The V. Alfred Gray matter is quite simple. We have three independent branches of government in The Bahamas with constitutionally defined powers and responsibilities: the executive, the legislature and the judiciary. There is a separation to ensure checks and balances exist between these centers of authority.
The courts exist to ensure fairness, to protect the constitution and to ensure minority rights. Judicial officers are to make decisions based on the law and should not be interfered with by anyone. When a member of Cabinet, who sits as part of the executive, interferes with a judicial officer he has violated one of the cornerstones of our constitutional system. That individual should be asked to resign from Cabinet or be fired if he refuses to do so.
Gray has admitted that he had a conversation with Mayaguana Island Administrator Zephaniah Newbold about a case the administrator was involved with. Gray, the MICAL MP, which includes Mayaguana, told The Nassau Guardian that he told Newbold, the local magistrate, that he could release a man convicted of a crime on bail. That man has been identified as Jaquan Charlton, 19.
Gray said, as far as he knew, Newbold did just that after their conversation. Newbold has contradicted that account. The administrator told The Guardian that he released a convict (Charlton) outright, and not on bail, "after an order came forth". Newbold has reportedly told officials that Gray called him twice on this issue - whereas Gray told this newspaper that he does not recall who called whom.
The administrator has detailed the conversations and has reported that he freed Charlton after the second conversation he had with Gray.These basic details make the political side of this affair simple. Gray should be out of Cabinet. What Prime Minister Perry did yesterday was unacceptable and unbecoming of a leader.
Christie announced in the House of Assembly that Gray was relieved of his duty as minister for local government pending a police investigation into the allegation that he interfered in a judicial matter. However, Gray is still minister of agriculture and marine resources. His local government responsibilities were transferred to Financial Services Minister Hope Strachan.
"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."
This is not the right thing to do. The prime minister should know this. There is a question as to whether or not Gray obstructed justice. The matter should have been referred to police. But Christie, as chairman of the Cabinet and as prime minister, should have put Gray out of Cabinet.
Leaving Gray as a member of the executive brings our system of governance into disrepute. Christie risks harming what is left of his legacy if he continues to protect Gray. The prime minister must decide if he is a defender of the constitution or if he is a man who prefers to protect his colleagues regardless of their transgressions.
Gray remaining in the prime minister's Cabinet would mean that Christie thinks it acceptable to contact judicial officers about matters they are involved with. Christie, therefore, demonstrates that he is no longer fit to be prime minister if Gray remains a minister. These are the stakes, Mr. Prime Minister. A country is watching. Be careful that you don't lose your place by keeping a man you should have fired last week.
Click here to read more at The Nassau Guardian
