Residents demand stronger action to find missing Jayden Smith

 

A group of residents are demanding stronger action from the authorities in the months-long search for missing 12-year-old student Jayden Smith. 

 

Placard-bearing demonstrators gathered at the entrance of Manchester High School along Perth Road in Mandeville town on Monday, desperate for clues into the disappearance of the preteen. 

 

Jayden went missing on September 26, 2025, after leaving school. 

 

His family came under heavy criticism, following speculation that relatives could have been responsible for him not returning home. 

 

Law enforcement has conducted a series of unsuccessful search operations and a dedicated team of police has been assigned to follow any lead. 

 

But the protesters say, as the time continues to pass, they have seen little indication of progress. It is why they are appealing for clearer communication and a more visible response from investigators.  

 

"We are longing to hear some more news from the police dem, but last night we get to understand that the principal from Manchester High School has been suspended and we need more. We know the pressure turn up and we know that something is out now for the family, around one or two of them. From now on, we are keeping up the pressure because we want to know what happened to Jayden Smith. We have to know. And the police is working now; they are working now. This new detective, she is doing well," said Kenroy Mattis, who called for there to be a national effort in the bid to find Jayden. 

 

He said the push of the protesters is to ensure justice is served.

 

"We just need the government to come out and join with us and to do more, to give us some clarity, closure. Everybody, everybody, night and day, is just worried where this case [will take] us. And if the authority fail, then we are going to take it to the international level. And we know what to do and how to get there," he threatened.