Police find 2 Venezuelan quarantine escapees

Two of the three Venezuelan teenagers who escaped from the quarantine facility at Canada Hall, UWI, St Augustine campus have been found. They were found in Santa Cruz last Friday, ACP Wendell Williams told Newsday on Wednesday. The girls, aged 14, 15 and 17, did not show up for breakfast and could not be found on August 25. A nurse reported them missing to St Joseph police.

There has also been an increased police presence at the quarantine facility since the escape, Newsday was told. Police said the search was “based on information; it’s like a needle in a haystack,” and several areas have already been searched and more will be searched during this week for the third girl who escaped.

They reminded the public that anyone sheltering her could be charged with aiding and abetting. The girls breached the quarantine order, but when asked if they would be charged, Williams said no, “because of their circumstance.”

Asked to clarify the circumstances, he preferred not to go into details as to why they will not be charged or where they are being held now. He said they had completed their state quarantine and would not have to return to the facility they escaped from.

Investigations are ongoing.