Father of Missing Child Urges Others to Stop Spreading False Rumors

SOURCE: NEWSCO

The father of a missing 13-year-old boy from Bolans is seeking to address rumours about the search for his son, Kemba Marshall.

Kemba, who attends Five Islands Primary School, has not shown up for classes since February, prompting an education officer to make an unofficial report last month after being apparently unable to get concrete information from the child’s mother Natasha Nedd.

His father, Ashiel Marshall, whom he lived with, strongly refutes claims that he has not been actively looking for him, claiming he had in fact been the primary person conducting the search.

In addition to Kemba, Marshall maintains custody of two more of his children who he supports through casual work including car washing and landscaping.

“I would appreciate for the people and the media to stop spreading false rumours about me not looking for my son or whatever the case is. I was made to understand that the police are saying that they can’t find me. I live right in Bolans Village, St Mary’s Parish, Alley Drive, and they know where I work. I’m sorry but I’m the only one who is actually looking for the child,” Marshall told Observer.

He said the last time he saw his son was four months ago.

“The last time I saw him was March 1 when I left to go to town to make funeral arrangements for my sister. I left money, food, and [the children] were home with family and friends. Eventually [Kemba] take it upon his own and lie to his brother that his mom called him, so he went to his mom,” Marshall said.

He explained that after he learned of this, he spent the next three weeks trying to get hold of Nedd, to confirm the boy was with her.

“I’ve been calling the mum for hours, turning to days on top of days. It was about three weeks after I realised that I ain’t getting no response from the mom. Then I called the school to find out if he’s attending school, and the teacher said no. So then I asked for the day off and I went to the Gray’s Farm police station to make a report.”

However, officers at Gray’s Farm police station directed him to make another report in Bolans, which he did.

Nedd told Observer that she didn’t call Kemba, and claimed Marshall had previously deterred the boy from visiting her.

As a result, she said the children haven’t been by her in some time, which is why she doesn’t believe Kemba was trying to go to her house in Five Islands.

Marshall says that while he is extremely worried about his son, he believes Kemba may have run away to be with his friends and is now afraid to come home because he fears the consequences.

“I’m worried about him, he’s my second child and my first boy. He probably got mixed up with friends and whatever the case is. And probably scared to come even to me or go to his mum, because living down there is not really easy for them,” he added.

Director of Education Clare Browne said the Ministry of Education is aware that the child is missing and engaged the police youth intervention unit and all other relevant agencies about a month ago.

Clare said he had also made personal efforts, by directly contacting the Commissioner of Police, after he said the mother’s answers seemed “confusing and contradictory”.

Police are said to be investigating the matter.

Meanwhile, a group called ‘Concerned Citizens of Antigua and Barbuda’ is organising a search effort for Kemba.

The search organisers are calling for widespread community participation and are seeking help from various groups including the police, Defence Force, paramilitary organisations, clubs, church groups, youth organisations, and civil society groups. 

Individuals with drone technology are also encouraged to join the effort.

The search party will meet at the Five Islands Primary school at 6am Saturday.