Andre Curtis' controversial stint as branch chairman of Premier Ewart Brown's constituency could be over by the end of next month.

The Progressive Labour Party is refusing to say whether it will remove Mr. Curtis from his post as an investigation takes place into his alleged involvement in a worldwide securities fraud.

But it is understood the Warwick South Central election — at which Mr. Curtis has to convince branch members that he should remain in position — is due before the end of January 2009.

Under the PLP's constitution, branch officers are elected at meetings every two years. Party Chairman David Burt refused to comment when asked whether any circumstances could lead to anyone being ousted before their two years are up.

Mr. Burt also refused to offer any view on the fact a branch chairman is subject to allegations being investigated by Montana State Auditor's Office. He described the issue as a private matter.

The Premier, who has been off the Island, has not responded to messages this week, but press secretary Glenn Jones has pointed out the matter has nothing to do with Government.

Investigators in the US are in the process of adding Mr. Curtis' name to an action over a scheme which has allegedly seen investors conned out of huge sums of money after being promised returns of up to 400 percent per week. So far six alleged victims have come forward and the total amount people are said to have lost is substantially more than $1 million.

Currently the respondents are convicted fraudster and money launderer Daniel Two Feathers and his business partner Shawn Swor, their DTF Consulting Group Trust, DTF Consulting Group, TLT Holdings Corporation of Montana and Mr. Curtis' Harvest Investment Holdings.

But now the Montana office has found new documents and experienced Mr. Curtis' "guarded and hesitant" telephone manner, it believes he has played a bigger part than he claims.

Also mentioned briefly in the auditor's 31-page document is First Bermuda Securities.

Yesterday, the auditor's office said all it knows about First Bermuda Securities' involvement is that DTF Consulting Group Trust opened an account there.

The office said it has been contacted by officials from Bermuda regarding the investigation but was unable to say who because of confidentiality reasons.

Asked whether it was investigating Harvest Investment Holdings, Bermuda Monetary Authority replied: "Due to statutory confidentiality provisions under the Bermuda Monetary Authority Act 1969, the Authority does not publicly discuss any matters related to specific regulated entities."

A Ministry of Finance spokeswoman said: "When overseas jurisdictions inquire about Bermuda entities, the Government always endeavours to be co-operative, and will assist as required."

Meanwhile Auditor General Larry Dennis yesterday confirmed the Department of Tourism's faith-based tourism contract with Mr. Curtis is being audited.

Mr. Dennis said the findings, if any, will be reported in his next Annual Report to the House of Assembly, hopefully to be released in May 2009, or in a Special Report to the House.

Mr. Curtis has repeatedly refused to answer questions about what happened to hundreds of thousands of taxpayers' dollars allocated to Harvest Investment Holdings for faith-based tourism.

Montana State Auditor's Office is appealing for anyone who has had dealings with Mr. Curtis or Harvest Investment Holdings which may be connected to the case to get in touch on 1-406-444-2040. Montana is three hours behind Bermuda.

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