chairman of the London Underwriting Centre as of Janaury 1.

Mr. Blake, who is also chairman of CNA International, was the LUC's first chairman when it was founded six-and-a-half years ago.

Mr. Blake recently stepped down as chief executive of CNA International and CNA Reinsurance Group to devote more time to LaSalle, which completed a successful initial public offring earlier this year.

RE-LIEF FOR CARIBBEAN HOTEL OWNERS BUC Re-lief for Caribbean hotel owners Caribbean hotel operators are patting themselves on the back for forming a Bermuda-based captive insurer just months before the worst hurricane season in 62 years.

Lloyd's List said the Caribbean Hotel Association Insurance Company received a claim just nine days after taking its first risk on board in July.

The company was formed after Caribbean hotel owners had difficulty getting insurance for windstorm risk. They now expect to be shielded from anticipated premium hikes next year. CHAI's subscribed capital was $24.5 million and Bermuda-based Centre Re is an investor.

TWO REINSURERS PUT INTO LIQUIDATION BUC Two reinsurers put into liquidation Provisional liquidators have been appointed for two reinsurance companies which shared office space in Brussels with Bermuda-based North American Fidelity & Guarantee.

Lloyd's List reported yesterday that the move against Kobe Re and Dai Ichi Kyoto Reinsurance, which operated from the same Avenue Louise offices as NAFG, effectively stopped all litigation against them.

A provisional liquidator has already been appointed for NAFG.