PORT ANTONIO, JAMAICA – Nearly nine years after the disappearance of Portland farmer Ian Smith, his family is calling for the police to reopen the investigation into his case. Smith went missing just before the start of his trial with convicted contract killer Denvalyn ‘Bubbla’ Minott, who is currently serving a 19-year prison sentence for his role in the murder of businesswoman Tonia McDonald.
Relatives of Smith are adamant that Minott is connected to the disappearance and are urging the police to focus their investigation on him. The altercation between Smith and Minott was reportedly over property, with Minott allegedly shooting Smith with a fish gun, causing serious injury.
Smith’s eldest daughter, Tashagay Smith, has expressed the family’s anguish over the lack of closure and the emotional toll the disappearance has taken. The family hopes for justice and for Minott to confess the whereabouts of Ian Smith’s body.
Minott has been a person of interest in the case, but previous investigations did not yield enough evidence to charge him. However, former crime officer in charge of Portland, Superintendent Richard Hylton, emphasized that criminal matters are never closed and that they are willing to pursue any new leads in the case.
Tensions escalated when Minott publicly admitted to shooting Ian Smith with a fish gun. This revelation prompted Tashagay Smith to reach out to the authorities and reignite the call for further investigation into her father’s disappearance.
The anniversary of Ian Smith’s disappearance is approaching, bringing renewed grief and despair for his family. They continue to struggle with the emotional impact of his absence, and Tashagay Smith recalls the promise her father had for her younger brother, whose life has been greatly affected by the loss.
As the family marks another painful year without Ian Smith, they remain hopeful that justice will prevail and that they will finally find closure. The case remains open, and the authorities are committed to seeking justice for Ian Smith and his loved ones.