he has a long term goal of having Bermudians in all the top law posts in the Country -- but only if they are the best candidates.

Last month, Attorney General Dame Lois Browne Evans revealed that the contracts of six non-Bermudians in the DPP's Department would end this year and next and urged Bermudian lawyers to apply.

She said there was "unease'' among Bermudian lawyers about whether any or all of the contracts would be renewed. Dame Lois said it would give young people something to aim for if the top jobs were filled by Bermudians.

Senior Crown Counsel Peter Eccles, a Canadian, left last month. Other Canadians still in the DPP's Department include Senior Counsel Brian Calhoun, Crown Counsel Sandra Bacchus and Solicitor General William Pearce.

Mr. Tokunbo told The Royal Gazette he was still working on a replacement for Mr. Eccles. When asked if he was confident of having some or all of the positions filled by Bermudians when current contracts expired, he replied: "That depends on what Bermudians are available, whether those who apply are suitably qualified and experienced and match up to the post that comes up.'' Mr. Tokunbo sees applications for positions for his Department and makes a recommendation to the Public Services Commission which, in turn, makes a recommendation to the Governor.

He added: "My preference is for having experienced, competent personnel. My long term personal objective is to have senior positions filled by experienced, competent Bermudians if I can develop that.''