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Basseterre, St. Kitts, May 22, 2017 (SKNIS): Minister of Education, Honourable Shawn Richards, during a press conference held on Monday, May 22 at Government Headquarters, stated that his ministry is “deeply distressed and concerned” about the missing teenager, Leanna Napoleon while he appealed to persons’ better nature and cooperation at this time.   

 

“It is very alarming for me that a young lady could be missing in our Federation,” said the minister. “I have been praying for her well-being and safe return and I am hoping that she would be located very soon.”

 

Minister Richards said that there are no words to describe what her family and friends might be going through at this point in time.  

 

“The Ministry of Education has been in touch with the family and remains very supportive of them and her friends during this profoundly challenging time,” he said.

 

The minister said that he is making an “urgent and passionate appeal” to those who may have information that could assist in locating Leanna and for those who might be aware of where she is to come forward.   

 

“If you know something please say something to the authorities,” Minister Richards pleaded. “I am reminding you that this could be anyone of our sisters, daughters, nieces, cousins or friends and in such situations we would want those who have information to help to come forward.”

 

As this is a sensitive matter, Minister Richards is calling for persons to be more compassionate. He is appealing to persons to desist from disseminating speculations, gossips and other fallacious messages. He said that this is increasing the distress of the missing teenager’s relatives and friends. It is also frustrating the efforts of the authorities in their investigations.

 

“We cannot be insensitive to the plight of Leanna’s family and friends at this time neither can we continue about our business as if this grave situation does not exist and remains unsettled in our nation,” he said.  

 

The good nature of citizens of the federation and their brotherly or sisterly love must be exercised at this time, said the minister.

 

“Let us be more sensitive to the feelings of each other and more responsible and civic minded in our words and deeds,” he said. “I crave your cooperation in all the attempts to locate Leanna.       

 

It has been two weeks since Leanna, student of the Basseterre High School (BHS), has been missing. She completed her Electronic Document Preparation and Management (EDPM) examination at the Clarence Fitzroy Bryant College prior to her disappearance.