Eviction in COVID Times
A single mother of two is facing eviction from her home in Belize City, despite having tried her best to meet monthly rent. Deriann Augustine, a resident of Central American Boulevard, has been given notice to vacate a small wooden structure she has called home for several years. According to her, the landlord has informed her that the residence will be demolished and that piece of property will be repurposed. Her immediate problem is that she is presently unemployed after losing her job amid the COVID-19 pandemic. She has been making ends meet by doing odd jobs in and around the neighborhood. Today she told News Five that despite acknowledging the notice, she has nowhere to go with her two young children.
Deriann Augustine, Belize City Resident
“Well I was just seeking for some help because I have nowhere to go and as you can see here, they told me that [I’m being given] notice to move out because they want the spot to be broken down and I don’t know where to turn other than you guys. So I’ve come to ask you guys for a little bit of help to help me and my two sons. So that da di reason why I called you guys to see if I could get some help.”
Deriann Augustine
Isani Cayetano
“How long have you been living here and what is the purpose for them asking you to move from the property?”
Deriann Augustine
“Well I noh know di purpose ah why dehn want ah move but dehn just seh if a could please move mi stuff because dehn need to break down the spot and I understand but I can’t move because I noh have nowhere fi ker them.”
Isani Cayetano
“And at this point you are presently unemployed, correct?”
Deriann Augustine
“Yes sir.”
Isani Cayetano
“How have you been getting by in terms of being able to pay your rent though? If you are not working then one would think that you’re not meeting your monthly obligation?”
Deriann Augustine
“Well I go round and I try look fi help like clean yards and stuff and run [errands] for old people and stuff like that. It gives me a little help and I get together and save and I put it up together and I pay my rent and that’s the way I’ve been living.”
