Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley, speaking to reporters during a media conference at the Grantley Adams International Airport this afternoon. She was joined by Attorney General, Dale Marshall and Minister of Tourism, Kerrie Symmonds. (C.Pitt/BGIS)

Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley has given the relatives of the two missing visitors the assurance that Government “will do all that is humanly possible” to find their loved ones.

Ms. Mottley expressed this commitment today during a press conference at the Grace Adams Suite, the Grantley Adams International Airport, upon her arrival from important overseas meetings.

Addressing the issue of the missing American visitors, Magdalena Devil and Oscar Suarez, as the first topic on her agenda, an obviously empathetic Prime Minister said: “The police, Coast Guard and the Regional Security System have already been on the job since Monday evening, I am told. In spite of the fact that these searches normally will last 72 hours, I have given instructions for us to go for another 72 hours because we need to literally ensure that we have exhausted every possible opportunity with respect to finding your relatives.

“I can’t imagine what you are going through now, but please know that the prayers as well as the diligent efforts of the Government of Barbados and all of our law enforcement arms as well as the regional ones with whom we are affiliated will be continuing to work in earnest to find them.”

The American visitors went missing at sea on Monday, after renting a jet ski at Holetown, St. James, for a half-hour ride.

Ms. Mottley stated that the Attorney General had informed her that the American Government had been approached with respect to additional support, namely airplane search and rescue.

“Having had the brief just now, I am satisfied that we will continue to apply every effort in seeking to find these two visitors. It is regrettable, and at this stage we will continue on the search and rescue,” she stressed.

The Prime Minister thanked all persons involved in the search.  She noted that these circumstances were especially challenging for the family members who would be anxious about the whereabouts of their loved ones and expressed her deep sorrow.

sharon.austingill-moore@barbados.gov.bb

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