Close to 80 people have applied for the $98,000 Solicitor General post.

But only five of them live in Bermuda.

Public Service Commission director and secretary Judith Hall Bean told The Royal Gazette 74 of the applicants for the second highest law officer post were from overseas.

The commission was reviewing recommendations from the Attorney General and was expected to conduct interviews shortly, she added.

A decision was expected to be made in August. Attorney General Elliott Mottley declined to comment on the Solicitor General matter.

But earlier this month Shadow Legislative Affairs Minister Lois Browne Evans threw her support behind Supreme Court Registrar Charles-Etta Simmons for the Solicitor General post.

Ms Simmons acted in the position, left vacant after the retirement of Solicitor General Barrie Meade, from April 7 to May 31.

And Mrs. Browne Evans -- herself a lawyer and the first female leader of a political party -- stressed that Ms Simmons should not be overlooked.

While noting that several people had applied for the Solicitor General post, she said: "But I trust that she (Ms Simmons) will get it.

"She's the person that has moved up. She has administrative ability by being the (Supreme Court) Registrar and she has been a defence lawyer.'' Mrs. Browne Evans added that persons with less qualifications have filled the Solicitor General post in Bermuda. She said a Bermudian should get the job.