Dozens of companies could be struck off the register of companies for non-payment of Government fees.

Among the companies given final warning in the official Gazette last week are consultancy Woodwin Limited, Emerald Investment Management Limited, Sir John Swan's Grape Bay Limited and Dr. Ewart Brown's Bermuda Healthcare Services Limited.

Last week's notice gave the delinquent companies three months to pay up or be struck off the registry.

The list of 125 businesses also includes companies that may have already informed the registrar that they were no longer in business.

Registrar of Companies Jeremy Cox told The Royal Gazette that publication of the list was a routine administrative measure meant to spur companies to pay the fees. "There's no story here," he said.

Grape Bay Limited, formed for the purpose of operating a McDonalds on the Island, lost the years long battle after protracted political and legal wrangling.

When contacted Sir John said that he had not seen the notice but confirmed that the company still existed. "It's still an existing company but we are not doing anything. It was only designed for one purpose". As to whether the substantial court costs awarded against it have been paid he said "that's a question I would have to get back to you on".

Another company on the list which is still active is MP Dr. Ewart Brown's medical practice Bermuda Health Care Services Limited. Dr. Brown told The Royal Gazette that his company's inclusion on the list had to be error.

"If it's not an error on their side it's an error on our side. But that's a small fee. It's either a mistake or it has already been paid".

Bermuda Health Care Services - and about 40 others - also made it on a list compiled by the independent Auditor Larry Dennis which were more than 90 days in arrears on their payroll tax payments.

Dr. Brown said an arrangement was being worked out with the Accountant General for payment of the back taxes.