December 8, 2002 - PCOL Exclusive: Poirier Family wants RPCVs who knew their missing son to contact the family

Peace Corps Online: Peace Corps News: Headlines: Peace Corps Headlines - 2002: 12 December 2002 Peace Corps Headlines: December 8, 2002 - PCOL Exclusive: Poirier Family wants RPCVs who knew their missing son to contact the family

By Admin1 (admin) on Sunday, December 08, 2002 - 7:40 pm: Edit Post

Poirier Family wants RPCVs who knew their missing son to contact the family





Read and comment on this PCOL exclusive story about Walter Poirier, shown in the photo above, a Peace Corps Volunteer last seen in January 2001. His family wants any RPCV who served with their son in Bolivia to contact them. Read the story at:

Poirier Family wants RPCVs who knew their missing son to contact the family*

* This link was active on the date it was posted. PCOL is not responsible for broken links which may have changed.



Poirier Family wants RPCVs who knew their missing son to contact the family

The Walter R. Poirier Family wants to talk with RPCVs who served in Bolivia with their missing son, Walter J. Poirier. Walter Poirier, a Peace Corps Volunteer, has been missing in Bolivia since February, 2001. The Poirier Family alerted Peace Corps/Bolivia of their concerns on March 4, 2001, because they had not heard from him since January 31, 2001 and more importantly, because no one else had heard from him. Walter's mother, Sheila Poirier, was told that her son, age 22, was last seen by Americans on January 31, 2001.

The Lowell, Massachusetts native, a graduate of the University of Notre Dame, arrived in Bolivia in August, 2000 and since January, 2001, became involved in an embryonic Tourism Project in the Zongo Valley. It involved working with the Indigeneous People of the Zongo Valley and Government Personnel at City Hall in La Paz, Bolivia.

Walter's case has been investigated by the Bolivian National Police, by State Department Authorities assigned to the Embassy in La Paz, Bolivia, and by the FBI.

The Poirier Family recently received a letter from Peace Corps Director Gaddi Vasquez stating that the Peace Corps is renewing the public affairs campaign to locate their son beginning on December 1, 2002. Mr. Vasquez also stated that the reward would remain at $25,000.

The Poirier Family is pleased that the Peace Corps is renewing the campaign. They hope this will generate some new leads.

The Poirier Family feels that there has never been a sustained effort involving their son's disappearance. They do not fault the professionalism or qualifications of either the American or the Bolivian Authorities but they do feel that efforts have been hampered by the overwhelming caseloads assigned to these Authorities. The Poiriers would like to see the United States Government assign this case to a qualified Bolivian detective whose sole responsibility would be to investigate Walter J. Poirier's diasappearance.

The Poirier Family has also sought and received assistance from their elected representatives: Senator Kennedy, Senator Kerry, and Congressman Meehan.

In the meantime, Walter's parents, Walter and Sheila Poirier, would like to talk to active PCVs or RPCVs who served with their son in Bolivia. They would like to hear anything, whether it seems to be related to the case or not. Anything that RPCVs want to remain in confidence will be.

Walter's parents can be reached at:

E-MAIL: ekss@aol.com

TEL#: 978-459-8134

ADDRESS:
Walter and Sheila Poirier
82 Raynor Street
Lowell, MA 01851



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This story has been posted in the following forums: : Headlines; Safety and Security of Volunteers; COS - Bolivia

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By Walter R Poirier on Thursday, March 06, 2003 - 1:45 pm: Edit Post

This is the second anniversary since our son Walter(Wally)Poirier was reported missing in Bolivia. We hope against hope that he his still alive, but the possibilities are very remote. If anyone who server with Walter has anything to share, or can remember anything at all about the time from February 1, 2001 to March 4, 2001 please send us e-mail or write to us at 82 Raynor Street, Lowell, MA 01851.

Thank you in advance.

Walter R Poirier

By Walter R Poirier on Thursday, March 06, 2003 - 1:50 pm: Edit Post

This is the second anniversary of our son Walter(Wally) Poirier's disappearance in Bolivia. There is still no evidence of his whereabouts, and hope is fading. If anyone who served with him in Bolivia remembers anything, even something trivial, within the timeframe of February 1, 2001 to March 4, 2001, please contact us either through e-mail or at our home address of 82 Raynor St, Lowell, MA 01851.

Thank you in advance,
Walter R Poirier

By None on Thursday, July 24, 2003 - 4:55 pm: Edit Post

For a GAO Report of Mr. Poirier's disappearance, see this link:

http://www.gao.gov/new.items/d01970r.pdf

By Cindy Banig (130.101.136.24) on Tuesday, November 04, 2003 - 12:58 pm: Edit Post

Mr. Poirier: Please accept my sincerest sympathy for what you and your family are going through. My son is presently a PCV in Carmargo, Bolivia and I know how nervous we were during the recent government unrest and rioting. I hope with all my heart your story will have a happy ending someday. My prayers are with you and your family.

Cindy Banig


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