BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – TWENTY-ONE days after Leroy Bancroft Linton went missing, his family is hopeful that he would be found alive and has issued an appeal to the public to make no hesitation in contacting the authorities if he is seen.
Recently, SKNVibes interviewed a close relative of Linton who explained that his wife Beulah Liburd has had a wealth of support from friends, family members and others since his disappearance.
She said the family is grateful for the recent six-hour search that was conducted by the security forces and led by the police.
She reminded that Linton went missing on February 17 and that the police were contacted at about 10:00 that evening. The spokesperson said Liburd knew it may have been premature but because Linton experiences “memory issues”, she felt it was necessary to alert the authorities at that early stage.
She said nothing had been done up to a week after his disappearance, and after that stage, as she was advised, members of the Defence Force conducted a search of the Frigate Bay area, Old Road, Shadwell Hills, the perimeter of his home and a number of other areas.
From the Tuesday of the following week (Feb. 24), she said the family had heard no progress reports and decided to contact the Assistant Commissioner of Police, Ian Queeley, on Thursday (Mar. 5).
She said she was referred to Superintendent Charles Smithen of the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) who immediately met with her and after frankly explaining the family’s level of frustration because of the “inactivity to try to locate Mr. Linton, things have moved”.
According to a police press release issued over the weekend, “On Friday 6 March 2015 about 11:55 am a team made up of personnel of the Royal St. Christopher and Nevis Police Force including the K9 Unit, The St. Kitts and Nevis Defence Force, and The St. Kitts and Nevis Fire and Rescue Services, conducted an extensive search in the mountainous and dense area of Fountain Ghaut, Miliken Ghaut and mountain, Cedar Grove, Parray Village, and Ghaut, Keys mountains, Bayfords Mountain, Olivees mountain, Whites Mountain and Ogees Ghaut area and Stapleton Yard for Mr. Linton.
“The search concluded without locating Mr. Linton, however, the operation has not been called off, more searches will be conducted.”
The spokesperson reiterated that the family is pleased that efforts are being made to find their relative, albeit there is some disappointment because of the length of time that had lapsed “before there was concentrated effort and ongoing activity” to locate him.
Optimistic that their relative is yet alive, the representative said Linton’s family continues to ask the public to “be aware of the situation and if they think they have found someone who looks like him, please contact the police”.
She thanked those who have helped in the search effort an indicated that the family is continuing its effort in trying to locate Linton.
