By KHRISNA VIRGIL
Tribune Staff Reporter
kvirgil@tribunemedia.net
EMBATTLED MICAL MP V Alfred Gray said yesterday that he will have the “last say” after investigations wrap up into allegations that he used his Cabinet position to interfere in the judicial process of a man convicted in his constituency.
Mr Gray made the terse comment as he refused to take questions from the media yesterday.
“I am not speaking to reporters. I will have the last say,” Mr Gray said following a ceremony and boat show at Potter’s Cay Dock to honour Captain Emmett Munroe for his contribution to sailing.
After his brief remarks, Mr Gray was quickly ushered away from reporters by Rev Dr Philip McPhee, Mount Calvary Baptist Church pastor, who insisted that there was an urgent matter needing Mr Gray’s attention.
At one point during the event, The Tribune overheard Rev McPhee telling Prime Minister Perry Christie, “We don’t want anything to happen to him (Mr Gray).”
Mr Christie also did not take questions from reporters at the boat show yesterday.
As the press approached him, the prime minister’s handlers formed a human chain around him to prevent reporters from asking questions.
On Thursday, lawyer Wayne Munroe, QC, confirmed to The Tribune that he was hired by Mr Gray over the judicial interference allegations.
Mr Munroe said he was retained by Mr Gray to offer legal advice.
He said: “I’ve gone on record saying that given what the administrator said (to the press), (Mr Gray) would be wise to obtain a lawyer for advice.”
However, he added: “Don’t get the impression that (Mr Gray) has engaged me because there are any prospects that he could be charged of anything. I’ve always said that I want to know what the charge could possibly be.”
Mr Gray has also been seeking advice on whether there are grounds for defamation of character lawsuits following numerous reports about the controversy featured in the media, Mr Munroe said.
Police are investigating allegations that Mr Gray abused his power by contacting Mayaguana Administrator Zephaniah Newbold about a man convicted on the island and sentenced to prison. The Free National Movement has alleged that shortly after that conversation, Mr Newbold released the teenager in question, Jaquan Charlton, days after he had convicted him.
Mr Gray has previously confirmed that he did contact Mr Newbold, but has strongly denied that he attempted to sway the course of justice. He has reportedly said that he only contacted Mr Newbold to let him know he had the option of granting bail in the matter, since an appeal had, according to him, been filed.
However, according to The Nassau Guardian, the administrator released the 19-year-old after an “order” came and not on bail.
When contacted yesterday, Mr Newbold told The Tribune that he was not answering any more questions from the media. He said all inquires must be directed to his permanent secretary.
Mr Gray was relieved of his post as minister of local government pending the outcome of the police probe. However, he is still minister of agriculture and marine resources.
Yesterday, Acting Deputy Commissioner of Police Anthony Ferguson said police investigations into the matter are ongoing, but should wrap up soon.
Comments
duppyVAT 9 years, 7 months ago
This comment was removed by the site staff for violation of the usage agreement.
birdiestrachan 9 years, 7 months ago
The less they say the better for them especially those who love to talk and talk, The press can twist and turn what ever they say. One must be careful with what they over heard. they may very well hear the wwrong things.
licks2 9 years, 7 months ago
It is not a matter of the press twisting any thing. . .those men are just so arrogant and as PLPs think that they are untouchable. . .it has nothing to do with the press twisting anything or not liking the PLP! Hell. . .very few persons love the PLP right now!!
This case is the proof positive to the Bahamas and the World what the Bahamians were saying for a long time. . .THE PLP IS CORRUPT, TIEFING, LYING, INCOPETENT AND ARROGANT WITH THEIR DISMAL PERFORMANCES! They may be competent in their private lives, but they suck eggs as a government!!
Why is any Bahamian surprised about the LOI, BAMSI, Carnival, Gray matter, no FOIA and PGC contempt for the Bahamian people is way beyond any sense of imaginations of each living being on this planet!!
abe 9 years, 7 months ago
You have a good point.
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John 9 years, 7 months ago
Once you hear the full story your opinions may change so let them complete the investigation.
ThisIsOurs 9 years, 7 months ago
No it won't. We all know that Alfred Gray called the administrator to talk about the case with this young man, because he told us so. He disputes whether he gave him an order but he called to talk about this case. Would be interesting to find out what time the mother called a Gray and what time Gray first tried to reach the administrator, whether he got through or not.
Whether or not he is not found to have committed a crime, there are enough disturbing details here for the PM to ask for his resignation. It should have already been done because the outcome of the case has no bearing on Grays failure to live up to the standards expected of the office.
His blurring of the lines on ethical behavior has been a constant over his stint in political office. He's not the only one, but he's in our face.
DillyTree 9 years, 7 months ago
So as his last say, do you think that means that Gray will "invite" Christie to fire him? Or to sweep the whole mess under the rug? (It's getting to be a damn big rug...)
ThisIsOurs 9 years, 7 months ago
As the press approached him, the prime minister’s handlers formed a human chain around him to prevent reporters from asking questions.
What is that ??!!?? A friend told me yesterday that he sees all kinds of people running for office, he said, i could run for office! nobody sharper than me. And he was SERIOUS. This is what the qualifications for political office have come to, looking sharp in a suit. You can be as dumb as a door nail, as corrupt as a used car salesman, as lecherous as...too many examples, don't want to offend someone by NOT picking them.
Every potential candidate should be given a list of the things they will be required to do, the number if hours it requires, the number of constituents they're required to meet, the hard skills they must possess, project management, public administration, accounting theory, reading comprehension, law, professional ethics theory. Let all of them know that this is HARD work and the pay isn't great, it's service. Nothing harder than answering questions when you're either tired, don't want to be bothered or you're at a nice event and you don't want it ruined. But guess what? THATS YOUR JOB the one you signed up for and sold your soul to the gaming operation to get. Now OWN it.
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