Denise Odelia Charles Returns Home to Antigua After 32 Years, Celebrated by Family and Prime Minister

Published
(photo by ABS)

Denise Odelia Charles arrived at VC Bird International Airport on Tuesday morning, marking the end of a 32-year absence as she returned from Venezuela.

There are more questions surrounding her disappearance than answers regarding her reappearance, but Charles has stated that she will provide full details in a few weeks.

State Media, the only news organization permitted to cover the event, reported that the private landlady arrived on a private jet shortly after 10 AM. She was greeted with scenes of unbridled joy and excitement. Antigua.news was present at the scene from 9:30 AM but was NOT granted access to the event.

During the emotional reunion, Prime Minister Gaston Browne was there to welcome her home. Overcome with emotion, Charles expressed her gratitude to the Prime Minister for facilitating her return to Antigua. Tears of joy flowed as family members embraced Charles, celebrating the long-awaited reunion.

(photo by ABS)

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In addition to Denise, her brother Terrence Charles and nephew Tishorn Watson were also part of the journey back home, arranged by the Venezuelan Government through a private charter flight.

(photo by ABS)

Prime Minister Browne shared his elation over the remarkable outcome of the case, highlighting the crucial role of his administration in securing Denise’s return. He emphasized that her story serves as a beacon of hope for all Antiguans and Barbudans, encouraging them to remain positive and hopeful in the face of adversity.

Charles is expected to share her experiences and the circumstances that led to her prolonged stay in Venezuela in the coming weeks.

This story was first published by Antigua News on May 20, 2025: antigua.news/2025/05/20/denise-odelia-charles-returns-home-to-antigua-after-32-years-celebrated-by-family-and-prime-minister-1. © 2025 Antigua News. Republication without permission is not allowed.

Shermain Bique-Charles

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Shermain Bique-Charles is an accomplished journalist with over 24 years of dynamic experience in the industry. Renowned for her exceptional storytelling and investigative skills, she has garnered numerous awards that highlight her commitment to journalistic integrity and excellence. Her work not only informs but also inspires, making her a respected voice in the field.

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Comments (20)

  • Shelly May 20, 2025, 2:11 PM

    I don’t ever recall a missing person’s bulletin for this person.
    Antigua news have you sourced any?
    Reply
    • Terry May 20, 2025, 7:10 PM

      32 Years Ago Shelly. Calculated that was 1993. Check observer
      Reply
  • Concern May 20, 2025, 2:49 PM

    Whats her story
    Reply
  • Robert May 20, 2025, 2:52 PM

    AMMMMM. This is a fascinating story, weird, unbelievable, “I don’t get story”
    I have so many questions. Did Denise have any specific reasons for returning after all those years? Was she being held against her will? What was her experience like in Venezuela that made her stay there for so long? Why didn’t she contact her people back home. What nonsense story is this, Antigua news? I know you guys are very skillful with getting behind the story. Bique-Charles I am sure you have the same questions like readers. What nonsense is this? I don’t recall even seeing a missing person. HAHAH. Im not moving on until I know the story
    Reply
    • Ana May 20, 2025, 3:09 PM

      Give the people a chance to say what happened. I hope by then it would make sense to the fools like me reading
      Reply
    • Boss Lady May 20, 2025, 4:41 PM

      Amen
      Reply
    • Cats May 20, 2025, 11:16 PM

      Yes I know this is a setup a setup a setup a setup Gaston wrong playing on you bad bad I can imagine the stupid people in Antigua going to buy that
      Reply
    • Unruly One May 21, 2025, 12:07 AM

      Everyone would be interested as to what really transpired in this case. Happy she home fho
      Reply
  • Cornelius May 20, 2025, 3:22 PM

    Stranger things have never happened in this neighbouring country of Antigua and Barbuda. From missing persons, theft of boats, ministers being murdered, to police brutality, surely this place is pregnant with issues. Let me get something straight. A woman left for Venezuela or wherever and never returned after this. Only to mysteriously arrive thirty-something years later. Is this a gimmick to give others false hope about our missing loved ones? How was she even found. Not unless she had lost memory. With phones and Whatsapp how you cannot connect your family. No man…come better than that
    Reply
    • Bbc May 20, 2025, 11:19 PM

      Me tell u,….. Prime minister on some kind of mission we’ll try to get with all this shit you doing you all better open your eyes .Gaston brown is behind that
      Reply
  • De drummer May 20, 2025, 3:43 PM

    I can still picture Denise walking across Armstrong Road, in a short jeans pant, tightly fitted blouse and her slim athletic body. She was in her early 20s.
    Reply
  • De drummer May 20, 2025, 3:52 PM

    I can still picture Denise walking across Armstrong Road, in a short jeans pants, tightly fitted blouse, crossing the road into King George V ground. She was in her early 20s then.
    Reply
  • Boss Lady May 20, 2025, 4:45 PM

    I’m waiting on the story from the highest bidder…
    Reply
  • Juju Bee May 20, 2025, 5:04 PM

    I am happy that she is back on Antiguan soil. I believe the PM had said on his program that she did not have any documents to return to Antigua or prove that she was Antiguan to begin with.
    I don’t know why this was limited to just state media for coverage.
    Anyway, I eagerly await her story with the truth and nothing but the truth.
    Reply
    • Stone May 20, 2025, 7:43 PM

      Was she really missing or did she just absent herself
      Reply
  • Faithful National #1 May 20, 2025, 6:21 PM

    Anxious to hear the story behind the story!
    Reply
  • Alicia May 20, 2025, 7:12 PM

    Ready for the behind the scenes of what made her disappear for over 30 years. Bare in mind I wasn’t in the pipeline of being borned. Now im like 20sumn.
    Reply
    • Kirk May 20, 2025, 9:18 PM

      Neither me and I’m 24
      Reply
  • Antigua Surf May 20, 2025, 7:16 PM

    Every name has a story to it. Every face bares a tale. Rumor on the streets already has it that she was a drug smuggler. I mean, coming from the dirty mouth grays farmers, I don’t want to believe. But check your neighbors Denise, your name has been the stain behind what suppose to be a miracle. To all the person’s baring the lost of a loved one with no answers. Hold on a while longer, they may be out there somewhere
    Reply
  • Rhea May 20, 2025, 7:17 PM

    Waits for behind the scenes. Miracles are wailing from the walls of the earth. Jesus is alive
    Reply

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