This morning, we contacted Corozal North Area Rep Hugo Patt for comment on the published findings of the Commission of Inquiry.
In paragraph 96, the report says quote, "The Commission is of the view that the 65,000 dollars paid for the Tacoma… were either a bribe for the approval of land sales… or… a share of profits derived from an unlawful scheme for the sale of public lands…"
Via telephone, he told us that although he would very much like to address the allegations head-on, his attorney has advised him not to comment at this time.
He said that he didn't want to - quote, "jeopardize the legal process", end quote. That suggests that he intends to bring a lawsuit to challenge the findings.
This morning, his UDP colleague, Senator Michael Peyrefitte, told us that if he were Patt, he would definitely sue:
Hon. Michael Peyrefitte - UDP Senator
"Look how they talked about the Honorable Hugo Patt. Reckless language, the Commission of Inquiry is to find facts and information, and when you don't find facts and information, you don't speculate. But, you have to remember that the entire point of the Commission of Inquiry was just to distract from the disastrous first few days of the Briceno Administration, and it is being brought back again because the heat is on the Government. The heat is on the Government, and they have to find… So, they were in Cabinet yesterday desperately looking for something. I would certainly apply to the court to deal with the Commission of Inquiry. If were "Papa" Mena, and if I were Minister Hulse, I would certainly apply to the court for some sort of redress because, in my view, they took unfair shots against them. They took really unfair shots. In other words then, if you ask me, in my view, they were -in a roundabout way - suggesting that these people were involved in criminal activity. If I were them I wouldn't stand for that. I don't care what they accuse me of. I have alligator skin. But, if I were them, then I would certainly try to address that, and if I have a discussion with them about that, I would certainly advise them to do that."
