She was found at Fond Cacoa, Soufriere by the responding Officers about 4:00pm on Monday, November, 20, 2023. The Royal Saint Lucia Police Force is continuing its investigations into the circumstances of this matter. Cheronie Popo was reported missing on November 3, 2023, after not returning home from school on october 31, 2023.

Police Inspector Shervon Mathieu says teenagers who ran away may also be suffering from domestic abuse at home. In this instances, he says, children seek safety elsewhere.

“As soon as you hear a young girl is missing, the first thing you hear is “she by her boyfriend” Inspector Mathieu said. “Most times that is not the case. Most times there is an issue at home - the child is being sexually abused by an uncle or relative. Sometimes that child is not loved and believes if he or she is away, he or she will get more help.”

The Inspector says many instances of domestic abuse go overlooked because the perpertrator may be an important figure of the family. “When a child comes to you and says their uncle touched them in their private parts, deal with the situation,” he said.

He said the police should be informed of such matters. “Let the police know, have the police bring the individual in. Not because he is the sole breadwinner in the house that gives him the right to touch your daughter whenever he feels like... these things cause children to run away.”

The circumstances surrounding the latest missing girl are still under investigation.