7 News Belize

Dr. Francis Says No Funny Business With COLA
posted (October 7, 2015)

While we had the opportunity, we asked Dr. Smith if he is in any way involved in COLA's decision to actively campaign against his Pickstock opponent, Wilfred Elrington.

As we showed you yesterday, the grassroots organization announced that they are officially getting into the political arena, not to be elected, but just to try to get voters not to vote for Elrington. Their reasoning is that if he cannot win his seat as Pickstock's Area Representative, he cannot be re-appointed as the Minister of Foreign Affairs.

Politically, Smith has the most to gain in this campaign since any vote that Elrington doesn't get, benefits him. So, we asked him about his connection to this new campaign, and here's how he responded:

Dr. Francis Smith - PUP Candidate, Pickstock

"I have no contradictions with COLA because we have the same mission."

Daniel Ortiz

"But sir, it appears as though you are the most to benefit, you have the most to gain from this. Then we know that he met with you the other night. Some would suggest that you are one of the architects along this push from COLA. Are you involved in that in any way?"

Dr. Francis Smith - PUP Candidate, Pickstock

"No, No. I was asked to meet with him; I meet with anybody who requests my meeting with them. I'm a politician. They're welcomed, I have no contradiction; but I am not a part of COLA, I am a PUP, area rep."

Daniel Ortiz

"Do you at least concede that their agenda and your agenda line up with trying to get Sedi Elrington?"

Dr. Francis Smith - PUP Candidate, Pickstock

"Correct, that is so."

COLA's first public meeting to try to sway voters will happen on Thursday Night, and we'll tell you how it went in the following newscast.

Home | Archives | Downloads/Podcasts | Advertise | Contact Us

7 News Belize