The entire country remains in grief over the disappearance of 12-year-old Kernisha Etienne who was allegedly abducted by his mentally-demented uncle nearly a week ago. Police authorities have deployed 65 officers and a search helicopter as well as a search dog to track Kian Alexander who kidnapped Kernisha. But the search and rescue efforts have not been fruitful yet.
The Minister for National Security, Rayburn Blackmoore, said hundreds of people from various communities have joined the search to locate and rescue Kernisha. He added that drones were deployed to comb the woods and officers from customs, forestry, and the fire service were deployed to aid in the search. Search teams have focused attention on Warner, Springfield, Layou Park, Belfast, Belles, Syndicate, Sylvania, Sultan and surrounding areas.
Police Chief Daniel Carbon said a command centre has been set up in Warner to coordinate search efforts, adding that all stakeholders are pained that Alexander remains elusive. He disclosed that items such as a belt, one slipper, a nightgown and a teddy bear believed to belong to Kernisha.
He [Alexander] has been terrorizing the community of Belles for the past two weeks. This is indeed a very tragic event and the Commonwealth of Dominica Police Force in collaboration with various government agencies, the private sector and the general public will do all that it can to rescue Kernisha Etienne and capture Kian Alexander.
Daniel Carbon, Police Chief
PM Roosevelt Skerrit said he is flustered that Kernisha has not been found, and that he has directed that state resources be applied to searching for the missing girl.
I have been in touch with the Minister of National Security on an ongoing basis, and I have directed that all state resources be used in the search and rescue efforts, and that we should not end any search and rescue efforts until Kernisha is found. I have also been in touch with the French Government, through the French Embassy in St. Lucia, requesting the use of helicopters and they have approved this.
Hon. Roosevelt Skerrit, Prime Minister of Dominica
Meanwhile, various stakeholders, including members of the opposition parties, and activists across the region continue to demand for concerted efforts in rescuing Kernisha and bringing Alexanda to book.
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