Eugene Thompson Rebuilds Life After Devastating Fire

One week after flames destroyed his Belama home and livelihood, Eugene Thompson is still searching for a permanent place to stay. He says the Belizean public has rallied around him with overwhelming support, but government assistance has yet to come. Now staying with relatives and trying to rebuild his life, Thompson is renewing his appeal for authorities to step in.

 

On The Phone: Eugene Thompson, Fire Victim

“As far as I know, only the public. You understand? Only the public and certain media houses are trying to ask for assistance, but no one else apart from that. No government assistance in no kind of way apart from the last offer.”

 

Britney Gordon

“And has your situation improved at all in terms of finding at least a place to stay momentarily due to public assistance?”

 

Eugene Thompson

“Well, to be real, not at the moment.”

 

Britney Gordon

“How have you felt after seeing all the support from the public and seeing people advocating for you?”

 

Eugene Thompson

“Well, the thing is, I’m very, I’m very thankful for everything that the public is doing for me, man. But like I’m saying, right, it’s not the public’s fault this thing happened. I’m very, very thankful, and I appreciate everything. You know? But beyond the point of it, it’s not the public’s fault. It’s, it’s been a week, and still no contact from the government. None.”

 

Britney Gordon

“Do you think at this point you’re ready to seek legal action?”

 

Eugene Thompson

“Well, that will be the next step because at the end of the day, come on. I’m in a bad state. No support from the government, nothing at all. No kind of presence up to now. No phone calls, nothing. So what what’s the next step?”

 

As of now, no arrest has been made in relation to the fire and the investigation continues.

 

Attention readers: This online newscast is a direct transcript of our evening television broadcast. When speakers use Kriol, we have carefully rendered their words using a standard spelling system.

 

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