BAA President Ousted? Cojac Smith Seeks to Clear His Name

Earlier today, the Belize Athletic Association issued a release announcing that Cojac Smith is no longer serving as the president of the association. The release also stated that Gregory Meyers is no longer serving as public relations officer. Well, we reached out to Smith for comments, and he told us that as far as he is concerned, he maintains the role of BAA president. BAA’s release noted that Alvin Tillett, the first vice president under Smith, has been appointed as the acting president. This all played out on Sunday during a special general assembly. So, how did the association get to this point. We spoke with embattled President, Cojac Smith about how it all played out.

 

Cojac Smith, Belize Athletics Association

“To be honest I am a professional project manager and that is what I do. I have my own small business, and I also do consultancy. So, in any situation like this dealing with a situation where I am voted out on ground that is unconstitutional. I did nothing wrong, and I have to speak out against it. It is not within my frame or my own personal belief that I should sit down and take this when I did nothing wrong. So I have to take a stand and say that the entire process for the voting was unconstitutional and I am still legally the president of the BAA, however means or whatever the press release are being sent out at this point in time. It is unconstitutional what happened on Sunday. There are steps and processes about how you have disputes and how it is handle. Those were vehemently opposed to and violated at the meeting on Sunday. When they decided it is going to be a vote I stepped out. I can no longer be apart of something unconstitutional and no longer following the rules.  I did not participate or vote on it. Just the entire process was in shambles. I won’t touch base too much on it. I am currently doing my research as to how I will handle the situation and see how to deal with it. But, by no way will I allow my name to be tarnished when all I have been doing is trying to better the association and better sports for Belize.”

 

Paul Lopez

“Is the public perhaps getting a view, an inside look as to a part of the reason why we are not seeing certain disciplines advance in Belize. Things are so bureaucratic and tends to be so political at times. And, do you lament this?”

 

Cojac Smith

“You are hitting the nail on the head. I am sure you have seen this where you wonder why things are not happening. When you have like minded individuals that are trying to make change and development you have those who resist the change. And then you have those that resist the change. Instead of trying to see beyond what is right in front of their face and looking at the bigger picture you have reisistance and that resisntance got to the point where there is a feeling of wanting to get rid of the president.”