HRCB Calls for B.P.D. to Enforce, Improve Disciplinary Measures

Vanessa Uh

Tonight, the Human Rights Commission of Belize is calling on the Belize Police Department to improve and enforce disciplinary measures. The commission says that the circumstances surrounding the death of Derrick Uh are incredulous and a travesty.  The release says “While the Commissioner of Police Chester Williams has indicated that the department will ensure a full and thorough investigation into the matter, we call on the government to look into more severe punishments for law enforcement officers who are found culpable of gross negligence and breach of protocols.” The release goes on to say that the damages to victims or their families should be the liability of the officers to also contribute to the cost. But how is that quantum determined? Earlier today, when the media spoke with Vanessa Uh, she broke down how the family felt.

Vanessa Uh, Sister of Deceased

“It was so cruel. I know he knew that he was going to die inside there because the way my dad saw him, he was naked because he took out his clothes. I think he was trying to get some air; he was trying to survive, but then it was so many hours. And I do hope he remember what my mom used to tell him – every morning and every night I used to hear it and it is not a lie – telling my brother to find God, to repent and that God loves him. Each one of you have a son or a daughter or a brother or a family member, but you guys forget that when you bring people. You like to treat people that you bring like animals forgetting that you have family, forgetting that you have children. And every family has a family member that gives that gives trouble, but you still love that family member, even if he gives trouble. Our family just want justice for my little brother because he just suffered a lot. I would like to also let you guys know that officer Williams and some officers came to my house; I would like to thank for the visit. And I would like to shout out that we want justice. And thank you to the Belizean people who are contributing and speaking out.”