Grooming Fears as Search Continues for Missing Princes Town Sisters
The disappearance of two young sisters from Princes Town has sparked a desperate plea from their family for the Government to intervene in how minors access social media.
Celina Balliram, 15, and Alena Baksh, 12, were last seen on Friday around 8:45 a.m. The sisters, who reside with their grandmother in St. Croix, reportedly left home to purchase doubles at a nearby stall but never returned.
The Digital Threat
A relative, speaking on the condition of anonymity, believes the girls were targeted and groomed by older men posing as peers on Instagram.
> “The Government should have a ban on social media. 100%. They are exposed to all sorts of people. It is dangerous,” the relative stated, adding that “catfishing” is a major concern. “It could be a girl’s picture and it is really a man… using social media to target the younger ones.”
>
A Family Under Strain
The girls’ disappearance comes at a time of significant domestic upheaval. Their father was recently imprisoned, and their mother was unable to continue their care. Since moving in with their grandmother two months ago, the sisters—along with two younger siblings aged five and eight—have not attended school.
The relative noted that while this is Celina’s third time leaving home, it is the first time she has taken her younger sister, Alena, with her.
Hostile Contact
In a troubling update, the relative revealed she managed to reach the girls via WhatsApp on Saturday. Rather than a plea for help, the sisters reportedly “cursed” the relative and told her they were “living their life now” before blocking her number.
Descriptions for Identification
Police have released descriptions to assist the public in their search:
* Celina Balliram (15): 4 feet 5 inches tall, brown complexion, medium build, long black hair, brown eyes. Last seen in a blue short dress with a black netted pattern.
* Alena Baksh (12): 5 feet tall, light brown complexion, slim build, long black hair, grey eyes. Last seen in a white crop top and a black short skirt.
The grandmother, who also cares for a bedridden daughter, is struggling to manage the household in the wake of the disappearance. Anyone with information is urged to contact the Princes Town Police or local emergency hotlines immediately.
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