Latest update March 13th, 2026 12:35 AM
Visit Rupununi calls for thorough probe into death of tourist guide
(Kaieteur News) – Local tourism organisation, Visit Rupununi is calling for justice and a thorough investigation into the death of tourist guide, Leon Baird popularly known as ‘Rasta’ who was found dead, burnt inside a vehicle last Sunday in Region Nine.
In a statement on Saturday, Visit Rupununi stated, “We are deeply disturbed and outraged by the brutal killing of Leon Baird, widely known as “Rasta,” whose life was taken in an act of extreme violence in the South Rupununi savannah.”
According to the organisation, Baird was a respected local guide, vaquero, and conservationist—a man who dedicated his life to the land, to wildlife, and to the positive development of the Rupununi region.
Dead, Leon ‘Rasta’ Baird (Photo credits, Visit Rupununi/ Facebook)
“Based on information reported from the area and evidence observed at the scene, this killing is widely believed to be perpetrated by cattle rustlers active in the Sand Creek area. Cattle rustling in the Rupununi has for years been carried out by organised groups known within the region, and repeatedly reported to the authorities. These activities have had serious impact on ranches, villages, and families across the Rupununi,” the organsiation explained.
Visit Rupununi stated that despite formal reports made over a prolonged period, these crimes have continued, leaving many in the region feeling exposed and unprotected.
“Today marks the seventh day since Leon’s body was found. There have been reported sightings of suspects, witnesses have come forward, and physical evidence remains at the crime scene that has yet to be collected. The lead investigator has not been seen in the district since last Sunday, and no suspects are known to have been formally questioned. This lack of visible progress is deeply concerning,” the statement said.
Urgently calling for the relevant authorities to intervene and ensure that this case is actively and thoroughly pursued, Visit Rupununi noted that when acts of this magnitude go unanswered, it sends a dangerous message “that violence can occur without consequence.”
“This is not only about one man. It is about safety, accountability, and the rule of law. Many in the Rupununi are now asking whether the long-standing lack of effective response to reported criminal activity has contributed to an environment where such violence could occur. If this crime is ignored, the risk is that such acts will continue—and escalate,” the organisation stated.
The statement continued: “The people of the Rupununi deserve nothing less. Leon was not just a professional in his field; he was a trusted figure, a mentor to many, and a person whose work and character helped shape a more hopeful future for the communities he served. His loss is felt deeply across the Rupununi and beyond. We stand in solidarity with Leon’s family, friends, and community, and we call for immediate action to ensure that this crime is not forgotten and not left unresolved.”
Kaieteur News reported that the partially charred human remains of Baird was found along the eastern bank of the Rupununi River in close proximity to Wichabai Ranch, South Rupununi on January 25, 2026.
Close friends and colleagues of Baird told this publication on Wednesday that Baird resided at the Wichabai Ranch and reportedly went missing on Friday (January 23). “We were searching for him from Friday afternoon and Sunday afternoon the cow boys found him,” one of the colleagues related.
While they are still unclear as to what really transpired when he went missing and what led to his death, colleagues noted that Baird was 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 (January 23) morning he left in search of the animals.
The police in a report on Friday noted that during subsequent enquiries in the area, investigators also discovered the remains of two cattle nearby, suspected to have been shot. “Items of evidential value, including a knife and spent shotgun shells, were recovered and lodged as part of ongoing examinations,” the police said in its statement.
With no arrest made, police added that investigations are continuing as they work to establish the full circumstances surrounding the incident.
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