The Kaieteur National Park (KNP) has been re-opened, even as Park Rangers continue to be on the lookout for any signs of the tourist, Laleta Sivanand who went missing more than a week ago during a visit to the site.
A release from the Ministry of the Presidency said that Minister of Governance, Raphael Trotman and Minister of Tourism, Catherine Hughes, held a meeting, yesterday, with representatives of The Tourism and Hospitality Association of Guyana, Air Services Limited, the Guyana Tourism Authority, the Protected Areas Commission and the Guyana Police Force with regard to the closure of the KNP, following a more than week-long search for the tourist.
The decision to re-open the Park was made following the meeting where discussions were held on improving safety for visitors of the site.
Among the agreed measures are improved protocols, additional tour guides, further training for KNP Tour Guides and better signage.
In the release, the Department of Natural Resources and the Environment thanked the agencies and individuals who have played a supportive role in the search and rescue operation over the last week. Special thanks were also extended to members of the GPF, the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) and the tour operators.
The GDF has completed its search and withdrawn the Special Forces Team from KNP but the Park Rangers will continue to be vigilant for any signs of the missing tourist, the release said. Members of communities surrounding the Park are also asked to keep a lookout, the release said.
