The Tribune

By DANA SMITH

Tribune Staff Reporter

dsmith@tribunemedia.net

POLICE are requesting the public’s assistance in locating a teenage girl who has been missing for a month, but has been seen twice around Nassau.

Fifteen-year-old Jade Sands of Baillou Hill Road is described as standing at 5’7” tall and being of slim build.

Superintendent Stephen Dean said an adult man could very well be harbouring the minor.

Speaking at Police Headquarters yesterday afternoon, he said: “Over the month we have gotten various sightings that she might be in one or two places, but we know persons in the community – someone knows where this 15-year-old is today and we are asking those who might know to please contact the police.”

Taking note of the fact that many under-age girls are often found in the company of their much older adult boyfriends, Supt Dean added: “We are saying to any adult – particularly any adult male who may have this girl in their care – we’re are asking you to please contact the police. If we find that you are harbouring this 15-year-old, you will be prosecuted.”

He pleaded for any member of the public who may have information concerning Jade’s whereabouts to contact police as her life may be in danger.

“We are asking every citizen, every person in the country, to assist us in locating her,” he said.

Supt Dean also sent out a final warning to men who “prey” on under-age girls and to the girls themselves.

“We still want to warn, particularly these older men who prey on these young females, these juveniles, we want to put a warning out to you, that if we find that you have these persons or have any type of relationship with these young persons, the police will ensure that you are prosecuted,” he said.

“And we want to send this warning out to parents. Please know the whereabouts of your children, know who their friends are, and please do not encourage your children to be involved in relationships with older men or women because of financial gain. Most times, that is the reason why they do it – because of what these persons are offering them.”

He also revealed that sometimes parents who are not able to provide for their children, may even encourage the illicit relationships.

Asked about the fate of parents who are condoning or even instigating relationships between their under-age children and adults, Supt Dean said there is not doubt they will be held responsible.

“Where there’s any evidence to indicate that parents are knowingly involved in the activities of their young daughters or sons, we will seek to make sure that they are prosecuted and set examples out of them,” he said.

Lastly, Supt Dean pleaded with young girls to focus on school and get involved in their communities.

“To you young girls who might be in the listening ear, please, that is not the route to go. I know sometimes it might be difficult – we say the environment that you’re in – but patience. This is not the right way to go.

“Seek to get a good education and get involved in some youth programmes so that you can become productive citizens.”

Any person with information concerning the whereabouts of Jade Sands is asked to contact the Central Detective Unit on 502-9991 or 502-9910; police on 911 or 919; the National Crime Prevention Office on 302-8430 or 302-8431; or Crime Stoppers on 328-TIPS (8477). Call 242-300-8476 if you are in the Family Islands.