U.D.P. Chairman Supports Party Leader’s Call for Investigation into PM Briceño

Michael Peyrefitte

We also asked Peyrefitte to weigh in on his party leader’s letter to the Ombudsman requesting an investigation into Prime Minister John Briceño for alleged corruption and wrongdoing, in relation to Definitive Agreement.  Here is what he told us.

Michael Peyrefitte, U.D.P. Senator

“It is insignificant as to who drafted the document or which firm. That nuh relevant. What is relevant is that document was entered by Portico knowing full well that they were wrong in how they were getting it executed, just before the general elections, not being approved by Cabinet or the sub-committee. They knew that was wrong and not our policy. They knew there was no way that particular minister had the authority to give certain concessions especially when it comes to the waiving of taxes and fees and giving foreign exchanges. And, they also knew and the current Prime Minister knows and should have known because he is supposedly getting good legal advice that that document is an illegal document because it cannot stand commercially because it gives certain concession not authorized or the person who gave those concessions is not authorized to make that concessions. So, he should have known that. So, when the Prime Minister took that document a couple weeks ago and tried to pass it through Cabinet it then became Johnny Briceño document you know. I know you all don’t like to hear that, don’t want to hear that, but if you support something and I pick it up and run with it, I am in support of it too, am I not? I want to investigate; I will support an investigation by the Ombudsman to determine what would make the Prime Minister take such a document to Cabinet knowing full well that document was egregious and unacceptable. What made you do that? What provoked you to do that?”