Business Insurance magazine's publisher and editorial director Ms Kathryn McIntyre is expected to provide a"hard-hitting'' look at the Island's insurance industry in a speech next week.

She wil be speaking at a Bermuda Insurance Institute (BII) luncheon next Thursday at the Hamilton Princess.

"She is a dynamic person and I am looking forward to hearing her speak,'' said Mr. Glen Gibbons, president of the BII. "She knows Bermuda well.'' The speech entitled Bermuda and the Big Picture, "is expected to provide a critical review of the Bermuda insurance industry and its position in the world insurance market,'' according to a BII release.

Ms McIntyre is noted for her straightforward approach about the insurance industry.

"There are very few people who can speak with the kind of credibility she has. Ms Kathryn McIntyre is part of the Bermuda success story, she identified 20 years ago the growth potential of the Bermuda insurance market,'' said BII director of information Mr. Roger Scotton.

Capital and surplus in the insurance sector has grown from $9 billion to $29 billion in the last 10 years, he added.

Ms McIntyre, who last spoke at a BII luncheon eight years ago, could not be reached for comment.

As a member of the Bermuda Insurance Symposium committee, she has visited the Island on several occasions since her last luncheon address.

Business Insurance is published weekly from Chicago.