Missing fisherman found dead at Garden of Eden

The partially decomposed body of a fisherman was found near the base of a mango tree at Garden of Eden, East Bank Demerara, on Monday afternoon, when a child went to pick fruit from the tree.

It is suspected that Patrick Lloyd Chetram, 55, also known as “Cuirass Man,” of Lot 63 Friendship Public Road, East Bank Demerara, fell to his death from the tree.

The extent of the injuries he sustained is unknown and family members were unable to state if his body bore any marks of violence due to the advanced decomposition.

Patrick Chetram
Patrick Chetram

Stabroek News was told that Chetram left his Friendship home around 6 am on Friday to sell fish, as was customary, but he did not return. His family became worried and reported him missing to police.

Family members also searched on Friday evening and throughout the weekend for him but without success.

It was not until Monday afternoon that their worst fears were confirmed.

Chetram’s sister related that late on Monday afternoon, the man’s family was alerted by a villager that his body was found.

She said they rushed to the scene where she and other family members saw his partially-decomposed body lying between the bushes that surround the mango tree.

A bucket of mangoes and his long boots were also found.

A man that was seen on Monday with Chetram’s bicycle was arrested for questioning but later released. He later told the dead man’s wife that he found the bicycle near a trench.

Chetram is survived by his wife and four children. Although he drank regularly, his sister described him as a very quiet and peaceful person.

A post-mortem examination is expected to be performed today to determine the cause of his death.