Augustine said the investigation into Angelo Tobias-Plaza’s disappearance was poorly managed “from the get go,” particularly during the critical first 48 hours after the child was reported missing. While avoiding direct attacks that he said could undermine public confidence in the police service, Augustine stressed that Tobagonians had every right to be upset and dissatisfied with how the matter was handled.

Speaking publicly about the case, Augustine emphasized the seriousness of the situation, noting that authorities were dealing with the disappearance of a two-year-old child rather than a routine criminal matter. Drawing on his own experience as a father, he described the circumstances surrounding Angelo’s disappearance as deeply troubling and questioned how a child could vanish in what he called such an extraordinary manner.