FOLEY, Alabama (WALA) – A few protestors in Foley are trying to build support for a large protest of the Gulf Coast Claims Facility this Friday. They say they deserve answers about their claims and they won’t continue to wait quietly.
Tuesday morning, Tosh Peters was outside the Gulf Coast Claims Facility in Foley protesting. He said his marine construction business has been shut down since May and he can’t get any word on his claim.
“We’ve done everything the claims center asked, we’ve filed every paper they’ve asked,” Peters said. “We’re 60 days today, waiting to get an answer.”
Protestors like Peters said the lack of answers is the most frustrating part of the process. They want claims czar, Kenneth Feinberg, to back down on the coast so they can get some of those answers.
LOOKING FOR SUPPORT
Peters said, even if it’s just him, he’ll be at the claims center protesting every day. But he’s hopeful for more support, and he’s organizing a larger protest for Friday morning.
“This is our designated area to do it from the city and we’re out here exercising our constitutional rights,” Peters said.
Todd Tiffany said the protest is needed. He’s waiting on a claim for his beach bike rental business which tanked over the summer and left him in desperate financial straights. He hasn’t been able to pay child support and he’s worried about losing his kids.
“No one seems to want to give anyone any leeway on this and there’s no answers, everything is under review. It’s going on it’s third month,” said Tiffany.
Stories like Tiffany’s is why Peters said people need to stand up and make their voices heard.
“If you can’t stand up for yourself, you can’t stand up for anything,” Peters added.
PROTEST DETAILS
This Friday’s protest will be at 10:00 a.m. across from the Foley Gulf Coast Claims Facility.
See video here: http://www.fox10tv.com/dpp/news/gulf_oil_spill/protesters-line-up-outside-claim-center