The Guyana Defence Force (GDF) is searching for a soldier who was discovered missing during roll call at its Eteringbang base Tuesday morning.

Julian Marks

In a press release issued late last night, the army said it is investigating the circumstances surrounding the “absence” of 21102 Private Julian Marks of Jaguar Com-pany, 1 Infantry Battalion, from its Eteringbang border location, in the Cuyuni River.

So far, the army said, investigations have revealed that during a roll call on Tuesday, at approximately 11am Privates 21008 Clyde Bailey and 21102 Julian Marks were absent. A search was immediately launched by ranks stationed at the army base. Private Bailey, the GDF said, was found by one of the search parties at about 9am on Wednesday approximately two miles from Eteringbang. He was unharmed.

Hours after finding Private Bailey GDF a special team, comprising two officers and seven other ranks from First Infantry Battalion and the Special Forces Squadron were flown to Eteringbang to investigate and complement the search effort. An investigation, which includes ranks of the Guyana Police Force, has also been launched.

GDF said it “is in close contact with the relatives of 21102 Private Julian Marks, who were visited by its Officers and are being continuously briefed on the situation.” Members of the public, who may have any information about the whereabouts of 21102 Private Julian Marks, are being encouraged to contact the army on telephone numbers 226-9246-9, 261-2377 or the nearest Police Station.

During the search checks were made at the Eteringbang Police Station, the Military Observation Post and the surrounding area.