Ja’Dore Wilson, 15, who had been missing since September, was confirmed this morning by police as having been “located alive and well”.

Detective Inspector Kenten Trott, of the vulnerable persons unit, said that police “had cause to enter a residence in Pembroke where she was located” based on information received by the public along with the police investigation.

Mr Trott added that there was one person in custody at present, with an investigation continuing. He declined to give details, but said police would “update as needed”.

Although a substantial reward was offered this week for assistance leading to the recovery of Ja’Dore, Mr Trott said: “Just so we are clear, reward money had nothing to do with us finding her.

“This was based on information completely separate from that.”

Michael Weeks, the Minister of National Security, who joined Mr Trott at a police press conference this afternoon, said: “When I received the news that Ja’Dore Wilson had been found safe and sound, I was elated.”

He added: “One thing I notice in our community is when we need to come together to look out for each other, we do.”

He thanked everyone who pitched in searching.

Mr Weeks said Ja’Dore was back with her family and called on the community to respect the family’s privacy.

“As Inspector Trott said, someone is assisting police with their inquiries,” he said.

Mr Trott emphasised that it was too early in the investigation to provide further details on the circumstances of the missing girl’s discovery.

He said her family today were “elated and full of joy”.

Asked if a court appearance could be anticipated in connection with the matter, Mr Trott reiterated that the investigation was in its early stages.

The recovery of the CedarBridge Academy student came 31 days after she was last confirmed seen at her home in North Terrace, Pembroke.

It follows extensive search efforts by the community as well as police.

Wayne Caines, the Belco president who helped organise searches this week, shared the group’s relief and thanked Mr Trott and the police vulnerable persons unit for “their professionalism and dedication”.

He thanked volunteers who “came together in an inspiring show of unity”, including building a website dedicated to the search, manning drones, knocking on doors and distributing flyers.

He also thanked Crime Stoppers for its “unwavering support”.

He added: “We are especially grateful to the anonymous businessman whose generous contribution of $25,000 to Crime Stoppers helped support this collective effort.”

Mr Caines said: “As Ja’Dore and her family begin to move forward, we encourage everyone to continue offering them support, understanding and privacy.”

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