MICAL MP V. Alfred Gray has been relieved of his duty as minister for local government pending a police investigation into the allegation that he interfered in a judicial matter, Prime Minister Perry Christie announced yesterday.

However, Gray, who is accused of ordering Mayaguana Administrator Zephaniah Newbold to release a convict, is still minister of agriculture and marine resources. Christie said Gray's local government responsibilities have been transferred to Financial Services Minister Hope Strachan.

The prime minister made the announcement during a communication in the House of Assembly. "In reference to the allegations recently made against Minister Alfred Gray, I am advised that the honorable attorney general has referred the matter to the Royal Bahamas Police Force for a thorough investigation," Christie said.

"As a result of this development, Minister Gray has invited me to relieve him of his ministerial responsibility for local government pending the outcome of the police investigation. "In all circumstances I consider that this is the correct thing to do."

Christie commended Gray for his "responsible approach to the matter". But Opposition Leader Dr. Hubert Minnis challenged Christie to "show leadership" and fire Gray from the Cabinet.

Minnis told reporters outside the House that Christie's handling of the matter is "insulting".

"What the prime minister has done is insulted us," he said. "[He's] taken half of [Gray's] portfolio. He is still a minister.

He still receives the same salary for less work.

He's insulting the Bahamian populace. "...You can not be half pregnant.

You're pregnant or you're not.

In this case we demand that Minister Gray be dismissed."

Minnis added that Christie is sending the wrong message to investors and criminals.

"The message that you are sending out is that if you are my friend or [if] you know me then we can interfere and we can stop whatever legal process you are being hindered by," he said.

"That is a bad message. "...The prime minister should show leadership. This weak leadership that he has shown in his previous administration continues to spill off into this administration."

Minnis pointed out that when an individual in the public sector is accused of a crime, he is placed on leave while the matter is under investigation.

"That is a grave insult. He cannot remain, especially during an investigative procedure," Minnis said.The opposition leader also addressed the matter in the House during the afternoon session.

During his communication in the House, Christie tabled a letter that Gray sent to him yesterday.

In the letter, Gray insisted that the allegations "are completely false" and added that he is "absolutely confident that at the end of the expected investigation I will be completely vindicated".

In a statement, the Office of the Attorney General pointed to the separation of powers. "The Constitution of The Commonwealth of The Bahamas in its preamble and elsewhere enshrines an abiding respect for the rule of law," the statement said.

"Fundamental to the rule of law is the separation of powers and independence of the judiciary." Newbold confirmed to The Nassau Guardian on Tuesday that he released a convict outright, and not on bail "after an order came forth".

His statement contradicted Gray's account of the matter. Gray told The Nassau Guardian on Friday that it was his understanding that the administrator, acting in his capacity as local magistrate, had released the convict in question on bail after the man appealed his minor conviction.

Gray said he spoke with the magistrate and told him that he could release the man on bail, but he said this was not an order.

Newbold had reportedly sentenced the man to three months in prison and he was set to be transported to Nassau before Gray called.

Click here to read more at The Nassau Guardian