Smith launches Pickstock Housing Project; Price a no-show

It's called the "Pickstock Affordable Housing Project" - and the invitation bears the name of National Hero and Minister of Defence George Price. In the legendary politician's storied career, he led Belize to independence, and won a gang of elections, but never to our knowledge has he spearheaded a divisional housing programme. So today our 7 news team dutifully tooled over to Pickstock street in front of Price's divisional office to see the elder statesman mark this first. But Price wasn't there, holding court was Godfrey Smith, the standard bearer who would hold his seat - and whose name took second billing on the invitation. Smith was handing over four homes in a lot on Pickstock Street. The new homeowners will pay 25 thousand dollars for the lot and home. It's a pretty project, but onlookers complained that it's a waste of space to fit four low income homes into a sprawling double lot. Smith said that making the new homes fit in with the neighborhood was a greater consideration than squeezing in two more buildings.
Godfrey Smith, PUP standard Bearer, Pickstock Division
"Obviously you can jam two more houses in here, but you want to create something nice that people will feel proud of that will give them some motivation and incentive to upkeep - so that's why we haven't stuck six, and rather we've put four in here."
Jules Vasquez
"Looking at the invitation, the invitation said George Price and we don't see him here, is that an indication that there is still this much spoken about enmity between the Area rep. and yourself?" Godfrey Smith "Absolutely not, Jules, you would not have seen Mister Prices' name on the banner, on the invitation if there had not been consultation and if the project didn't have his blessing and support. But as you are aware yes, he is still the Area Rep., but he is winding down his activities he has said plainly to me that whenever I am ready to begin my real house to house campaign and accelerate, he will be right there with me."
Present at the opening was Acting Prime Minister Johnny Briceno