Kaieteur tours suspended

TIMES INT'L

…search intensifies for missing woman

The Guyana Police Force and the Guyana Defence Force have taken control of the search-and-rescue operations underway for Laleta Sivanand who disappeared during a tour on Tuesday at the Kaieteur National Park.

The search reportedly commenced early Wednesday morning, but up to late that evening, the woman had not been found. According to an official at the Ministry of the Presidency, the search will continue until the woman is found.

From all reports received, the woman was reportedly seen crying on her journey to the Park on Tuesday. She later confided to the other passengers that she was depressed as a result of a break-up and was scheduled to leave for Miami before the end of the week.

The woman, this publication understands, has travelled to the Kaieteur National Park eight times to conduct several research studies.

Sivanand was discovered missing after the tour guide realised that he had an extra chit after distributing same as they prepared to return to Ogle International Airport. A search was immediately launched, but had to be called off owing to the terrain. The relevant authorities, including the Police and Army, were informed as well as the Civil Defence Commission.

From reports gathered, the woman was last seen lagging behind the group as they trekked the trail of the National Park. When prompted to catch up with the group, she reportedly told them that she knew that area and could find her way.

Attempts to make contact with officials of Air Services Limited, the tour operator, proved futile.

In 2009, 23-year-old Aliya Bulkan jumped off the Kaieteur Falls after she reportedly encountered difficulties in her life. The United States-based university graduate had gone to the Falls with a group of friends who confirmed seeing her jump.

After days of searching, her broken body was found along the rough terrain of the Potaro River.

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