after revealing he will not be in Bermuda for the corporation elections.

Mr. Smith, a temporary employee for US Airways, will be off the Island on business when the common councillor elections are held on September 18.

And he alleged that some of his business associates may have conspired in a bid to stop him from running.

Mr. Smith, 49, said he would still stand for election. But he added: "An untimely business commitment has forced me to be abroad on election day.

"This matter has no doubt caused me great concern as I feel it was orchestrated to deter my community aspirations.

"To the voters of St. George's, I am sorry that there are still people in this country that are not community minded.

"I trust that my absence will not have a negative impact at the poll.'' Mr. Smith's wife La Verne said the dates of her husband's business trip were "changed without reason. The engagement had been made for October.'' PARISH PAR