remarkable story of perseverance and hope unfolded Tuesday morning at VC Bird International Airport as 56-year-old Denise Odelia Charles stepped onto Antiguan soil for the first time in over three decades.
Charles, who had been missing since late 1992, arrived on a private jet chartered by the Venezuelan government shortly after 10 am, ending a 32-year, 5-month absence that had left her family in a state of painful uncertainty.
Among those welcoming her were her brother Terrence Charles and nephew Tishorn Watson, who had travelled to Venezuela to accompany her on the final leg of her journey home.
Prime Minister Gaston Browne was personally present for the historic homecoming having assisted the family in getting their loved one home.
Details surrounding Charles’ three-decade stay in Venezuela remain limited. Sources close to the family indicate she is expected to share her extraordinary story in the coming weeks once she has had time to readjust and reconnect with loved ones.
