Civil service union boss Edward Ball Jr. has called for greater efforts to Bermudianise the prosecutors department.

The Bermuda Public Services Union general secretary noted there was still criticism of the Department of Public Prosecutions (DPP) office after its first local director Khamisi Tokunbo left after being asked to reapply for his post.

Mr. Tokunbo refused and his temporary replacement Kalandra Ratneser, a Sri Lankan-born Australian citizen, had his term extended for a further six months early this month after Government House was unable to find a suitable long-term replacement.

Mr. Tokunbo was then appointed to the a new post of Assistant Cabinet Secretary of Legislative Affairs where he manages Government's legislative programme.

Mr. Ball said his union had never been shown any evidence there was any problem with Mr. Tokunbo's work in the Department of Public Prosecutions.

Mr. Ball said in a press statement: "The Bermuda Public Services Union has continued to note the debate concerning the lack of professional standard and performance, or alleged lack thereof, in the DPP's office.

"There are instruments such as probationary reports, performance appraisals and, of course, the legal decisions of cases that determine the proficiency of any lawyer, baring any legal arguments concerning the rule of law.

"The union still has not seen any adverse statements made against the former DPP, Mr. Khamisi Tokunbo.

"There appears to be no substantiated evidence against him, and given that there was an extensive global recruitment for a replacement, what was the reason behind not renewing or extending Mr. Tokunbo's contract?"

He lamented Bermudians in the DPP were leaving for the private sector and called on the Governor, Premier and legal fraternity to offer training and mentoring.

Mr. Ratneser declined to comment about Mr. Ball's statement.

The Prosecutor's department has ten counsel, four of whom are on work permits and in senior positions.