Search Continues for Janelika

The disappearance of Janelika Romney cast a somber shadow over the island nation of St. Kitts and Nevis, prompting an extensive search operation spearheaded by the Royal St. Christopher and Nevis Police Force (RSCNPF). On the morning of June 21, 2025, a multifaceted team assembled in the New Guinea area, embarking on a determined effort to locate the missing teenager. The collaborative endeavor commenced at 6:30 a.m., encompassing a wide range of participants from various sectors of the community.

The search party comprised a diverse group, united by a shared concern for Janelika’s well-being. Students from Verchilds and Charles E. Mills Secondary Schools joined forces with Janelika’s family members and other concerned citizens, demonstrating the community’s collective commitment to finding the missing girl. Political figures, including Hon. Samal Duggins, Mr. Azard Gumbs, and Ms. Mandecia Marsham, also lent their support, underscoring the importance of the search effort. This broad participation underscored the depth of community concern and the collective resolve to bring Janelika home.

The search operation was meticulously planned and executed under the guidance of Inspector Marvin Thompson and Corporal Jefferson. They led a team of police officers, firefighters, and defense force personnel, ensuring a comprehensive and coordinated approach. The search encompassed a significant area, stretching from New Guinea to Halfway Tree, and included the historic Brimstone Hill vicinity. Later, the operation shifted to Dieppe Bay, where search teams meticulously combed the terrain from Gibbons to the local horse track, leaving no stone unturned in their quest to find Janelika.

Adding a crucial technological dimension to the search, Mr. Wendel Pemberton of Wasp Security provided aerial support using drone technology. This aerial perspective offered a valuable vantage point, enabling the search teams to cover a broader area and scan terrain that might be difficult to access on foot. The use of drones highlights the integration of modern technology in search and rescue operations, enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of the search.

Despite the extensive and comprehensive efforts, the search operation concluded at approximately 10:30 a.m. without yielding any positive results. Janelika remained missing, and no new leads emerged to guide the investigation. The unsuccessful outcome, however, did not dampen the resolve of the RSCNPF or the community. The search, while disheartening in its immediate result, underscored the commitment to finding Janelika and bringing closure to her family and the concerned community.

Prior to the large-scale ground search, law enforcement had initiated investigative measures during the early morning hours. Between 3:00 a.m. and 4:30 a.m., police investigators executed several search warrants at various locations in Dieppe Bay, Parsons, and St. Paul’s. These targeted searches aimed to locate Janelika or uncover crucial evidence related to her disappearance. While these operations did not yield any significant breakthroughs at the time, they demonstrated the RSCNPF’s proactive approach to the investigation, pursuing all possible avenues to gather information and bring Janelika home. The RSCNPF expressed gratitude to all participants in the search and reiterated its unwavering commitment to finding Janelika. The police force appealed to the public for continued support and encouraged anyone with information, however seemingly insignificant, to come forward. The investigation remains active, and all credible leads will be thoroughly investigated. The community’s collective hope remained that Janelika would be found safe and returned to her loved ones.