By Kisean Joseph
Police discovered the burnt-out Honda Fit belonging to missing Bolans resident, Orden “Passo” David, near Pares Secondary School, marking the first major development in the three-week long search.
The car was found early in the afternoon on Saturday, February 15 and the vehicle identification number (VIN) confirmed that David, who has been missing since January 25, was the registered owner.
The discovery comes after extensive search efforts by both police and community groups in the region. However, despite a thorough examination of the area, no additional evidence was found.
David, a counsellor at the AIDS Secretariat and prominent LGBTQ+ rights advocate, was instrumental in the landmark 2022 court ruling that declared sections of the 1995 Sexual Offences Act unconstitutional, thereby decriminalizing consensual same-sex activity in Antigua and Barbuda.
Police Public Relations Officer (PRO) Inspector Frankie Thomas emphasized that extensive resources, including drones and K-9 units, are being used in the search for David, who was last seen leaving a casino on Market Street between 11:30pm and midnight on January 25. Surveillance footage showed him driving down Tanner Street, turning in the vicinity of the former Edris Clothing Store then taking a right onto Nevis Street. He disappeared from view near Corn Alley.
The PRO reassured David’s family and the public that the police are committed to finding him and other missing individuals like Donna Marie Christian.
“It is frustrating how someone can just vanish,” Thomas said, lamenting the challenges about missing persons in a small nation where “everyone knows everyone”.
The investigation remains active, and authorities urge anyone with information about David to come forward.
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