deepened last night after it was revealed she was being sued for $40,000.

And it is understood that Ms Marshall has been prevented from leaving the Island because of the proceedings.

The writ was served on her by lawyer Kim Wilson, of Marshall and Company. They were acting for the Bermuda Industrial Union, who loaned the money to help stage the event.

And it has been revealed that a bill, totalling several thousand dollars, relating to the WCOM summit, is still outstanding. Officials are currently trying to ensure if it is settled.

The writ came after a series of embarassments for the WCOM and Ms Marshall.

A US attorney warned that she was a "scam artist'' and a human rights group that claimed they lost several thousand dollars, said people should be beware.

During the conference she launched a verbal attack on US Consul General Bob Farmer.

A BIU spokesman said: "We filed the writ because it is the worker's money, we have to take action to secure it.'' The WCOM severed ties with Ms Marshall and this prompted the BIU to take legal action. The union is upset after putting up the money in good faith.

Elbow Beach manager Bill Shoaf said: "We were pleased to have the conference.

The vast majority of them were terrific people and we look forward to welcoming them back.

"We regret all of the other incidents, that tarnished the overall conference.'' Last night Ms Marshall could not be contacted at her Elbow Beach room. But on Thursday she spoke out, saying all the allegations against her were lies.

She insisted she was just a "broker'' in the organisation and not interested in money.

And she said she appreciated what the BIU had done with regard to the project.

CONFERENCE CON