At a press conference held by the Ministry of Education for missing teen Leanna Napoleon, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Education the Honorable Shawn Richards stated that his ministry is deeply distressed and concerned about the missing teenager Leanna Napoleon and he appealed to persons to cooperate with the police.
“We at the Ministry of Education are deeply distressed and concerned about Leanna Napoleon student at the Basseterre High School who is still missing. It is very alarming for me that a young lady could be missing in our Federation. I have been praying for her well being and safe return and I am hoping that she would be located very soon. I am without words to describe the feelings of the family and friends of this young student who has not been seen since she has completed her EDPM examination at the Clarence Fitzroy Bryant College about two weeks ago. The Ministry of Education has been in touch with the family and remain very supportive of them and her friends during this profoundly challenging time. I am making a very urgent and passionate appeal to those who are aware of the whereabouts of this missing teenager. If you know something please, please say something to the authorities. I am reminding you that this could be one of our sisters, daughters, nieces, cousins or friends and in such situations would want those who have information to help to come forward.”
Supporting the Minister of Education was the Permanent Secretary Mr William Vincent Hodge is urging the parents/guardians to take extra precautions when it comes to their children by monitoring them closely, as it is a parent’s responsibility to protect their children.
“I use this opportunity again to call on our parents, our guardians, those who have the care of children and young people to be more concerned, more vigilant. Get more involved in the lives of your children. Know where they are, what they are doing. I’m tired of saying this. I think that we are just leaving our young people up to themselves too much or we’re leaving it up to the school teachers and other people in the community. They are your children; you have to take responsibility to make sure that they are safe. There is only so much that we can do within the confines of a school or organisation but ultimately you as parents have to take charge.”
Also at the press conference was the Principal of the Basseterre High School Mr Maurice Benjamin who stated that it takes a village to raise a child although we have seemed to moved away from that. He further went on to mention that Leanna was living with her best friend and was not uncomfortable and although her grades dropped after the passing of her mother she was starting to do quite well again.
“There were no signs that she was depressed. Leanna is living with her adopted mother. Leanna was in my opinion, very comfortable and very happy up to the time of her disappearance. Leanna , as I was told was a hard working student, she was strong-willed but playful at times. She was focused, she had her subjects to do and she really wanted to pass all her subjects or CXC. That I know for sure. After her mother’s death two years ago her marks kind of went in a downward spiral but for this year for sure Leanna rebound and she was doing her work.”