‘I will never give up’ Mom holds on to hope for missing Jayden

As she prepares to send four of her seven children back to school, Andrene Peart is also buying school supplies for the son she has not seen in nearly a year.

Among the items she purchased was a dozen hardcover books for 12-year-old Jayden Smith, who disappeared on September 26, 2025, after leaving school in Mandeville, Manchester.

Peart said buying the books was her way of holding on to the hope that Jayden will return home and continue his education.

“When I was buying stuff for the other children, I buy a dozen hard cover books for him, just hoping that a miracle will happen and he will come home. This September, he was supposed to go second form,” she said.

She said she often thinks about how well Jayden would have performed during his first year at Manchester High School, where he was set to begin his secondary education.

“I knew he would have done very well during his first year at school. I have other children but I really miss my Jayden,” she said.

According to Peart, Jayden was particularly excited about attending Manchester High because it was his first-choice school. In the weeks before he disappeared, he had already started familiarising himself with some of the books he received for first form.

“He was so excited because not only was he going to the Manchester High School but he was going to his first choice,” she said.

“He was just that type of person, he loved his books. He is such an intelligent boy,” Peart added.

The Manchester police continue to search for Jayden, whose disappearance has also led to several peaceful protests and searches by people hoping to find him.

Jayden is of dark complexion and slim build and is approximately 152 centimetres tall.

For Peart, the months since his disappearance have been filled with uncertainty and grief. She said she has struggled to sleep and is constantly thinking about where her son could be and whether he is safe.

Although she has been told by some people that Jayden may no longer be alive, Peart refuses to abandon hope.

“My son wasn’t a bad person, eno. He would go from school to church. He had his little chores and would take out the goats for his family members,” she said.

“There are people who will tell us that he is dead, but I hope that he is alive somewhere.”

Peart said the uncertainty has taken an emotional toll on her, with even ordinary moments reminding her of her missing son.

“I cry a lot and sometimes, all when the rain a fall mi a wonder if him a get wet. I don’t know if he is safe, and every day it’s just tears,” she said.

Still, she continues to search.

“I still walk and look for Jayden,” Peart said. “I will never give up on my son.”

She is appealing to anyone who may have information about what happened to Jayden after he was last seen to contact the police.

“I know someone out there know what happen to Jayden. I keep wondering how a innocent little youth just disappear like that,” she said.

Peart said the fact that none of Jayden’s belongings, including his school bag or shoes, has been found has made the ordeal even more difficult.

“I see other children come home back when them missing but I can’t find not even my child bag or shoes,” she said.