Search continues for Jim Parkes' son NEW YORK, CMC: FAMILY MEMBERS yesterday were continuing the grim search for accountant Michael Parkes, one of at least four Jamaicans reported missing in the aftermath of the September 11 terrorist attack on the World Trade Center in New York. Parkes, who worked on the 93rd floor of Tower One of the Center, vanished the day terrorists flew two hijacked passenger planes into the twin towers, demolishing the structures. Parkes, 27, was a senior accountant with Marsh McLennan Insurance Company. He is the son of Jim Parkes, a well-known figure in Jamaica's banking and insurance circles who at one time was head of the now defunct Mutual Life Insurance Company. According to the Jamaica Information Service, his family has spent the last four days searching hospitals in the immediate area. JIS admitted that information on the three other Jamaicans confirmed missing was sketchy. "However, the Jamaican Consulate is working with the JIS New York office to establish a registry of missing nationals and others connected to the World Trade Center disaster," it added. "Jamaican organisations in the Tri-State Area have been enlisted to assist with this effort as the community attempts to reach out to its affected citizens." Among those reported to have been killed in the attack was Jamaican Neil Hinds, a former resident of St. Catherine who had gone to a financial/investment seminar at the Trade Center. Jamaican Jennifer Smith, who worked in one of the towers, was among the lucky. She was on her way to work when the attack occurred, demolishing the building. Smith, who is from Lime Hall in St. Ann, said her company, Empire Blue Cross, had re-located to the Center three years ago.
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