Search on for missing Shanika Small

Up to press time Tuesday October 25, police and concerned citizens were trying their best not to leave any stones unturned in their search for 20-year-old Shanika Small.{{more}}

Small, who was born and raised in Vancouver, British Columbia, to Vincentian parents Verrol and Sheryl Small, moved back to St. Vincent and the Grenadines about two years ago.

She had lived here previously for about a one year, around the age of 13, when she attended the St. Joseph’s Convent Marriaqua.

On the afternoon of Monday, October 24, close to 100 Vincentians, some who had never met Small, went searching for the young woman who has not been seen or heard of since Friday, October 21.

The search party, organized by Nyasha Holder, a close friend of Small, concentrated its activities close to Small’s Dauphine apartment, mainly in the Fenton mountain area, not too far from her home.

Monday’s search was mixed with hope and despair, after two pairs of shoes, identified as belonging to the Shepherd’s Trading employee, were discovered in a nearby parcel of land.

While in the mountains, one person who appeared to be acting suspiciously, raised some concern for the other searchers, who alerted police, who in turn took that person into custody for questioning.

That person has been since released without being charged.

Police have also conducted searches in the area, with the help of a tracking dog supplied by a corporate citizen, but have also been unsuccessful in getting any leads into Small’s whereabouts.

The police have said that all information, which could lead to Small being found, should be made known to them, and have requested that persons refrain from posting information concerning the case on social networks Facebook and Blackberry Messenger (BBM).

Small, a graduate of the Vancouver Premier College of Hotel Management, worked as a bartender at Grenadine House in Kingstown Park close to where she had previously resided.

She moved to the Dauphine area about two months ago, to be closer to relatives and friends.

Small, who is said to be in preparation for participation in the 2012 Miss SVG pageant, was described by her friend Holder as a happy-go-lucky individual, who was bubbly and very friendly.

“That’s why she had so many friends,” Holder insisted.

As far as relationships are concerned, it was said that Small may have recently ended a relationship, and was being pursued by another individual, whom she appeared to have little or no interest in.

SEARCHLIGHT understands that Small’s mother, who is based in Vancouver, has made arrangements to come to St. Vincent to assist in the search for her daughter, and was expected to be here between Wednesday and Thursday this week.

As the search continues for Shanika Small, persons are encouraged to report any information, or anything that appear suspicious to the police.