Nassau, Bahamas - On
Monday, 20 April, 2015 the Office of the Attorney-General received from the
Commissioner of Police the case file containing the results of the
comprehensive full, fair and impartial investigation and report into the
allegations made against the Minister of Agriculture and Marine Resources, the
Honourable V. Alfred Gray. The
allegations, which have been widely reported in the media, concern the administration
of justice and arise from the Minister’s interaction with Mayaguana
Administrator Zephaniah Newbold in respect of a matter heard by Mr. Newbold in
his role as a magistrate for the Mayaguana District.
The
allegations against Mr. Gray were referred to the Royal Bahamas Police Force,
at the request of the Office of the Attorney-General, to ensure the said comprehensive
full, fair and impartial investigation of the matter. The Royal Bahamas Police
Force has reported that they have conducted the requested investigation.
Upon
a careful and complete review of the file, and after consultation with senior
prosecutors and other senior legal officials within the Office of the Attorney-General,
it was
determined that in the circumstances of the
conflicting nature of the evidence it is not desirable to institute criminal
proceedings against any person before any court in respect of any offence
against the law of The Bahamas. While it may be tempting to draw conclusions
from allegations reported (second hand) in the media, it is important at all
times that evidence guides the decision making process. This is especially
important to preserve fairness and the integrity of all trial proceedings.
Finally,
so as to reduce the opportunity for such allegations in the future and protect
the integrity of the system, the Attorney-General has recommended to the Chief
Justice that stipendiary and circuit magistrates increase their circuit work.