CXC Students Worried About Missing Teen Get Counselling

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Leanna ‘Tiney’ Napoleon

By: Spokesman Newsroom

BASSETERRE, St.Kitts– Fifth form students of the Basseterre High School  (BHS) worried about their missing form mate 17-year Leanna ‘Tiney’ Napoleon are currently getting counselling as they  try to cope  while sitting their school-leaving tests of the Caribbean Examination Council (CXC).

Speaking at a recent press conference organised by the Ministry of Education, the school’s principal Maurice Benjamin explained that guidance counselors are working with students to focus on exams.

“The guidance counselors are working with students  at this time, trying to get them calm down and really focus on their  exams; that’s the most important thing at this time- the CXCs that they have to write.”

As gathered from that media session, among the concerned students is the Napoleon’s best friend.

Notably, the BHS is usually recognised as one of the top performing schools in the CXC category.

Benjamin shared a concern that the old adage pertaining to a village raising is not being observed nowadays.

“The problem that the school sees is that at this time is that persons in St.Kitts feel that it no longer takes a village to raise a child anymore and that we should not concern ourselves with people’s children. You see them walking about (and) it’s not a concern for you and some parents do inform others not to look at mine, look at yours which is very unfortunate; very unfortunate.”

He disclosed Napoleon went missing on the day of the first exam.

“It has been some time now that Leanna is missing and the school is very much concerned. You would realise that EDPM was the first exam taken at the school and the students were ready and geared up to take their exams for the period down to June.”

He added: “Leanna went missing on the first day, the first exam. The fifth formers, they are not with us; they are off studying and it would be good if Leanna were to be with them so they can continue to studying properly. It is very unfortunate that Leanna is not a part of their study group at this time. She had exams to sit and the students of fifth form are very troubled at this time.”

At the press conference, described by Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Education William Vincent Hodge as an “emotional appeal” for the teen’s safe return, Benjamin encouraged anyone who has information about the teen’s whereabouts to contact police.

“At the school, we did a special assembly for her two Fridays ago. We prayed for her and we have asked all students to keep Leanna in their prayers. I would like to ask at this time for Leanna’s safe return. The school would really prefer if Leanna shows up; she’s safe. We are praying for her safe return and please, anyone knowing anything about Leanna, please inform the police.”

Napoleon, who has been missing for more than 3 weeks now, was last seen on Monday 8th May in the vicinity of Buckley’s Site and Fort Street.

She is described as being 5’5” in height, medium built with a brown complexion and long black hair. Her given date of birth is 8th September, 1999.

Police are asking members of the public are asked to call the Special Victims Unit at 465-4221, any Police Station, Crime Stoppers at 1-800-8477(TIPS) or by using the SKN Crime Reporter App with information regarding this investigation.

A reward of $25,000.00 is being offered.