7 News Belize

Civic Survivor Speaks
posted (September 17, 2019)
Since Friday, the news of the death of two roofers at the Belize Civic Center has been making national headlines.

And while Orlington Stuart and Roque Jimenez died, 4 of their fellow workers survived the fall from the scaffolding, 30ft above the Civic Center's main court.

Those men are Lucas Ortiz, William Savery, Charles Hyde and 20 year old Patrick Canelo. We spoke to Canelo today to ask about his recovery and also whether he believes he's being adequately compensated.

Patrick Canelo, Injured Roofer
"I was just working like I do everyday and then I don't know what happened, I can't really recall but the scaffold broke in with the six workmen and they ended up on the ground. I fell and messed up my ribs and back."

"I fell on my side and then I fell on the rest of the workmen on top of the chairs. Then I was only one moving I didn't see anyone else move and that was it."

"When I got up I saw that one of the men was missing the top of his head It was just blood and the top of his head was beside him, then the other guy was bleeding through his nose and mouth."

Reporter
"How long were you in the hospital."

Patrick Canelo, Injured Roofer
"Couple hours and then they released me. I still have some pain now and again, some pain that strikes me it comes often. But i'm feeling a little better. Not much but I try to take the pain killer for the pain."

Reporter
"So do you think you'll make a full recovery?"

Patrick Canelo, Injured Roofer
"No, I don't think so."

Reporter
"What has your employer done for you in light of this accident?"

Patrick Canelo, Injured Roofer
"Well, nothing. He should have been checking up every day, but he's not doing any of that, no calls from him none of that , I don't even see him. Nothing at all. I heard from my supervisor and one of the workmen. They say they will come through alright."

7 News also learned that the men involved in the accident were not covered by social security due to their status as contract workers. Delphin Garnett of Delnox Belize has informed the injured men of his company's intention to cover their medical expenses and pay their week's wages until they have recovered.

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