Nassau, Bahamas - It is clear to the Public based on the information laid out by the Free National Movement and the Media that Minister Gray’s admonition of his intervention into a criminal case tried in his constituency was inappropriate and in all likelihood illegal. This perception of impropriety was further bolstered by the Magistrate’s version of the events which led to the unlawful release of a young man convicted of assaulting a police officer, obscene language, disorderly conduct and resisting arrest. Despite the overwhelming evidence of wrong doing the PLP chose to keep Mr. Gray in Cabinet with full rights and privileges and only relieved him of his responsibility for Local Government.

This decision is offensive and presumes that Bahamians are so apathetic and unaware of required standards of behaviour of public officials that we would permit this terrible decision to stand. Mr. Alfred Gray’s inappropriate behaviour was carried out by him in his capacity as Minister, not as a half Minister.

The FNM is pleased that our public call for an impartial investigation and our formal letter to the same effect has been, on the face of it, heeded. However, we believe that sufficient evidence has been provided and sufficient discrepancies in the Minister’s statements have been clearly pointed out such that our call for his resignation or firing should have been heeded by now.

By delaying Mr. Gray’s firing Prime Minister Christie runs the risk of further inflicting reputational damage on our country. This is dangerous especially since we are presently battling tremendous negative international press as a result of the level crime in the Bahamas and the government management of it and our handling of immigration matters. Mr. Christie must send an unequivocal message to Bahamians and non-Bahamians alike that his government will in no way tolerate any member of the Executive branch interfering with or giving the appearance of interfering with the Judiciary. In fact, the Prime Minister has a chance to set standards that discourage the abuse of power in general.

The facts in this matter are simple and straight forward. A young resident of Mayaguana was tried, convicted and remanded for the offenses stated earlier. The Police took him into custody to await a flight to Nassau to commence serving his sentence. A short time after sentencing was completed Minister Gray called the Magistrate twice and the clear suggestion is that he ordered the Magistrate (who otherwise serves as Island Administrator) to release the prisoner. The police was unwilling to comply with the order issued to the Magistrate and since the committal order was not in hand the officers returned the prisoner to the Magistrate who summarily and unconditionally released the prisoner.

Contrary to what Mr. Gray said it was him who called the Magistrate twice. Contrary to what Mr. Gray said bail was not granted and could not have been granted since no formal appeal was filed and heard in the Supreme Court. Contrary to what Mr. Gray said the prosecuting officer was not the very officer who was in conflict with the prisoner. The officer who was assaulted by the prisoner was a male Corporal while the prosecuting officer was a female at the rank of Assistant Superintendent of Police. Contrary to what Mr. Gray said that he gave general advice on law and powers of the Magistrate relative to bai the Magistrate clearly interpreted his conversation with Mr. Gray as orders that he ought to follow. Contrary to what Mr. Gray said about minor offenses the Charge Sheets tells a somewhat different story.

Mr. Gray’s actions is equivalent of opening a cell door at Fox Hill Prison and permitting a prisoner to go free without paying for the crime committed. Despite the severity of this situation Mr. Gray remains defiant and unrepentant. The Prime Minister rather than make a firm decision continues to provide weak leadership by permitting the Attorney General to lead the charge in this regard.

The FNM intends to be relentless in protecting the independence of our judiciary and in fighting the abuse of power which is symptomatic of this PLP administration. We will fight tirelessly until Mr. Gray steps down or is fired.