Chief Justice Austin Ward is stepping down with his successor likely to be named in the next three months, Deputy Governor Nick Carter said earlier this week.

And he said both Police Commissioner Jonathan Smith and Deputy Police Commissioner George Jackson will have to re-apply for their jobs.

Mr. Ward, 67, had asked to step down rather than apply for another contract said Mr. Carter who explained Mr. Ward was nearing the constitutional cut-off age of 70 for the five-year post.

Mr. Carter said: "He made it clear he wanted to retire."

Applications for the $145,000-a-year post are sought by September 17 with priority for local candidates, although the net could be cast wider if applicants fail to meet the standard.

The newspaper advert stresses hopefuls must be able to operate in a multi-racial society.

The Deputy Governor said Governor Sir John Vereker was advertising the top Police posts in a bid to get the best person for each job rather than re-appoint contract jobs as a fait accompli.

"The Governor is keen that positions in his purview are advertised and are under a process of open and fair competition. In the past they have simply been extended," said Mr. Carter.

"It's an opportunity for Government to look to see if there are any stronger candidates able to do a better job."

Under the Constitution the Governor has the power to appoint the Commissioner and Deputy Commissioner but Assistant Police Commissioner Carlton Adams does not come under his purview.

Earlier this year Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Khamisi Tokunbo was asked to re-apply for his job. He refused and was replaced by temporary DPP Kulandra Ratneser.

Mr. Carter said the mid-September target date for a new Director of Public Prosecutions might be pushed back because of the aftermath of Hurricane Fabian.

Applications for the three-year $111,815 Deputy Commissioner's post are due in by September 17.

Asked about his thoughts on having to re-apply for his job Mr. Jackson said: "I will not be drawn into publicly talking about a position in Public Service."

The Royal Gazette understands Mr. Smith's three-year contract expires in April.

Mr. Carter also revealed controversial Magistrate Edward King had been given a one-year contract after reaching the official retirement age last month.

And he said the Chief Justice might also be asked to stay on for a while as a replacement is found and he estimated the process would take at least three months.