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Burnt body of tourist guide found in vehicle
(Kaieteur News) – Family, friends and colleagues of popular Rupununi tourist guide and vaquero, Leon Baird also known as ‘Rasta’ are currently seeking justice after he was found dead in a vehicle between Wichabai Ranch and Sand Creek Village, Region Nine.
With no official police report on the incident surrounding his death, Kaieteur News was informed that the body of the 38-year-old man was found burnt in a vehicle near Sand Creek Village on Sunday afternoon.
Dead, Leon ‘Rasta’ Baird (Photo credits, Visit Rupununi/ Facebook)
Close friends and colleagues of the man told this publication on Wednesday that Baird resided at the Wichabai Ranch and reportedly went missing on Friday. “We were searching for him from Friday afternoon and Sunday afternoon the cow boys found him,” one of the colleagues related.
Based on the information reaching them, the cowboys had found the vehicle belonging to the ranch and “a body, burnt in it in the passenger side.” Upon discovery, the Region Nine police were contacted. Investigators visited the scene that Sunday night, where they reportedly removed the body.
Baird’s colleague stated that the following day, a team from the Fire Service also went to the scene to conduct an investigation. “The fire team said it looks like arson, the fire started right where the body was,” the colleague told this publication.
While they are still unclear as to what really transpired when he went missing and what led to his death, the colleagues noted that Baird was known to be the care taker of the animals at the ranch. They disclosed that before his death, Baird was missing some of the animals from the ranch and so they suspected that on Friday morning he left in search of the animals.
They also related to this newspaper that for years ranches have been dealing with the issue of cattle rustling which was reported to the police on numerous of occasions. “This rustling thing has been going on down here in the Rupununi for so many years and so many reports have been made to the police from ranches not just our ranch, villages, individuals and from the South Rupununi District Council for years, about the same people who are going around and killing animals and selling the meat to Lethem,” one of the colleagues explained.
According to them, in the past Baird even received threats from persons suspected to be rustlers.
Baird, who is well known to many in the Rupununi region, leaves to mourn his father, other relatives and friends.
Following the news of his death, the Ministry of Tourism, Industry and Commerce and the Guyana Tourism Authority extended sincere condolences to the family, friends, and colleagues of Mr. Baird. “Mr. Baird was an exceptional tour guide attached to Wichabai Ranch and was known for his extensive knowledge and commitment to showcasing Guyana’s absolute beauty. We mourn the loss of a man who played a meaningful role in enhancing the visitor experience within the Rupununi region. At this difficult time, we extend our heartfelt sympathies and stand in solidarity with his loved ones and all those affected by this tragic loss. May his soul rest in eternal peace,” the Tourism Ministry expressed.
The Visit Rupununi Facebook page also extended its sincere condolences and said Baird was “an amazing, gentle, and peaceful soul.” “In 2025, he was nominated for the Visit Rupununi Best Tour Guide Award, in recognition of his dedication and passion for guiding. At the time of his passing, he was working as a tour guide at Wichabai Ranch, where he was admired for his knowledge, professionalism, and passion for guiding. We will surely miss him,” they posted.
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