Legal actions between the Ministry of Finance and locally-based Sentinel Insurance Company appear to be shrouded in secrecy.

Neither party will reveal what prompted them to file writs with the Bermuda Supreme Court against each other.

Finance Minister Eugene Cox confirmed that he has appointed an inspector to look into concerns he has about Sentinel but he was tight-lipped on the nature of his concerns and the duration of them.

Mr. Cox said his actions were not out of the norm and expressed concern that if he elaborated the information would be blown out of proportion.

"I think the less said about this the best,'' he said. "I am not prepared to go any further.'' Lawyer for Sentinel Insurance Mark Diel refused to make any comment and referred the matter to Michael Bott of Bott and Associates.

But Mr. Bott would go no further than to say: "Sentinel Insurance has an issue with the registrar. I will not elaborate any further.'' Writs have been filed in the Supreme Court with the registrar of companies against Sentinel Insurance and by Sentinel Insurance against a decision by the Minister of Finance.

COURTS CTS