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EXHIBIT 5.1
1st June, 2000
Santa Fe International Corporation
Two Lincoln Center
Suite 1100
5420 LBJ Freeway
Dallas, TX 75240-2648
Re: Registration Statement on Form F-3
Ladies and Gentlemen:
At your request we have examined the Registration Statement on Form F-3
(the "Registration Statement") proposed to be filed by you with the Securities
and Exchange Commission on or about 2nd June, 2000 in connection with the
registration under the Securities Act of 1933 of your Ordinary Shares, US$0.01
par value (the "Shares"), to be offered in a secondary public offering by SFIC
Holdings (Cayman), Inc..
We have reviewed the proceedings as contained on the minute book of the
Company in relation to the allotment and issue the Shares.
It is our opinion that, assuming payment for the Shares has been made in
full, the Shares have been legally issued and are fully paid and nonassessable.
We consent to the use of this opinion as an exhibit to the Registration
Statement, and to the use of our name under the captions "Enforcement of Civil
Liabilities" and "Legal Matters" in the Registration Statement and the
Prospectus which forms a part thereof.
Yours faithfully,
/s/ MAPLES AND CALDER
MAPLES AND CALDER
