Elderly Woman Appeals for Help After Home Eviction

An elderly Belize City resident, Gertrude Hunter, is reaching out for assistance after being evicted from her home earlier this year. She says she has been displaced just as the Christmas season approaches. Hunter, who first made headlines in February during an eviction attempt, has faced a turbulent journey marked by legal battles, police encounters, and claims of harassment.

“I am experiencing a lot of police harassment,” Hunter said. “Since my common-law Benjamin Ferguson was removed away from me by force, the police stay harassing me, telling me to get off the place. They keep removing me, saying I am just a squatter, but I was there with my common-law, Benjamin Ferguson.”

Hunter moved into the home at the corner of Cemetery Road and Amandala Drive with her common-law husband years ago. However, her troubles began in 2015 when she was separated from Ferguson by his relatives. Hunter claims she has been fighting to remain on the property ever since, citing a will from 2011 that she says left the property to her.

“The will states that the property should be left with his common-law wife, Gertrude Hunter,” she said.

However, a 2018 land transfer document shows that the property was passed to one of Ferguson’s relatives. In 2019, a civil court ruled in favour of the relative, though Hunter insists she was unaware of the proceedings. Despite legal notices demanding her departure, she stayed on the property until August of this year, when a new owner purchased it and evicted her.

Back in February, Hunter’s case gained public attention as she faced charges of property damage, aggravated assault on police officers, and trespassing. She alleges that police used excessive force during the eviction attempt, leaving her injured and in custody for two days. That case is ongoing.

“It was really hard because it was a constant harassment,” Hunter reflected. “From 2015, it really got worse.”

Now 63 years old, Hunter is starting over. She currently lives with her younger sister and admits she lacks the financial resources to continue fighting for the property. She has also sought support from the Ombudsman’s Office, which is reviewing her claims about police misconduct and property rights.

Hunter remains hopeful for assistance.