Search continues for missing tourist

The search continued yesterday for Gyaneshwarie Laleta Sivanand, who went missing after a tour at the Kaieteur National Park on Tuesday

Minister of Tourism Cathy Hughes told reporters yesterday that the Guyana Defence Force has since deployed additional ranks, while more rangers from the National Parks Commission have also joined the search party as officials continue to comb the area and expand the search.

Gyaneshwarie Laleta Sivanand
Gyaneshwarie Laleta Sivanand

A press release from the Ministry of the Presidency stated that as of 5pm yesterday, Sivanand had not yet been found.

Relatives of the woman declined to speak when contacted yesterday. “Relatives are saddened and distressed right now and we hope that the media can respect our privacy at this moment,” a relative said.

Sivanand was part of a group of nine persons who went on a visit to the park.

Despite three days of combing the vast forested area, rangers from the National Parks Commission have been unable to find a trace of the woman. Members of the Guyana Police Force joined the search on Wednesday.

According to the Ministry press release, the case is still being treated as a missing person and it is hoped that she will be located.

Tours to the Kaieteur National Park continued to be suspended.