By Belize Live News Staff: UDP Chairman Michael Peyrefitte has defended former UDP Minister Erwin Contreras, who appeared before the Senate Special Select Committee wearing shorts after being escorted by police. Contreras, who provided a brief statement before leaving, faced criticism for his attire and abrupt departure. However, Peyrefitte contended that the focus should be on the legitimacy of the Senate inquiry, not Contreras’s outfit.
Peyrefitte argued that Contreras’s behavior was justified, pointing out that the former minister had been summoned to address allegations but had a valid reason for not participating further, as the issue is under legal review. “Erwin is being sued for malfeasance in office… the Senate has to then wait for the court,” Peyrefitte stated, calling the Senate’s actions “arrogant.”
He criticized the opposing senators for their handling of the situation, noting that while they called police on Contreras, they didn’t confront other officials with the same fervor. “You can’t blame me for how I dress,” he added, supporting Contreras’s right to respond without bowing to pressures over dress code.
In the end, no suitable long pants were available for Contreras to comply with the chamber’s dress expectations, but Peyrefitte maintained that the former minister’s right to defend himself took precedence over appearances.
