Hugo Patt Can’t Recall Details of Transaction Involving His Ministerial Ride

Hugo Patt

Former Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Natural Resources, Hugo Patt, took his turn in the hot seat this morning when he appeared before the Commission of Inquiry in its second session.  The Corozal North Area Representative was peppered with questions from the three-member panel about a pickup truck he had asked to purchase from the Government of Belize at the end of the Barrow administration.  That vehicle, as it turned out, was never sold to Patt. First, it was purchased by one of his friends for sixty-five thousand dollars.  Then, for reasons not yet clear, the 2020 Toyota Tacoma changed hands multiple times more.  Today, those individuals were summoned to appear before the commission.  Patt was the first in line.

Hugo Patt, Former Deputy Prime Minister

“Andrew Marshalleck: The approval letter was issued in the name of one Juvencio Herrera. 

Andrew Marshalleck, Chairman, Commission of Inquiry

“Who is Juvencio Herrera?”

Hugo Patt

“Juvencio Herrera is a friend of mine, Mr. Chairman.

Andrew Marshalleck

“You made a request for the approval to be issued in the name of Mr. Herrera instead of your name.”

Hugo Patt

“At the time I made the request, Mr. Chairman, I had a conversation with Mr. Juvencio and I was having some financial difficulties and so this conversation arose as a consequence of that conversation and I indicated to Juvencio that I was having, I had made a request for this vehicle but that due to health emergencies I was not in a position to get the vehicle, to purchase the vehicle myself.  When I indicated this to Juvencio, he did agree to purchase the vehicle on my behalf.”

Andrew Marshalleck

“So he purchased it for you?”

Hugo Patt

“Yes, he did.”