Dominica: 12-year-old girl kidnapped, search operation underway

 Roseau, Dominica: The Commonwealth of Dominica has reported an incident of abduction of a 12-year-old girl on Wednesday, June 8, 2022. The girl is identified as Kernisha Etienne and several reports stated that one mentally stable is behind the kidnapping.

Moreover, the government of Dominica has been taking stringent measures over the incident and a massive search operation is underway.

Further, the government also provided an update on her search operation and stated that A total of 105 officers have been deployed to conduct the search for missing Kernisha Etienne.

The search teams are conducting search operations on various hills of Dominica as reportedly, the kidnapper has taken her to the hills. Searches are ongoing in Warner, Springfield, Layou Park, Belfast, Belles, Syndicate, Sylvania, Sultan, and surrounding areas.

During the search, a belt, one slipper, one nightgown, and a teddy bear believed to be that of Kernisha Etienne were recovered in the Warner area.

In addition to that, Several drones have been utilized in the search and a tracking dog is currently being used in the search.

In order to complete the search operation, the government of France supported the operation by providing the services of a helicopter.

 The Commonwealth of Dominica Police Force has been receiving support from various government agencies, the private sector, and members of the public. The Commonwealth of Dominica Police Force continues to solicit the support of the public in the search and rescue efforts of Kernisha Etienne

The Commonwealth of Dominica Police Force will host a press conference at 11 a.m. today to provide an update on the ongoing search and rescue efforts for missing Kernisha Etienne of Warner. The government also urged people to remain tuned into all radio stations and the GIS.

Further, Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit also express grief over the incident and assured the parents to secure the child.

 He noted, “I continue to pray for the safe return of Kernisha Etienne to her family and community. As the authorities continue their search for Kernisha, I ask all who are able to assist to do so. We also keep her family in our prayers.”