The chairman of the Insurance Advisory Committee (IAC) has slammed EXEL Limited's senior vice president of investor relations over controversial comments made about the level of "co-ordination'' in the Island's insurance industry.

Mr. Brian R. Hall said EXEL insurance executive Mr. Gavin Arton was unaware of the IAC's structure and efforts.

In a letter to the editor of this newspaper, Mr. Hall wrote: "I am the first person to support the avoidance of duplication of effort, and the IAC for many years has been based on that premise...In all levels within the IAC, but particularly in the area of marketing, there has been dialogue with BIBA (Bermuda International Business Association).'' In his speech last week at an insurance industry luncheon, Mr. Arton called for more co-ordination among international business bodies.

On Wednesday Mr. Cummings Zuill, BIBA chairman, agreed there was room for improvement.

The IAC committee includes one member from each sector of the insurance industry and includes a marketing sub-committee as well -- active enough to appoint an insurance information officer, added Mr. Hall.

In his speech not only did Mr. Arton criticise co-ordination of international business but also slammed the Island's treatment of business travellers.