Farmer loses home, over $100,000 in suspected arson

A Top Mountain resident whose one-room concrete-and-plywood house was destroyed by fire on Wednesday says he has been left with nothing but the clothes on his back after suspected arsonists reduced the dwelling to ashes.

Robert Douglas, who relies on farming and landscaping to support himself and is described by residents as a hardworking and peaceful member of the community, said he had gone to a nearby shop when a neighbour alerted him that his house was on fire.

Douglas said the destruction of his home has left him uncertain about how he will recover financially.

The blaze consumed all of his belongings, including $170,000 in cash that was inside the house.

“I lost $170,000 that burnt up in the house and all my belonging, all I have on my back is this suit of clothes you are seeing,” he told The Gleaner.

Douglas said the only dispute he could recall involved a mobile phone he had mistakenly taken from a shop. He said he returned it as soon as he realised the mistake.

According to Douglas, the misunderstanding later escalated into a confrontation with a man from the community, who allegedly threatened his life earlier on Wednesday.

“I was at a grave digging and I saw him coming out and he made a comment saying a dead dem man yah fi dead and he was going to shoot me.”

Douglas said he confronted the man after hearing the alleged threat.

“Everything calm down and he left but, less than 10 minutes, I got a phone call saying my house is on fire, the guy who call me is my next-door neighbour and he drove to pick me up.”

He said that, by the time they arrived at his home, the flames had already engulfed the structure.

Douglas said he now fears for his life because he believes the man with whom he had the dispute could be responsible for the fire.

The police have confirmed that the fire is being treated as a case of arson. However, investigators have not identified the man Douglas accused as a suspect in the case.

His account was echoed by his mother, Doret Elvy, who was at home when the fire broke out.

Elvy, who lives nearby, said she was sitting on her verandah when she heard unusual noises coming from her son’s house.

“It sounded as if somebody was trying to knock off some zinc from his house, so I got up to investigate.”

She said that, when she got closer, she saw smoke before the fire rapidly intensified.

“After reaching close to the house, I saw smoke and the raging fire engulf the house.”

Elvy said she retreated to safety and that firefighters arrived shortly afterwards.

Councillor for the Red Hills Division Michael Archer described Douglas as a hardworking resident with a positive reputation in the community.

“This young man is known in the community as a honest, hardworking and determine person to make life better for himself, always on the go always working.”

Archer said that, if the police investigation confirms Douglas’ suspicions about who was responsible, the matter should be dealt with through the courts.

In the meantime, he said he would be seeking assistance for Douglas through the St Catherine Municipal Corporation, as the fire victim attempts to rebuild his life after losing his home and possessions.

ruddy.mathison@gleanerjm.com