
By Kisean Joseph
Day two of the search organized by the Concerned Citizens to locate missing Bolans resident, Orden “Passo” David and/or his vehicle, did not yield any positive results, despite the group combing other vast areas of the island.
Personnel from the Antigua and Barbuda Defence Force (ABDF) again joined the group and other volunteers prior to setting off from the Townhouse Megastore Plaza mid-morning, yesterday.
ABDF Sergeant Damyie Daly underscored the organization’s commitment to the effort, stating, “We answer with pride and dignity to serve and protect each and every person on this island.”
The ABDF’s drone unit, operated by Corporal Fagan, has been instrumental in surveilling difficult terrain.
Meanwhile, the president of the group, Dr Jacqui Quinn, expressed concern over the lack of police involvement.
“We have not had the cooperation of the police at all in this effort,” she noted, questioning the absence of police K-9 units and drone capabilities, despite recent equipment donations to the Royal Police Force of Antigua and Barbuda (RPFAB).
Joining the search was St Mary’s South Member of Parliament Kelvin Simon, Senator Dwayne George, and David’s colleagues from the AIDS Secretariat.
Community activist and former military personnel, George Wehner contributed his expertise to the effort by identifying five critical search areas such as the Breakknocks area between Bendals and Sawcolts; Body Ponds and Hamilton Dam area; Tremontania north of Old Road; and regions near Orange Valley and Dark Valley, east of Darkwood to the southwest of Bolans area.
The Concerned Citizens’ search was launched from Caribbean Cinemas on Wednesday. It began with a prayer before approximately 60 persons systematically covered the north side of the island, before heading to Fitches’ Creek, the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium, Pares, Long Bay and other communities.
A brief scare occurred when the missing man’s sister reported a suspicious odour in the Jennings area, prompting a drone investigation that discovered an animal carcass.
David, 39, was last seen on Saturday, January 25, wearing a red vest and short grey jeans. He was driving a black Honda Fit, registration number A60870. Concern grew when calls to his mobile phone went unanswered, leading to a missing person’s report being filed at the Bolans Police Station on Sunday.
Yesterday’s search efforts concentrated on the island’s southern region, to include Fig Tree Drive, Old Road, and Urlings.
Dr Quinn spoke to the emotional weight of the operation, describing it as “a painful exercise” while urging that everyone should “remain vigilant”.
Anyone with information about David’s location is urged to contact the Bolans Police Station at 462-1080 or the Criminal Investigations Department at 462-3913.