Astronomers tell us that about 95 per cent of the universe is composed of dark matter and dark energy - and, that's just what the Senate Special Select Committee Public Hearing felt like today - a vast and hollow dark.
Former UDP Minister of Natural Resources was the only witness - and - under strict instructions from his attorney Dean Barrow - let's just say it sounded like he spoke about a whole lot of procedural nothing.
It might be serviceable as an orientation for a first class clerk - but it was not exactly riveting to watch.
It almost got briefly interesting when one of the Senators asked him about those 17 land transfers:
Kevin Herrera, Senator
"Could you maybe give us some idea of how the pricing is derived for these properties? Would it have been in compliance to the sheet? Can you share this with the former minister please?"
Hugo Patt, Former Minister of Natural Resources
"I could not really tell you in terms of values. I was not the type of minister that micromanaged. As I said, there were responsibilities attached to offices at different levels. But if I can't go further, Senator? I think in 2016 you and your family had gotten quite a chunk of land from the government so that you would have known back then what the kind of price ranges would be, so that would give you a clear indication. Thank you."
Kevin Herrera, Senator
"I don't recall getting any land from government in 2016, sir. I don't know where you're getting that information from."
As we said, Patt's attorney and former party leader Dean Barrow made it clear that he would not answer any questions related to Portico:
Dean Barrow, Attorney
"Once the questions become specific regarding Portico and any applications made in the name of Portico for lands, I think that's outside of the scope of the terms of reference. And so I will advise my client not to answer that sort of question. Just to make it clear."
Jannelle Chanona
"Thank you. Your position to your client is on the record. We will continue as guided by our legal counsel in terms of the questioning. Thank you. Please proceed."
Kevin Herrera, Senator
"You certainly have the right not to answer a question."
Witnesses who were summoned for today included Sunjay Hotchdani, and Martin Alegria - but the only testimony came from Patt.
