NEW YORK OPTIMA
GROUP FLEXIBLE PURCHASE PAYMENT
DEFERRED VARIABLE ANNUITY CONTRACTS
ISSUED BY
Variable Account A
OF
KEYPORT BENEFIT LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
SUPPLEMENT DATED NOVEMBER 17, 2000
TO
PROSPECTUSES DATED MAY 1, 2000
AND
JUNE 1, 2000

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On November 1, 2000, Liberty Financial Companies, Inc., a Massachusetts corporation ("LFC"), the indirect corporate parent of Keyport Benefit issued a press release stating that it has retained CS First Boston to help explore strategic alternatives, including the possible sale of LFC. LFC added that, because the strategic review is now ongoing, it cannot speculate on the outcome, and there is no assurance that any transaction will be completed. Keyport Benefit similarly cannot speculate on the outcome. Keyport Benefit's management does not anticipate any material change in Keyport Benefit's financial condition.

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Boston, Massachusetts 02110