four-year-old St. David's girl, Chaona Woolridge.

Chaona, who has Down's syndrome, was last seen by her parents, John and Donna, around 9.30 a.m. last Sunday as they were preparing for church.

After a week of extensive searching of St. David's and the coastline by Police, civilians and some US Navy personnel, only a pair of black shoes near the water off Cove Valley - believed to belong to Chaona -- have been found.

But Mrs. Woolridge, who is a Christian, is still hopeful.

And Ch. Insp. Winston Esdaille, who heads the investigation, said it "will always remain open until a body is found.'' He said the Police caravan of more than 70 officers and cadets moved out of St. David's on Thursday, leaving a skeleton crew of eight officers who are "correlating information, recording statements, and following up on any leads or theories.'' Ch. Insp. Esdaille explained that Police were also interviewing child development professionals and those at the day care centre which Chaona attended to develop a proper evaluation of her.

"We're talking to professionals at her daily skills programme to find out what she was capable of doing,'' he said. "These people can say yes she can take off her shoes or yes she can walk a certain distance.'' Asked about the possibility of Chaona being kidnapped or drowned, he said: "I'm personally keeping an open mind on this until the contrary is proven.

"As we interview people and get statements, we're looking at various theories.'' Chona Woolridge.