Ferguson's cousin explained that he's mentally ill, and has been acting out recently - threatening to harm family members and their property. She said police had beat him, and intended to charge him. Well, he didn't appear in court today, but the Mental Health Association says the incident, quote, "underlines the urgent need for a Psychiatric Forensic Unit in Belize. ..He is frequently violent, and the family cannot deal with him in a manner that keeps him and the public safe.

This is not an isolated incident. Several months ago, a similar case led to the death of Nestor Vasquez Jr in police custody. Many families in Belize are trapped in comparable circumstances with no humane and lawful way to manage a relative who poses a risk to themselves and others.