bringing to an end a lengthy search for an appointment. Family, friends and leading figures from the legal world gathered at Government House to witness Mr. Tokunbo take the oath of office in front of Governor Thorold Masefield.

Referring to the long road towards the appointment, Mr. Tokunbo said: "I appreciate the last 11 months have been longer than the last 11 years of my professional life.'' Mr. Tokunbo spoke of the honour of being appointed to the office and thanked friends and family who had supported him in the past year.

And he revealed that the position was one he had sought for many years. "I am under no illusion, since I had not arrived here by chance but rather after methodically setting out in pursuit of it several years ago, albeit the office had a different nomenclature,'' he said.

"I am fully aware that oftenmost it appears to be a thankless and lonely job: damned if you do, damned if you don't.'' Mr. Tokunbo said he took comfort in knowing it was an honourable job and promised to adhere to the principles of the law without fear or favour in the public interest. Premier Jennifer Smith, her Chief of Staff David Burch, Attorney General Dame Lois Brown Evans, Puisne Judge Charles-Etta Simmons, Mr.

Warner and lawyers Victoria Pearman, Renee Foggo, Sandra Bacchus and Peter Farge were among those who joined Mr. Tokunbo's family and friends at the swearing-in ceremony.