UNITED States authorities have not complained about how local investigators are searching for American Taylor Casey, according to the consul general of The Bahamas, Washington, DC.

A statement from the consul general came after the family of Ms Casey reiterated their concerns about how seriously the country is searching for Ms Casey during a press conference last week.

The US Consul General said: “A number of comments have appeared in the press originating from Chicago about the disappearance of an American citizen Taylor Casey in The Bahamas. The Royal Bahamas Police Force has conducted a full and thorough investigation and continues to cooperate with the family and the US authorities in the discharge of the investigation.

“There are a number of material misstatements in the press about this matter, attributed to various spokespersons for the family. The facts as they are now established do not bear the interpretations which are being described in the US media and being advanced by various spokespersons for the missing person.

“The record of cooperation and thoroughness of the Royal Bahamas Police Force, including calling on technical expertise from the United States is clear. It is understandable in grief that there is anxiety for a solution. We share in the concern and our country is anxious to see that this matter is resolved. There have been no complaints from US authorities on how this matter has been conducted. In fact, we have been congratulated both by the family and the US authorities. The investigation is still open.

“We urge those making comments, therefore, not to prejudge this investigation by making comments that are manifestly prejudicial and untrue.”

The 42-year-old’s disappearance was discovered on June 20 when she did not attend morning classes. She was last seen at the retreat late on the evening of June 19.

Her disappearance has attracted attention from the press in the United States, which has aired the claims of her relatives and friends.