‘He Has Never Lived a Normal Life’: Rodwell Ferguson Speaks on Son’s Arrest

Stann Creek West Area Representative Rodwell Ferguson became emotional on Thursday as he spoke publicly for the first time about his son, Stoney Ferguson, following his recent arrest after an altercation with police in Placencia.

While making it clear that he does not condone his son’s alleged behaviour, Ferguson said years of serious health challenges have shaped Stoney’s life and continue to affect him today.

“I don’t agree because we must respect the police at all times. Their idea is to do a job,” Ferguson said. “I was told that he never stopped at the checkpoint, and then as he progressed to Placencia, everything escalated.”

Ferguson said his son has battled severe asthma since infancy, spending more time in hospital than at home during his early years. “He has never lived a life of normalcy ever since he was born,” he said.

The area representative also recalled a devastating accident eight years ago, when Stoney fell from a breadfruit tree and broke his back. According to Ferguson, his son refused surgery because of his religious beliefs and has lived with chronic pain ever since.

“So every day he’s in severe pain,” Ferguson said. “At times it would get him very irritated because he’s trying to do his own thing.”

Despite his condition, Ferguson said his son has worked to maintain independence by selling fruits and vegetables.

Stoney Ferguson was detained on July 18 after police say he failed to stop at a checkpoint in Placencia, which led to a confrontation that allegedly escalated into verbal abuse, a pursuit and damage to a police vehicle.

According to Ferguson, his son will have to answer for his actions but hopes the public understands the challenges he has faced throughout his life.