But at the start of the inquiry, in Panton's opening statement, she criticized the way that she was served. She explained that, as members of the House, they should have been notified in person. We also asked Micheal Peyrefitte how he felt about being served via email.
Tracy Panton, Area Rep., Albert
"I believe that this is a very important hearing and so I would like to recommend, Madam Chair, that given the importance of this undertaking that when members are served, that we are served personally. I got an email correspondence inviting me to this hearing and I really believe that greater consideration should be given to members of the National Assembly."
Michael Peyrefitte, UDP Senator
"We don't do many things properly, but we were served, I got an email on November 23rd and I'm here."
Courtney Menzies:
"You felt like that was enough?"
Michael Peyrefitte, UDP Senator
"Well, I don't think it was enough, I think as members for parliament and members of a Special Committee like this, you should be served personally, but for me, it wasn't an issue."
"I'm here, I believe a Senate Inquiry is important, I believe it was disrespectful of the prime minister to indicate that he doesn't need to come here, like this is beneath him, I totally disagree with him. A Senate Inquiry, a Senate Panel requests your attendance, you need to be here."
Courtney Menzies:
"He called it a waste of taxpayers dollars."
Michael Peyrefitte, UDP Senator
"Well, I mean, he is a waste of taxpayers dollars."
As we told you earlier, the man who should have been the main attraction, former Minister of Investment and Economic Development Erwin Contreras had his attorney send the Committee a letter saying he had not been properly served. He also said he will seek the high court's intervention or chairlady Janelle Chanona to recuse herself because of apparent bias. He's asking the committee to stay its hand until that challenge is determined.
Later in the news, you'll hear former AG Peyrefitte's testimony from this afternoon's session.
