News
BY COREY ROBINSON Sunday Observer reporter robinsonc@jamaicaobserver.comSunday, July 07, 2013Devon Gordon, whose relatives said he is of unsound mind, had a hard time convincing neighbours that he was not the one who set fire to his house in Tredegar Park, St Catherine, yesterday.“Is not me. I don’t have no smoking this morning. I never light no candle and I cook outside,” pleaded the man, as residents and a firefighter collecting statements converged around him inside his yard.The residents watched curiousity as Gordon tackled their questions as they came, firefighters battling flames in his multi-bedroom hovel in the background.The fire started around 10:00 am, residents said. The house was located in an area of Tredegar Park that residents called ‘Back To’. The area is known for gang rivalry, so policemen kept a steady eye on the proceedings as firefighters did their job.“This morning I come out here to use the bathroom and then I go back in go sleep. When me inside lay dung me hear summen a meck noise pon the house top. When me go out there me see smoke pon the roof,” said Gordon, whose nose was burnt as he tried to douse the fire with water.Within 15 minutes, the entire house was gutted. A bed, whatnot, and two settee chairs were burnt inside the house, said Gordon’s younger brother, Wayne Gordon.Wayne had recently moved from the house to live with a spouse in Gordon Pen, and his older brother was the only person occupying the premises. The house and furniture were his, Wayne said.It was not clear if the house or its contents were insured.Yesterday, as Devon explained, residents argued amongst themselves as to whether or not he was telling the truth.“You a gwaan like Devon a eediat. If him did light cangle inna the house him woulda tell we already. Is not him, me believe him,” said one female resident.Firefighters could not give the cause of the fire yesterday.Devon Gordon looks on as firefighters walk to and from his Tredegar Park house, which caught fire yesterday morning. (PHOTO: BRYAN CUMMINGS)
HOUSE RULES
1. We welcome reader comments on the top stories of the day. Some comments may be republished on the website or in the newspaper – email addresses will not be published.
2. Please understand that comments are moderated and it is not always possible to publish all that have been submitted. We will, however, try to publish comments that are representative of all received.
3. We ask that comments are civil and free of libellous or hateful material. Also please stick to the topic under discussion.
4. Please do not write in block capitals since this makes your comment hard to read.
5. Please don’t use the comments to advertise. However, our advertising department can be more than accommodating if emailed:mailto:advertising@jamaicaobserver.com.
6. If readers wish to report offensive comments, suggest a correction or share a story then please email: community@jamaicaobserver.com.
7. Lastly, read our Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy
comments powered byView the original article here
I didn"t start the fire, Tredegar Park man insists
