Robert King, the Leader of the Opposition Leader, declared his “joy” at the safe return of Ja’Dore Wilson, 15, on Saturday after weeks of searching.

Mr King said it was with “heartfelt thanks to all involved, families, relatives, the police and the community, for locating and bringing Ja’Dore safely home”.

He added: “When we all work together, we can ensure a positive end to challenging circumstances.”

The teenager, who police said was found at a Pembroke residence, had last been seen at her North Terrace, Pembroke home on September 17.

Police officers with the vulnerable persons unit led extensive searches that were joined last week by members of the community working in tandem.

Mr King said Ja'Dore and her family had come through “a very difficult, traumatic time and I would ask the community to respect her and the family's privacy”.

He urged the public to have trust in “helping agencies and government departments to provide the appropriate services in a timely manner to allow for healing”.

The One Bermuda Alliance leader also said a message had to be sent to “discourage” the obstruction of justice in cases involving the harbouring of young persons.

“There are penalties outlined in law that allow for the prosecution of offenders, and we must deter such actions in future,” Mr King said.

“The search for Ja’Dore used considerable police and community resources that could have been diverted to solve murders and other serious crimes.

“Again, I am truly thankful for Ja'Dore's safe return and I am hopeful that we will all learn from this experience.

“We must ensure the safety and wellbeing of our youth and proactively provide the support and knowledge that there are resources available to them whenever they are in need.”

• On occasion The Royal Gazette may decide to not allow comments on a story that we deem may inflame sensitivities. As we are legally liable for any libellous or defamatory comments made on our website, this move is for our protection as well as that of our readers