Mother calls for help finding son missing in Canada

For the past three weeks, Meshanda Nesbeth's life has been consumed by worry and anguish as she desperately seeks answers about the whereabouts of her 26-year-old son, Alpachino Mignott.

Described as 6-feet-2 inches tall, weighing approximately 181 pounds, with a medium build, black hair, and a black beard, Mignot, a Jamaican rugby player, has been missing since October 19, three days after travelling to Canada for a rugby match.

The game, held at Lamport Stadium in Toronto, was something Mignot's mother said he looked forward to because he was passionate about the sport.

"From the time he was at Jonathan Grant [High School], he loved rugby. At the time, I didn't even know what it was, but he would always tell me, 'Mommy, everybody wants to play football, but rugby is going to give me my break," Nesbeth said.

The 26-year-old, who lives in Portmore, St Catherine, spoke to his mother after the game. However, he has not been seen or heard from since.

"People have it to say that my son might have tried to cross into the US, but I know my son, he wouldn't. There's no way so many days would pass without him reaching out to let me know he's okay," Nesbeth said.

According to Niagara police in Canada, Mignott was last seen at approximately 10:45 p.m. on October 19, when a ride-share vehicle dropped him off in the Queenston neighbourhood near the Niagara River. Investigators have since combed the area, checking riverbanks and reviewing local hotel footage, but they have not found any sign of the Jamaican.

Nesbeth told THE STAR the ordeal has been emotionally difficult for her.

"Every day, I try not to break down and keep thinking positive, but it's so hard not knowing where he is or if he's okay. He is my only child, and I need to know where he is. I'm trying to stay strong, but it's not easy," Nesbeth said.

She is pleading with Jamaicans in the Niagara area of Canada to assist in the search for her son.

"This is not just a missing persons case. My son would not just run away and not say anything to anyone. Something happened to him and I need answers," Nesbeth said.

"I would appreciate it if my government, my prime minister, would please reach out to whichever area he can reach out to. My son is not a bad man, he's not a bad person," she added.

She also appealed to her fellow Jamaicans to continue praying and urged them to encourage their families abroad to spread the word and assist in any way they can.

"I know prayer works because people are standing in the gap for me, and it's through prayer that I'm finding the strength to keep going. So please, continue to pray. And I'm asking everyone to spread the word, help me bring attention to the fact that he's missing. The more people know, the more eyes will be looking for him, and the closer we'll be to bringing him home," she added.