we have scoured the country for the most amazing offshore escapes you have probably never heard of.

From Kents Teapot Island with its museum dedicated to our beloved cuppa to the remote wildlife haven of the Isle of Eigg, we reveal our faves.

WITH Sir David Attenboroughs seal of approval, it is surprising more of us dont know about the Farne Islands, the telly legends favourite place in the UK to spot wildlife.

A few miles out to sea from the village of Seahouses, the National Trust-protected islands are home to grey seals and seabirds. Inner Farne is one of two accessible islands, with a path to the 14th-century chapel. Admission for non-NT members is 5.20.

Seahouses offers family fun through its crazy-golf course and cosy self-catering such as Archway Cottage, a stone terrace sleeping four with an open fire. Three nights costs from 322. See northumbria-cottages.co.uk.

ONE of the more glamorous islands in Essex, where A-listers such as Poppy Delevingne party not surprising, as its owner is pop producer Nigel Frieda.

A private island in the Blackwater river near Maldon, the 400-acre speck has a cute village of houses including an Edwardian manor and smaller cottages, a clubhouse, green space, two outdoor pools and a pair of grumpy donkeys.

You need a passcode to drive across the causeway to the island, available twice a day. And you may need an A-listers bank balance the Sweetshop Cottage has a warming wood burner, sleeps two, 245pn. Two-night minimum. See oseaisland.co.uk.

THIS tiny Bristol Channel gem is just three miles long and a mile across but there is loads to do walking, bird and wildlife watching, stargazing, diving, climbing, kayaking, snorkelling and fishing. Theres a 13th-Century castle, a pub-shop-restaurant and two working lighthouses. Kids will love the Letterbox trail, hunting for 27 hidden boxes.

Between March and October the MS Oldenburg ferry departs several times a week from Bideford and Ilfracombe.

The accommodation includes a converted castle and a school. Four nights in a lighthouse (divided into two apartments) sleeping five is from 403. See landmarktrust.org.uk.

IN the middle of Poole harbour, Brownsea is the largest of eight islands in the harbour and is within waving distance of Sandbanks, home to millionaires and celebs such as footie boss Harry Redknapp.

Boy Scouts founder Lord Baden-Powell held his first camp here in 1907, close to forest trails and beaches. Those who struggle to walk can book free tours via electric buggy.

Boats leave every half-hour from Poole quay and Sandbanks jetty.

Brownseas campsite is in the same spot as the Scout camp, with an Eco Adventure available from April to September. See pooletourism.com.

ONE of the British Isles most isolated islands, this is a tiny tuft in the Irish Sea just across from the Isle of Man.

Its a great spot for twitchers, so if that includes you, bring your binoculars to spot some of the islands 30-plus species of birds, as well as sharks. Most visitors come for a day. Boats make the half-hour crossing in the summer, weather permitting, from Port Erin or Port St Mary on the Isle of Man.

If you can rough it, stay in the Calf of Man Bird Observatory during summer months. Forget glamping this is bunkhouse style, so bring your own food and a sleeping bag. Costs 80 for two nights. See visitisleofman.com.

BOASTING miles of unspoilt coastline, stunning wildlife and a rich history, Walney is linked to the mainland town of Barrow-in-Furness by the toll-free Jubilee Bridge. A new stretch opened this year, opening up beaches, dunes and salt marshes, wildlife and dramatic views of the Irish Sea.

Gorgeous sandy beaches include one for nudists, who clearly arent put off by the fact that the local population numbers more than 10,000 although it might be chilly for peeling off right now.

Stay in 2 Lighthouse Cottage, a 19th-century home adjoining the lighthouse. Sleeps six, two nights costs 688. See sykescottages.co.uk.

IT is little surprise that this island has a museum dedicated to the nations favourite hot brew but more surprising that so few have heard of it.

Named after the shape of the tiny river peninsula in Yalding, nestled between the rivers Medway and Teise,

Teapot Island displays 7,500 teapots decorated with celebs, Disney characters, animals and royalty Charles and Camilla visited a few years ago. A cafe serves ice cream and cream teas.

The Premier Inn in nearby Maidstone has a Chef & Brewer serving pub classics, an open fire and smart rooms with Hypnos beds. Doubles are 50pn, room only. See premierinn.com.

GO off-grid on Eigg, the second-largest of the aptly named Small Isles. It is just five miles long by three miles wide, set ten miles off Scotlands western coast.

Owned by its 100 residents, the island is home to wildlife and great for walking and kayaking. It has beaches, a couple of museums, restaurants and shops.

Take the Small Isles ferry service from Mallaig to Eigg. The most scenic way to reach Mallaig is by train from Glasgow.

Self-cater in cottages such as Lageorna, a stone croft house turned cosy bolthole with log-burning stove and views across Laig Bay to the Isle of Rum. Sleeps six, 101 per night. See airbnb.co.uk.

THIS remote, windswept peninsula in Chichester harbour in West Sussex is owned by the Ministry of Defence.Public access is limited, so you must stick to the marked posts along the seven-mile coastal footpath.

Visitors can spot seals, skylarks, deer and hawks. At the peninsulas tip, a hide offers views of Pilsey Island RSPB nature reserve, now joined to Thorney by a sandbank.

You cant stay overnight but Chichester has plenty of accommodation, such as the red-brick Goodwood Cottages ground-floor apartment with rustic beams. Sleeps up to four, three nights costs 774. See expedia.co.uk.

PACK IT INBrits to be given vouchers instead of refunds for cancelled packaged holidays

Exclusive

EASYJESTEasyJet under fire AGAIN after slamming 'ridiculous hype' surrounding coronavirus

TRIPPED UPUK hols completely banned as PM closes hotels, B&Bs, caravan parks and hostels

ZOO KNEWYou can keep kids entertained with live zoo animal streams from your sofa

ON THE GROUNDAre domestic flights cancelled due to coronavirus?

ISLE BE OFFTenerife and Gran Canaria tell remaining 20,000 tourists to go home NOW

A REAL secret, Cei Ballast is a man-made island metres from the Welsh harbour town of Porthmadog in Gwynedd. As the name suggests, it was made by trading ships dumping rubble and rock used as ballast in Victorian times.

Reached on foot at low tide, the overgrown island is home to plenty of wildlife and has a warm pool at one end.

While in the area, visit the Italian-style village of Portmeirion, famous for its botanical pottery and where telly classic The Prisoner was filmed.

Stay in harbourside cottages such as the family- and pet-friendly Greaves Wharf House, sleeping four, from 295 a week. See walestouristsonline.co.uk.

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Top 10 British isles youve never heard of from Teapot to Thorney Island - The Sun