The Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) gathered over 40 volunteers at the Red Cross building and other civic organisations early this morning, March 12, 2016 to conduct an extensive search for missing 22-year-old Nickera Smith. Photo: RVIPF

The volunteers were briefed before being dispatched to a number of locations around the island of Tortola to conduct searches. Photo: RVIPF

Although previous searches for Nickera Smith proved negative, the RVIPF is extending the search around the area of her residence and surrounding areas. Photo: RVIPF

Nickera Smith was last seen on Wednesday January 27, 2016 leaving her Hope Hill address. She was at the time wearing a black/grey jacket, stone-washed three-quarter length pants and sneakers. Photo: Provided

Smith, who resided with her parents at their Hope Hill residence on Tortola, was last seen leaving her home at 8pm on January 27, 2016.

The volunteers were briefed before being dispatched to a number of locations around the island of Tortola to conduct searches. Although previous searches for her proved negative, the RVIPF is extending the search around the area of her residence and surrounding areas.

Prior to this search, officers from the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force Major Crime Team conducted a number of enquiries and interviewed people close to Nickera in an effort to gather information as to her whereabouts. At the same time, officers of the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force were joined by members of the Territory Search and Rescue Team (TSART) in conducting a land search in the Manchester area on the northern side of Tortola and down to Rogues Bay.

Acting Commissioner of Police Alwin James said, “We are making an appeal to anyone who may have information which can assist with locating Nickera to please contact the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force. We will treat all information with the strictest of confidence. We are extending our search to take in areas of bush around where Nickera was last seen to be sure we have not missed anything important.”

James thanked the members of the community who had volunteered their time to assist in what can be considered rough terrain. Some of the community members are trained in search techniques. Their efforts show the level of support the family is receiving from the community.  

Nickera Smith was last seen on Wednesday January 27, 2016 leaving her Hope Hill address. She was at the time wearing a black/grey jacket, stone-washed three-quarter length pants and sneakers. She did not report to work on Thursday or Friday.

Persons who have information regarding the whereabouts of Nickera Smith are asked to call the Police through its three digit access number 311 or  contact detectives within the Major Crime Team directly at 368-5682. Persons can also give that information to the Intelligence Unit at 368-9339 or report the information anonymously to Crimestoppers through its Miami-based hotline number 800-TIPS (8477).