private bill committee considers its case.

Top Resources Limited president Andre Heyliger said a Private Members Bill to incorporate the bank had been placed before the Joint Select Committee of the Legislature on May 29.

"The committee has met on several occasions to consider various representations from ourselves and others.

"Whilst we are confident of our success, we are cognizant that examinations of this nature do take time to complete.

" Several items of a technical and legal nature remain before the Committee for final resolution.'' The chairman of the Parliamentary private bills committee, the PLP's Stanley Lowe, said the committee would be meeting early in the New Year to consider the matter.

Top Resources Ltd. -- a holding company owned entirely by Bermudians -- intends to open the First Citizen's International Bank by next autumn. Mr.

Heyliger said: "We look forward with anticipation to the coming legislative session.''