By Alicia Chamely

DERRICK “Stones” Tardieu is safe and receiving medical attention after being kidnapped from his Monos Island home.

Tardieu, 70, along with wife Claribel, 47, were taken from their home around 9pm on December 9. Soon after family members received a message asking for US $2.5 million for the couple’s release.

Reports stated Tardieu was located along the North Coast around 1 am on Wednesday.

No information was given as to whether the ransom had been paid or as to whether his wife Claribel had also been released.

Speaking on behalf of the Tardieu family, Attorney Lesley-Ann Lucky-Samaroo, SC, released the following statement:

“The family of Derrick Tardieu wishes to share that their loved one Derrick has been released. He is at present seeking medical attention and care and needs time to recover from his ordeal. His family appreciates the public’s kind words, support and especially prayers throughout this difficult time.”

Adding, “The family humbly asks that you respect their privacy and the privacy of their loved one as they recover.”

Addressing questions from the media, Commissioner Alister Guevarro confirmed Tardieu had been recovered.

Guevarro stated, “I can confirm that the information shared by the family of Mr Derrick Tardieu is accurate. However, the matter remains under active investigation.”

He said, “At this sensitive stage, the TTPS is unable to provide any further details. We thank the public for their assistance thus far and ask for continued co-operation as the investigation progresses.”