Opposition leader slams PM’s ‘silence’ on missing St Kitts-Nevis teen

The leader of the opposition has attacked the lack of communication from Prime Minister Timothy Harris on a missing teenager.

And Denzil Douglas believes that the attitude of the PM is typical of the government’s hands-off approach to police matters and “lack of compassion”.

Leanna Napoleon, 17, was last seen near Fort Street on 8 May.

The Basseterre High School student had just finished CSEC exams.

WIC News approached the prime minister’s office for comment.

Yesterday it emerged that a $25,000 reward was being offered by police in an effort to get more information on her whereabouts.

According to Assistant Commissioner of Police Andre Mitchell, the fund was established by individuals keen to reunite Leanna with her family.

‘Deafening silence’

Douglas, who was prime minister of St Kitts and Nevis between 1995 and 2015, used his weekly radio appearance on KYSS FM to appeal for Leanna, or anyone with information, to come forward.

“Firstly to Leanna, if you are listening to my voice, please for God sake go home,” he said.

[caption id="attachment_1079" align="aligncenter" width="500"] Denzil Douglas, leader of the opposition and former prime minister of St Kitts and Nevis.[/caption]

“Your family members are deeply troubled and the citizens of St Kitts and Nevis are deeply concerned about your safety and welfare.

“I want to say further to all of us and specifically to those who may be holding her or know of her whereabouts: For God sake, please release Leanna Napoleon.

“If she is no longer of this world, would you please bring some information to the family, to the police and all fellow citizens so there can be some closure on this particular matter.

Speaking to WIC News afterwards, Douglas said that he had been amazed by the amount of people expressing concern for Leanna, which he feels puts “into sharp focus the lack of compassion on the part of Dr Harris”.

“[The radio appeal] came about as a result of the deafening silence of Prime Minister Harris, who's also minister of national security, and several phone calls and emails sent to us,” he added.

The opposition leader also told WIC News that instead of showing care the prime minister's attitude is one of “government functionaries must do their work and the police have the necessary tools and equipment”.

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Leanna Napoleon is described as being five foot five inches tall, medium build, brown complexion, and with long black hair.

Anyone with information is asked to call a police station, the Special Victims Unit on 465-4221, Crime Stoppers on 1-800-8477(TIPS) or by using the SKN Crime Reporter App.