Best A (Excellent) rating affirmed, it was announced on Friday. According to Best's, the rating reflects the company's consistently favourable reported annual operating results and underwriting profits.

Best also praised Western General's successful evolution from its original role as a single-parent associated company to a third-party insurer and reinsurer with a major presence in both Bermuda and international insurance communities.

S. AFRICA MINING FIRM MOVES BUC S. Africa mining firm moves A South African mining company has been poked fun at by The Guardian newspaper's city columnist for basing itself in Bermuda.

According to a brief article in Saturday's paper, Aquarium Platinum, an AIM listed mining group, "has a problem with geography.

"It is leaving its native Australia to base itself in Bermuda but no one seems to know exactly why. It quit Australia because `most of its shares are held by European investors'. '' The unnamed columnist then added: "When I gently suggest it would be better to move to Europe, the spokesman explains: "Oh no, that would make no sense, as many of our mines are in South Africa.'' E-COMMERCE FIRM EXPANDS BUC E-commerce firm expands A recently formed Bermuda-based e-commerce company is preparing to launch its first Latin American portal.

Latin eVentures, which was set up in 1999 in Hamilton has linked up with J.D.

Edwards to process its business to business and business to consumer deals.

Latin eVentures was set up to take advantage of the expanding business of online sales throughout Latin America.

According to a recent study, sales in the region are estimated to reach more than $6 billion by 2003.

"With an agile enterprise system like J.D. Edwards OneWorld supporting and extending our e-business model, we are well positioned to be an e-commerce market leader throughout Latin America,said Cenmar Fuertes, founder, president and co-chairman of Latin eVentures.

"Unlike many other companies in our market space, we have put into place the essential technology foundation from which to better serve our customers and deliver products on-time.'' STABLE OUTLOOK FOR ATTORNEY'S BUC Stable outlook for Attorneys' Duff & Phelps Credit Rating Co. has reaffirmed the claims paying ability rating of Attorneys' Liability Assurance (Bermuda) Ltd. at `AA' (Double-A).

According to the rating organisation, the outlook for the rating is stable.

Rationale for the rating includes the assurance company's good competitive position in its chosen market, comprehensive reinsurance programme that mitigates its exposure to large losses, strong capital position, and high-quality and liquid investment portfolio.

-- Mairi Mallon