Is the System to Blame? Family Court Orders Alleged Abuser Out of His Home

Belize’s Family Court has the power to order a person out of their home when a protection order is granted, even when that person is the owner or occupant of the property, attorney Richard “Dickie” Bradley says. 

That is what happened to Eugene Thompson, one day before fire destroyed the house he says he spent five years building.

Bradley says the eviction fell within the court’s powers. He argues that protection orders are designed to keep an alleged abuser away from a complainant and can require the accused person to vacate the home. 

Where the complainant has nowhere else to go, Bradley says the court can order the accused person out of the property. 

And as for the alleged abuser, Bradley added, “can be ordered to leave immediately.” 

In Thompson’s case, he was ordered out following a matter involving his common-law partner of six months, Ashema Chang. Police have since released a wanted poster for Chang, seeking her for questioning in connection with the fire that gutted the property Tuesday night.

Thompson says he invested more than $45,000 in materials, furniture and appliances before the fire reduced the property and his belongings to ashes. He believes he could have prevented the destruction had he still been living there. 

 “Just evict me out ah my house fi no reason,” he said. “Not even come to me none at all fi try figure out the situation… Outta my own home I build that.”

A neighbour who bought food from Thompson for years is backing his call for government help. “The system fail this young man,” she said, “because ney evict he from his own house.”

Thompson says Human Services offered temporary accommodation, but he wants help rebuilding his home and livelihood.