Focus Insurance Company

The Privy Council, the highest court of appeal for litigants in British colonies, is to be asked to rule on the nature and standard of skill, care and expertise which the law requires of directors and officers of Bermuda-based companies.The appeal by Focus Insurance Company liquidators could affect every corporation registered here and may ultimately produce a landmark decision in the development of Bermuda's company law.However, the Privy Council application relies on liquidators David Lines and Peter Mitchell first obtaining leave to appeal a Court of Appeal judgment handed down November 25.

Focus Insurance Company chairman Mark Hardy is fighting committal proceedings for alleged contempt of court.Focus liquidators David Lines and Peter Mitchell have begun an action to have Mr Hardy jailed or to receive "other punishment as the court may deem fit" for violating injunctions restricting the use of Mr Hardy's personal assets.