September 30, 2026
Naki Wailer proposes national alert system for missing elderly persons
Written byViviene Stewart
More than six years after the disappearance of Bunny Wailer’s wife, Jean Watt, Naki Wailer, Bunny Wailer’s son is calling for changes in how Jamaica responds when elderly and vulnerable people go missing.
In a letter to the Prime Minister and the Commissioner of Police, the Junior wailer is proposing the establishment of a national alert system for missing senior citizens, to be known as the Jean alert in honour of Jean Watt, who has been missing since May 23, 2020.
Naki Wailer is asking the government and the Jamaica constabulary force to consider establishing clear criteria for activating alerts, strengthening specialized missing-person investigations, building partnerships with health and social-service organizations, and educating families and caregivers about the steps to take when an elderly person disappears.
The proposal draws inspiration from Jamaica’s Ananda alert, which provides a coordinated national response when children go missing. Naki believes a similar system is needed to protect elderly Jamaicans, particularly those living with dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, other cognitive conditions or physical limitations.
