In the Belize District, a devastating turn of events has left 5-year resident Eugene Thompson of Belama with absolutely nothing after a suspicious blaze destroyed his home just 24 hours after a court ordered eviction ordered him to leave the property.
The eviction stemmed from a long-running property dispute between Thompson and his former girlfriend. Court documents ruled in his ex-partner’s favor, ordering Thompson to leave the home he had occupied for half a decade, and requiring him to complete a 15-day mandatory absence from the property before any further legal proceedings could be heard. Thompson told local reporters he had already pleaded with the court system to intervene, citing extreme distress and the fact that he had no alternate housing or close family to turn to, but his claims were dismissed in the final ruling.
On Tuesday afternoon, while Thompson was away from the property complying with the court’s order, neighbors spotted thick smoke billowing from the home and alerted emergency services. By the time Thompson received the call and authorities arrived on scene, the entire structure had already been consumed by the blaze. Every personal belonging Thompson left inside was reduced to ash, with no recoverable items remaining.
Now, the 5-year resident finds himself completely unhoused, with no savings, no personal possessions, no family support network, and nowhere to sleep. He puts his total losses at approximately $45,000, a sum that represents every asset he owned. Thompson strongly suspects the fire was an intentional act of arson linked to the ongoing property dispute, and claims the entire catastrophic outcome could have been avoided if the court had considered his appeals for accommodation before ordering his eviction.
As Thompson begins the overwhelming process of rebuilding his life from zero, he is currently exploring two paths forward: launching formal legal action tied to the dispute and the fire, and appealing to the public for emergency assistance. Those who wish to offer support can reach Thompson directly at the contact number 639 6773.
This report is adapted from a transcribed original evening television broadcast, with local Kriol speech reproduced in standard spelling for accessibility.