Investigation into Allegations Against John Saldivar Ongoing
Michael Peyrefitte has been recently appointed the Minister of National Security after John Saldivar resigned from cabinet in light of the damning revelations made by Jacob Kingston in the U.S. District Court, including explosive text messages. In his address last week, Prime Minister Dean Barrow stated that the government will obtain official transcripts from the trial and order the police department to investigate Saldivar. The National Trade Union Congress of Belize, however, is demanding that an independent investigation be conducted into the allegations made against the former minister and all other named public officials. Minister of National Security Michael Peyrefitte says an investigation is taking place.
Michael Peyrefitte
Michael Peyrefitte, Minister of National Security
“It has already been called. It is taking place as we speak. I can tell you that the Minister of National Security.”
Hipolito Novelo
“Independent is what I guess they would mean…”
Michael Peyrefitte
“What isn’t independent?”
Hipolito Novelo
“…not from the government.”
Michael Peyrefitte
“Appoint Johnny Briceño? Said Musa? Who else? Julius Espat?”
Hipolito Novelo
“An international body?”
Michael Peyrefitte
“Appointing an international body is indicating that we have no confidence in our local authorities. I have every confidence in our local authorities. I met with the different sections chief, ComPol, Head of B.D.F., Coast Guard. I can tell you outstanding Belizeans who have nothing but the best interest of Belize at heart. If they are to carry out an investigation I trust that it would be as good if not better than any other international supposedly better organization can do.”
Hipolito Novelo
“What about the timeline, in terms of finishing that investigation?”
Michael Peyrefitte
“If will take as long as it has to take. It will take as short that it has to take. Investigations don’t happen quickly like that from my experience. They will do what they have to do and when the time is right for them to take action they will, if any.”
