Yesterday, former UDP Minister of Economic Development Erwin Contreras appeared before the Senate Special Select Committee. He didn't do so willingly: he was picked up by police and taken to the chamber in the short pants that he was wearing.
The man who set the whole controversy in motion when he signed the Definitive agreement one month before the 2020 general election didn't stick around to answer questions though. He gave a statement and left.
Today, his former colleague - who has been very critical of Contreras in the past gave a stout defence and justification of his actions:
Mike Peyrefitte, UDP Senator
"I was a part of that meeting where this motion was brought. We debated it, I supported it. So when they called me as a witness, I felt compelled to answer to whatever questions they had for me even when 90% of it was ridiculous, right?"
"You have Chris Coye . You have Eamon Courtenay go there. And for a Senate inquiry that they voted "yea" to, they attended it and say screw you, I noh have to to answer any ah unu. Because you see the arrogance that they have developed with the UDP being in shambles and no real opposition to them because we are not fighting at full strength. The arrogance that they have developed, you cannot you can't criticize Erwin."
"So they walk out, expressing that arrogance, but yet they want to send Police for Erwin. Like they arrested him to take him to some pisshouse. Tell him come as you are. You noh have no time to change your clothes. No time to make a bath. Come and come now. Erwin went there and Erwin basically followed their lead, in the face of Erwin having a legitimate reason as to why he should not speak to that committee, because he is presently in court on that same matter."
"Erwin is being sued for malfeasance in office. Yes. So no, the Senate has to then wait for the court, or the Senate cannot discuss that matter because it's in court."
"And with that he should have been legitimately excused, but with egg on their faces and not having the balls to shout at Eamon and Chris Coye they then send police for Erwin Contreras and then tell Erwin, oh sir, you're here under warrant, why you nevah shout after Eamon and Chris when when they walked away from you like that, why didn't you do that?"
"So, I will not criticized Erwin."
Jules Vasquez
"So, you're taking up for Erwin? Who you have condemned."
Mike Peyrefitte, UDP Senator
"Yes. I am saying to you, you cannot blame him for what happened yesterday, because Erwin has every right to say if you allow people to walk away from here, then I can walk away. Then anybody who comes before it can walk home, right? If you send police to me and tell me I have to come as I am, you can't blame me for how I dress."
Arrangements were made for Contreras to get a pair of pants in the Chamber, but a suitable fit could not be found.
Email
Print