The founder of a women's development group is being investigated by the Police for allegedly failing to pay humanitarian Coretta Scott King for a recent speaking engagement, The Royal Gazette understands.

This emerged after the widow of Martin Luther King Jr. spoke at a symposium at the Southampton Princess on May 28.

The event was organised by research and development group Akinstall International which was founded by Valirie Akinstall.

A Police spokesman confirmed that Police were "investigating alleged irregularities in relation to the visit of Coretta Scott King.'' And a spokesman for Mrs. Scott King's agency said "the matter is under investigation by Bermudian authorities'' when contacted.

Attempts to reach Akinstall International were unsuccessful yesterday as its number was not in service.

But a source, speaking on the condition of anonymity, said Mrs. Scott King -- who is believed to command a $20,000 appearance fee -- was not paid.

And an unknown benefactor stepped in to pay the debt to save embarrassment for both local and US officials, continued the source.

Akinstall International was previously known as the Akinstall Foundation.

A profit-making concern, the Akinstall Foundation was reported to be dedicated to the promotion of women in all levels of society and business and be committed to the research, development and introduction of women's issues.

It was formally established by Ms Akinstall in tribute to her mother, Lilla Mae Akinstall, who died in 1992.

Cable Network News International executive producer Pam Benson, Working Woman publisher Deborah Armstrong and leading American feminist Gloria Steinem are past guests of the group.

The Akinstall Foundation was also reported to have participated in the United Nations Fourth World Conference on Women which was held in Beijing, China, between September 4 and 15, 1995.

That year Ms Akinstall said a plan was in the works to create a book which would honour Bermuda's accomplished women.

Ms Akinstall later made headlines when in February of this year she was cleared of a charge of threatening behaviour arising from an alleged row with her sister.

CRIME CRM