But Did Ramos have to die?
That's the question on the mind of many mental health advocates tonight who time and time again have witnessed brutal ends for Belizean citizens whose challenges put them on a collision course with the law.
And earlier today during the COMPOL's impromptu press conference we challenged him on whether the police department's dependence strictly on lethal force in ealing dwith a mentally ill person is what led to an unnecessary death.
Cherisse Halsall:
"Sir, in a more advanced nation perhaps this individual would have been dealt with, with a taser. When the mental health association decides to say that today in Belize this man's mental illness became a death sentence how will you respond?"
Chester Williams, Commissioner Of Police
"Is America an advance nation? Huh? Is America an advanced nation? Does that fall in the category of an advanced nation to you?"
Cherisse Halsall:
"Perhaps, more humane."
Chester Williams, Commissioner Of Police
"America as far as I know is the champions of human rights, as far as I know, but if. You in America just take out a knife or any weapon, they aren't waiting, you're dead. So to say that in an advanced nation it would have been different. I don't buy that. The police officers exercised great restraint and anyone who wants to condemn what the police officer did something is wrong with them mentally as well."
