Camona Orgille - Contributed

It has been more than eight months since 13-year-old Camona Orgille disappeared while walking home from school in Mavis Bank, St. Andrew, and yet her family refuses to give up hope that she is alive.

Joan Massop, a family member with whom Camona lived, told THE STAR, "I don't think she dead. People say dem see her, even some police say they hear that she somewhere in western St. Andrew."

They are now offering $100,000 for anyone who will return the child safely to them. "We love her and anybody who see her, we would be very glad if they would bring her back," she said.

Camona's disappearance has certainly taken a toll on the family. Her stepmother has lost weight and her father is still struggling with the thought that his daughter is missing.

The 13-year-old went missing while walking home from school on October 11, 2006. A family member with whom she was talking via cellular phone said Camona screamed and then the phone went dead. Efforts afterwards to contact her were unsuccessful, and although police rushed to the scene immediately, no trace of Camona was found.

The Mavis Bank police, who are probing her disappearance, said they have received some information but none of it has helped them to locate her. They are also encouraging the public to contact them if they see her.

Anyone who has seen Camona is encouraged to call the family at 977-8004 or family members at 462-5673, 477-9717, 858-2246 or 977-8175.